[Scripture Reading: John 4:24]

A. It is impossible for mortal man to improve upon the pattern that God has given us for worshiping Him.

B. If we wish to be pleasing to Him, we must seek to conform to the pattern that He in His wisdom has established.

I. God established a pattern for worship in the Old Testament.

A. God specified the place where Israel was to worship Him (Deuteronomy 12:1-6,13-14; Jeremiah 7:12; 1 Kings 9:3).

B. God specified the time for the various acts of worship and the offerings they were to bring (Deuteronomy 16:16-17; Leviticus 23).

C. God also specified who was to officiate in the ritual proceedings (Numbers 3:5-13; Exodus 28:1).

II. God has established a pattern in the New Testament as well.

A. God has again specified the time and “place” for our worship (Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 16:2).

B. God has specified the offerings we are to bring (Romans 12:1-2; 1 Corinthians 16:1-2; John 4:24).

C. God has specified roles for each of those who come to worship Him (Ephesians 5:19; 1 Timothy 2:12).

III. We must respect the Lord’s authority in all things.

A. We must recognize His authority over the church (Ephesians 1:22-23; Colossians 1:18).

B. His Word will be our judge (John 12:48).

A. God taught Israel the difference between holy and unholy.

B. If we wish to worship “in spirit and in truth,” we must continue to let Him teach us what is holy in His sight.