Theme: The Father is Seeking Worshippers
Text: John 4:23-24 "But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him."
Introduction
God's eternal design encompasses two movements: calling the lost to salvation and inviting the redeemed toward worship. Scripture demonstrates this dual purpose through Luke 19:10 (seeking the lost) and John 4:23 (pursuing worshippers). No calling surpasses the invitation to worship.
The Samaritan Woman (John 4:4-42)
Jesus addressed the Samaritan woman's deepest need, using her physical thirst to illuminate spiritual hunger and eternal life. The woman initiated the worship discussion, and Jesus elevated this conversation toward authentic worship requirements. Her encounter propelled her into evangelistic testimony, bringing others to encounter Christ.
Main Teaching Points
1. Greatest Worshippers Recognize Their Deliverance
The Samaritan woman exemplified society's lowest status—a social outsider by ethnicity and gender, with relational instability and moral compromise. Yet Jesus revealed God's heart to her specifically. This demonstrates divine impartiality transcends social categories.
2. Holy Spirit Empowerment Draws Seekers
Jesus employed spiritual gifting (word of knowledge) rather than inherent divine power. Jesus operated exclusively through Holy Spirit enablement post-baptism. This accessibility permits the contemporary church identical ministry capacity.
3. Elevation from Depths Creates Worship's Height
The woman's progression illustrates worship's trajectory: initial drawing toward Christ, heart longing preceding full knowledge, and eventual transformation into witnessing worshipper. First Peter 2:9-10 captures this transformation.
Summary
- The Father actively pursues genuine worshippers today
- Holy Spirit draws hearts through supernatural manifestation
- Social status poses no barrier to highest calling
- Pure devotion centers on knowing Christ intimately