What steps can we take to ensure our worship aligns with biblical teachings? The Warning from Ahaz’s Example 2 Chronicles 28:3 paints a sobering picture of King Ahaz: “He burned incense in the Valley of Hinnom and sacrificed his children in the fire, following the abominations of the nations the LORD had driven out before the Israelites.” Ahaz’s worship was: • Driven by surrounding culture, not God’s Word • Rooted in idolatry and human cruelty • A direct violation of God’s clear commands (Deuteronomy 12:31) His failure shows what happens when worship drifts from Scripture. Worship God Desires • Centered on God alone—“You shall have no other gods before Me.” (Exodus 20:3) • True in spirit and truth—“true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth.” (John 4:23–24) • Marked by obedience—“To obey is better than sacrifice.” (1 Samuel 15:22) • Holy and reverent—“Let us offer to God acceptable worship with reverence and awe.” (Hebrews 12:28–29) Practical Steps to Keep Our Worship Biblical 1. Submit every practice to Scripture • Test songs, rituals, and traditions against the Bible (Acts 17:11). • If it contradicts or distracts from God’s Word, discard it. 2. Reject cultural pressures that compromise holiness • Romans 12:2 urges, “Do not be conformed to this world.” • Guard against trends that glamorize self instead of glorifying Christ. 3. Elevate God’s Word in every gathering • Read it publicly (1 Timothy 4:13). • Teach it clearly (Nehemiah 8:8). • Respond to it in confession, praise, and obedience. 4. Keep Christ’s sacrifice central • Celebrate the Lord’s Supper regularly (1 Corinthians 11:23–26). • Sing lyrics that exalt His cross and resurrection (Colossians 3:16). 5. Offer ourselves, not just our music • “Present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true worship.” (Romans 12:1) • Serve, give, and love throughout the week, not merely on Sunday. 6. Maintain purity and reverence • Approach God with clean hands and pure hearts (Psalm 24:3–4). • Confess sin quickly; avoid entertainment that dulls spiritual sensitivity. 7. Teach the next generation • Psalm 78:4—“We will not hide them from their children.” • Model authentic worship at home; involve children in corporate praise. 8. Pursue Spirit-led excellence, not performance • Skill matters (Psalm 33:3), but humility matters more (Micah 6:8). • Pray for the Spirit’s empowering before planning or leading. Guardrails for the Future • Regular self-examination—“Search me, O God.” (Psalm 139:23–24) • Accountable leadership teams that correct drift (Titus 1:9). • Continual gratitude—remembering we worship a holy God who saved us by grace (Ephesians 2:8–9). By testing every aspect of our worship against Scripture, honoring Christ above culture, and yielding to the Holy Spirit, we avoid Ahaz’s tragic path and offer the kind of worship our Lord truly desires. |
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