The Gospel Project® for Adults

POINT 2 THE SON ENABLES TRUE WORSHIP (JOHN 4:19-24).

19 “Sir,” the woman replied, “I see that you are a prophet.
20 Our ancestors worshiped on this mountain, but you Jews say
that the place to worship is in Jerusalem.”
21 Jesus told her, “Believe me, woman, an hour
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,
because salvation is from the Jews. 23 But an hour is coming,
and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship
the Father in Spirit and in truth. Yes, the Father wants
such people to worship him. 24 God is spirit, and those
who worship him must worship in Spirit and in truth.”

Explain:

Verses 19-20 (the bold words fill in blanks

Key Doctrine #90:

Worship:

While many reduce worship to an event or the singing
of worship songs, worship is first and foremost something
of the heart and extends to all areas of life. The aim and focus
of worship is God, giving Him the exact due of praise and adoration
that He deserves. Worship should be carried out not only
at a personal level within a Christian’s life but also in joining
with other Christians in the corporate act of worship and
stewarding our gifts for the glory of God. Corporate worship serves
to edify and strengthen other Christians, but it also serves
as a witness to non-believers of the greatness of God.

Explain:

Verses 21-24 (the bold words fill in blanks in the DDG):

True worship comes from knowing the truth of the identity and work
of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, and from being indwelt
by the Holy Spirit.

Discuss:

• Pass out copies of Pack Item 10: The Holy Spirit; then ask:
• Why are truth and the Holy Spirit necessary for our worship of God?
• (Jesus said we must worship in Spirit and truth;
• if we feel the indwelling of the Spirit but lack scriptural truth,
  our worship lacks depth;
• if we know the truth of Scripture but lack the work and power
  of the Spirit, our worship will lack heart;
• we cannot worship God rightly without knowing who He is
  and knowing how He has commanded us to worship Him,
  both of which He has revealed in His Word;
• the Holy Spirit ensures our fellowship with the Father and Jesus)

Transition:

Seeing that the gift the Son of Man brings is living water,
we will see He is the One who enables us to worship in Spirit
and in truth.