How can we ensure our worship aligns with God's instructions from 1 Samuel 2:13? Setting the Scene “Now it was the custom of the priests: Whenever any man offered a sacrifice, the priest’s servant would come with a three-pronged meat fork while the meat was boiling.” (1 Samuel 2:13) What Went Wrong in Shiloh • God had already prescribed that the fat be burned first as His portion (Leviticus 3:5; 7:31). • Eli’s sons grabbed meat before the fat was offered, treating holy things as common (1 Samuel 2:15-16). • Their “custom” displaced God’s command, and their worship became self-serving rather than God-honoring. Principles for Worship That Aligns with God’s Instructions • Begin with what God has said, not what feels convenient. • Give Him the first and best, never the leftovers (Proverbs 3:9; Malachi 1:8). • Guard against traditions that contradict Scripture (Mark 7:8-9). • Approach Him with reverence, knowing He notices both heart and practice (Hebrews 12:28). • Hold leaders accountable; spiritual authority never overrides God’s Word (1 Chronicles 15:13). Guardrails for Leaders and Teams • Study the biblical pattern for every element you lead—music, teaching, sacraments, offerings. • Inspect “the way we’ve always done it” against chapter-and-verse. • Invite mature believers to speak into the process and correct drift early. • Keep an open Bible on the planning table; let it have the first and final word. Practical Steps for Congregational Worship 1. Read a passage aloud that explains what you’re about to do (e.g., the Lord’s Supper—1 Corinthians 11:23-26). 2. Schedule silence or spoken prayers of confession so hearts are prepared (Psalm 24:3-4). 3. Place offerings or service projects after a clear reminder that giving is worship (2 Corinthians 9:7). 4. Rotate Scripture readers so the whole body hears the Word in fresh voices (Colossians 4:16). 5. Close with a doxology or benediction straight from the text (Numbers 6:24-26). Practical Steps for Personal Worship • Start the day by reading a psalm aloud; respond in prayer using its language. • Before singing along with a playlist, ask: “Does this lyric align with Scripture?” (John 4:23). • Keep a journal column titled “Obey” and write one actionable step from each reading. • Fast periodically to remind your body that God, not food, is first (Matthew 6:16-18). • End each week by reviewing how you honored Him with time, talents, and treasure. Encouragement to Stay the Course When worship is shaped by God’s Word, He is pleased, His people are blessed, and the watching world sees a glimpse of His glory. Let the failure of Eli’s sons warn us, and let the faithfulness of Christ inspire us, so every gathering—corporate or personal—echoes Samuel’s later confession: “Speak, LORD, for Your servant is listening.” (1 Samuel 3:9) |
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