True Worship: A Heartfelt Encounter with God

Devotional

Day 1: Worship in Spirit and Truth

True worshippers must worship God in spirit and in truth, aligning their hearts and minds with the reality of who God is and what He desires. Worship is not merely an outward act or ritual, but a deep communion between the human spirit and the Spirit of God, made possible by the Holy Spirit. This kind of worship transcends physical expressions and reaches into the very core of our being, requiring authenticity and a genuine connection with God. The Father is actively seeking those who will approach Him in this way, not according to human preferences, but according to His terms. [00:41]

John 4:23-24 (ESV)
"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. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth."

Reflection: In what ways can you intentionally invite the Holy Spirit to guide your worship today, ensuring it is both sincere and aligned with God’s truth?

Day 2: The Fragrance of Worship

Worship is likened to frankincense—an offering that, when burned, releases a beautiful fragrance pleasing to God. Just as frankincense was wholly reserved for God in the Old Testament sacrifices, there is a part of our worship that belongs to God alone and is not meant for any human recognition or reward. This pure worship rises to God as a sweet aroma, not because of its outward beauty, but because of its sincerity and devotion. It is a reminder that our worship is for God’s pleasure, not for the approval of others. [03:31]

Leviticus 2:1-2 (ESV)
"When anyone brings a grain offering as an offering to the Lord, his offering shall be of fine flour. He shall pour oil on it and put frankincense on it and bring it to Aaron’s sons the priests. And he shall take from it a handful of the fine flour and oil, with all of its frankincense, and the priest shall burn this as its memorial portion on the altar, a food offering with a pleasing aroma to the Lord."

Reflection: How can you offer your worship to God today in a way that is meant for Him alone, without seeking recognition from others?

Day 3: Worship That Endures the Fire

God desires worship that can withstand testing and trials, not worship that is sweet only on the surface but falls apart under pressure. Just as honey turns into a black, sticky mess when burned, insincere worship cannot endure the refining fire of God. True worship, like frankincense, becomes even more fragrant when tested. This calls for self-examination: are we offering God words and actions that we are willing to live out, or are we presenting Him with empty sweetness that will not last? [05:24]

Leviticus 2:11 (ESV)
"No grain offering that you bring to the Lord shall be made with leaven, for you shall burn no leaven nor any honey as a food offering to the Lord."

Reflection: Is there any area of your worship or prayer life where you are offering God “honey”—words or actions that sound sweet but lack true commitment? What would it look like to offer Him something that endures?

Day 4: Union with God in the Spirit

Worship is the means by which our spirits are united with God’s Spirit, forming a deep and intimate connection that goes beyond physical or emotional experiences. Just as physical union produces fruit, spiritual union with God through worship leads to spiritual productivity and growth. This union is not casual or superficial; it is a profound joining that transforms and empowers believers to bear fruit for God’s kingdom. [07:34]

1 Corinthians 6:16-17 (ESV)
"Or do you not know that he who is joined to a prostitute becomes one body with her? For, as it is written, 'The two will become one flesh.' But he who is joined to the Lord becomes one spirit with him."

Reflection: How can you cultivate a deeper spiritual union with God today, allowing your worship to draw you closer to Him and make you spiritually fruitful?

Day 5: Sincerity in Worship

Sincerity is essential in worship; God is not pleased with empty rituals or words that are not backed by genuine devotion. True worship requires honesty before God, bringing our real selves and not just a performance. When we approach God with sincerity, our worship becomes authentic and pleasing to Him, reflecting a heart that truly seeks after Him. [02:34]

Psalm 51:6 (ESV)
"Behold, you delight in truth in the inward being, and you teach me wisdom in the secret heart."

Reflection: What is one area where you need to be more honest and sincere with God in your worship or prayers today?

Sermon Summary

Worship is not merely an outward act or a routine, but a profound encounter between our spirit and the Spirit of God. Jesus, in His conversation with the Samaritan woman, reveals that the Father is actively seeking those who will worship Him in spirit and in truth. This means that worship is not about external forms or rituals, but about a genuine, heartfelt connection with God that is both empowered by the Holy Spirit and marked by sincerity. Our soul may be engaged in praise and thanksgiving, but true worship is the communion of our spirit with God’s Spirit, a relationship that is only possible through the work of the Holy Spirit within us.

Drawing from the Old Testament, the offering of frankincense in Leviticus serves as a powerful picture of worship. Frankincense, when burned, releases a beautiful fragrance, symbolizing worship that rises to God alone. Unlike other parts of the offering that may benefit others, the frankincense is reserved solely for God, reminding us that worship is never to be directed toward people, but only to the Lord. This fragrance is pleasing to God, not because of its outward appearance, but because of its essence—worship that is pure, sincere, and able to withstand the fire of testing.

In contrast, God forbids the use of leaven and honey in offerings. Honey, though sweet before the fire, becomes a black, sticky mess when burned. This illustrates the danger of offering God worship that is merely sweet words or empty sentiment—worship that cannot endure the trials and tests of life. God desires worship that grows sweeter under pressure, not worship that disintegrates when challenged.

Finally, Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 6 provide a vivid image of spiritual union. Just as physical union creates a bond, so worship is the means by which our spirit becomes united with God’s Spirit. This union is not only intimate but also fruitful, leading to spiritual productivity and growth. Worship, then, is the highest privilege and calling, drawing us into the very heart of God and making us spiritually fruitful.

Key Takeaways

1. God is actively seeking those who will worship Him in spirit and in truth. This is not about external performance, but about a deep, authentic relationship where our spirit communes with God’s Spirit. True worship is only possible through the enabling of the Holy Spirit, who brings us into a new dimension of intimacy with God. [00:41]
2. Sincerity is essential in worship. God is not impressed by outward displays or eloquent words if they are not matched by genuine devotion and honesty. Worship that is sincere is like frankincense—its fragrance is pleasing to God because it is real, not artificial or self-serving. [02:34]
3. The offering of frankincense in Leviticus teaches that there is a part of our devotion that belongs to God alone. Our worship is not for the benefit or approval of others, but is a sacred act directed solely to the Lord. This challenges us to examine whether our worship is truly God-centered or if we are seeking recognition from people. [04:35]
4. God warns against offering worship that cannot withstand testing, symbolized by honey that turns into a mess when burned. Authentic worship becomes sweeter and more pleasing to God when refined by trials, while insincere worship falls apart under pressure. We must ask ourselves if our worship is resilient and genuine, or merely pleasant words that fade in adversity. [06:03]
5. Worship is the means by which our spirit is united with God’s Spirit, leading to spiritual fruitfulness. Just as physical union produces life, spiritual union through worship results in growth, transformation, and productivity in our walk with God. This union is the source of all true spiritual vitality and effectiveness. [07:34]
** [07:34]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:41] - Jesus on True Worship
[01:30] - Spirit, Soul, and Body in Worship
[02:04] - The Role of the Holy Spirit
[02:34] - Sincerity and Truth in Worship
[03:31] - The Levitical Sacrifice and Frankincense
[04:35] - Worship Reserved for God Alone
[05:24] - The Danger of Leaven and Honey
[06:03] - Worship That Endures Testing
[06:43] - Spiritual Union in 1 Corinthians 6
[07:34] - Worship and Spiritual Fruitfulness
[08:00] - Final Reflections on Worship

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

John 4:23-24 — "But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth."

- Leviticus 2:1-2, 11
"When anyone offers a grain offering to the Lord, his offering shall be of fine flour. And he shall pour oil on it, and put frankincense on it. He shall bring it to Aaron’s sons, the priests, one of whom shall take from it his handful of fine flour and oil with all the frankincense; and the priest shall burn it as a memorial on the altar, an offering made by fire, a sweet aroma to the Lord... No grain offering which you bring to the Lord shall be made with leaven, for you shall burn no leaven nor any honey in any offering to the Lord made by fire."

- 1 Corinthians 6:16-17
"Do you not know that he who is joined to a harlot is one body with her? For 'the two,' He says, 'shall become one flesh.' But he who is joined to the Lord is one spirit with Him."

Observation Questions

According to Jesus in John 4, what kind of worshipers is the Father seeking? What does it mean to worship in "spirit and truth"? [00:41]
In Leviticus 2, what was the purpose of frankincense in the grain offering, and what was unique about how it was used? [03:31]
What does Paul say in 1 Corinthians 6 about being "joined to the Lord"? How does he compare this to physical union? [06:43]
What does the sermon say happens to honey when it is burned, and what does this illustrate about certain kinds of worship? [05:24]

Interpretation Questions

Why does Jesus emphasize that worship must be "in spirit and in truth"? What is the difference between outward acts of worship and true spiritual worship? [00:41]
The frankincense in Leviticus was burned entirely for God and not for people. What does this teach about the focus and purpose of our worship? [04:35]
The sermon contrasts worship that is like frankincense (grows sweeter under fire) with worship that is like honey (turns into a mess under fire). What does this say about the kind of worship God desires from us, especially during difficult times? [06:03]
Paul describes spiritual union with God as being "one spirit with Him." How does this image help us understand the depth and intimacy of worship? [07:34]

Application Questions

The sermon says God is actively seeking worshipers who will worship Him in spirit and truth. When you think about your own worship, do you focus more on outward actions or on connecting with God from your heart? What would it look like for you to shift your focus? [00:41]
Frankincense was reserved for God alone. Are there ways you find yourself seeking approval from others in your worship or spiritual life? How can you redirect your attention so your worship is truly for God and not for people? [04:35]
The sermon warns against worship that is "sweet" but cannot stand the fire of testing, like honey that turns into a mess. Can you think of a time when your faith or worship was tested? Did it grow stronger, or did it fall apart? What helped or hindered you? [06:03]
Sincerity is essential in worship. Are there areas where you feel your worship or prayers have become routine or insincere? What is one step you can take this week to bring more honesty and authenticity into your time with God? [02:34]
Paul says that being joined to the Lord in spirit leads to spiritual fruitfulness. In what ways have you seen worship lead to growth or transformation in your life? Is there an area where you want to see more spiritual fruit? [07:34]
The sermon describes worship as a privilege and a calling that draws us into the heart of God. How can you make space in your daily or weekly routine to prioritize this kind of worship? What might you need to let go of to make room for it? [08:00]
The offering in Leviticus was not to include leaven or honey. Are there "ingredients" in your life—attitudes, habits, or distractions—that might be getting in the way of pure worship? What is one thing you could change or surrender to God this week? [05:24]

Sermon Clips

But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and truth. For the Father is seeking such to worship Him. That's a remarkable statement, isn't it? Almighty God is seeking for those who will worship Him. [00:00:32]

But we have to worship Him according to His terms, in spirit and in truth. And then Jesus goes on in the next verse, God is spirit and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and in truth. [00:00:52]

So in worship, I believe it's our spirit that relates directly to God as spirit. See, according to the Bible, man consists of three elements. Spirit, soul, and body. I think our soul is very active in praise and thanksgiving. But when it comes to worship...then it's our Spirit in direct communion with God's Spirit. [00:01:13]

And we must worship Him in Spirit and in truth. Without the Holy Spirit, we really cannot worship Him. I think those of you who've had an experience of being filled with the Holy Spirit... will bear me out. It changes. It's the way you worship. You have a new dimension. [00:01:43]

That doesn't make us perfect or superior to other people, but it does release something in us that makes us capable of appreciating what worship ought to be. [00:02:08]

But it also says in truth. And truth, I believe, requires sincerity. And I really believe it's extremely important that we learn to be sincere in our worship. [00:02:19]

Frankincense in the Old Testament is a type of worship. And our offerings given to God also serve the ministers of God, the priesthood. But there's one part of our offering that never goes to anybody but God. That's the frankincense. The worship. [00:04:15]

How important it is to remember we do not offer worship to any human being... at any time, but only to the Lord. [00:04:36]

Now, frankincense is a kind of aromatic gum that comes from a tree. And when it's burned, it gives forth a beautiful fragrance. It has no real beauty in itself, but it has this beautiful fragrance. And that's what God wants. That's what our worship becomes to God, a beautiful aromatic fragrance... that rises up in its nostrils. [00:04:45]

On the other hand, there's one thing that must not be put on the offerings of God. If you look in verse 11 of the same chapter... No grain offering which you bring to the Lord shall be made with leaven...for you shall burn no leaven...nor any honey in offering to the Lord made by fire. [00:05:09]

Now honey, before it's in the fire, is sweet and tasty. But when it's burned, it becomes a black, sticky mess. And what the Lord is saying is, don't you offer to me any worship that won't stand the fire. [00:05:31]

Offer to me frankincense, because the more the fire, the sweeter it becomes. But don't offer to me worship, that when you're tested and tried, it becomes a black sticky mess. [00:05:49]

Think of that. Ask yourself, am I putting honey on my prayers? Or are they with frankincense? Am I telling God sweet things that I won't live out? Or am I offering praying to Him in spirit and in truth? [00:06:01]

Paul says, Do you not know that he who is joined to a harlot or a prostitute is one body with her? For the two, God says, shall become one flesh. But he who is joined to the Lord is one spirit with him. [00:06:43]

Now, we've got to be frank and see the contrast. The first example is physical, sexual, immoral union. But right together with that, parallel to that, Paul speaks about the one who is joined to the Lord in the spirit. In other words, there's two kinds of union. There's physical union and there's union in the spirit. [00:06:55]

What is worship? That's what it is. It's the only way our spirits can unite directly with God. And out of that union there comes procreation. Worship is what makes us spiritually productive. [00:07:24]

So, when you think about worship, think about your spirit... becoming united with God in one spirit. [00:07:45]

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