God, the Father – The Object of Our Devotion

In John 4:23-24, the Scriptures make it clear that God, the Father, is the one to whom we express our devotion, in worship. Certainly, Jesus and the Holy Spirit are part of our worship services, but it is the Father who is meant to receive our adoration (1 Corinthians 11:23-29; John 16:13). Of course, this implies that our worship must not be directed toward anyone other than God. We must not worship angels (Colossians 2:18), neither must we worship other human beings, no matter how important they may be (Acts 10: 25-26).

The Father’s role in worship is similar to the role He plays in our prayers. Jesus taught His disciples to pray to the Father (Luke 11:2). Our prayers are offered to God by the authority of Jesus Christ, in whose name we pray (John 16:23). Even the Holy Spirit is involved in the prayers we offer, giving us help in times of need (Romans 8:26). In like manner, the implication of this teaching is that our prayers must not be directed toward anyone other than God. We do not pray to angels, nor do we pray to departed “saints.”

The Father’s role within the Godhead has been described as being that of “architect.” He spoke, and the universe came into being (Psalm 33:8-9). He conceived the church in His mind, as a part of the scheme of redemption (Ephesians 3:10-11). His mind is the wellspring from which everything that exists ultimately came (Isaiah 55:8-9; 1 Corinthians 1:25). He is worthy of our praise and devotion, for there is none other that is like unto Him. “Let everything that hath breath praise Jehovah. Praise ye Jehovah.” (Psalm 150:6; ASV).

“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.” – John 4:23