This podcast episode explores the concept of spiritual worship, drawing from the teachings of Stephen Charnock. It examines the shift from Old Testament rituals to a New Testament emphasis on internal transformation and a deeper connection with God. The discussion highlights that while the Old Testament ways of worship were not wrong, God always intended for something more profound, moving beyond the purely physical to engage the heart and mind.

The episode emphasizes that spiritual worship is not just about performing different actions, but about a total transformation of our hearts and minds, which then influences our behavior. It's described as "word service," rooted in love for God, faith, meditation, and a longing for communion. This form of worship is not about earning God's favor but about becoming more like him through his love. The episode addresses how even our bodies are part of spiritual worship, not as physical rituals, but as instruments to express our love for God.

The conversation also explores eleven specific qualities that characterize true spiritual worship. These include having a spiritual nature through the Holy Spirit, relying on the Spirit's assistance, being sincere, having a united heart focused on God, engaging in spiritual activity, practicing active faith, having a burning love for God, being humbly aware of our weakness, having intense desires for God, being thankful and filled with admiration, and experiencing joyful delight in our relationship with God. The episode stresses that these qualities are not separate checklists, but interconnected aspects of worshipping God. This transformation and worship is not something we can achieve on our own, but requires the empowering of the Holy Spirit. Ultimately, true Christian worship is about encountering the living God, experiencing his love, and being transformed by his grace.