Worship God in Spirit and Truth
But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.” (John 4:23-24)
During this time, many churches are conducting their services online. Pastors preach from homes. Worship leaders sing alone. Choir members sing at their individual localities at the same time.
Members watch the service online at home. They participate by singing, reading, and listening to the sermon. They give their offerings using internet banking.
Can God be worshipped in this way?
God is spirit. He does not have a physical body like us.
God is omnipresent. He is unlimited by time and space. He can be worshipped anywhere. We need not go into a building to worship Him.
We are to worship Him in spirit. This has two meanings: to worship Him from the heart and to worship Him in the Holy Spirit.
Worship is giving all that we are to all that God is. He sees our heart.
Jesus rebuked the Pharisees: You hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy of you, when he said: “This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me.” (Matt 15:7-8).
We also worship the Lord in the Spirit.
For we are the circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh (Phil 3:3).
We don’t worship God outwardly only. We worship Him in our hearts.
We are also to worship God in truth.
Our worship must conform to the Word of God. We worship God for who He is. Our outward expressions of worship must be guided by biblical teaching and sound doctrine. The Word of God must be preached faithfully.
Regardless of whether we worship Him in church buildings or in our homes, regardless of whether we meet together or online, we must worship God in spirit and truth. Are we?
(MT)