John 4:23
Verse
Context
Jesus and the Samaritan Woman
22You worship what you do not know; we worship what we do know, for salvation is from the Jews.23But a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth, for the Father is seeking such as these to worship Him.24God is Spirit, and His worshipers must worship Him in spirit and in truth.”
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
The true worshippers shall worship - in spirit - The worship of the Samaritans was a defective worship - they did not receive the prophetical writings: that of the Jews was a carnal worship, dealing only in the letter, and referring to the spirit and design, which were at a distance, by types and ceremonies. The Gospel of Christ showed the meaning of all these carnal ordinances, and the legal sacrifices, which had all their consummation in his offering of himself: thus a spiritual dispensation took the place of the carnal one which prefigured it. The preaching of the Gospel discovered the true nature of God, of salvation, of the human soul, of earthly and of heavenly things; and, because of this, it is put in opposition to the defective Samaritan worship.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
hour cometh, and now is--evidently meaning her to understand that this new economy was in some sense being set up while He was talking to her, a sense which would in a few minutes so far appear, when He told her plainly He was the Christ.
John Gill Bible Commentary
But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers,.... The worshippers of the true God, and who worship in a right manner, whether Jews or Samaritans, or of whatsoever nation: shall worship the Father; the one true God, the Father of spirits, and of all flesh living: in spirit; in opposition to all carnal conceptions of him, as if he was a corporeal being, or circumscribed in some certain place, dwelling in temples made with hands, or was to be worshipped with men's hands; and in distinction from the carnal worship of the Jews, which lay greatly in the observation of carnal ordinances: and this shows they should not worship with their bodies only, for bodily exercise profiteth little; but with their souls or spirits, with their whole hearts engaged therein; and by, and under the influence and assistance of the Spirit of God, without whom men cannot perform worship, neither prayer, praise, preaching, or hearing, aright: and in truth; in opposition to hypocrisy, with true hearts, in the singleness, sincerity, and integrity of their souls; and in distinction from Jewish ceremonies, which were only shadows, and had not the truth and substance of things in them; and according to the word of truth, the Gospel of salvation; and in Christ, who is the truth, the true tabernacle, in, and through whom accent is had to God, prayer is made to him, and every part of religious worship with acceptance: so Enoch is said, , "to worship in truth", before the Lord, in the Targums of Jonathan and Jerusalem, in Gen 5:24. And it may be that the worship of all the three persons in the Godhead, as more distinctly performed under the Gospel dispensation, is here intended: for the words may be thus read, "shall worship the Father, with the Spirit", and with the truth; so the preposition is rendered in Eph 6:2; and elsewhere; and then the sense is, they shall "worship the Father"; the first person in the Trinity, who is the Father of Christ, his only begotten Son, and together and equally with him "the Spirit"; the holy Spirit, as the Ethiopic version reads; and Nonnus calls it the divine Spirit: and the rather he may be thought to be intended, since it follows in Joh 4:24, "the Spirit is God"; for so the words lie in the Greek text; and are so rendered in the Vulgate Latin, Syriac, and Ethiopic versions; and therefore is the proper object of religious worship, whose temples the saints are, with whom they have communion, to whom they pray, and in whose name they are baptized: and also together "with the truth"; with Christ the way, the truth, and the life; who is the true God, and eternal life; and who is equally to be worshipped as the Father and Spirit, as he is by the angels in heaven, and by the saints on earth; who pray unto him, trust in him, and are also baptized in his name, as in the name of the other two persons: and the rather this may be thought to be the sense, since Christ is speaking, not of the manner, but of the object of worship, in the preceding verse: for the Father seeketh such to worship him; it being agreeable to him to be worshipped in the manner, as above related; and his desire is, that the Son and Spirit should be honoured equally as himself; and such worshippers he has found, having made them such, both among the Jews and Gentiles; and such only are acceptable to him; see Phi 3:3.
John 4:23
Jesus and the Samaritan Woman
22You worship what you do not know; we worship what we do know, for salvation is from the Jews.23But a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth, for the Father is seeking such as these to worship Him.24God is Spirit, and His worshipers must worship Him in spirit and in truth.”
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Are You a Soulish or Spiritual Christian
By Zac Poonen2.3K49:09PSA 16:11PSA 73:25MAT 7:24LUK 9:23JHN 4:23JHN 7:37REV 22:9This sermon emphasizes the importance of moving beyond a soulish life, which is living in the mind and emotions, to a spiritual life of denying oneself and following Jesus. It highlights the need to daily take up the cross, deny one's will, and live in God's presence to experience true spirituality and stability in faith. The speaker challenges listeners to count the cost, yield to God's will, and walk the path of discipleship, ultimately leading to a life filled with joy and blessings.
Serving in the Newness of the Spirit
By Zac Poonen1.9K29:55New CovenantMAT 8:10JHN 4:231CO 14:3In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of counting the cost before making a decision to serve God. He uses the example of Abraham, who was willing to sacrifice his only son to show his devotion to God. The preacher highlights that true worship is not just about singing songs, but about surrendering our lives completely to God. He encourages the listeners to recognize their calling to be kings and rulers in life, overcoming sin and worldly desires. The sermon also emphasizes the need to rule over earthly things, such as money, and to let them serve us rather than controlling our lives.
(John) the Appointment of Christ
By Willie Mullan1.7K1:03:16AppointmentMAT 16:16JHN 4:1JHN 4:4JHN 4:7JHN 4:14JHN 4:23In this sermon on John chapter 4, the preacher focuses on four main points. Firstly, he emphasizes that the meeting between Jesus and the Samaritan woman was not a coincidence, but a divine appointment planned by God. Secondly, he highlights the advancement of Christ, as Jesus intentionally reaches out to this woman and brings her to salvation. Thirdly, he discusses the entitlement of Christ, explaining how Jesus used this encounter to assert his authority and identity as the Messiah. Lastly, he emphasizes the discernment of Christ, as Jesus demonstrates supernatural knowledge and understanding throughout the conversation. The sermon also briefly mentions the previous events in Jesus' journey and the announcement of his Messiahship to the woman.
How to Pray in the Holy Spirit
By Bill McLeod1.6K51:06PrayerJHN 4:23In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the stark contrast between the living conditions of people in different parts of the world. He describes seeing individuals living in cardboard boxes and small houses, yet still finding pride in their humble dwellings. The speaker also highlights the materialistic mindset prevalent in North America, where people often complain about not having enough possessions. He contrasts this with the story of a preacher in India who had nothing but a small Bible and rags. The speaker emphasizes the need to walk in love and not grieve the Holy Spirit. He shares powerful testimonies of individuals experiencing deep repentance and pouring out their sins before God. The sermon concludes with a call to love and a reminder to seek the Spirit's activity in prayer.
Our Worship of God
By Zac Poonen1.5K57:59WorshipMAT 4:4JHN 4:20JHN 4:23HEB 12:1HEB 12:28In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of worshiping God before engaging in work for Him. He highlights the story of Jesus being tempted by the devil and how Jesus refused to worship the devil. The speaker explains that worship is not just about speech and song, but also about silence and reverence before God. He encourages the audience to be thankful and appreciative of others, as an expression of their worship to God.
False Prophets and the Broad Way - Part 2
By Zac Poonen1.5K09:59MAT 7:15JHN 4:23This sermon emphasizes the subtle ways the devil can lead individuals astray over time, gradually lowering their standards and distancing them from a fervent love for Jesus Christ. It warns against shallow worship and the danger of becoming lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God. The importance of true worship, seeking God in private, and avoiding deception by false prophets is highlighted, along with the balance between encouragement and discipline found in Scripture.
Sit, Walk, Stand - Part 1
By Gareth Evans1.4K09:16PSA 16:11JHN 4:23ACT 16:25JAS 4:8This sermon reflects on the Welsh Revival of 1904, highlighting the impact it had globally, the characteristics that made it unique, and the misconception of expecting a duplication of past revivals. It also draws parallels to Paul's experience of revival in a prison, emphasizing the importance of being aware of God's presence in our lives for true worship and transformation.
Year-End Praise
By Jim Cymbala1.4K28:51PraisePSA 147:1PSA 150:6JHN 4:23HEB 13:5In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of praising God and not being negative or complaining. He shares three reasons why praising God is beneficial. Firstly, praising God makes us attractive to both God and other people. Secondly, witnessing others praising God can uplift and minister to our souls. Lastly, the speaker encourages the people of Israel to praise God because He has rebuilt Jerusalem and can also rebuild their lives. The speaker concludes by highlighting the transformative power of God in rebuilding and restoring broken lives.
The Local Church 3 - Part 3
By William MacDonald1.4K08:39PSA 95:6JHN 4:23REV 4:11This sermon emphasizes the importance of worshiping the Lord Jesus with love and devotion, highlighting the central role of worship in heaven and the significance of preparing our hearts for worship. It also touches on the essence of ministry being focused on exalting the Lord Jesus and the importance of collective worship in unity.
Spiritual Growth
By Harold Vaughan1.4K47:03Spiritual GrowthEXO 32:172CH 16:9PSA 101:2MAT 5:8JHN 4:23ACT 4:33EPH 5:15In this sermon, the preacher recounts a trip to Times Square where he and his companion set up shop to preach the word of God. They were joined by young men who were eager to preach, despite their fear and trembling. The preacher emphasizes the importance of having a proper perception of God in order to express true praise and worship. He also highlights the dangers of having unworthy thoughts of God, which can lead to unworthy worship. The sermon touches on the issue of sexual immorality and the prevalence of pornography in society, urging listeners to guard their eyes and minds.
Why We Praise
By Jim Cymbala1.3K41:40Praise2CH 20:21MAT 21:16LUK 19:40JHN 4:231TI 2:8HEB 13:15In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of praising the Lord and expresses his frustration with the Western mentality that discourages emotional expression, especially in religious contexts. He compares the enthusiasm and emotional outbursts seen in sports events to the lack of freedom to worship and praise God without judgment. The speaker encourages the audience to prioritize praising and thanking God in the coming year, disregarding what others may think. He concludes by reminding the audience that Jesus is always present and deserving of their heartfelt praise and worship.
The Fire and the Sword
By Zac Poonen1.1K59:55JHN 4:23This sermon emphasizes the importance of seeking the baptism of fire and the way of the cross. It highlights the need to move from religious knowledge to a spiritual relationship with Christ, focusing on genuine holiness, love, and humility. The speaker warns against false fires like emotionalism, legalism, and external rituals, urging listeners to seek the true fire of God for purification and transformation.
True Worship
By Jim Cymbala1.1K29:01WorshipEXO 25:8PSA 100:2JHN 4:23COL 3:16In this sermon, the preacher introduces the Vital Truth series, which focuses on essential truths that Christians must understand in order to grow and be fruitful. The preacher emphasizes the importance of worshiping God and not idolizing human beings. He highlights the worship that takes place in heaven and encourages the congregation to engage in worship. The sermon concludes with an invitation for those who have not been baptized to come forward and receive more information.
Praising God Always for All Things & Examining Ourselves Properly (Telugu)
By Zac Poonen1.1K51:50PSA 24:3MAT 5:8MAT 6:14MAT 18:21LUK 24:30JHN 4:231CO 11:28EPH 4:321JN 1:9This sermon emphasizes the importance of worshiping God in spirit and truth, examining oneself before partaking in the breaking of bread, and forgiving others as Christ forgave us. It highlights the need to have a pure heart, free from grudges and bitterness, in order to truly see Jesus and experience His love and goodness in our lives.
True Christianity - Part 1
By Joshua Daniel1.1K25:13JHN 4:23This sermon emphasizes the danger of being satisfied with mere religious forms and outward appearances, highlighting the need for true worship in spirit and truth. It contrasts empty religious practices with the genuine seeking of a living and speaking Savior, Jesus Christ. The speaker urges a deep conviction and personal relationship with God, rather than superficial religious duties. The message calls for a genuine encounter with the risen Lord, seeking His presence and guidance in the midst of chaos and uncertainty.
The Local Church 4 - Part 3
By William MacDonald1.1K09:18PSA 95:6JHN 4:23This sermon emphasizes the essence of true worship, where believers gather to pour out their hearts in adoration to the Lord Jesus Christ, expressing their love for Him. It highlights the significance of worship as the purest form of expressing love for Jesus and the joy found in being completely devoted to Him. The speaker reflects on the beauty of worship meetings and the importance of preparing hearts for worship by meditating on God's Word and hymns.
Jesus Revealed the Father
By Zac Poonen1.0K57:12Character Of GodMAT 3:16MAT 6:33MAT 9:13MAT 28:19JHN 4:23JHN 14:15JHN 20:17In this sermon, the speaker focuses on John chapter four, specifically verse 23, where Jesus talks about the coming of the kingdom of God and the new covenant. The speaker highlights how Jesus cared for and reached out to sinners, using the example of a woman in Samaria who had made mistakes in her life. Jesus came to explain the Father and reveal what God is like to humanity. The speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding God as a father, as it can transform one's life. The sermon also references John chapter 20, where Jesus tells Mary Magdalene not to cling to him after his resurrection, indicating his need to ascend.
Love From a Pure Heart
By Bill McLeod92931:28LoveJHN 4:23In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of visiting a penitentiary and realizing that the inmates didn't need a sermon but something else. He then proceeds to share his own life experiences of growing up in a broken home and facing poverty. The speaker emphasizes that before one can be filled with the love of God, they need to consider three things: a pure heart, a good conscience, and a genuine faith. He also references a preacher who initially struggled to connect with his audience until he sought God and was filled with the love of God, leading to the salvation of many. The sermon highlights the importance of love as the goal of Christian instruction and warns against empty talk and running one's ship on the rocks.
Follow-Up
By John Advocaat92558:47Follow-UpGEN 3:9EXO 33:11PSA 105:4LAM 3:25JHN 4:23In this sermon, the speaker discusses the process of follow-up in teaching the word of God. He outlines five steps: telling them why, showing them how, getting them started, keeping them going, and encouraging them to pass it on to others. The speaker emphasizes the importance of prayer and incorporating specific verses into the lives of those being taught. He also highlights the significance of spending time together, engaging in activities like Bible study, prayer, and recreation. The sermon concludes with the encouragement to share the teachings with others, multiplying the ministry.
Meditate on the Greatness and Love of God
By Hans R. Waldvogel91110:14Love Of GodPSA 63:1PSA 100:3JHN 4:23ROM 5:8EPH 2:8COL 1:27HEB 11:6In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the privilege and honor bestowed upon believers by God to worship Him. The Father seeks those who worship Him in spirit and truth, desiring rivers of living water to flow from their inner being. The preacher highlights the incredible love of God, who loves us even when we were His enemies and sinners. He encourages believers to be joyful in God's presence and to meditate on His greatness, both in the visible creation and the eternal, invisible creation. The sermon also emphasizes the concept of justification by faith, explaining how through faith in God's love and the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, believers are justified and freed from sin and guilt.
The Perfect Heart
By Stephen Kaung9081:09:521SA 16:72CH 16:9PSA 139:23PRO 23:26JHN 4:232CO 3:18HEB 3:15In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of visiting a chapel in the Philippines and seeing nuns praying and meditating. He uses this experience to emphasize the importance of presenting our bodies as living sacrifices to God and allowing Him to transform our minds and viewpoints. The speaker then delves into the significance of the heart, both physiologically and emotionally, as the center of our personal lives and the passage of life. He highlights the importance of guarding our hearts diligently, as it is the source of life and the place where the word of God is sown and the Holy Spirit convicts our conscience.
Law of Love 3
By Vernon Higham84337:40LoveEXO 20:7JHN 4:23In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of loving God with all our heart, soul, mind, and being, as commanded in the Bible. He explains that although it may seem impossible, God gives us grace to fulfill this commandment. The preacher also discusses the commandment of not having any graven images and explains that it means worshiping God in spirit and truth, rather than relying on external forms. He highlights the need to discipline the flesh and avoid performing in the flesh rather than in the spirit. The sermon concludes by reminding believers of the power of the Holy Spirit in their lives and the role it plays in their salvation and understanding of God's love.
Three Important Words
By Zac Poonen82655:16GEN 15:6PSA 73:25MAT 16:18JHN 4:23HEB 13:15This sermon emphasizes the importance of studying the scriptures diligently to understand the true meanings of key words like 'believe,' 'worship,' and 'church.' It highlights the significance of surrendering all that is precious to us to God as an act of worship, trusting in His promises, and being part of the church that Jesus is building, where the gates of Hades cannot prevail.
The Appearing of Resurrection and the Giving of Power
By Newman Sze8201:22:11MAT 28:1MAT 28:19MRK 16:15LUK 24:44JHN 20:19JHN 21:25In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of the 40 days that Jesus spent on earth after His resurrection. He explains that during this time, Jesus trained His disciples to shift their focus from external things to internal revelation, from the flesh to the Holy Spirit, and from the law to life. The speaker shares a personal anecdote about a turbulent airplane ride to illustrate the need for Christians to rise above fear and rely on the Holy Spirit. He concludes by urging the audience to prioritize their personal encounter with the Lord and the experience of being filled with the Holy Spirit.
7 Important Facts About Faith
By Shane Idleman78844:23ISA 40:31MAT 15:21JHN 4:23HEB 11:1This sermon delves into the story of the Canaanite woman in Matthew 15:21, highlighting seven important facts about faith. It emphasizes the need to align faith with truth, the significance of God's silence in testing our hearts, the reality of forgiveness coexisting with struggles, the importance of worship igniting faith, the faith-engaging nature of waiting on God, the faith-building aspect of God's faithfulness, and the role of truth in producing genuine faith.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
The true worshippers shall worship - in spirit - The worship of the Samaritans was a defective worship - they did not receive the prophetical writings: that of the Jews was a carnal worship, dealing only in the letter, and referring to the spirit and design, which were at a distance, by types and ceremonies. The Gospel of Christ showed the meaning of all these carnal ordinances, and the legal sacrifices, which had all their consummation in his offering of himself: thus a spiritual dispensation took the place of the carnal one which prefigured it. The preaching of the Gospel discovered the true nature of God, of salvation, of the human soul, of earthly and of heavenly things; and, because of this, it is put in opposition to the defective Samaritan worship.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
hour cometh, and now is--evidently meaning her to understand that this new economy was in some sense being set up while He was talking to her, a sense which would in a few minutes so far appear, when He told her plainly He was the Christ.
John Gill Bible Commentary
But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers,.... The worshippers of the true God, and who worship in a right manner, whether Jews or Samaritans, or of whatsoever nation: shall worship the Father; the one true God, the Father of spirits, and of all flesh living: in spirit; in opposition to all carnal conceptions of him, as if he was a corporeal being, or circumscribed in some certain place, dwelling in temples made with hands, or was to be worshipped with men's hands; and in distinction from the carnal worship of the Jews, which lay greatly in the observation of carnal ordinances: and this shows they should not worship with their bodies only, for bodily exercise profiteth little; but with their souls or spirits, with their whole hearts engaged therein; and by, and under the influence and assistance of the Spirit of God, without whom men cannot perform worship, neither prayer, praise, preaching, or hearing, aright: and in truth; in opposition to hypocrisy, with true hearts, in the singleness, sincerity, and integrity of their souls; and in distinction from Jewish ceremonies, which were only shadows, and had not the truth and substance of things in them; and according to the word of truth, the Gospel of salvation; and in Christ, who is the truth, the true tabernacle, in, and through whom accent is had to God, prayer is made to him, and every part of religious worship with acceptance: so Enoch is said, , "to worship in truth", before the Lord, in the Targums of Jonathan and Jerusalem, in Gen 5:24. And it may be that the worship of all the three persons in the Godhead, as more distinctly performed under the Gospel dispensation, is here intended: for the words may be thus read, "shall worship the Father, with the Spirit", and with the truth; so the preposition is rendered in Eph 6:2; and elsewhere; and then the sense is, they shall "worship the Father"; the first person in the Trinity, who is the Father of Christ, his only begotten Son, and together and equally with him "the Spirit"; the holy Spirit, as the Ethiopic version reads; and Nonnus calls it the divine Spirit: and the rather he may be thought to be intended, since it follows in Joh 4:24, "the Spirit is God"; for so the words lie in the Greek text; and are so rendered in the Vulgate Latin, Syriac, and Ethiopic versions; and therefore is the proper object of religious worship, whose temples the saints are, with whom they have communion, to whom they pray, and in whose name they are baptized: and also together "with the truth"; with Christ the way, the truth, and the life; who is the true God, and eternal life; and who is equally to be worshipped as the Father and Spirit, as he is by the angels in heaven, and by the saints on earth; who pray unto him, trust in him, and are also baptized in his name, as in the name of the other two persons: and the rather this may be thought to be the sense, since Christ is speaking, not of the manner, but of the object of worship, in the preceding verse: for the Father seeketh such to worship him; it being agreeable to him to be worshipped in the manner, as above related; and his desire is, that the Son and Spirit should be honoured equally as himself; and such worshippers he has found, having made them such, both among the Jews and Gentiles; and such only are acceptable to him; see Phi 3:3.