2013 FEBRUARY WEEK TWO LESSON

STUDY 12: WORSHIP IN THE NEW TESTAMENT

 

MAIN TEXT: John 4:1-26

MEMORY VERSE: John 4:24

 

Having looked at worship as was practiced in the Old Testament, it is necessary to look at its practice in the New Testament. In particular we shall pay attention to the low level of outward rituals and locations, as well as the high premium that God places on purity of heart and character in worship in New Testament times. The lesson is expected to guide us to worship God as He expects.

During the time of Jesus the Jews boasted of their templeworship in Jerusalem, whiles the Samaritans boasted of Mount Gerizim as the right place of worship. But Jesus proved both the Jews and the Samaritans wrong so far as true worship is concerned.      ``         

 

STUDY QUESTIONS

1.      From the previous and current studies, how is worship in the New Testament different from worship in the Old Testament?

2.      Where is the best place to worship God? John 4:20-24

3.      How do true worshippers worship God? John 4:23

4.      According to the study, what does it mean to worship God in spirit and in truth?

5.      How does a person’s character influence the way they worship God?

 

 

CONCLUSION: God is Spirit, so those who worship him must worship in spirit and in truth.” (John 4:24, NLT). The implication is that there are true worshippers as well as false worshippers. False worshippers are those who worship in the flesh, (they worship for worshipping sake).  These people may sing, clap, kneel or follow all the motions of worship, but it may only be formality or a show. True worshippers are those who worship God from the heart.  God is always looking for such people. He expects us to put aside all hypocrisy and to worship Him with sincerity of heart and motive.