How can we ensure our worship aligns with God's desires, not like Israel's? Seeing Israel’s Misplaced Altars (Hosea 8:11) “Though Ephraim multiplied altars for sin, they became his altars for sinning.” Israel thought more altars meant more of God’s favor. Instead, the very things built for worship multiplied their rebellion. Quantity never replaced obedience, and activity never substituted for heart alignment. Recognizing the Heart of Worship • Worship is first about the worth of God, not the work of people (Psalm 29:2). • God seeks worship “in spirit and truth” (John 4:24), not in show and tradition. • Obedience is better than sacrifice (1 Samuel 15:22). Four Safeguards for God-Pleasing Worship 1. Examine Motives, Not Just Methods • Ask, “Is this for His glory or my gratification?” (Colossians 3:17). • Beware the danger of “drawing near with lips” while the heart is far away (Isaiah 29:13). 2. Anchor Everything to God’s Word • Let Scripture, not culture, define acceptable worship (2 Timothy 3:16-17). • Test every song, ritual, or sermon against the pattern of sound doctrine (Titus 2:1). 3. Pursue Holiness Before Expression • Clean hands and a pure heart precede ascending the hill of the Lord (Psalm 24:3-4). • Confession and repentance keep altars from becoming sin factories (1 John 1:9). 4. Cultivate Covenant Loyalty • Love the Lord with all heart, soul, mind, and strength (Mark 12:30). • Remember that friendship with the world is enmity with God (James 4:4). Cross-Checks from the New Testament • Acts 5:1-11: Ananias and Sapphira’s offering looked generous, but hidden deceit brought judgment. • 1 Corinthians 11:27-32: The Lord’s Supper demands self-examination to avoid eating and drinking judgment. • Hebrews 12:28-29: “Let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire.” Key Takeaways to Put Into Practice • Filter every worship practice through Scripture, not preference. • Keep repentance current so the altar stays a place of surrender, not sin. • Prioritize heart obedience over external activity; God weighs motives. • Maintain an ongoing, reverent awe of God’s holiness—lest multiplied altars become multiplied sins. |
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