Exploring How to Worship the Father Truly by the Spirit

Explorers take their resources and discover uncharted worlds. That is true of ancient Greek and Roman armies, Spanish and Portuguese sailors, and modern-day astronauts. There is a verse of scripture that demands our exploration, for it opens new and brilliant vistas of understanding and practical, spiritual life.

John 4:24:
God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

This verse tells us Who God is and how to worship Him. God is Spirit, and not flesh. God never became human, but He did create life in a woman [Mary of Nazareth], and she gave birth to His only-begotten Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. This verse is in the context of a conversation Jesus is having with a Samaritan woman. He fearlessly spoke to her in public, even though in his culture it was forbidden for a Judean man to speak to a “stranger” and especially a woman. God’s love in Jesus Christ bridged any cultural gaps to reach this woman’s hungry heart with the truth.

To better understand this verse, we should read the context of the verses that precede and follow it.

John 4:23-25:
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.
The woman saith unto him, I know that Messias cometh, which is called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things.

This woman wanted to know where to “worship” God. This word means to bow down in submission and recognition of God’s power, authority, and Almighty greatness. He alone is God. Jesus said we can worship the Father “in spirit and in truth,” or “truly by the spirit.” Jesus made an amazing statement. The Father SEEKS such people to worship Him. This word “seek” is used 119 times in the New Testament, including:

Matthew 6:33:
But SEEK ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Matthew 7:7:
Ask, and it shall be given you; SEEK, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.

John 8:50:
And I SEEK not mine own glory.

We are to seek God’s kingdom above all things. When we seek, we will [by God’s great grace and mercy] find. Jesus showed us not to seek our own personal glory, but the Father.

God SEEKS, He looks for those who will truly worship him by the spirit. Verse 25 tells us that the Messiah will come and tell all that we need to know. Jesus fulfilled the law, died in payment for our sins, and was raised from death so that we might have eternal life and worship the Father “truly by/in the spirit.” The New Testament gives further insight on what this means.

1 Corinthians 14:5,14,18:
I would that ye all SPAKE WITH TONGUES.
For if I pray in an unknown tongue, MY SPIRIT PRAYETH, but my understanding is unfruitful.
I thank my God, I SPEAK WITH TONGUES more than ye all.

Ephesians 6:18:
PRAYING always with all prayer and supplication IN THE SPIRIT.

Philippians 3:3:
For we are the circumcision, which WORSHIP GOD IN THE SPIRIT, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.

This “circumcision” refers to what Christ did for us in fulfilling the law. Now we can worship the Father truly by the spirit within us. We don’t glory or rejoice in our own senses ways of worshipping [nice flowers, an ancient liturgy, worship bands and big buildings], but we rejoice in what CHRIST JESUS HAS DONE FOR US! I don’t have any “confidence” in my fleshly abilities. I know that I am a fallen sinner who has been redeemed by the life and blood of Christ, my Savior.

If you haven’t spoken in tongues and prayed in the spirit, it can be a wonderful resource to strengthen, bless, and encourage you. It also makes intercession for the saints [Romans 8:26-28]. That is a wonderful way to “worship the Father in spirit and in truth.”