John chapter four records a conversation that Jesus had with a Samaritan woman. During the discussion, the woman brought up their differences in worship. Jesus responded by saying, "But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth" (John 4:23-24).
God allowed man to worship Him in different ways in the past. These differences were determined by the particular dispensation under which these individuals lived. Abraham and the other patriarchs offered sacrifice unto God. The Jews worshipped God in Jerusalem according the regulations set forth in the Law of Moses, while at the same time the Samaritans worshipped God in Mt. Gerizim. Jesus said that the hour was soon coming in which God would be seeking for true worshippers who would worship Him in a specific manner: in spirit and in truth. That hour came when the church was established through the preaching of the gospel as recorded in Acts chapter two.
Worship in Spirit. To worship in spirit means that we worship with our spirits involved, as opposed to just going through the motions. God has never accepted worship that does not come from the heart. "These people draw near to Me with their mouth, and honor Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me" (Matt. 15:8). We must have our hearts involved and our minds focused as we worship God.
Worship in Truth. To worship in truth is to worship according to the teachings of the Word of God (John 17:17). What specific acts of worship are authorized for the church in the New Testament?
1. Singing. The members of the church sang psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, making melody in their hearts to the Lord (Eph. 5:19). The singing of these songs offered praise unto God, and they taught, admonished, and edified those who were worshipping (Heb. 13:15; Col. 3:16).
2. The Lord's Supper. The church assembled on the first day of the week to partake of the Lord's Supper (Acts 20:7). Jesus instituted this memorial on the night in which He was betrayed. This supper consists of unleavened bread and fruit of the vine as memorials of the body and blood of the Lord (1 Cor. 11:23-26).
3. Taking Up A Collection. The church was ordered to take up a collection when they assembled on the first day of the week (1 Cor. 16:1-2). Some people may not understand how giving the church money can be considered an act of worship. Offering a sacrifice has always been a part of worshipping God. One's offering (money given in the collection) is an expression of gratitude for the blessings that he has received from the Lord. Tithing (giving ten percent) was required under the Law of Moses, but in the New Testament, Christians gave as they purposed in their hearts (2 Cor. 9:7).
4. Prayer. Prayers were offered in the assemblies of the church (1 Cor. 14:15). These prayers were led by the men of the congregation (1 Tim. 2:8).
5. Preaching. The New Testament shows that the reading and exhortation of Scripture were a part of the worship of the church (Acts 20:7; 1 Tim. 4:13).
God is seeking for true worshippers. Man does not define true worship. God has done this in His Word. Are you a "true worshipper" of God?