How can we ensure our worship aligns with biblical teachings, not human doctrines? Jesus’ Warning About Empty Worship Matthew 15:9: “They worship Me in vain; they teach as doctrine the precepts of men.” • Jesus exposes a worship that looks sincere yet is worthless because it rests on human rules. • He draws a clear line: either worship is built on God’s revealed truth, or it is built on man-made ideas. Measure Every Tradition by the Word Acts 17:11: “They examined the Scriptures every day to see if these teachings were true.” • Hold every song, liturgy, and practice beside the open Bible. • Retain only what harmonizes with the plain, literal meaning of Scripture. • Discard anything—no matter how cherished—that Scripture does not support. Let God’s Commands Trump Culture • God’s first command leaves no room for rival authorities. • Culture, sentiment, or philosophy must never override what God has spoken. Worship in Spirit and Truth John 4:24: “God is Spirit, and His worshipers must worship Him in spirit and in truth.” • Truth: every word God breathed is accurate; we align our worship content with that truth. • Spirit: heartfelt, living response to God’s revealed character, never empty formality. Let Scripture Shape Our Songs and Prayers Colossians 3:16; Ephesians 5:19 • Saturate gatherings with the very words of Scripture—psalms, hymns, spiritual songs. • Sing theology that mirrors the Bible’s storyline: creation, fall, redemption, and glory. • Pray passages aloud, letting God’s vocabulary become ours. Stand on the Sufficiency of Scripture 2 Timothy 3:16-17; Psalm 119:105 • Because every verse is God-breathed, it is a complete guide for worship. • No additional revelation or human system can claim equal authority. Live Out What We Sing and Say James 1:22: “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only.” • True worship continues after the benediction—obedience proves sincerity. • Align daily life with the gospel truths proclaimed in the sanctuary. |
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