True Worship

John 4:19-24

I. Introduce Story of Samaritan Woman

Judea --> Samaria
Jesus asks for a drink
Ask me, I'll give living water
Thirsty again / takes away thirst
Give me that water
Go & get your husband
You must be a prophet

The Samaritan Woman brings up the issue of true worship.

READ 19-24

What is worshiping in spirit and in truth?

We can determine by contrast, that it is not worship if done in the flesh or falsely. To not be in the flesh, but in the spirit refers to our right position before God. The word worship itself means to lay prostrate, spread out laying on the floor before God, demonstrating humility and reverance. And to have access before God requires holiness, which a person can have only in Christ. We must confess our sins to Him who forgives and brings us into fellowship with the Holy Spirit. This is to worship in Spirit.

To worship in truth requires honesty and right knowledge about God. We must remove our pride and acknowledge God's greatness. We must study the Bible to know about this God. We must seek the truth to worship Him rightly.

Thus, we should not let our environment or the day of the week influence when or where we worship. We are to live every moment in a position to worship God.

A New Song

Psalm 40

As you know already, I love music. I am a pianist. One thing I really enjoy is finding new music! Here we delight in singing traditional hymns, songs that are familiar to us, songs that perhaps we learned even as a child. This too I love, the rich hertiage, the profound truths spoken out in song.

This past week, I reflected on several Psalms which mention the phrase "a new song." I first inquired as a musician, does God want new music? Well, what is a new song? Six pslams contain this idea, Psalm 33, 40, 96, 98, 144, 149.

I would like to read from Psalm 40 today and share with you what I learned. Psalm 40:1-11, 16&17.

David's psalm presents us with his individual testimony of thanksgiving. We learn in Leviticus about various offerings the people were expected to bring to God in the temple.

Often a person after giving a thank offering would stand before the congregation and tell what God has done in the form of a song -- a hymn of praise.

Listen again to certain sections in Psalm 40:

1st Why David wants to thank God (His recollection of rescue) (1-3)
2nd General reasons to praise God (4-6)
3rd Renewed thanksgiving and prayer (16-17)

Verse 3 shows us what it is to sing a new song. We should take time to reflect every day waht God has done. This is the inspiration to sing a new song. We should share our life's lessons ... be it a song or a story... to bring praise to God.