Chapter 5 - Worship in Spirit (Contrast of Religious and Christian Worship)
Herein
lies the great difference between religious worship and true Christian
worship: Religious worship originates in the flesh, or in the outer
man. Christian worship originates in the Spirit, or in the innermost
man. Religious worship is based on human performance. Christian worship
is a work of the grace of God in the heart of man. Religious worship
attempts to build an inward relationship with God by outward works.
Christina worship is a result of an inward relationship with God where
the Spirit of God freely flows outward, producing works of God's
righteousness. Religious worship honors the worshiper. Christian
worship honors the One worshipped. Religious worship compares itself to
the worship of others. Christian worship sees only the glory of Jesus.
True
Christian worship doesn't originate from the outside. It originates
from the innermost part of our being. True worship springs forth from
the heart that has been graced by God. For there to be true worship,
there must be a spiritual rebirth in the innermost part of our lives.
Jesus said, "God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in
spirit and truth" (John 4:24).
No worship is wholly pleasing to God until there is nothing in me displeasing to God.
A.W. Tozer
Who
may ascend into the hill of the Lord? who may stand in His holy place?
he who has clean hands and a pure heart, who has not lifted up his soul
to falsehood, and has not sworn deceitfully. Psalm 24:3-4
Every
generation and culture builds its own idols, and this generation is no
different. There are four gods that are obvious these days. It's
interesting to note that in many of the scandals of the Christian
church in recent years, one or more of these "gods" has been associated
with the scandals.
