We sometimes refer to two different things that are somehow related to being two sides of the same coin. We might use this saying in connection with worshipping God. If the coin is worship, the sides are “spirit” and “truth.” While these are two different things, they are equally related to worship.
John 4:23-24 (ESV)
23 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. 24 God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.”
Without these two sides of the coin, there is no real worship. What does it mean to worship God in spirit and in truth? Let’s take a look.
The word “spirit” is used in a variety of ways in the New Testament. It is used most often to refer to the third person of the Godhead, that is, the Holy Spirit, being used in that capacity well over a hundred times. Biblical dictionaries such as Strong’s, Vine’s, and Thayer, tell us that the word is used to denote such things as “breath,” “a current of air,” and “mental disposition.” In John 4:24 it is used in this last way, that is, to denote our mental disposition or attitude.
We worship God in spirit when our minds are properly focused, and we have the right attitude. Paul had this in mind when he wrote Romans 12:1.
Romans 12:1 (ESV)
1 I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.
The word “spiritual” is from the Greek word “logikos” and refers to that which is rational and logical. The King James Version translates it as “reasonable.” Whenever we worship God, we must do so with proper respect and reverence. Never forget what our primary purpose for gathering to worship God is. It is to pay homage to Him, giving Him honor and praise. Make sure when you worship God you are not just going through the motions. Let us never allow our worship of God to turn into something casual and thoughtless. We must be emotionally and mentally invested in every act of worship we perform.
To worship God in truth is to do so according to His Word.
John 17:17 (ESV)
17 Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.
To worship God in truth we must follow the teachings of the Bible. God has not only told us how He wants to be worshipped, but also what He wants us to do. If we fail to follow the instructions that God has given us regarding worship, we are not worshipping acceptably. Cain found this out the hard way (Genesis 4:1-7). So did Nadab and Abihu (Leviticus 10:1-2). It does not matter what our attitude may be if we worship God in an unauthorized way. If we, like Nadab and Abihu, offer to God “strange fire,” our worship will be rejected.
Both of these elements must be present in our worship for it to be acceptable to God. They are two sides of the same coin. Truth only is not enough. Spirit alone will not prevail. As Jesus said, we must worship God in spirit AND in truth.
As you wind down for the night, think about these things.