John 4:24 says that the Father seeks a people to worship Him in spirit and in truth. Such worship is the response of the heart to the revelation God has given of Himself.
God does not seek superstitious worship, in which we worship because we think there’s some magical power in going through the mumbo jumbo of worship.
He does not seek ritualistic or formal worship, in which we simply engage in the acts of worship because of habit, or to salve conscience.
God seeks intelligent worship, worship that is according to truth.
Truth is reality.
As we articulate those realities that have reference to God, His Book, His salvation, His church, His plan for the world, it would be downright wicked for that not to produce worship in us.
Until a man is converted, he never truly worships God. The first indication that God has brought new life is that his heart will run out to the God Who has rescued him.
We see this in Paul’s description of the unconverted man who comes among the church. When the Word of God is driven home to his conscience, the man, falling down, will worship God as He is made known in that Word (1 Corinthians 14:24-25).
The Psalmist in Psalm 119 moves back and forth between praising God and praising His Word. How can we think of the nature of this blessed Book which God has given to us—the Book we believe and obey—without worshipping God?
As we contemplate God’s Word and His works, oh, may our hearts run out in the abandonment of intelligent and fervent praise!
Adapted from the series of sermons Here We Stand. ©2012 by Albert N. Martin. All rights reserved. Used with permission.