How can we ensure our worship aligns with God's standards today? Scripture Focus “Nevertheless, the high places were not removed; the people still sacrificed and burned incense on the high places. And Jotham rebuilt the Upper Gate of the house of the LORD.” (2 Kings 15:35) What Was Happening in 2 Kings 15:35 • The nation kept using “high places”―convenient, man-made worship sites. • God’s appointed center for worship was in Jerusalem at the temple (Deuteronomy 12:4-5, 13-14). • Jotham strengthened the physical gateway of the temple, yet the people’s hearts still drifted to unauthorized altars. Key Principle: God Sets the Pattern, Not Us • Worship must follow His revealed instructions, not cultural preferences (Leviticus 10:1-3). • Authentic worship involves both location and devotion that He designates (John 4:23-24). Marks of Worship That Align with God’s Standards 1. Single-minded Allegiance – No rival “high places” in our hearts (Exodus 20:3). – Every aspect of life becomes a living sacrifice (Romans 12:1). 2. Scripture-Driven Practice – Songs, prayers, preaching, and ordinances rooted in the Word (Colossians 3:16). – Evaluate traditions by Scripture rather than Scripture by traditions (Mark 7:8-9). 3. Christ-Centered Focus – All worship flows through the finished work of Jesus, our one Mediator (Hebrews 10:19-22). – We approach the Father in His name, not ours (John 14:6). 4. Reverent Joy – “Let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe” (Hebrews 12:28). – Joyful celebration and holy fear can coexist (Psalm 2:11). 5. Spirit-Empowered Participation – Every believer a “living stone” and “holy priesthood” (1 Peter 2:5). – Depend on the Spirit, not performance or atmosphere (Galatians 5:25). Practical Checks for Churches Today • Review song lyrics for doctrinal accuracy. • Structure services around public reading of Scripture, prayer, teaching, and ordinances (Acts 2:42). • Guard against entertainment-driven motives that eclipse God’s glory. • Cultivate orderly participation that reflects His character (1 Corinthians 14:40). Personal Heart Inventory ☐ Am I harboring private “high places”―habits or loyalties that compete with God? ☐ Do I prepare my heart before gathering, or merely show up? ☐ Is my giving, serving, and singing an overflow of gratitude for the gospel? Community Action Steps • Encourage one another to stay Word-centered during planning meetings. • Offer discipleship that teaches why we do what we do in worship. • Model repentance quickly when misalignments surface, keeping Christ supreme. Keeping worship in line with God’s standards means tearing down every substitute altar, exalting Christ alone, and faithfully ordering our gatherings―and our lives―by the unchanging Word He has given. |
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