Worshiping in Spirit and Truth: Returning to Jesus

Devotional

Day 1: Worship Transforms Us Into God’s Likeness

Worship is not for God’s benefit, but for ours, as it shapes us into His image. When we turn our attention to God in worship, we are changed from the inside out, becoming more like Him in character and love. Just as children imitate those they admire, we too become like what we focus on and adore. God calls us to worship not because He needs our praise, but because He desires to transform us, helping us grow into the likeness for which we were created. As we worship, our hearts and lives are realigned with His purposes, and we are drawn closer to His heart. [43:49]

John 4:19-24 (NIV)
“Sir,” the woman said, “I can see that you are a prophet. Our ancestors worshiped on this mountain, but you Jews claim that the place where we must worship is in Jerusalem.”
“Woman,” Jesus replied, “believe me, a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. You Samaritans worship what you do not know; we worship what we do know, for salvation is from the Jews. Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.”

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you notice you are becoming like what you focus on most—how can you intentionally shift your focus to God in worship this week?

Day 2: True Worship Is Centered on Spirit and Truth

God seeks worship that is genuine, not bound by rituals or location, but rooted in spirit and truth. True worship is not about performing certain actions in a specific place, but about turning our hearts toward God wherever we are. It is possible to go through the motions of worship and miss the point entirely if our focus is not on God Himself. Jesus teaches that what matters is the authenticity of our worship—our willingness to engage with God honestly and wholeheartedly, allowing Him to be the center of our devotion. [46:50]

John 4:23-24 (NIV)
“Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.”

Reflection: When you gather for worship—at church or at home—how can you intentionally focus your heart on God rather than on the rituals or surroundings?

Day 3: Rituals Are Tools, Not the Point

Rituals and traditions can help us worship, but they must always point us to Jesus, not become the focus themselves. Singing, reciting creeds, and praying familiar prayers are valuable practices, but they are only helpful when they direct our attention to God. It is easy to become preoccupied with doing things “the right way” or making worship services polished, but if we lose sight of Jesus, we miss the heart of worship. God delights in our offerings, not because of their perfection, but because we bring them to Him with sincere hearts. [48:55]

Colossians 3:16-17 (NIV)
Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Reflection: Think about a ritual or tradition you practice—how can you use it this week to draw your attention more fully to Jesus?

Day 4: Regularly Recenter Your Focus on Jesus

We all tend to drift in our focus, so we must regularly check and recenter our hearts on Christ. Just as a traveler in the woods needs a focal point to avoid walking in circles, we need to pause and make sure our lives are oriented toward Jesus. It is easy to become distracted by routines, preferences, or even good intentions, but God invites us to return to Him again and again. Each time we gather for worship or spend time in prayer, it is an opportunity to come back to the heart of worship and let God realign our hearts with His. [49:51]

Hebrews 12:1-2 (NIV)
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Reflection: What is one practical way you can pause and recenter your focus on Jesus during your daily routine this week?

Day 5: Our Identity Is Rooted in God’s Love, Not Our Performance

Our worth and identity are not found in how well we worship or serve, but in the unchanging love God has for us. It is easy to measure ourselves by our devotion, our actions, or our faithfulness, but God’s love is the foundation of who we are. Even when our love falters or our efforts fall short, His love remains steadfast. Remembering that we are beloved by God frees us from striving and allows us to worship and serve out of gratitude rather than obligation. [58:07]

Romans 8:38-39 (NIV)
For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Reflection: In what ways have you been measuring your worth by your performance or devotion—how can you rest today in the truth that your identity is rooted in God’s unchanging love for you?

Sermon Summary

Today’s gathering was a beautiful reminder of the ways God invites us to participate in His love—both in tangible acts of service and in the posture of our hearts. We began by lifting up the needs of our community in prayer, emphasizing the importance of intercession and the privilege of carrying one another’s burdens. The ministry of the handmade bears for Cata’s Promise was a vivid example of how small acts, crafted with love, can become conduits of God’s comfort for children in distress. These bears are more than just gifts; they are reminders that no one is alone, even in the hardest transitions of life.

We also welcomed new members into our church family, celebrating the Spirit’s leading in drawing people together for mutual encouragement and service. Membership is not a status or a club, but a commitment to journey together, to “do battle” as a platoon in the Lord’s army, supporting one another in faith and mission.

Turning to John 4, the encounter between Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well, we explored the heart of worship. The woman’s question about the right place to worship led us to consider why God calls us to worship at all. It’s not because God needs our attention, but because worship transforms us. We become like what we worship. When our focus is on God, He shapes us into His likeness. Rituals—songs, prayers, creeds—are helpful, but they are not the point. Jesus is the center. True worship is not about location or ritual, but about turning our hearts to God in spirit and in truth, wherever we are.

We reflected on the danger of making worship about our preferences or performance, rather than about God Himself. The story of the English church that stripped away all its music and sound systems challenged us to ask: What are we bringing as our offering to God? Are we consumers of worship, or participants? God desires our hearts, not our perfection. Like a grandparent cherishing a child’s drawing, God delights in our sincere, if imperfect, offerings.

Our identity is not rooted in our devotion to God, but in His unwavering love for us. We need to return, again and again, to the heart of worship—making Jesus our focus, letting His love transform us, and responding to His grace with gratitude and surrender. As we go from here, may we carry this posture of worship into every part of our lives, remembering that it’s all about Jesus.

Key Takeaways

1. Worship Transforms Us Into God’s Likeness Worship is not for God’s benefit, but for ours. As we focus on Him, we are shaped into His image. Just as children imitate those they admire, we become like what we worship. This is why God calls us to worship—not to satisfy His need, but to fulfill our deepest need for transformation. [43:49]
2. Rituals Are Tools, Not the Center Rituals—songs, prayers, traditions—are valuable only as long as they point us to Jesus. When rituals become the focus, we risk missing the heart of worship. God uses these practices to draw us closer, but they must never replace the centrality of Christ in our worship. [48:55]
3. True Worship Is About Spirit and Truth Jesus teaches that true worship is not about location or external forms, but about engaging God with our whole being—spirit and truth. This means worship can happen anywhere, at any time, as we turn our hearts toward Him. It’s a continual invitation to authenticity and presence before God. [46:50]
4. Our Identity Is Rooted in God’s Love Our worth is not measured by our devotion or performance, but by God’s steadfast love for us. Like John, “the disciple whom Jesus loved,” we are called to rest in the security of God’s affection, letting that truth shape our identity and our worship.

** [58:07]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[15:06] - Prayer Requests and Intercession
[15:39] - Introduction to Cata’s Promise Bears
[16:19] - Blessing the Bears and Ministry Vision
[17:41] - Praying Over the Bears
[18:14] - Prayer for the Service
[28:39] - Welcoming New Members
[30:27] - The Meaning of Church Membership
[32:11] - Blessing New Members
[33:33] - Offering and Giving
[34:07] - Children’s Dismissal and Scripture Introduction
[39:54] - Reading John 4:19-24
[41:26] - Why Does God Call Us to Worship?
[43:49] - We Become Like What We Worship
[46:50] - Worship in Spirit and Truth
[48:55] - The Role of Rituals in Worship
[50:51] - The Danger of Consumer Worship
[53:35] - Returning to the Heart of Worship
[58:07] - Our Identity in God’s Love
[62:48] - Closing Prayer and Sending Forth

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

John 4:19-24 (NIV) — 19 “Sir,” the woman said, “I can see that you are a prophet. 20 Our ancestors worshiped on this mountain, but you Jews claim that the place where we must worship is in Jerusalem.”
21 “Woman,” Jesus replied, “believe me, a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. 22 You Samaritans worship what you do not know; we worship what we do know, for salvation is from the Jews. 23 Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. 24 God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.”

Observation Questions

What question did the Samaritan woman ask Jesus about worship, and how did Jesus respond? (John 4:19-24)
According to the sermon, what are some examples of rituals or traditions that people use in worship today? [48:17]
What was the purpose of the handmade bears for Cata’s Promise, and how did the church pray over them? [16:19]
In the story about the English church, what happened when all the music and sound systems were removed from worship? [51:39]

Interpretation Questions

Why does Jesus say that true worship is not about location or external rituals, but about worshiping “in spirit and in truth”? What does this mean for how we approach God? (John 4:23-24)
The sermon says, “We become like what we worship.” How does focusing on God in worship shape who we are? [43:49]
The pastor described church membership as joining a “platoon in the Lord’s army” rather than a club. What does this say about the purpose of being part of a church family? [30:27]
The sermon warns about making worship about our preferences or performance. What are some dangers of becoming “consumers” of worship instead of participants? [50:51]

Application Questions

The sermon challenged us to ask, “What are you bringing as your offering to God?” When you come to worship—on Sunday or in daily life—what do you honestly bring? Is it your heart, your attention, or just your presence? [52:33]
Think about the rituals or traditions you value in worship (songs, prayers, creeds, etc.). Are there any that have become more important to you than focusing on Jesus himself? How can you use these rituals to point your heart back to Christ? [48:55]
The story of the handmade bears showed how small acts of service can be a way to share God’s love. Is there a simple act of kindness or service you can do this week to remind someone they are not alone? [16:19]
The sermon said, “Our identity is not rooted in our devotion to God, but in His unwavering love for us.” Do you ever find yourself measuring your worth by how well you perform spiritually? How can you remind yourself that God’s love is the foundation of your identity? [58:07]
The pastor shared that he needs to “come back to the heart of worship” every week. What helps you refocus on Jesus when you get distracted by life, routines, or preferences? Is there a practice you want to try this week to help you return to the heart of worship? [58:07]
In what ways have you been a “consumer” of worship—focusing on what you get out of it—rather than a participant who brings something to God? What is one step you can take to shift your mindset? [50:51]
When was the last time you prayed for someone else’s needs or carried someone’s burden in prayer? How can you make intercession a regular part of your worship and daily life? [15:06]

Sermon Clips

Have you ever asked the question of why God wants us to worship Him? Because when I was new to Christ, I asked that question and I couldn't come up with a very good answer. My question was actually phrased more like, Is God just a lonely old man up in the sky and He needs our attention? And He's just hungry for our attention? Well, I can tell you that's not the correct answer. But I didn't know any better at the time. And so if we don't answer that question, sometimes we look at it as what God is asking for us to do for Him. As though our worship of Him is for Him. [00:41:36] (43 seconds) #WorshipTransformsUs

But the truth that I've now learned years later is God calls us to worship Him for us. See, if you have kids or you've ever been around kids or you were a kid, then you can clearly see the truth behind this. We become like what we worship. How many times have you seen a new music artist come out and kids flock to that music artist and it doesn't matter who it is from what generation, but not only are they fans of them, but then they start cutting their hair like them and then they start dressing like them and then they even start talking like them. [00:42:19] (41 seconds) #TrueWorshipMatters

We become like what we worship. And so when God calls us to worship him, it's not because he needs our worship, but he's transforming us into his likeness. We are made in the image of God, made to grow into the likeness of God. And so the way he does that is through as we worship him, as we turn and put our attention on him instead of everything else, then he starts to work that difference in our lives. [00:43:50] (29 seconds) #WorshipEverywhere

Did you hear that? Did you catch what he said? Because I didn't catch it the first few times. That the true worshipers will worship... Oh, well, let's just stop there. The true worshipers? Doesn't that imply that there's false worshipers? Can I tell you that today, among us here today, there are true worshipers and there are false worshipers. And I have a list right here. If I read your name, I need you to spell it. I don't know the difference. I can't see that. It's not something external. [00:44:43] (41 seconds) #RitualsGuideNotDefine

But there is a way to worship God in a false manner. And there is a way to worship God in a true manner, which is what God is seeking his people to do. He's drawing his people to. And so what does it mean to worship God in a true manner? What does it mean to worship him in a false manner? And, gosh, we might want to check our hearts and make sure of which category we're in. [00:45:24] (24 seconds) #StayFocusedOnGod

And Jesus was telling her the day is coming and is now here when it's not going to matter about those rituals. It's going to matter that we turn our focus to him and that we worship him in spirit and in truth. We worship who he truly is, and we worship him in our spirits. And in that way, it's no longer about a place. It's not about coming to a particular location to worship God. [00:46:34] (30 seconds) #HeartOfWorship

When you come here on Sunday morning, I hope and pray that you worship God as true worship. When you leave out of here and you go home at night and you go to bed and you get up on Monday morning and you go to work, wherever you may work, or doctor's office you go visit because you have an appointment, or grocery store that you go shopping at because if you don't work and don't have a doctor's appointment, Monday morning is a really good time to shop. So wherever you go Monday morning, I hope and pray that you worship God there in spirit and in truth as a true worshiper. [00:47:03] (31 seconds) #GodsLoveIsOurIdentity

What rituals do we have that we utilize to worship God? Well, we have a lot of them, don't we? Depending on who you are and what your past is, some are going to be more important to you than others. I have a list of rituals. Singing songs is a ritual. Saying the Gloria Padre, the Apostles' Creed. All of these things are rituals. Praying the Lord's Prayer. So are rituals bad? Absolutely not. If they were bad, why would God give them to us? They are there to help us in this process, but we can't make them the point. [00:48:14] (39 seconds) #FocusOnJesusNotPerfection

Did you catch what he was saying in the song? He was talking about coming back to the heart of worship and recognizing that it's all about Jesus that it's not about anything else. That it's not about whether or not we sing the songs that we like or we do the traditions that we like or that we have anything the way we like because it's not about us. [00:53:35] (27 seconds)

My favorite pastoral quote ever that you'll hear me say a lot is from a guy named Francis Chan. Someone came up to Francis Chan after the service. He's had a large church in California. 15,000 or so huge bigger church. You can go find 50 books by him. He's well known. But he said they came up to him afterwards and they said Pastor? I didn't like the song we sang today. He said oh good honey because we wasn't singing it to you. I say that in humor. I will say that as a quote here. I'll probably never say that answer to an individual but it's true. [00:54:02] (42 seconds)

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