Worshiping God in spirit and in truth is essential to developing a meaningful and lasting relationship with Him. It is an act of reverence and honor that helps us draw close to God and express our love for Him. True worship requires us to come before God with a whole heart, ready to seek His will and surrender ourselves completely to Him.
In this article, we’ll explore the meaning, benefits, biblical examples, and ways of worshiping God in spirit and in truth.
John 4:23-24 KJV – 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.
What Does it Mean to Worship God in Spirit and in Truth?
In John chapter 4, we read of Jesus’ encounter with the woman at the well in Samaria. They get into a conversation about worship, with Jesus revealing that “God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.” (v.24)
She wanted to nail down the proper place for worship, but Jesus reveals that it’s not where you worship that matters, it’s how. Worship that comes from an honest and holy heart is acceptable to God, regardless of where the worship takes place.
Heart condition and motivation are more important to God than location!
Only Believers Are Capable of Truly Worshiping God
Worshiping God in spirit and in truth engages the heart and the mind, the emotions and the intellect. It is rooted in love for God and in a biblical theology of who God is.
If you’re not born again, you don’t have the Holy Spirit within you, therefore you cannot worship God in spirit and in truth because neither is actually residing in you. It’s upon salvation that our eyes are opened to the reality of the God we serve, His character and care for us, His forgiveness, freedom, and the fulfillment that we had been seeking. This prompts true worship that glorifies God.
Psalm 95:6 KJV – O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the LORD our maker.
10 Benefits of Worshiping God in Spirit and Truth
Worshiping God in spirit and in truth is a powerful way to draw close to the Lord and honor Him. It is an act of faith that can bring us into a deeper relationship with God. True worship involves giving our whole hearts to the Lord and expressing our love for Him through our words, actions, and thoughts.
Here are 10 benefits of worshiping God in spirit and in truth:
- God is exalted.
- God is pleased.
- Cultivate a closer walk with God.
- Peace and joy.
- Our hope is renewed.
- Increases our faith.
- Worry and fear dissipate.
- We inspire others.
- We grow spiritually.
- God is glorified.
Psalm 29:2 KJV – Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name; worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness.
Biblical Examples of Worshiping God in Spirit and in Truth
Jesus is our example to follow for anything God commands us to do, including how to worship God in spirit and in truth. But the Bible is chock-full of other people who reverenced God in the way He requires us to.
Here are some biblical examples of worshiping God in spirit and in truth:
- Job – Although he lost everything, Job still worshiped God in spirit and in truth. Job 1:20-21 KJV – Then Job arose, and rent his mantle, and shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground, and worshipped, And said, Naked came I out of my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.
- Daniel – Despite the risk of death, Daniel worshiped God in spirit and in truth by praying, not just once, but three times per day, even after the decree went out which made it illegal to petition anyone or anything other than King Darius for thirty days. Daniel 6:10 KJV – Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.
- Shadrach, Meshech, and Abednego – They faced the fiery furnace because they were unwilling to bow in worship of the statue of Nebuchadnezzar. Steadfast and loyal, these three were completely devoted to the One True God. Daniel 3:18 KJV – But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.
Ways to Express Heartfelt Reverence and Adoration for God
Have you ever heard the saying “he worships the ground she walks on”? They may follow that person around, hang on to their every word, mimic their style or speech, and tell others about how wonderful they are. They drop everything to serve them and show their adoration. Their love and devotion are evident in their actions.
We can express our heartfelt reverence and honor for God in many ways. Prayer, praise, practicing biblical principles, reading the Bible, serving the Lord, sharing our testimony, and leading others to the Lord are all forms of worship when done for the glory of God.
The Hebrew meaning of the word worship in the OT is to depress, i.e. to prostrate oneself, to bow down, to do obeisance. Anytime that you surrender your will to God, obey His word, walk in His ways, and elevate Him as the ultimate authority in your life, you are worshiping God in spirit and in truth.
No Lip Service or Rote Religion
Matthew 15:8 KJV – This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.
Worship that is pleasing to God is not found in repetitive religious rituals. As Jesus said, God is a spirit and our worship is an internal, spiritual discipline and not based on external, physical acts. It’s not contained solely within the hour of church on Sunday morning, even though we often call that our ‘worship service’.
Worshiping God in spirit and in truth originates from a grateful heart, surrendered to the will of God despite your circumstances. It’s coming humbly before God in awe and reverence for all He is and all He has done. And that type of unbridled devotion to the Lord is what is accepted by Him.
What Hinders Us From Worshiping God in Spirit and in Truth?
Walking in the flesh and worship don’t go together. We must confess our sins so we can approach God with a clean heart and walk in step with the Spirit so He is directing our worship.
Misplaced priorities, distractions, idolatry, and a lack of knowledge of God can all interfere with our ability to worship God in spirit and in truth. Where we spend our time, talent, and treasures reveals what has our hearts. Take an inventory of those things and see if you are truly worshiping God in the way He deserves.
Worship is a lifestyle of intentionally building intimacy in your relationship with the Lord. It is continually pointing people to Him and exalting Him as the Creator, Sustainer, Redeemer, and ultimate Friend. He is worthy!
Psalm 99:9 KJV – Exalt the LORD our God, and worship at his holy hill; for the LORD our God is holy.
More articles about worshiping God:
What Does the Bible Say About Repentance?
4 Examples of Sober-minded Women in the Bible
Go From Worry to Worship ~ Shifting your focus from the “What ifs” to “What is”
10 Qualities of a Good Steward
11 Surefire Ways to Stunt Your Spiritual Growth
What Does it Mean to Walk in the Light
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3 Short Prayers for Spiritual Stability
This is beautiful Annie! Getting to worship God in Spirit and Truth is an incredible blessing and privilege in our lives. It brings me so much peace and also a healthy ‘escape’ from my circumstances. The closer I get to Him, the bigger He gets and it helps me remember just how ‘capable’ He is in my life … to be there for me and to help me overcome whatever I need to face in life. 🙏💕
Amen to that! 💕