The Nature of Acceptable Worship
John 4:24
God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.


I. LET US OFFER SOME GENERAL REMARKS ON PUBLIC WORSHIP.

1. All places are alike acceptable with God.

2. Public worship should be conducted according to the Word of God.

3. Public worship is the duty and privilege of all believers.

4. Public worship requires due preparation. and right feelings in entering upon it.

5. Public worship should be constant and regular.

6. Public worship should be followed by reflection and prayer.

II. THE NATURE AND IMPORTANCE OF THE DIRECTIONS CONTAINED IN THE TEXT. "God is a Spirit," etc. That is, He is not a corporeal being, therefore not confined to any locality, etc.

1. God is a Spirit, therefore He requires the worship Of the mind.

2. God is an invisible Spirit, and therefore He must be worshipped in the spirit of faith.

3. God is a great and glorious Spirit, and therefore we must worship Him in the spirit of reverence and fear.

4. God is a holy Spirit, therefore we must worship Him with contrition and prayer.

5. God is a merciful and gracious Spirit, and therefore we should worship Him in the spirit of confidence and hope.

6. God is a Spirit of infinite benevolence and love, and therefore we should worship Him in the spirit of affection and delight.

7. God is an omniscient Spirit, and therefore we must worship Him in sincerity and truth.

Application:

1. Remember your constant unworthiness and need.

2. Christ's preciousness and merit.

3. And the Spirit's willingness to aid you, if you seek His influences.

(Jabez Burns, D. D.)



Parallel Verses
KJV: God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

WEB: God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth."




The Nature and Worship of God
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