How can we ensure we worship God correctly, as seen in 2 Kings 17:27? The Setting in 2 Kings 17:27 “Then the king of Assyria commanded: ‘Send back one of the priests you took captive from Samaria, and let him go and live there to teach them the requirements of the God of the land.’” (2 Kings 17:27) The Assyrians tried to appease God by importing a priest to “teach” the new settlers. The scene underlines two truths: God cares how He is worshiped, and people need sound instruction, not guesswork or superstition. Key Principles for Correct Worship • God Himself defines acceptable worship, never human opinion (Deuteronomy 12:32). • True worship starts with rightly knowing who God is (Exodus 20:2–3). • Worship must be exclusive: “But you must fear the LORD your God” (2 Kings 17:39). • Faithful teachers equip us to worship accurately (Ephesians 4:11–12). • Obedience matters; unauthorized offerings bring judgment (Leviticus 10:1–3). • Reverence is essential: “Let us… worship God acceptably with reverence and awe” (Hebrews 12:28–29). • God desires worship “in spirit and in truth” (John 4:23–24). Putting It into Practice Today • Saturate your mind with Scripture; let it set the agenda for both personal and corporate worship. • Shape gatherings around the biblical elements: public reading of the Word (1 Timothy 4:13), preaching, prayer, singing (Colossians 3:16), and the ordinances (Acts 2:42). • Approach God through Christ alone—our only Mediator (John 14:6; Hebrews 7:26–27). • Offer daily obedience as “living sacrifices” (Romans 12:1); lifestyle and liturgy must match. • Depend on the Spirit, not fleshly performance: “We… worship by the Spirit of God” (Philippians 3:3). Guarding Against Counterfeits • Reject syncretism: “They feared the LORD, yet served their own gods” (2 Kings 17:33). • Test every practice against Scripture’s clear teaching (1 John 4:1). • Refuse traditions that override God’s commands (Mark 7:8–9). • Keep leaders and congregations mutually accountable (Acts 20:28). Christ, Our Sure Foundation The lone priest sent back to Samaria foreshadowed the perfect High Priest who would come and “teach” us fully—Jesus Christ. In Him we have the pattern, the power, and the purity necessary to worship God rightly, now and forever. |
    |