New Testament Worship in the Holy Spirit

Christian worship at its very core and essence is worship of God the Father through God the Son and in and by God the Holy Spirit. True worship has always been both spiritual and in the Spirit, but as Jesus himself showed, his own ministry brought with it a specific coming of the Spirit that makes possible in fullness the worship that is in spirit and in truth. Prayer occurs with the assistance of the Spirit (Romans 8:26–27). Praise is rejoicing in the Spirit (Ephesians 5:18–20). Confession of sins is under conviction of the Spirit (John 16:8). Confession of faith is confession by the Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:3). Holy Scripture, given by the Spirit, is illumined by the Spirit (2 Corinthians 3:6–8). Preaching is a demonstration of the Spirit and of power (1 Corinthians 2:4). The fellowship of the Lord’s Table is a fellowship of the Spirit (cf. Acts 2). Liberality flows from the love that is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22). Living life in a context of prayer and praise and proclamation is a walking in the Spirit (cf. Romans 8:1–17). It is a question not of spiritual worship as distinct from other forms of worship, but rather of the inner ministry of the Spirit in regenerating and sanctifying power. The person who is born of the Spirit and led by the Spirit is one who even in outward expression offers to God through Christ fitting and acceptable worship.