Reviving Spiritual Life: Beyond Rituals to True Worship

 

Summary

In the sermon, the focus is on the profound spiritual truth that "it is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing," as stated in John 6:63. This principle is emphasized as a remedy for the spiritual malaise of the present age. The sermon challenges the notion that external religious observances, rituals, and ceremonies hold any intrinsic value in the absence of a genuine spiritual connection with God. The flesh, representing outward religious practices, is deemed unprofitable without the quickening power of the Spirit.

The sermon critiques various religious practices, such as the belief in the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist, the doctrine of apostolic succession, and the emphasis on ornate worship forms, as examples of fleshly religion that lack spiritual vitality. It argues that true spiritual life and worship are not found in these external forms but in the inward emotions, desires, and faith that connect believers to Christ. The sermon underscores the importance of a personal, spiritual relationship with Jesus, where the heart and spirit are engaged in genuine worship and communion with God.

The sermon also addresses the role of the Holy Spirit in quickening believers, transforming them from a state of spiritual deadness to one of vibrant spiritual life. It emphasizes that true spirituality is a gift from God, marked by faith in Jesus Christ, and not by adherence to external forms or rituals. The sermon concludes with a call to return to the simplicity of the gospel, relying on the words of Jesus, which are spirit and life, rather than on the trappings of ceremonialism.

Key Takeaways:

1. Spiritual vs. Fleshly Religion: True spirituality is not found in external religious practices but in the inward connection with God. The flesh, representing outward observances, profits nothing without the Spirit's quickening power. This calls for a focus on the heart's engagement with God rather than mere ritualistic practices. [01:35]

2. Critique of Ritualism: The sermon critiques the belief in the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist and other ritualistic practices as examples of fleshly religion. It argues that these practices lack spiritual vitality and do not contribute to genuine spiritual life. True communion with Christ is a spiritual act, not a physical one. [08:44]

3. Role of the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit is essential in transforming believers from spiritual deadness to vibrant life. This transformation is marked by faith in Jesus Christ and is a gift from God. Spiritual life is not achieved through external forms but through the Spirit's work in the heart. [31:51]

4. Simplicity of the Gospel: The sermon calls for a return to the simplicity of the gospel, relying on the words of Jesus, which are spirit and life. It warns against the temptation to rely on ceremonialism and external attractions, emphasizing the power of the simple preaching of the cross. [42:01]

5. True Worship: True worship is a spiritual act that engages the heart and spirit. It is not about the physical act of attending church or participating in rituals but about the inward communion with God. The sermon challenges believers to seek a genuine spiritual relationship with God, beyond the external forms. [29:27]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:08] - Introduction to the Spirit and Flesh
- [00:24] - Misunderstanding of Christ's Words
- [00:52] - Spiritual vs. Carnal Understanding
- [01:35] - The Principle of Spirit and Life
- [02:18] - Meaning of Flesh and Spirit
- [03:27] - Spiritual Religion vs. External Observances
- [05:09] - Essence of True Worship
- [06:11] - Critique of Transubstantiation
- [08:44] - Spiritual Reception of Christ
- [11:24] - Baptism and Spiritual Life
- [14:26] - Apostolic Succession and Spirituality
- [19:40] - Ornate Worship and Spirituality
- [23:16] - Eloquence and True Preaching
- [29:27] - True Worship and Spiritual Engagement
- [31:51] - Role of the Holy Spirit in Spiritual Life
- [42:01] - Simplicity of the Gospel and Spiritual Life

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. John 6:63 - "It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life."
2. Romans 6:4 - "Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life."
3. Colossians 2:12 - "Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead."

#### Observation Questions
1. What does John 6:63 suggest about the relationship between the spirit and the flesh? How does this relate to the sermon’s critique of external religious practices? [01:35]
2. How does the sermon describe the role of the Holy Spirit in transforming believers from spiritual deadness to vibrant life? [31:51]
3. What examples of "fleshly religion" does the sermon critique, and why are they considered unprofitable? [06:11]
4. According to the sermon, what is the significance of the simplicity of the gospel, and how does it contrast with ceremonialism? [42:01]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the sermon interpret the meaning of "flesh" and "spirit" in the context of religious practices? What implications does this have for modern worship? [03:51]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that true spiritual life is a gift from God? How is this gift marked by faith in Jesus Christ? [35:21]
3. How does the sermon’s critique of ornate worship forms challenge contemporary church practices? What might be the underlying message for believers today? [20:07]
4. What does the sermon imply about the role of personal faith and inward emotions in true worship? How does this relate to the concept of spiritual vitality? [05:23]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own spiritual practices. Are there any rituals or ceremonies you participate in that might be more about the "flesh" than the "spirit"? How can you shift your focus to a more genuine spiritual connection with God? [29:27]
2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of a personal relationship with Jesus. How can you cultivate a deeper, more personal connection with Christ in your daily life? [05:23]
3. Consider the role of the Holy Spirit in your life. How can you be more open to the Spirit’s transformative power and guidance? [31:51]
4. The sermon calls for a return to the simplicity of the gospel. What steps can you take to simplify your faith and focus on the core message of Jesus? [42:01]
5. How do you engage in worship? Are there ways you can ensure that your worship is a true spiritual act that engages your heart and spirit? [29:27]
6. Think about the last time you relied on external forms of religion rather than a personal faith. What changes can you make to prioritize your spiritual relationship with God? [05:23]
7. Identify one area in your life where you might be tempted to rely on ceremonialism or external attractions. How can you refocus on the simple preaching of the cross and the words of Jesus? [42:01]

Devotional

Day 1: Inward Connection with God Over Outward Observance
True spirituality is not found in external religious practices but in the inward connection with God. The flesh, representing outward observances, profits nothing without the Spirit's quickening power. This calls for a focus on the heart's engagement with God rather than mere ritualistic practices. The essence of spiritual life is not in the rituals we perform but in the genuine relationship we cultivate with God. This relationship is marked by a heartfelt connection that transcends the physical acts of worship and delves into a deeper communion with the divine. [01:35]

"For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit." (Romans 14:17, ESV)

Reflection: What is one ritual or religious practice you engage in regularly? How can you ensure that it is a reflection of your genuine relationship with God rather than just a routine?


Day 2: Spiritual Vitality Beyond Ritualism
The sermon critiques the belief in the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist and other ritualistic practices as examples of fleshly religion. It argues that these practices lack spiritual vitality and do not contribute to genuine spiritual life. True communion with Christ is a spiritual act, not a physical one. The focus is on the inner transformation and spiritual reception of Christ, which goes beyond the physical elements of religious rituals. This calls for a deeper understanding of spiritual practices as means to connect with Christ rather than ends in themselves. [08:44]

"These have indeed an appearance of wisdom in promoting self-made religion and asceticism and severity to the body, but they are of no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh." (Colossians 2:23, ESV)

Reflection: Consider a religious practice you participate in. How can you shift your focus from the physical act to the spiritual connection it is meant to foster?


Day 3: Transformation Through the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is essential in transforming believers from spiritual deadness to vibrant life. This transformation is marked by faith in Jesus Christ and is a gift from God. Spiritual life is not achieved through external forms but through the Spirit's work in the heart. The Holy Spirit breathes life into our spiritual journey, enabling us to experience a profound transformation that is not dependent on rituals but on a living faith in Christ. This transformation is a testament to the Spirit's power to renew and invigorate our spiritual lives. [31:51]

"And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh." (Ezekiel 36:26, ESV)

Reflection: In what area of your life do you feel spiritually stagnant? How can you invite the Holy Spirit to bring transformation and renewal to that area today?


Day 4: Embracing the Simplicity of the Gospel
The sermon calls for a return to the simplicity of the gospel, relying on the words of Jesus, which are spirit and life. It warns against the temptation to rely on ceremonialism and external attractions, emphasizing the power of the simple preaching of the cross. The gospel's simplicity lies in its profound truth that transcends elaborate rituals and focuses on the core message of Christ's love and redemption. Embracing this simplicity allows believers to experience the fullness of the gospel's transformative power. [42:01]

"For Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel, and not with words of eloquent wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power." (1 Corinthians 1:17, ESV)

Reflection: How can you simplify your understanding and practice of the gospel to focus more on the core message of Christ's love and redemption?


Day 5: True Worship as Spiritual Engagement
True worship is a spiritual act that engages the heart and spirit. It is not about the physical act of attending church or participating in rituals but about the inward communion with God. The sermon challenges believers to seek a genuine spiritual relationship with God, beyond the external forms. True worship is characterized by an authentic engagement with God that transcends physical expressions and delves into a heartfelt connection with the divine. This form of worship is a reflection of a sincere and vibrant spiritual life. [29:27]

"But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him." (John 4:23, ESV)

Reflection: Reflect on your current worship practices. How can you deepen your spiritual engagement with God during worship, focusing on the heart and spirit rather than just the physical acts?

Quotes



It is not the eating of my flesh in a carnal way even if you could do it which would be of any service to you for that would be only feeding the flesh which profiteth nothing. A spiritual feeding can alone quicken and bless you. [00:01:04]

Flesh is external religion, the carnal part of it that which the eyes sees and the ear hears. Spirit is the inward part of religion, that which the soul understands receives, believes and feeds upon. This it is this spiritual element in religion which quickens it and makes it a living thing. [00:03:48]

True worship is a spiritual act that engages the heart and spirit. It is not about the physical act of attending church or participating in rituals but about the inward communion with God. The sermon challenges believers to seek a genuine spiritual relationship with God, beyond the external forms. [00:05:21]

The mere external the flesh except as the spirit quickens it profiteth nothing. This spiritual religion is consistent with the spiritual nature which God the Holy Ghost gives to us, and as Christ's teachings are themselves living and spiritual they are the proper food of spiritual men. [00:04:16]

The real inward spirit of man is not blessed by sounds which charm the ear but appeal not to the understanding, nor by colors which delight the eye but gladden not the affections of man. To gratify taste is well enough for the carnal but it profiteth nothing in the sight of God. [00:22:40]

The possession of a spiritual nature and the exercise of that spiritual nature in the ordinances quickens them. So it is with prayer, the mere act of speaking one form of words is of no more profit than the repeating of any other. [00:31:43]

The spiritual nature has for its author the divine Father. The 65th verse of the chapter in which our text is found tells us that no man can come unto Christ except to be given him of the Father. To be spiritual is a gift of God the Father. [00:34:34]

The new life is the actual operation of the Holy Spirit. No man becomes spiritual except the Holy Spirit enters into him. Deity comes into contact with humanity and quickens the spiritual man. The mark by which this spirituality is discovered is faith. [00:35:02]

True religion has always been spiritual, but mere professors have ever been content with the outward form alone. Among the Jews when symbols were abundant, the mass either stuck fast in the types and could get no father or else they went clean away to idolatry. [00:35:32]

The spirit quickeneth, but the flesh profiteth nothing. The Savior tells us in the closing sentence that his words are spirit and life. Beloved, never was there a more true sentence spoken. Listen to other teachers and you get precepts concerning washing eating, bowing etc which are fleshly. [00:39:09]

Our weapons are the words of Jesus these are spirit and these are life. Architecture, apparel, music liturgies, these are neither spirit nor life. Let those rest on them who will, we can do without them by God's help. [00:42:01]

Pray that the great and blessed spirit who first gives spiritual life may continue to feed and nourish and perfect that life in you until you shall come to that heaven where all is spiritual, where they need no candle nor light of the sun, where no temple is found. [00:43:22]

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Transcript
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