The Holy Spirit in Worship and Prayer: Part 1
Memory Passage
Therefore, brothers, we have an
obligation-but it is not to the sinful nature, to live according to it. For if you
live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to
death the misdeeds of the body, you will live.
Romans 8:12-13
Scripture Reading: John 4:23-24
Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth."
Scripture Reading: John 14:17
the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.
Scripture Reading: John 15:26
"When the Counselor comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father, he will testify about me.
Scripture Reading: John 16:12
"I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear.
Insights
"Isn't it interesting that God the Father (who, in His sufficiency needs nothing)
is seeking something. He is actively looking for a particular kind of person -
specifically those who would be true worshipers. As Jesus says, the basis for
our "worship in spirit" is recognizing that "God is Spirit." He is speaking of the
very "breath" of God in us. It is in the person of the Holy Spirit who indwells
believers where these two concepts of "spirit" and "truth" are brought
together, as Jesus repeatedly refers to the Paraclete as the coming "Spirit of
Truth" (John 14:17, 15:26, 16:12). The Holy Spirit, then, who indwells us
becomes both the "breath" and the "truth" of God in us, who inspires genuine
worship that is sought by God." -Pastor Craig Allen
Consider this!
God is in hot pursuit - of you! He designed you and chose you for redemption
so that you might find your life's fulfillment in being His Worshiper! Of all the
things God might have spent His energies seeking, what He has chosen to
seek are Spirit-Truth worshipers. Is your heart's desire to be found by God -
as a genuine worshiper?
Isn't it fascinating that God calls us to a particular type of worship ("Spirit and
Truth") because he longs for an intimate relationship with us? He desires for
our human spirit to be transformed by the Spirit of God, and our minds to be
transformed by the Truth of God. Both these concepts come together in the
"Spirit of Truth" whom God has sent to reside in us so that we might engage
both our minds and our hearts in worship in which He delights!
Personal Reflection
- As you think about Spirit and Truth, what truths has the Holy Spirit revealed to
you about your worship to God?
- The Holy Spirit is the One who inspires and enables worship in us. Think back
to the earlier focus on "being filled with the Spirit." Have you thought of this
filling as foundational to your ability to worship God? (see Eph. 5:18-20)
- As you think about worship that delights God, what comes to mind? Have
you ever defined worship in lesser ways? (i.e. sentimental songs? Good
sermon? Nice comfortable atmosphere? Favorite doctrines? Emotional high?
Style of music?)
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