What steps can we take to ensure our worship is "most holy" to God? Key Verse “‘You are never to use this formula to produce incense for yourselves; you shall regard it as holy to the LORD.’” (Exodus 30:37) Why This Matters Israel’s incense recipe was “most holy” because it was: • God-designed • God-directed • God-devoted The same principles guide our worship today. Steps to Keep Worship “Most Holy” 1. Guard God’s Ownership • Worship is His idea, not ours (Exodus 30:34-35). • We approach on His terms, never reshaping it to suit personal taste (Leviticus 10:1-3). 2. Separate the Everyday from the Holy • The incense was never to be copied “for yourselves” (Exodus 30:37-38). • Likewise, avoid bringing casual, self-focused attitudes into gathered praise (Hebrews 12:28-29). 3. Offer a Pure Heart First • “Who may ascend the hill of the LORD? He who has clean hands and a pure heart” (Psalm 24:3-4). • Regular confession and repentance keep the channel clear (1 John 1:9). 4. Give Your Whole Self, Not Just Words • “Present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—your spiritual worship” (Romans 12:1). • Engage mind, will, emotions, and actions. 5. Worship in Spirit and Truth • “The true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth” (John 4:23-24). • Depend on the Spirit’s leading; ground every song, prayer, and sermon in Scripture. 6. Pursue Holiness All Week • God called Israel’s incense “most holy” even when it wasn’t burning; its identity never changed. • Holiness isn’t a Sunday event—live set apart daily (1 Peter 1:15-16). 7. Keep Humility Central • “What does the LORD require of you… to walk humbly with your God?” (Micah 6:8). • Recognize His greatness and our dependence in every aspect of service and song. Living It Out • Prepare before gathering: pray, examine motives, reconcile relationships (Matthew 5:23-24). • Choose songs and readings rich in Scripture, not merely sentimental. • Participate actively—sing, listen, give, serve. • Continue the aroma: let obedience, gratitude, and love rise to God throughout the week (Ephesians 5:2). When we honor His pattern, seek His purity, and surrender entirely to His purposes, our worship becomes, like the ancient incense, “most holy to the LORD.” |
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