What is Worship in Spirit and in Truth? • Deshen Daily

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 (John 4:23 KJV)

What does it mean to worship in spirit and truth

True worship is in spirit and in truth: it is the worship by true worshippers and in the true sanctuary. Deshen Daily for yesterday discussed the meaning of “true” as it applies to the worship and the tabernacle—true means the real, as opposed to the shadow or copy.

Let us begin by reviewing what “in spirit and in truth” does not mean. First, it does not mean sincere worship. Our worship should be genuine, but sincerity is not the issue here. Second, to worship in spirit and truth is not to worship using our spirit and not our mind or body. It is not an out-of-body experience.

Worship in spirit and in truth is a kind of worship that corresponds to God’s nature and occurs in the sphere in which He lives. It is the real kind of worship God seeks after. The two words—spirit and truth — describe the same thing from two perspectives. Truth or the real thing is spirit instead of the shadows, copies, or formalities of empty outward ceremonial activities. Though spirit is God’s nature as in John 4:24, it is also the innermost part of our nature that communes with God. God connects with man spirit-to-spirit. Worship in spirit and truth is the kind of worship from those whose spirits commune with God and whose worship activities carry the spirit dimension that not only reaches God but brings the real offerings that please Him.

In Christ, you are a true worshipper by default. You do not need to do something to begin worshipping in spirit and truth. You are already worshipping in spirit and truth. Your life, body, worship, praise, thanksgiving, etc., are all worship activities that are a sweet aroma to God: because you have a new spirit, filled with the Holy Spirit and able to give to God what He is looking for!

Watch this Deshen Live Bible Study: What is Worship in Spirit and in Truth?

Meditate

What is the meaning of “in spirit and in truth” as used in John 4:23 above?

Apply the Word

You worship in spirit and truth by what you do with your body and soul here on earth. Your daily life and words of praise, thanksgiving, etc., are all spiritual worship that brings great delight to the Father. Continue worshipping the Father in spirit and in truth—this time with an understanding of what it means!