A WORSHIPPER OF GOD John 9:31 I. Introduction. A. Examine text of John 9:31. B. Define worship: 1. Honor/reverence paid to worth; worthship. 2. Hebrew: "To fall or prostrate one's self." C. Bodily movements are expressions of inward emotions--worship is expression of soul. D. What is acceptable worship today and where should it take place? II. Body. A. In every age acceptable worship was conditioned on man doing the will of God. 1. The "Patriarchs." a. Direct communication. b. Individual commands(examples). c. Used: Animal sacrifice and "priest." 2. Law of Moses. a. Through Levitical priesthood. b. Sacrifice and altar. 3. Law of Christ. a. Rendered by each: I Peter 2:5. b. Sacrifice and altar. B. Our worship must conform to God's will(as in any age). 1. Are not all acceptable in worship just so they are trying to serve God? 2. Worship must: a. Have the right object: John 4:22. b. Must be lawful: John 4:24. c. To remain pure. d. Display the right attitude. (1 Sincere: Hebrews 10:22. (2 Cheerful: I Thessalonians 5:16. e. In the right manner. (1 Activities. (2 Have the proper avenue. f. Universal. (1 Not confined by nations: John 4:21. (2 Not confined by names. (3 Not confined by languages: I Corinthians 9:22. (4 Worship is a matter of association rather than place.(Home, river bank, etc.) g. Intelligent. (1. Not to be mechanical. (2. Decently and in order. (3. Understand the meaning of what is taking place. (Lord's Supper; songs; prayers; etc.) (4. Do you need a technical knowledge?(As speech, music, etc.). C. One's worship may be: 1. Out of date: John 4:2. a. Under terms of Law of Moses. b. Anything not practised by the New Testament church. 2. Out of ignorance: Acts 17:23. a. Do we understand why we do various activities? b. Do we understand what to do? 3. In vain: Matthew 15:9. a. Any worship devised by man is a reversion to: Romans 1:25. b. The elevation of man. (1 When we do as men commands: Colossians 2:18. (2 When we elevate men above God: II Thessalonians 2:4. D. Man can acceptably worship God in the present. 1. Note the OT prophecy: Isaiah 66:23. 2. Paul's affirmation: Philippians 3:3. 3. And--what Jesus said: John 4:24. III. Conclusion. A. Worship is a privilege of Christians. B. An understanding of worship increases its meanings.-jy