What Does It Mean To Worship in Truth and In Spirit?
Many people struggle with John 4:24 and what it really means to worship in Truth and in Spirit and they end up down a road of trying to improve their worship experience through their performance. They think John 4:24 is calling them to do more churchy stuff like sing louder, read their bible more, or serve more. So what exactly does it mean to worship in Truth and in Spirit? I think it’s best to first address what it doesn’t mean as we consider what the exact opposite of worshiping in truth and in spirit would be.
If you were not worshiping in truth then you would be worshiping in error. Examples would be worshiping any false God such as Baal or Buddha.
Now, with that said let’s address something a bit more important about John 4:24, and that is that according to 1 Corinthians 1:30 you are in Christ, and it’s impossible for you to worship out of Christ. Further, when you were born again you received a new Spirit and the Holy Spirit came to live inside of you, and as such, you can worship in a way that an unbeliever cannot. An unbeliever will always try to worship God by what they ‘do’ and ‘where they do it’, but they can stand at a wall, sing hymns, beg and plead, or offer an animal sacrifice and it will not be worshiping in truth, because the truth is not inside of them. In John 4 where we read about this new kind of worshiping as we witness a discussion between Jesus and a Samaritan woman talking about how her ancestors were worshiping on a mountain and that the Jews worshiped in Jerusalem (as if the place is what really mattered). Jesus is showing her a picture of Spiritual worship NOT physical worship – so we’re learning that worshiping in Truth and in Spirit is not about the ‘where’ or ‘how’ but rather it’s about the ‘who’ you worship.
So, whether you sing loud or quietly, serve a lot or just on occasion, pray in a church building or in your front yard, if you are a believer then there’s only one way you can worship, and that’s in Truth and in Spirit!
Author: Mike Cynar
Mike Cynar was raised in a church setting where he frequently noticed that many attendees would eventually drift away. The church labeled these individuals as ‘back sliders’ or ‘fake Christians’ just looking for ‘fire insurance’. However, Mike realized the issue was rarely with these individuals but instead with the church’s message itself. The teachings heavily emphasized behavior improvement and one’s flaws, with only a fleeting mention of one’s identity in Christ. It felt as though every sermon was tailored to the church of Corinth, who as we know or committing sins that even unbelievers don’t partake in. This trend was noticeable not just in one denomination, but across Baptist, Catholic, Pentecostal, and many other churches. Upon understanding the true essence of the gospel – that our righteousness comes from Jesus’ actions, not our own – Mike was inspired to liberate believers from lifeless sermons and reconnect them with the genuine teachings of Jesus. He believes that one can nurture a vibrant and growing bond with Jesus, unhindered by rigid religious practices. And thus, “Jesus Without Religion” was born.
It turns out that it is grace that leads to repentance. And if our heart is to get others to walk in the Spirit and live a godly life, then the best approach is not a beat down sermon, but rather to remind other that it is only when we understand our true identity in Christ that we will live it out. Yes, it’s true, if you’re convinced that God thinks you’re a dirty sinner, you will ultimately continue a lifestyle that mirrors that view, but if you truly believe that even on your worst day, you are called holy, sanctified, justified, and will be presented blameless in the end, well, it turns out this is the secret to living out on the outside what has been worked in to the inside.
1 Comment
I do touch in agreement with you.