Daughter in Waiting Ministry

“I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.”
Romans 12:1 (ESV)

The Apostle Paul knew that true worship to God took surrendering to His Spirit and abiding in His truth. But, once before, I was seated at the throne of grace, singing songs I so very loved. Despite not being able to hold a note, I pictured myself in front of an audience, belting out the words to these songs. This night, I had decided to devote time to praising and worshiping God and as I began to accompany the lead singers in singing their worship songs, I pictured myself with them on the stage. My mind wandered in-and-out from focusing on God to focusing on me and others. 

When I was done with this great worship session, I heard God’s still small voice. I could picture Him sitting on His throne as He said it, so calmly, almost in an amusing manner, now do it for me. It was a gentle rebuke. One I even chuckled at. But there it was, His command to me for worship. Don’t do it for yourself, don’t do it for others, just do it for me. I smiled and re-centered my heart and spent the next moments with my eyes fixed on Him as I worshiped not for my own glory or others, but for His.

“God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.”
John 4:24 (NIV)

Whether in the ESV, KJV, NLT, or else, the translation for this verse remains unambiguous. Since all scripture is breathed out by God (2 Timothy 3:16), this is as clear-cut as we can come to understand and answer this question, how does God want me to worship Him? He wants me to worship Him both in Spirit and in truth. Which led me to ask myself, well, then, how exactly does one do that?

When we’re saved by grace through faith, we receive God’s Holy Spirit (Ephesians 2:8-9, Acts 2:38). It’s at this moment that we can do what would otherwise be impossible – worshiping Him in Spirit. It’s a gift that guarantees to draw us closer to God whenever and give us eternal satisfaction (John 4:14, John 7:37-39). In us dwells this free gift of His Spirit.

“But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.”
Galatians 5:16 (ESV)

Since God is pure and holy and in Him dwells no darkness, the Spirit of God is the one who shows us how to worship this pure and holy God. We don’t have to wonder how to worship God when all we have to do is use His free gift. We can worship in Spirit by:

• Focusing on the fruits of the Spirit and diminishing the works of the flesh (Galatians 5:16-26).
• Allowing Him to be our Helper and setting our minds on Him instead of leaning on our own strength and understanding (Romans 8:1-11, John 14:26).
• Allowing Him to guide us on how to steward our spiritual gifts (Ephesians 4, 1 Corinthians 12, Romans 12).

In addition to this and however else He leads us by His Spirit to worship, God also calls us to worship Him in truth.

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
John 14:6 (ESV)

Disciple John started his gospel book at the point of eternity and referenced the story of creation in Genesis 1. He highlighted Jesus Christ as the Word of God made flesh in human form and emphasized that all things were created through the Word of God (John 1, Genesis 1). Before time existed, the Son of God also existed outside of time as the Word of God. My point is this: the Word made flesh, came into time, and declared Himself as the way, the truth, and the life. The way He gave us through our salvation and the life He gave us through His Spirit. The truth He gave us through His word. How then, do we worship God in truth? We follow Jesus which means we also follow God’s word. 

I worship God in truth when I take Him at His word and follow it (James 1:22). I’m worshiping Him as He’s revealed Himself and His kingdom to be. I’m not denying aspects of His deity just because I don’t like it. I understand that He’s a holy God, a righteous God, a patient and loving God, but also a God who judges. I worship Him in all aspects of Himself that He’s revealed in His word instead of having itching ears to only hear the parts of scripture I want to read or worship (2 Timothy 4:3). I find myself asking these questions:

• Am I following Jesus since His sheep hear His voice and follow Him (John 10:27, Psalm 23)?
• Am I gaining His wisdom since the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge and only fools despise it (Proverbs 1:7)?
• Am I seeking His word in all my ways since He gives His wisdom abundantly (James 1:5, Proverbs 3:5-6)?
• Am I applying His word in my life with the help of His Spirit (Galatians 5)?
• Am I removing or adding to His word when He’s told me not to (Deuteronomy 30:6)?

As you see, these two forms of worship go hand-in-hand. Isn’t it fitting that the only living and perfect God had it all figured out for us? I don’t have to wonder how to worship, I just have to approach Him or live my life in Spirit and in truth. With all that said, I ask you this, when you first read this question, how did you think God wanted you to worship Him? 

May it be singing worship songs, reading biblical books, using spiritual gifts, attending church services, volunteering, and more. Whatever it is we’re doing, as long as we’re doing it in Spirit and in truth, as long as it’s for His glory, we’re worshiping God.

Sincerely,

Anne

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Comment below: who do you think was a great worshiper in the bible?

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