Meaning
of "Worship"
*
What do you think about when you think about "worship?"
*
One dictionary definition of "worship" is "reverence
offered a divine being or supernatural power; also: an act of
expressing such reverence."
What
Did Jesus Say?
*
Jesus had something to say about "true worship." Read
John 4:4-26.
1.
What is significant about Jesus talking to the Samaritan woman?
Samaritans
were "unclean" to Jews. This was a woman, and apparently
a woman who lacked honor. Jesus crosses cultural and social
boundaries in reaching out to this woman.
2.
What does Jesus mean we he speaks of giving "living water"
(cp. John 7:37-39)?
†
"Jesus said, 'If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me
and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said,
streams of living water will flow from within him.' By this
he meant the [Holy] Spirit, whom those who believed in him
were later to receive." (John 7:37-39, NIV)
3.
Why do you think Jesus asks about the woman's husband(s)?
4. Concerning "worship," what seems important to the
woman? How does Jesus respond?
5.
What does Jesus mean when he says true worshipers will worship
God in "spirit and truth?" (Consider John 14:6, 1:14)
Reflection & Application
>
Whom, or what, do you "worship?" To whom, or what,
do you give your supreme devotion? (It may not be a supernatural
being.) Is he/she or it truly worthy of worship? What does
your "worship" involve? If you are "religious,"
is location and ritual more important than relationship with
the one, true God? Jesus said, "true worshipers"
worship "in spirit and truth." Does this characterize
your "worship?"
>
As a Christian, how would you describe your worship? Is it
in accordance with Romans 12:1-2? Make Romans 12:1-2 your
daily prayer (at least for the next several days). Pray with
sincerity, "Lord, I offer my body as a living sacrifice
to you. I do not want to be conformed to the pattern of this
world. Transform me by the renewing of my mind."
Summary of Images (Lessons 2-8)
|
Lesson
|
Human
Condition / Situation
|
God's
Provision / Solution
|
Jesus'
Role
|
|
2,
4
|
Imprisoned,
In Captivity,
In Slavery (to sin)
(Luke 4:18-19; John 8:34)
|
Rescue,
Deliverance, Freedom (Luke 4:18-19; John 8:31-32, 36)
|
Savior,
Deliverer, Truth
|
|
3
|
Redemption,
Atonement
(Mark 10:45; 1 John 4:10)
|
Ransom,
Atoning Sacrifice
|
|
2
|
(Spiritual)
Blindness
(Luke 4:18)
|
Spiritual
Sight
(Luke 4:18)
|
Giver
of Sight
|
|
5
|
Dominion
of Darkness
(Colossians 1:13)
|
Kingdom
of God
(Mark 1:15; Colossians 1:13)
|
Prophet,
King (Messiah/Christ)
|
|
6
|
Broken
Relationship with God(Luke 15:11-19)
|
Grace,
Forgiveness, Restored Relationship (Luke 15:20-24)
|
Caller
to Repentance
|
|
7
|
(Spiritual)
Sickness (sinful heart)
(Luke 5:31-32)
|
Salvation,
Spiritual Health
(Luke 5:31-32)
|
"Doctor,"
Healer
|
|
8
|
(Spiritual)
Dryness, Thirst
(John 4:13-14)
|
Spiritual
Life-Giving Water
(John 7:37-38)
|
Giver
of Life
|
