How can we ensure our worship aligns with biblical teachings, unlike Ahaz's example? The Dangerous Example of Ahaz 2 Kings 16:13: “He burned his burnt offering and grain offering, poured out his drink offering, and sprinkled the blood of his peace offerings on the altar.” • Ahaz copied a pagan altar he saw in Damascus (vv. 10-12) and installed it in Jerusalem. • He sidelined the bronze altar God had prescribed (v. 14). • He practiced worship that looked impressive yet ignored God’s clear instructions. Symptoms of Misaligned Worship • Borrowing practices from the world rather than receiving them from God (2 Kings 16:10). • Moving God-given patterns to the margins (v. 14). • Treating worship as a human performance instead of a humble response to revelation (Colossians 2:23). • Pressing on with activity even when it contradicts Scripture (Leviticus 10:1-2). Foundations for True Worship • Revelation, not imagination: “See that you do everything I command you; do not add to it or subtract from it” (Deuteronomy 12:32). • Spirit and truth together: “God is Spirit, and His worshipers must worship Him in spirit and in truth” (John 4:24). • Christ at the center: “Through Jesus…let us continually offer…a sacrifice of praise” (Hebrews 13:15). • Reverence and awe: “Let us…worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire” (Hebrews 12:28-29). Guardrails for Our Worship Today • Test every element by Scripture – Acts 17:11 encourages daily examination of the Word. – 2 Timothy 3:16-17 supplies all we need for faithful worship. • Keep Christ foremost – Colossians 1:18 presents Him as head of the church; worship highlights His supremacy. • Depend on the Spirit, not novelty – Ephesians 5:18-20 replaces worldly intoxication with Spirit-filled song, gratitude, and mutual edification. • Maintain order and clarity – 1 Corinthians 14:40 calls for everything to be “done in a proper and orderly manner.” • Submit to accountable leadership – Elders charged with guarding doctrine (Titus 1:9) protect congregations from Ahaz-like drift. • Value God-ordained symbols – The Lord’s Supper (1 Corinthians 11:23-26) and baptism (Romans 6:4) proclaim the gospel visually, needing no pagan embellishment. Embracing God-Given Elements • The Word read, preached, and sung (Colossians 3:16). • Prayer offered in Jesus’ name (John 14:13-14). • Sacraments observed as Christ instituted them. • Songs that declare Scriptural truth and stir heartfelt response (Psalm 29:2). • Lives presented daily as living sacrifices (Romans 12:1). Living Response Aligning worship with Scripture keeps Christ’s church from repeating Ahaz’s mistake. By treasuring God’s Word, honoring His appointed means, and relying on the Spirit, believers offer praise that pleases the Father and showcases the unmatched glory of His Son. |
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