Who We Are – Those who Worship by the Spirit of God
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“For it is we who are the circumcision, we who worship by the Spirit of God, who glory in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh” (Philippians 3:3)
The second aspect of Paul’s definition of who we are in Christ is: we are the ones who worship by the Spirit of God. To worship means to show reverence, honor and intense love, as well as to perform acts of service, toward an object or being. Although others may worship celebrities, sports heroes or less tangible idols like money, success or power, as believers we worship the living God.
Not only is who we worship critical, but also how we worship. We worship by the Spirit of God. Therefore our worship flows not from our humanity, but from God who dwells within us.
Jesus told the Samaritan woman, “[A] time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and His worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth.” (John 4:23, 24)
No longer are we trapped in the mold of the Old Testament days where the High Priest approached God on our behalf with the blood of animals. Because of Jesus’ sacrifice, His Spirit lives within us, allowing us to enter into the very presence of God. Our acts of worship are not external rituals that draw attention to us, but rather they are acts of surrender and service with our whole heart, body, mind and spirit, made possibly through the Holy Spirit.
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God – this is your spiritual act of worship.” (Romans 12:1)
Thank you, Holy God, for making a way for me to worship you in spirit and in truth.
Questions: What does worshiping in spirit and in truth look like in your life? How have you been challenged to make sure your worship is not merely an external ritual?
