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Sermon for August 14, 2011 - The Sermon for This Week is - John 4:10-14

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Matthew 6:9-13 - After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.

 

The Sermon for This Week is: John 4:10 -24- covering the following:

-          The Gift Of Living Water

-          Worship In Spirit And Truth

 

Part 1 - The Gift Of Living Water - John 4:10-14 - Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water. The woman saith unto him, Sir, thou hast nothing to draw with, and the well is deep: from whence then hast thou that living water? Art thou greater than our father Jacob, which gave us the well, and drank thereof himself, and his children, and his cattle? Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again: But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.

 

INTRODUCTION

 

1. When Jesus met the Samaritan woman at the well, He spoke of “living water”...

a. He approached her for a drink on His way to Galilee - John 4:3-8 - He left Judaea, and departed again into Galilee. And he must needs go through Samaria. Then cometh he to a city of Samaria, which is called Sychar, near to the parcel of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph. Now Jacob's well was there. Jesus therefore, being wearied with his journey, sat thus on the well: and it was about the sixth hour. There cometh a woman of Samaria to draw water: Jesus saith unto her, Give me to drink. (For his disciples were gone away unto the city to buy meat.)

b. She was amazed that He, a Jew, would speak to her, a Samaritan woman - John 4:9 - Then saith the woman of Samaria unto him, How is it that thou, being a Jew, askest drink of me, which am a woman of Samaria? for the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans.

 

-- Jesus used the opportunity to tell her about “living water” - John 4:10-14 - Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water. The woman saith unto him, Sir, thou hast nothing to draw with, and the well is deep: from whence then hast thou that living water? Art thou greater than our father Jacob, which gave us the well, and drank thereof himself, and his children, and his cattle? Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again: But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.

 

2. Questions abound about “the gift of God” and “living water” in this passage...

a. What is “the gift of God”?

1) Many say it refers to Jesus

2) Others believe it refers to the salvation He offers

b. What is the “living water” Jesus offers?

1) Many say it is a figure for salvation or eternal life

2) Others apply it to the Holy Spirit, because of John 7:37-39 - In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)

 

-- Are they two different things, or one and the same?

 

3. Like others, I believe “the gift of God” and “living water” are one and the same...

a. “Now it is quite clear that our Lord means the same thing, whatever it may be, by the two expressions, ‘the gift of God’ and ‘the living water.’” - Maclaren

b. “When Jesus spoke about ‘the gift of God,’ He meant ‘living water.’” - Hendriksen

 

-- Though I can appreciate why many believe “the gift of God” is Jesus - cf. John 3:16 - For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

 

4. Like others, I tend to think “living water” in this passage may refer to the Holy Spirit...

a. “By this living water is meant the Spirit...” - Matthew Henry

b. “From [John 7:37-39 - In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.) ] it is plain, that our Savior here by the living water he speaks of understood the Holy Spirit.” - Poole

 

[That “living water” in (John 4:10-14 - Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water. The woman saith unto him, Sir, thou hast nothing to draw with, and the well is deep: from whence then hast thou that living water? Art thou greater than our father Jacob, which gave us the well, and drank thereof himself, and his children, and his cattle? Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again: But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.) may be an allusion to the gift of the Holy Spirit comes from examining the nature of this “living water” described by Jesus both here and in John 7. For example...]

 

I. THE LIVING WATER MUST BE DRUNK

 

A. AS EXPRESSED BY JESUS...

 

1. John 4:14 - But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.

 

2. “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink” - John 7:37 - In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.

 

B. DO WE “DRINK” THE HOLY SPIRIT...?

 

1. Yes, upon our conversion

a. Those who repent and are baptized receive the gift of the Spirit - Acts 2:38-39 - Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.

b. Those who are baptized are made to “drink” of the Spirit - 1 Corinthians 12:13 - For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.

 

2. Yes, as we continue to seek to be filled with the Spirit

a. We are not to be drunk with wine, but filled with the Spirit - Ephesians 5:18-19 - And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; peaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;

b. The implication may be that filling comes through “drinking”

c. How do we continue to drink of the Spirit? I would suggest in these ways:

1) Singing and making melody in our heart - Ephesians 5:18-19 - And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; peaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;

2) Feeding upon the Word of God, which is the sword of the Spirit - Ephesians 6:17 - And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

3) Praying for strength through the Spirit - Ephesians 3:16 - That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; cf. Luke 11:13 - If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?

 

[Thus we see a similarity between the “living water” of Jesus and what is said concerning the Spirit and the Christian. The similarity continues...]

 

II. THE LIVING WATER QUENCHES THIRST

 

A. AS EXPRESSED BY JESUS...

 

1. “but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst.” - John 4:14 - But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.

 

2. “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink.” - John 7:37 - In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.

 

B. DOES THE HOLY SPIRIT “QUENCH THIRST”...?

 

1. Yes, as prophesied by Isaiah - cf. Isaiah 44:3 - For I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground: I will pour my spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thine offspring:

 

2. Yes, if by quenching our thirst one means meeting our spiritual needs

a. Such as our need for the love of God - cf. Romans 5:5 - And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

b. Such as our need for our love for God - cf. Romans 8:15 - For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. - Galatians 4:6 - And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.

c. Such as our need to mortify the flesh - cf. Romans 8:12-13 - Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.

d. Such as our need to abound in hope - cf. Romans 15:13 - Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.

e. Such as our need for inner strength - cf. Ephesians 3:16 - That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;

 

[In many ways the Spirit quenches our spiritual thirst! As we continue to note the similarity between “living water” and the Spirit in the life of the Christian, we next observe...]

 

III. THE LIVING WATER IS IN YOU

 

A. AS EXPRESSED BY JESUS...

 

1. “the water that I shall give him will become in him...” - John 4:14 - But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.

 

2. “out of his belly...” - John 7:38 - He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.

 

B. IS THE HOLY SPIRIT “IN” US...?

 

1. Yes, our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit - 1 Corinthians 6:19 - What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?

 

2. Yes, for the Spirit dwells in us if we are Christ’s - Romans 8:9 - But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. - Romans 8:11 - But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.

 

[How the Holy Spirit indwells the Christian may be a mystery; that He does, there is no doubt. Note another similarity between “living water” and the Spirit in the life of the Christian...]

 

IV. THE LIVING WATER SPRINGS UP

 

A. AS EXPRESSED BY JESUS...

 

1. “a well of water springing up” - John 4:14 - But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.

 

2. “shall flow rivers of living water” - John 7:38 - He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.

 

B. DOES THE HOLY SPIRIT “SPRING UP”...?

 

1. Yes, by moving the Christian to “cry out” Abba, Father - Romans 8:15 - For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. - Galatians 4:6 - And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.

 

2. Yes, by helping the Christian to “abound” in hope - Romans 15:13 - Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.

 

3. Yes, by producing “fruit” in the life of the Christian - Galatians 5:22-23 - But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

 

[The fruit of the Spirit truly refreshes the soul of the Christian as “living water” does the thirsty soul. Finally, note one more similarity between “living water” and the Spirit in the life of the Christian...]

V. THE LIVING WATER RESULTS IN ETERNAL LIFE

 

A. AS EXPRESSED BY JESUS...

 

1. “a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life.” - John 4:14 - But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.

 

2. Note: the “living water” is not everlasting life itself, rather it results in everlasting life

 

B. DOES THE HOLY SPIRIT “RESULT IN ETERNAL LIFE”...?

 

1. Yes, for through the Spirit we wait for the hope of righteousness - Galatians 5:5 - For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith.

 

2. That hope, of course, is eternal life - Titus 1:2 - In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;

 

3. By the Spirit whom God poured out on us abundantly through Jesus...

a. We are renewed and justified by God’s grace - Titus 3:5-6 - Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;

b. Thus made heirs according to the hope of eternal life - Titus 3:5-7 - Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

 

4. And sowing to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life - Galatians 6:8 - For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.

 

CONCLUSION

 

1. While the “living water” in (John 4:10-14 - Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water. The woman saith unto him, Sir, thou hast nothing to draw with, and the well is deep: from whence then hast thou that living water? Art thou greater than our father Jacob, which gave us the well, and drank thereof himself, and his children, and his cattle? Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again: But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.) may pertain to salvation, I believe it has particular reference to the gift of the Spirit in the life of the Christian...

a. Salvation involves both justification and sanctification

b. The Holy Spirit certainly plays a role in both - cf. 1 Corinthians 6:11 - And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God. - Titus 3:4-7 - But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

c. And the Spirit is given to those who become Christians - Acts 2:38-39 - Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. - Acts 5:32 - And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him. - Galatians 4:6 - And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.

 

-- It certainly has such reference in John 7:37-39 - In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)

 

2. If so, then we might understand Jesus’ words to the Samaritan woman as follows...

a. “If you knew the gift of God” - If you knew what God is willing to give you (i.e., the Spirit)

b. “...and who it is who says to you...” - That He is the Messiah, the one who will pour out the

Spirit on all flesh - cf. John 1:33 - And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost. - Acts 2:33 - Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear.

c. “...He would have given you living water...” - i.e., the Holy Spirit

1) The same promise made to all believers in John 7:37-39 - In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)

2) Though not fully given until He was glorified (after His resurrection and ascension)

 

3. Are we enjoying the benefits of “The Gift Of Living Water” that Jesus offers...?

a. It begins by responding to Christ in baptism - cf. Acts 2:38 - Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. - 1 Corinthians 12:13 - For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.

b. It continues by being careful not to “quench” the Spirit - cf. 1 Thessalonians 5:19 - Quench not the Spirit. - e.g., Acts 7:51 - Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye.

 

May our attitude be like that of the Samaritan woman: “Sir, give me this water...” - John 4:15 - The woman saith unto him, Sir, give me this water, that I thirst not, neither come hither to draw.

 

Part 2 - Worship In Spirit And Truth - John 4:20-24 - Our fathers worshipped in this mountain; and ye say, that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship. Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father. Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews. But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

 

INTRODUCTION

 

1. At Jacob’s well, Jesus and the Samaritan woman discussed the matter of worship...

a. Samaritans and Jews differed as to where one should worship - John 4:20 - Our fathers worshipped in this mountain; and ye say, that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship.

1) Samaritans believed they should worship on Mt. Gerazim

2) Jews understood that it should be in Jerusalem

b. Jesus said the time was coming for a different kind of worship - John 4:21-24 - Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father. Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews. But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

1) Where worship would not be defined by its location (though Jews had been right)

2) Where true worshippers would worship the Father in spirit and truth

 

2. What does it mean to worship the Father in spirit and truth? Many say it means...

a. To worship God from the heart (“in spirit”)

b. To worship God as He directs in His Word (“and truth”)

 

3. Yet note the contrast made by Jesus...

a. The Jews had worshipped correctly by going to Jerusalem

b. But the time was coming when place would not be important

 

-- A contrast is being made between OT worship and NT worship

 

4. Somehow Old Testament (OT) worship had not been “in spirit and truth”...

a. Yet God required worship from the heart from the Jews - cf. Deuteronomy 6:4-7 - Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD: And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. - Isaiah 1:10-18 - Hear the word of the LORD, ye rulers of Sodom; give ear unto the law of our God, ye people of Gomorrah. To what purpose is the multitude of your sacrifices unto me? saith the LORD: I am full of the burnt offerings of rams, and the fat of fed beasts; and I delight not in the blood of bullocks, or of lambs, or of he goats. When ye come to appear before me, who hath required this at your hand, to tread my courts? Bring no more vain oblations; incense is an abomination unto me; the new moons and sabbaths, the calling of assemblies, I cannot away with; it is iniquity, even the solemn meeting. Your new moons and your appointed feasts my soul hateth: they are a trouble unto me; I am weary to bear them. And when ye spread forth your hands, I will hide mine eyes from you: yea, when ye make many prayers, I will not hear: your hands are full of blood. Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil; Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow. Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.

b. And God required worship as directed by His Word - cf. Deuteronomy 5:32-33 - Ye shall observe to do therefore as the LORD your God hath commanded you: ye shall not turn aside to the right hand or to the left. Ye shall walk in all the ways which the LORD your God hath commanded you, that ye may live, and that it may be well with you, and that ye may prolong your days in the land which ye shall possess.

 

[If “in spirit and truth” does not mean “from the heart and in harmony with God’s Word”, then what does it mean? Let’s first consider...]

 

I. WORSHIPPING GOD IN SPIRIT

 

A. MEANS TO OFFER “SPIRITUAL” WORSHIP...

 

1. In contrast to that which is mostly physical

 

2. This explanation is in keeping with the context - cf. John 4:24 - God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

a. Jesus began by saying “God is Spirit...”

b. The worship of God is to be “in spirit” (i.e., spiritual)

 

3. Note these comments:

a. “...men must offer a worship corresponding with the nature and attributes of God.” - J. W. McGarvey

b. “Since he is Spirit, he must receive spiritual worship...” - B.W. Johnson

c. “A pure, a holy, a spiritual worship, therefore, is such as he seeks—the offering of the soul rather than the formal offering of the body—the homage of the heart rather than that of the lips.” - Albert Barnes

 

-- A worship was coming that was more in keeping with God’s nature!

 

B. AS OPPOSED TO “CARNAL” ORDINANCES...

 

1. OT worship consisted of carnal (fleshly) ordinances - cf. Hebrews 9:1-10 - Then verily the first covenant had also ordinances of divine service, and a worldly sanctuary. For there was a tabernacle made; the first, wherein was the candlestick, and the table, and the shewbread; which is called the sanctuary. And after the second veil, the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of all; Which had the golden censer, and the ark of the covenant overlaid round about with gold, wherein was the golden pot that had manna, and Aaron's rod that budded, and the tables of the covenant; And over it the cherubims of glory shadowing the mercyseat; of which we cannot now speak particularly. Now when these things were thus ordained, the priests went always into the first tabernacle, accomplishing the service of God. But into the second went the high priest alone once every year, not without blood, which he offered for himself, and for the errors of the people: The Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing: Which was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience; Which stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances, imposed on them until the time of reformation.

a. A physical structure (tabernacle)

b. Special priesthood, clothing for priests

c. Lamp stands, burning incense

d. Instruments of music

e. Feast days

f. Animal and meal sacrifices

 

-- All which appealed to the carnal or physical senses of man

 

2. NT worship is geared more toward the spiritual side of man:

a. God's temple is now spiritual, made up of Christians - 1 Corinthians 3:16 - Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? - Ephesians 2:19-22 - Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.

b. All Christians are priests, offering up spiritual sacrifices - 1 Peter 2:5 - Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.

1 Peter 2:9 - But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:

c. Our prayers are as sweet incense - Revelation 5:8 - And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints.

d. Our music is making melody with the heart, not the harp - Ephesians 5:19 - Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;

e. The Lord’s Supper - Acts 20:7 - And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight. - 1 Corinthians 10:16-17 - The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ? For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread. - 1 Corinthians 11:17-34 - Now in this that I declare unto you I praise you not, that ye come together not for the better, but for the worse. For first of all, when ye come together in the church, I hear that there be divisions among you; and I partly believe it. For there must be also heresies among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you. When ye come together therefore into one place, this is not to eat the Lord's supper. For in eating every one taketh before other his own supper: and one is hungry, and another is drunken. What? have ye not houses to eat and to drink in? or despise ye the church of God, and shame them that have not? What shall I say to you? shall I praise you in this? I praise you not. For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come. Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body. For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep. For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged. But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world. Wherefore, my brethren, when ye come together to eat, tarry one for another. And if any man hunger, let him eat at home; that ye come not together unto condemnation. And the rest will I set in order when I come.

f. Spiritual sacrifices of praise and service - Hebrews 13:15 - By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name. - Romans 12:1-2 -  I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

 

-- The emphasis is on the spirit of man, not his physical senses!

[Physical ordinances of the Old Covenant were until “the time of reformation” (Hebrews 9:9-10 - Which was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience; Which stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances, imposed on them until the time of reformation.), which occurred with the coming of the New Covenant. As Jesus proclaimed, the new worship is more in keeping with the nature of God (“God is Spirit...”), designed to relate more to the spiritual side of man. Now let’s examine...]

 

II. WORSHIPPING GOD IN TRUTH

 

A. MEANS TO OFFER “TRUE (REAL)” WORSHIP...

1. To worship according to the commands of God?

a. Certainly we should do this

b. But this is no contrast to what God expected in the OT - cf. Deuteronomy 5:32-33 - Ye shall observe to do therefore as the LORD your God hath commanded you: ye shall not turn aside to the right hand or to the left. Ye shall walk in all the ways which the LORD your God hath commanded you, that ye may live, and that it may be well with you, and that ye may prolong your days in the land which ye shall possess.

c. Jesus admitted that the Jews were right in their worship - John 4:22 - Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews.

 

2. What then is the contrast between worship that was and that which “now is”?

a. Not between true and false worship

b. But between that which is true (real) and that which had been a shadow

 

-- A worship was coming that was more in keeping with truth and reality

 

B. AS OPPOSED TO “SHADOW (SYMBOL)” WORSHIP...

 

1. Many elements of worship in the OT were simply a shadow or figure of that to come

a. The Tabernacle was a symbol - Hebrews 9:8-9 - The Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing: Which was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience;

b. The Law with its worship was only a shadow of that to come - Hebrews 10:1 - For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect.

 

2. Christ is now in the true tabernacle (heaven)- Hebrews 9:11-12 - But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. - Hebrews 9:24 - For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us:

a. We should expect the worship of the true to be different from that of the shadow

b. We have already seen that to be the case:

1) Old Covenant worship, which was but a shadow, was physical in nature

2) New Covenant worship is according to the true realities (God is Spirit, Christ in heaven) and is therefore more spiritual in nature

 

-- The emphasis is on that which is true (real), not which was a shadowy symbol of things to come

 

[This explanation of worshipping God “in spirit and truth” is more in keeping with the immediate context. Since God is seeking “true worshippers” who worship Him accordingly (John 4:23 - But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.), some thoughts about our worship today may be appropriate...]

 

III. WORSHIPPING GOD TODAY

 

A. NOT ALL WORSHIP IS ACCEPTABLE...

 

1. There is vain worship - Matthew 15:7-9 - Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying, This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.

a. Based on traditions of men, while ignoring the commands of God

b. Offered without involving our “hearts” (spirits)

 

2. There is ignorant worship - Acts 17:22-23 - Then Paul stood in the midst of Mars' hill, and said, Ye men of Athens, I perceive that in all things ye are too superstitious. For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you.

a. Ignorant of the true nature of God

b. Ignorant of the worship He desires

 

3. There is will worship - Colossians 2:20-23 - Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances, (Touch not; taste not; handle not; Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men? Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body; not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh.

a. Self-imposed, not God-directed

b. What we like, what we think is good

 

-- Just because we worship God, does not mean He is pleased with our worship!

 

B. MANY OFFER CARNAL WORSHIP...

 

1. When they appeal to the OT for their authority for how they worship

a. For instrumental music, burning incense, clapping, etc.

b. They seek to justify that which appeals to the flesh (senses), not the spirit

 

2. When they offer that which appeals to their fleshly nature

a. Preferring what is based on how it sounds

b. Preferring what is based on how it feels

 

-- Striving to be more spiritual, some revert to becoming more carnal, a reason to be concerned (cf. Galatians 4:9-11 - But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage? Ye observe days, and months, and times, and years.I am afraid of you, lest I have bestowed upon you labour in vain.)!

 

C. GOD SEEKS TRUE WORSHIPPERS...

 

1. Who worship God “...with their spirits” - Matthew Poole

a. Seeking to engage the spirit (mind) more than the organs of the body

b. Content with the simplicity of worship that stresses the spiritual side of man

 

2. Who worship God “...according to the rule that he hath prescribed, in truth and reality.” - ibid.

a. Not desiring to return to the carnal ordinances imposed until a time of reformation

b. Content with the worship ordained in the New Covenant

 

3. Who can worship God anywhere, anytime, with true spiritual worship - e.g., Acts 16:25 - And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.

 

-- God seeks such worshippers, who seek to worship Him in spirit and truth!

 

CONCLUSION

 

1. Matthew Poole offered this explanation of our text in his commentary...

 

“God...is a spiritual Being, the Father of spirits, and require s a spiritual service proportioned to His being; and therefore those that pay a religious homage to him, must do it with their spirits, and according to the rule that he hath prescribed, in truth and reality.”

 

2. How can we be sure to offer spiritual and true worship acceptable to God...?

a. Look to the New Testament for our authority in worship!

b. Worship in ways ordained by Christ and His apostles! - cf. Acts 2:42 - And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.

 

3. As God is Spirit...

a. Our worship should be spiritual and not limited to special places

b. The emphasis should be on the spiritual (e.g., meaning of the words), and not the physical (e.g., how it looks, sounds, feels)

 

Remember...

 

John 4:23 - But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.

 

Prayer: Mark 16:16 - He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned - Lord I truly thank You for giving the opportunity to present these words to my brethrens. I pray that You will keep them in Your blessings and accept them into Your heart - this  I pray in the name of Thy Son, Jesus, the Messiah, Your only begotten son which Ye sent to save mankind from themselves. Amen

 

This sermon is in the Public Domain - Free for all to use with the only requirement: That it never be used for profit.

 

Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen. - Ephesians 6:23-24