Subject: would like to study 4:23-24. |
Bible Note: Hi Makarios, I would like to add some Scriptures to Barnes' commentary. Paragraph 1) "Already there is so much light that God may be worshipped acceptably in any place." John 8:12, "Again therefore Jesus spoke to them, saying, "I am the (Light) of the world; he who follows Me shall not walk in the dardness, but shall have the light of *Life." See also Job 33:30 and Colossians 3:4 2) The true worshipers...John 4:23, "...for such people the Father seeks to be (His) worshipers." John 3:19, "This is the judgment, that the Light has come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the Light, for their deeds were evil. For everyone who does evil hates the (Light), and does not come to the Light, lest his deeds should be exposed." 3)"Spiritual worship is that where the heart is offered to God, and where we do not depend on external forms for acceptance." After looking at Romans 12:1, I would rather that the writer had written "spiritual service". For worship has everything to do with God and nothing to do with us. He is worthy of worship whether we serve Him or not. Romans 12:1, "I urge you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to **God, which is your spiritual service (of worship)." John 4:23, "But an hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers shall worship the **Father in spirit and truth;..." 4)"In the true way of direct access to God through Jesus Christ." Hebrews 9:15, "And for this reason, (He) is the mediator of a new covent,..." Hebrews 9:11, "But when Christ appeared as a *High *(Priest) of the good things to come,..." 1 John 3:8, "...the one who practices sin is of the devil; for the devil has sinned from the beginning. The Son of God appeared for this purpose, that (He) might destroy the works of the devil." Ephesians 2:17, "And He came and preached peace to you who were far away, and peace to those who were near, for through *Him we both have our access in one (Spirit) to the Father." 5)"in spirit" Philippians 3:3, "for we are the true circumcision, who worship in the *Spirit of (God) and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh,..." contrast Philippians 2:11, "and that every tongue should confess Jesus *Christ is (Lord) to the glory of God the Father." Philippians 2:8, "And being found in appearance as a (Man), He humbled Himself..." John 13:31, "When therefore he had gone out, Jesus said, "Now is the Son of (Man) glorified, and God is glorified in Him;..." Let me know if this is useful. From the heart, Ray |