Wednesday, 25th September, 2024
By Pastor Chris Oyakhilome
“For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh” (Philippians 3:3 KJV).
As referenced in our previous study, true worship is of the spirit; a spirit-to-Spirit fellowship or communion. True worship has nothing to do with how you feel or how melodious a song might sound. And that’s where some have missed it. An entire service or worship segment could go by without some Christians truly responding to God with their spirits. They may sing along and go through the motions of worship, but their minds are distracted, and their spirits aren't engaged.
This disconnect happens because they haven't learned how to discipline their spirits to respond to Him with their spirits. For example, singing to God is more than just singing songs or mouthing words with our lips. It's about engaging your heart and spirit in worship. Similarly, dancing in the flesh will never help. True worship goes beyond external gestures—it involves the inward attitude and posture of our hearts.
Whenever you’re worshipping the Lord, whether on your own or with others in church, the first thing is to quickly withdraw your thoughts from distractions. Actively and immediately engage with your spirit, and focus on the Lord, worshipping Him in spirit and truth, and not controlled by the rhythm of the drums and instruments of music.
The Lord Jesus said, “But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth” (John 4:23-24). So, consciously direct your heart to offer Him genuine praise, adoration, and thanksgiving from the depths of your heart.
Remember, we’re called to walk in the Spirit. Galatians 5:16 says, “This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.” Worshipping the Lord with your spirit should be your natural and habitual way of life. Always remember the call to "walk in the Spirit" whenever you worship the Lord; it removes worship from a superficial exercise. Rather, it becomes, for you, the recognition and appreciation of the goodness, blessings, kindness and righteousness of God. It is the thankful confession of His character, love and grace.
PRAYER/CONFESSION
"Dear Father, thank you for the privilege of worshipping you in spirit and in truth. My worship is a profound expression of my love, gratitude, and reverence for you. My heart is filled with sincere adoration and praise to you for your greatness, your love, faithfulness and grace that endures forever, in Jesus' Name. Amen."
FURTHER STUDY
John 4:22-24 AMPC; Ephesians 5:18-19; Colossians 3:16-17
1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
Ephesians 2:11-22; Isaiah 15-18
2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
2 Timothy 1:1-18; Jeremiah 43
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