John 4:24
Verse
Context
Sermons





Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
God is a Spirit - This is one of the first, the greatest, the most sublime, and necessary truths in the compass of nature! There is a God, the cause of all things - the fountain of all perfection - without parts or dimensions, for he is Eternal - filling the heavens and the earth - pervading, governing, and upholding all things: for he is an infinite Spirit! This God can be pleased only with that which resembles himself: therefore he must hate sin and sinfulness; and can delight in those only who are made partakers of his own Divine nature. As all creatures were made by him, so all owe him obedience and reverence; but, to be acceptable to this infinite Spirit, the worship must be of a spiritual nature - must spring from the heart, through the influence of the Holy Ghost: and it must be in Truth, not only in sincerity, but performed according to that Divine revelation which he has given men of himself. A man worships God in spirit, when, under the influence of the Holy Ghost, he brings all his affections, appetites, and desires to the throne of God; and he worships him in truth, when every purpose and passion of his heart, and when every act of his religious worship, is guided and regulated by the word of God. "The enlightened part of mankind," says Abu'l Fazel, "knows that true righteousness is an upright heart; and believe that God can only be worshipped in holiness of Spirit." Ayeen Akbery, vol. iii. p. 254. "Of all worshippers," says Creeshna, "I respect him as the most devout, who hath faith in me, and who serveth me with a soul possessed of my spirit." Geeta, p. 68.
John Gill Bible Commentary
God is a spirit,.... Or "the Spirit is God"; a divine person, possessed of all divine perfections, as appears from his names, works, and worship ascribed unto him; See Gill on Joh 4:23; though the Arabic and Persic versions, and others, read as we do, "God is a spirit"; that is, God, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost: for taking the words in this light, not one of the persons is to be understood exclusive of the other; for this description, or definition, agrees with each of them, and they are all the object of worship, and to be worshipped in a true and spiritual manner. God is a spirit, and not a body, or a corporeal substance: the nature and essence of God is like a spirit, simple and uncompounded, not made up of parts; nor is it divisible; nor does it admit of any change and alteration. God, as a spirit, is immaterial, immortal, invisible, and an intelligent, willing, and active being; but differs from other spirits, in that he is not created, but an immense and infinite spirit, and an eternal one, which has neither beginning nor end: he is therefore a spirit by way of eminency, as well as effectively, he being the author and former of all spirits: whatever excellence is in them, must be ascribed to God in the highest manner; and whatever is imperfect in them, must be removed from him: and they that worship him; worship is due to him on account of his nature and perfections, both internal and external; with both the bodies and souls of men; and both private and public; in the closet, in the family, and in the church of God; as prayer, praise, attendance on the word and ordinances: must worship him in spirit and in truth; in the true and spiritual manner before described, which is suitable to his nature, and agreeably to his will.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
4:24 in spirit and in truth: One Greek preposition governs both words (literally in spirit and truth) and makes them a single concept. True worship occurs as God’s Spirit reveals God’s truth and reality to the worshiper. Jesus Christ is the Truth (14:6; cp. 14:17; 15:26).
John 4:24
Jesus and the Samaritan Woman
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
Grieving the Spirit
By Leonard Ravenhill15K57:08Grieving The SpiritJHN 4:24JHN 6:35JHN 6:48JHN 7:37JHN 8:12JHN 19:30ACT 2:1In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of worldliness and its impact on society. He shares a personal experience of witnessing a young lady being shocked by a prayer during a church rally. The preacher emphasizes that God loves every generation and offers grace abundantly. He highlights the tendency of people to seek fulfillment in worldly pursuits, but Jesus offers true satisfaction and fulfillment. The preacher emphasizes the importance of the Word of God, stating that it is eternal and powerful, and encourages the audience to focus on Jesus as the source of life.
An Hour With Kathryn Kuhlman - Part 2
By Kathryn Kuhlman12K22:34InterviewMRK 16:17JHN 4:24ACT 1:8ROM 10:91CO 2:4GAL 5:24EPH 5:18In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of surrendering everything to God and receiving the fullness of the Holy Spirit. They admit to not knowing much about the Holy Spirit or the spiritual battle, but they emphasize the importance of accepting Christ for salvation. The speaker also highlights the sacredness of the relationship between God and believers, comparing it to the intimacy between a husband and wife. They express the need for reverence and worship towards God, acknowledging His holiness. The speaker concludes by emphasizing the power of the Holy Spirit and the importance of following Him in life.
Books I Recommend With Comments - Part 1
By Leonard Ravenhill12K1:00:42Book ReviewsEXO 3:1EXO 31:18MAT 16:13JHN 4:24ACT 4:12HEB 11:1REV 21:1In this sermon, the speaker discusses the life of John Wesley and his dedication to meeting with God every morning at 4 o'clock. The speaker recommends a book called "A Treasury of Prayer" by Dr. E. Hudson Taylor, which explores the growth of the soul and the work of the China Inland Mission. The speaker emphasizes the importance of prayer and shares a poem by F.W.H. Meyer about the power of prayer. The speaker also criticizes some preaching practices, suggesting that some preachers simply reuse old sermons with different texts, while emphasizing the need for both sermon preparation and spiritual preparation through prayer.
The Power of God - Part 1
By Kathryn Kuhlman11K30:04PowerISA 40:9LUK 12:48JHN 4:24ACT 2:17ROM 8:261CO 15:532TI 3:16In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the power of the Holy Spirit and the need for believers to be led by the Spirit. They emphasize the importance of humility and caution against spiritual pride and bigotry. The speaker also encourages listeners to have a positive mindset and see their current time as their greatest hour. They mention the manifestation of miracles and the closing moments of this dispensation, suggesting that the Holy Spirit is at work in these times.
(Worship - Part 1): He Is Lord, Worship Him
By A.W. Tozer6.7K43:05WorshipLEV 8:12PSA 147:3PSA 148:1MAT 6:33JHN 1:9JHN 4:242TH 1:10REV 5:9In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the purpose of God creating man, which is to worship Him. However, due to the fall of man through sin, humanity has failed to fulfill this purpose. The preacher compares this failure to various objects that are unable to fulfill their intended purpose, such as a cloud without rain or a tree without fruit. The preacher expresses his excitement about teaching young college students about worshiping God and encourages them to turn away from worldly distractions. The sermon also references Bible verses, such as Psalm 45, which speaks of the King's desire for worship and the anointing of God's chosen one. The preacher concludes by emphasizing the importance of learning how to worship and expressing his intention to continue teaching about worship in Norfolk, Virginia.
God Made Man to Worship
By A.W. Tozer6.5K39:00Worship1CH 16:29PSA 45:11PSA 96:9ISA 45:22MAT 6:33JHN 4:242TH 1:10In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of worshiping God. He states that worship is the chief purpose of man's existence, as taught in the Bible. However, due to sin, humanity has lost the true understanding of worship and the object of their worship. The speaker highlights that although there is a longing for worship in the human heart, it is often misguided, mistaking the beauty of nature or religious rituals for true worship. The sermon encourages listeners to seek God and worship Him in spirit and truth, as stated in John 4:24.
The Deception of Christian Rock Music Clearly Defined
By Zac Poonen4.3K10:24MAT 7:15JHN 4:241CO 10:31GAL 5:16COL 2:81TI 6:10JAS 4:41JN 2:151JN 4:1REV 3:15This sermon emphasizes the danger of replacing the Holy Spirit with worldly influences like Christian rock music, money, and psychology in churches today. It challenges the focus on material gain over spiritual growth and warns against imitating worldly trends rather than seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit. The speaker highlights the importance of discernment, root issues, and staying true to the standards set by Jesus, rather than conforming to worldly standards for acceptance or popularity.
(Exodus) Exodus 26:15-37
By J. Vernon McGee3.2K07:10ISA 53:8MAT 2:2MAT 27:51JHN 4:24JHN 14:6EPH 4:3HEB 10:20In this sermon, the speaker discusses the significance of the veils in the tabernacle. The inner veil, made of blue, purple, and scarlet, represents the humanity of Christ and is hung on four pillars, symbolizing the four gospels. The outer veil, called the hanging for the door of the tent, leads to the holy place and represents the way to God through the cross of Christ. The speaker emphasizes that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life, and that worshiping God requires coming through Jesus and in truth. The sermon also highlights the importance of the Spirit of God in holding the church together and the symbolism of the colors and materials used in the tabernacle.
The Perfect Heart
By David Wilkerson3.2K1:06:502SA 12:7PSA 51:17MAT 6:33JHN 4:24ROM 12:11CO 2:10HEB 4:12In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a perfect heart that desires the Holy Spirit to search and expose the depths of sin within us. Shallow preaching in America today is unable to touch the depths of sin, leading to people continuing in their sinful ways. The speaker encourages listeners to focus on God and trust Him amidst the confusion and chaos of the world. The sermon also highlights the need for convicting messages from God that search the heart and bring about true conviction and transformation.
(Exodus) Exodus 26:1-14
By J. Vernon McGee3.2K04:42EXO 26:1EXO 26:7PSA 17:8ISA 53:2MAT 6:33JHN 4:24JHN 14:3In this sermon, the speaker discusses the significance of the different coverings of the tabernacle in the Bible. The first covering, made of fine twine and linen, represents the beauty of Christ that can only be seen by those who go inside. The second covering, made of goat's hair, symbolizes the death of Christ and the message that should be shared with the world. The third covering, made of ram skin dyed red and badger skins, represents the hiding place and protection found in Christ. The speaker emphasizes the importance of worshiping and gathering together to behold the beauty of Christ and to share the message of His sacrifice.
Filling That Which Is Filled
By Leonard Ravenhill3.1K58:41MAT 6:33JHN 4:24ACT 1:8ACT 6:31TI 3:7HEB 4:12In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the importance of genuine prayer and the moral poverty he sees in pulpit prayers in America. He emphasizes that success in preaching should not be measured by the size of the crowd, but by the spiritual transformation and revival that takes place. The speaker also highlights the need for ministers to focus on raising people from spiritual deadness rather than just meeting their emotional needs. He shares a story of a minister who sacrificed financial security and comfort to spread the gospel, illustrating the dedication and selflessness required in serving God.
Sermons on Job #1 (Introduction)
By John Calvin2.8K1:01:02GEN 14:18JOB 1:1JER 5:1MAT 6:33LUK 16:15JHN 4:24In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of serving God in spirit and truth, as stated in John 4:24. He refers to Jeremiah 5:1, where God calls for people who seek truth and execute judgment. The preacher highlights the need for our actions to reflect the reign of the Spirit of God in our lives, rather than being stained with wrongdoing. He emphasizes that it is our duty to submit to God, glorify Him in all circumstances, and recognize His sovereignty over our lives. The sermon also mentions the importance of walking after the Spirit, as urged by Paul in Galatians 5:25, and being renewed by the grace of God.
Worship
By Manley Beasley2.5K52:35WorshipGEN 1:28MAT 6:33JHN 4:24ROM 8:28HEB 11:8JAS 2:171PE 2:2In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of worshiping God in spirit and truth. He shares a personal experience of surrendering his life to God and the profound impact it had on his relationship with Him. The speaker encourages listeners to prioritize knowing and walking with God above all else, even in their pursuit of becoming great preachers. He warns against allowing emotions to dictate one's spiritual journey and emphasizes the need for theological correctness in order to grow in grace and maturity as a child of God.
A Big Two Letter Word
By Jim Cymbala2.5K30:48Christian LifePSA 31:1PSA 91:1JHN 4:24In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of understanding the different types of literature in the Bible. He explains that some parts are narratives, telling stories, while others are letters full of doctrine. He emphasizes the need to interpret poetic literature, such as the Psalms, by understanding the symbolism and its personal significance. The speaker then focuses on Psalm 31, which describes God as a rock and a fortress. He explores the imagery of finding refuge and protection in God during times of trouble and how this symbolism can be applied to our lives.
(Om Orientation) Our Weapons Prayer - Part 2
By George Verwer2.5K23:35Spiritual WarfareLUK 6:12JHN 4:24ACT 2:41ACT 2:44In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of following the principles of Jesus Christ as seen in the book of Acts. He encourages believers to come together in love, prayer, unity, and one accord. The speaker highlights the need for believers to have a common purpose and to be filled with the Holy Spirit. He also emphasizes the importance of waiting upon God, seeking His will, and sending forth laborers into the harvest. The sermon concludes with a call to pray for the Lord of the Harvest to send forth missionaries and for believers to engage in the ministry of sending out laborers.
Sanctification: 1. a Pure Spirit
By Zac Poonen2.1K51:35Worship in SpiritSanctificationPRO 3:5MAT 5:8MAT 15:13JHN 4:24ROM 8:21CO 3:132CO 7:11TH 4:31TH 5:231JN 2:27Zac Poonen emphasizes the significance of sanctification, particularly the need for a pure spirit in our relationship with God. He highlights that true worship must come from the spirit, not merely from outward actions, and that maintaining a pure spirit is essential for experiencing God's presence and guidance. Poonen warns against the dangers of prioritizing work over worship and stresses that sanctification is God's work in us, requiring our submission. He encourages believers to cultivate a deep, intimate relationship with God, which will lead to discernment and a life that reflects His holiness.
Wrong Revival Principles - Part 4
By Jonathan Edwards2.0K44:10Audio BooksDEU 4:2PSA 119:105JER 7:31MAT 6:33MAT 23:33JHN 4:242TI 3:16The sermon transcript discusses the natural inclinations that humans have and how they can be regulated in a way that is not sinful or selfish. It emphasizes the importance of parents praying for the salvation of their children and ministers being concerned for the souls of their congregation. The transcript also warns about the potential dangers of unsuitable behavior during religious meetings and the need to be aware of the external appearances that can hide the true beauty of grace. Overall, the sermon encourages listeners to discern what is genuine and to support and discourage accordingly.
God's Normal Order - Called to Be Kingdom of Priests
By Devern Fromke1.9K1:06:53PriestsEXO 25:8ISA 43:19MAT 9:16MAT 17:4JHN 1:17JHN 4:24ROM 14:17In this sermon, the speaker begins by acknowledging that there are several pressing matters on his heart that he wants to address. He emphasizes that we are living in a late hour and that God is going to do something quick and marvelous that we can hardly comprehend. The speaker shares a story about his friend meeting a police officer and recognizing him as a minister of God based on Romans 13:4. This leads to a discussion about the authority that comes from being under authority. The speaker then references Matthew 9:16-17, highlighting the importance of newness and how God has a specific calling and place for each individual to serve Him. The sermon concludes with a plea for everyone to represent God in their respective spheres, whether as a wife, mother, husband, teacher, or in any other role, and to do good in order to avoid the wrath of God.
The Greatest Revival
By J. Edwin Orr1.8K1:18:11RevivalPSA 34:18MAT 18:20JHN 4:24ACT 5:32ROM 10:9JAS 4:171JN 1:9In this sermon, Evan Roberts and his brother Dan return home and find their mother weeping because she feels spiritually inadequate compared to her sons. They pray and sing hymns together, and that night at a meeting, a breakthrough occurs. Evan Roberts is so passionate about preaching that he is willing to pay God for the privilege. He seeks guidance from Principal Phillips and is encouraged to follow the voice urging him to speak to young people. The sermon emphasizes the importance of commitment to living a holy life and the need for the power of the Holy Spirit in conjunction with this commitment.
Jap-04 True Fellowship
By Art Katz1.7K55:43JapaneseLEV 11:44PSA 24:7MAT 16:24JHN 4:241CO 14:262CO 3:18HEB 10:19JAS 5:161PE 4:171JN 1:7In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of feeling burdened and convicted to confess their faults in church. They emphasize the importance of confession in building a true community and moving from an institutional mindset to a more authentic church experience. The speaker encourages everyone, including ministers, women, and single men, to form small groups and confess their faults to one another. The ultimate goal is to open the gates for the King of Glory to enter and bring about transformation and holiness in the church.
The Need and Personality of the Holy Spirit
By Dan Augsburger1.7K1:27:46Baptism Of The Holy SpiritJHN 4:24ACT 4:33ACT 20:28PHP 3:32TH 2:131PE 1:2In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of reviewing objectives for the Sabbath service. The three objectives mentioned are to honor God, bring members together, and provide a training opportunity for new members. The speaker also highlights the need for the Holy Spirit's guidance and power in carrying out God's work. The sermon emphasizes the role of the Holy Spirit in every discourse and the promised outpouring of God's life-giving spirit as the hope of God's people. The speaker passionately calls for a new demonstration of God's reality, presence, and power in the church, stating that the church will be ablaze for God when individuals are ablaze for Him.
When Jesus Shows Himself
By Teresa Conlon1.5K1:00:15JesusMAT 10:39LUK 10:38JHN 4:24JHN 8:32JHN 14:6JHN 15:52TI 2:15In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of laying down our fears, resistance, and failures before God. He encourages listeners to turn to Jesus and receive his life-giving word, regardless of their past failures. The preacher highlights the need for a heart transformation rather than relying solely on performance. He also discusses the story of Mary and Martha from Luke 10, emphasizing the importance of responding to the truth when Jesus shows himself to us.
A Bridal Relationship - Part 3
By Zac Poonen1.5K09:40PSA 27:4PSA 37:4MAT 6:8JHN 4:24JHN 6:27JHN 14:6This sermon emphasizes the importance of seeking a deep connection with God rather than seeking material blessings or temporary things. It highlights the significance of seeking God for who He is, desiring a relationship with Him above all else, and understanding that Jesus came to earth seeking a bride who loves Him for Himself. The message encourages believers to seek God's presence and beauty above all worldly desires.
Creation-Providence-Redemption - Part 5
By William MacDonald1.4K34:30RedemptionPSA 95:6MAT 18:12LUK 23:33JHN 4:24JHN 20:29ROM 8:11In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the wonder and significance of Jesus as both fully human and fully God. He encourages the audience to constantly remind themselves that Jesus, despite being perfectly human, was also God. The preacher highlights the loneliness and humility of Jesus' earthly life, where he walked among the people and experienced rejection. The sermon also emphasizes the purpose of Jesus' coming, which was to seek and save the lost. The preacher concludes by reading Luke 23:33, reminding the audience of the crucifixion of Jesus and the importance of the cross in their lives.
Quote - Prayer, Praise, Worship
By Leonard Ravenhill1.4K00:11PraiseRavenhill QuoteWorshipPrayerPSA 95:6PSA 100:4PSA 103:2MAT 6:33JHN 4:24ROM 12:1PHP 4:6COL 3:161TH 5:16HEB 13:15Leonard Ravenhill emphasizes the distinctions between prayer, praise, and worship, noting that prayer often focuses on our needs, praise centers on our blessings, and true worship is a deep preoccupation with God Himself. He encourages believers to move beyond mere requests and gratitude to a profound engagement with the divine presence, highlighting the importance of prioritizing God in our spiritual lives.
- Adam Clarke
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
God is a Spirit - This is one of the first, the greatest, the most sublime, and necessary truths in the compass of nature! There is a God, the cause of all things - the fountain of all perfection - without parts or dimensions, for he is Eternal - filling the heavens and the earth - pervading, governing, and upholding all things: for he is an infinite Spirit! This God can be pleased only with that which resembles himself: therefore he must hate sin and sinfulness; and can delight in those only who are made partakers of his own Divine nature. As all creatures were made by him, so all owe him obedience and reverence; but, to be acceptable to this infinite Spirit, the worship must be of a spiritual nature - must spring from the heart, through the influence of the Holy Ghost: and it must be in Truth, not only in sincerity, but performed according to that Divine revelation which he has given men of himself. A man worships God in spirit, when, under the influence of the Holy Ghost, he brings all his affections, appetites, and desires to the throne of God; and he worships him in truth, when every purpose and passion of his heart, and when every act of his religious worship, is guided and regulated by the word of God. "The enlightened part of mankind," says Abu'l Fazel, "knows that true righteousness is an upright heart; and believe that God can only be worshipped in holiness of Spirit." Ayeen Akbery, vol. iii. p. 254. "Of all worshippers," says Creeshna, "I respect him as the most devout, who hath faith in me, and who serveth me with a soul possessed of my spirit." Geeta, p. 68.
John Gill Bible Commentary
God is a spirit,.... Or "the Spirit is God"; a divine person, possessed of all divine perfections, as appears from his names, works, and worship ascribed unto him; See Gill on Joh 4:23; though the Arabic and Persic versions, and others, read as we do, "God is a spirit"; that is, God, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost: for taking the words in this light, not one of the persons is to be understood exclusive of the other; for this description, or definition, agrees with each of them, and they are all the object of worship, and to be worshipped in a true and spiritual manner. God is a spirit, and not a body, or a corporeal substance: the nature and essence of God is like a spirit, simple and uncompounded, not made up of parts; nor is it divisible; nor does it admit of any change and alteration. God, as a spirit, is immaterial, immortal, invisible, and an intelligent, willing, and active being; but differs from other spirits, in that he is not created, but an immense and infinite spirit, and an eternal one, which has neither beginning nor end: he is therefore a spirit by way of eminency, as well as effectively, he being the author and former of all spirits: whatever excellence is in them, must be ascribed to God in the highest manner; and whatever is imperfect in them, must be removed from him: and they that worship him; worship is due to him on account of his nature and perfections, both internal and external; with both the bodies and souls of men; and both private and public; in the closet, in the family, and in the church of God; as prayer, praise, attendance on the word and ordinances: must worship him in spirit and in truth; in the true and spiritual manner before described, which is suitable to his nature, and agreeably to his will.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
4:24 in spirit and in truth: One Greek preposition governs both words (literally in spirit and truth) and makes them a single concept. True worship occurs as God’s Spirit reveals God’s truth and reality to the worshiper. Jesus Christ is the Truth (14:6; cp. 14:17; 15:26).