Beyond the Scriptures

True Worship: From Dedication to Revelation

Discovering Genuine Faith

This message tackles the importance of genuine faith and knowledge of God, rather than simply religious rituals or scripture study.

In our journey of faith, we can sometimes mistake dedication for true belief. This was evident in Berea, where people were committed to scriptures, constantly reading and searching them. One might assume that such dedication equates to being born again. Yet, it was only after Paul's preaching that they believed. Their prior devotion to the scriptures alone did not lead to true salvation.

From Scriptures to God

Paul's travels brought him to places where people worshiped an unknown God with great dedication. Their worship was sincere but lacked the knowledge of the true God. Paul did not introduce a new God but revealed the true identity of the God they were already worshiping. This highlights the importance of knowing God personally rather than just practicing rituals.

The Role of Scriptures and the Spirit

Jesus addressed this misconception when He said, "You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me" (John 5:39). Scriptures, while inspired by the Spirit, do not themselves impart life. It is the Spirit that gives life, and the scriptures point us to the Spirit, but they cannot substitute the life-giving relationship with God.

Beyond Intellectual Understanding

Many believe that their deep understanding and love for the scriptures ensure their salvation. However, true belief goes beyond intellectual grasp. In Berea, despite their rigorous study of the scriptures, the people only came to faith after encountering the message of Christ through Paul.

True Worship in Spirit and Truth

Jesus told the Samaritan woman, "The hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth" (John 4:23). True worship transcends physical locations like mountains or Jerusalem and is grounded in the Spirit and truth. Worship should be informed by a true knowledge of God, not by ignorance or tradition.

Knowledge-Based Worship

Many believers today, like those in Athens, worship what they do not know. Ignorance-based worship lacks the depth and power of a relationship founded on the truth of God's nature and character. This year, let’s strive to correct this by seeking a deeper understanding of God.

The Danger of Ignorance-Based Worship

Praying for hours or engaging in worship without true knowledge of God results in a shallow spiritual experience. True worship and effective prayer are driven by an intimate understanding of God’s truth. It’s essential to seek the truth about God and allow that truth to transform our worship.

Knowing God Personally

True worshipers are identified by their worship in spirit and truth. This worship is characterized by a deep, personal knowledge of God. It’s crucial to desire the truth more than any form of religious activity. Understanding God’s nature and His desires for us should be the foundation of our worship and prayers.

Conclusion: Embracing True Worship

In summary, dedication to scriptures and religious practices, while commendable, is not enough for true salvation and worship. True belief comes from knowing and encountering the living God. Worshiping in spirit and truth requires an intimate knowledge of God, driven by the revelation of His Spirit. As we move forward, let us seek to know God more deeply, ensuring that our worship is based on truth and our relationship with Him is genuine. This true knowledge will transform our worship and bring us closer to Him.