Who Are the True Worshipers?

In John 4:23-24 we see what I call the "rabble-rouser Jesus."

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. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

If Jesus says, "true worshipers," then there must be "worshipers" of another kind! For many years I thought He was referring to "false" worshipers but I now believe He was referring to the adherents of the One, True God who participate in a common religious ritual service, who sincerely believe they have worshiped God! There is no intent on their part to deceive anyone, however they are definitely deceived themselves because His tangible presence is missing.

I can imagine Pharisees standing there, who may have asked within themselves, "Is He talking about me?" What exactly does He mean by "true" worshipers anyway? The implication that the religious man's activity before God is somehow lacking must have been galling to the religious professionals of his day. It must be so today, as well. God's illumination to my understanding is that true worshipers are those who understand what God really wants and move to satisfy Him by their activity.

Notice Jesus says the true worshipers shall worship the Father "in Spirit and truth." For many years I thought being 'born again,' thereby receiving the life-giving Spirit and having the Word of God satisfied this verse. But I have come to see that 'true worship' cannot happen without a "coming upon" enabling of the Holy Spirit. 'Truth' in this case might be better translated as 'reality.' Even though we are grateful for what God has already accomplished for us and we hope in His promises for the future, true worship does not depend upon the past activity of God nor does it depend upon the future activity of God but focuses upon the reality of an intimate encounter with the Living God - right now, in the current moment.

Is the believer experiencing the tangible presence of God during personal or public times of devotion? Indeed, has the believer EVER experienced the tangible presence of God? If not, then it is likely the individual has not been properly introduced to the King! It is the King of King's tangible presence we ought to seek. He is seeking that intimacy with us! Participating in religious rituals will not satisfy Him.