Introduction

A. We know that it is vital that we worship God “in truth,” but we must also understand the importance of worshiping “in spirit.”

B. Failing to worship God in the proper frame of mind is just as fruitless as failing to worship Him according to His pattern.

I. God expects our hearts to be fixed on Him when we worship.

A. We need to realize that God doesn’t need the gifts we bring (Isaiah 1:11-15; Amos 5:21-23; Jeremiah 7:22-23; Hebrews 10:5-6).

B. What God truly desires is our heart (Hebrews 10:7-10; 1 Samuel 15:22-23; Jeremiah 29:10-14).

C. God will not accept sacrifices offered with impure hearts (Isaiah 1:15; Amos 2:6-8; 3:10; 8:5-6; Jeremiah 7:9-11).

D. There needs to be joyful zeal in the praise we offer to God (Psalm 9:1; 111:1; Ephesians 5:18-20; 2 Corinthians 9:7).

II. How do we develop the proper frame of mind for worship?

A. We need to plant God’s Word deeply within our hearts (Psalm 119:11; Colossians 3:16; cf. Ephesians 5:18).

B. We need to have hearts free of impurity (Isaiah 1:5-6,16-19; Amos 5:6,14,24; Jeremiah 7:5-7; James 4:8).

C. We need to prepare ourselves in every conceivable way to worship God (1 Thessalonians 5:16-19).

Conclusion

A. As we apply ourselves to worship God always in truth, let us never neglect the spirit of our worship.

B. If your heart needs to be cleansed, why not allow God to do it?