The Kind of Worship Jesus Desires – John 4.24
Introduction: Every week millions throughout the world engage in some activity they call “Worship.”  There may be 2 or 3 present or 2 or 3 thousand present.  It may take place in a living room, a rented place, a huge church building or a cathedral, or no room at all.  It may range from strict ritualism, to orderly but yet informal, to casual, to not order at all.  Yet it is called worship by those involved.  
I) What Is Worship? 
A) Worship comes from the Anglo-Saxon “worth- ship” declaring worth. 
B) Greek word PROSKUNEO means, “To kiss the hand toward; do reverence to, adore, give homage.” 
C) Worship always has an object, Romans 1.23-25.  Something is being worshipped. 
D) Worship involves activity; paying homage, offering gifts, serving the Lord. 
II) Why Do We Worship? 
A) It is commanded, John 4.24; Revelation 19.4-5, 10; 22.8-9. 
1. It is not optional. 
B) Worship shows respect to God and give Him glory, Revelation 4.9-11. 
1. During this time God is to be the emphasis in our worship. 
2. To be directed toward God. 
C) We acknowledge God as our creator by worshipping Him, Revelation 14.7. 
1. In essence we are giving God, His due.  
D)  Worship is directed toward what we really love, Matthew 22.37. 
III) Types of Worship Which Are Unacceptable
A) Will worship, Colossians 2.20-23 
1. Worship where the worshipper determines the act or acts of worship. 
2. Self-made, subject to popular ideas and emotions. 
B)  Ignorant worship, Acts 17.22-23 (Superstition) 
1.  Without knowledge of the subject (this type of worship may be by rote) 
2. Without any knowledge of any procedure (What is commanded). 
C) Vain worship, Matthew 15.7-9
1. Additions/subtractions; ritualistic/stereotyped
2. With no purpose in mind, no object, no purpose, no heart. 
IV) True Worship 
A) In Jesus’ day worship was in specific places, John 4.20-22
1. The place has changed, John 4.23; Matthew 18.20
B) A closer look at John 4.24
1. “Must” – to be obligated or required by morality, law, or custom. 
a. That which is necessary for our worship to be acceptable
2. The object of our worship is God. 
3. The attitude in our worship is “in spirit.”  
a. The inner part of man, Ephesians 5.19
4. The standard or worship is “in truth”
a. Truth regulates everything, John 17.17
C) Worship is defined by the Bible, Acts 2.42. 
1. Apostles doctrine, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayers. 
2. Singing, Hebrews 2.12. 
V) Barriers To Worship
A) The commandments of men, Matthew15.7-9
B) Idolatry, 1 Corinthians 10.7.  God will not share His people, nor will he share His glory with another. 
C) Formalism, ritualism, 2 Timothy 3.5. 
1. We may be doing the right things but without the right spirit. 
D) Unresolved personal conflicts, Matthew 5.23-26. 
E) Anger and doubt, 1 Timothy 2.8. 
F) Lack of humility (Desiring to elevate self) Luke 18.10-14. 
Conclusion: The Word of God tells us what to do and how to do it.  All that remains is to humbly comply with the kind of worship Jesus desires.