How does Psalm 78:36 warn against insincere worship and flattery towards God? Psalm 78:36—The Verse Itself • “But they deceived Him with their mouth and lied to Him with their tongue.” A Pattern of Empty Lip Service • Israel’s words sounded loyal, yet their hearts were elsewhere (vv. 37–42). • The verse exposes a posture that appears devout while concealing unbelief. • Similar warnings: “This people draws near with their mouths… yet their hearts are far from Me” (Isaiah 29:13; cf. Matthew 15:8). What Is Flattery Toward God? • Saying the right things merely to impress others or to gain favor. • Singing, praying, or serving without genuine love or surrender. • Using religious language while planning to continue in sin (Jeremiah 7:8-10). Why Insincere Worship Is Dangerous • It mocks God’s holiness—He will not be fooled (Galatians 6:7). • It hardens the heart; pretending soon replaces repenting (Hebrews 3:13). • It invites discipline, as seen in Israel’s history (Psalm 78:31-33). God Sees Through the Show • “Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7) • “Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight.” (Hebrews 4:13) • Our hidden motives are as clear to Him as our spoken words. The Call to Genuine Heart Worship • Love the LORD “with all your heart, soul, and strength.” (Deuteronomy 6:5) • Worship “in spirit and in truth.” (John 4:23-24) • Obedience validates our confession—“Why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I say?” (Luke 6:46) Practical Checks for Our Hearts • Examine motives: Am I seeking God’s glory or human approval? • Match words with obedience: “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only.” (James 1:22) • Cultivate repentance quickly when sin is revealed (Psalm 139:23-24). • Foster private devotion that no one else sees (Matthew 6:6). Living It Out Today • Speak to God truthfully; let confession be honest, praise be heartfelt. • Let actions back up worship—serve, give, and forgive as acts of love. • Remember: God desires hearts that cling to Him, not lips that merely flatter. |
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