Why is it important to worship as God commands, not as we desire? Setting the Scene—1 Kings 12:33 “On the day he offered sacrifices on the altar he had set up at Bethel, on the fifteenth day of the eighth month—the month he had devised in his own heart—Jeroboam ordained a feast for the Israelites, and he went up to the altar to burn incense.” Jeroboam ignored God’s calendar, God’s house, and God’s priests. He invented a worship plan that felt politically savvy and personally convenient—but it was rebellion. What Happens When We Design Our Own Worship • We displace God’s authority with human ideas (Colossians 2:23). • We mislead others who look to us for spiritual direction (1 Kings 12:30). • We invite judgment rather than blessing (1 Kings 13:33–34). Five Reasons Obedient Worship Matters 1. God Alone Defines Acceptable Worship • Deuteronomy 12:32—“See that you do all I command you; do not add to it or subtract from it.” • When He speaks, creativity bows to clarity. 2. His Holiness Demands Precision • Leviticus 10:1-3—Nadab and Abihu offered “unauthorized fire,” and fire from the LORD consumed them. • Hebrews 12:28-29—“Let us offer to God acceptable worship… for our God is a consuming fire.” 3. True Worship Guards Our Hearts • Psalm 115:8—“Those who make idols will become like them.” • Obedient worship shapes us into God-seekers; self-made worship shapes us into idolaters. 4. Obedience Expresses Love • John 14:15—“If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” • Love is measured by listening ears, not just passionate songs. 5. God Seeks Worshipers in Spirit and Truth • John 4:23-24—“The Father is seeking such as these to worship Him.” • Truth sets the parameters; the Spirit ignites the passion. Signs We’re Slipping into “Jeroboam Worship” • Changing God’s timetable to fit our schedule. • Prioritizing convenience over commanded gathering (Hebrews 10:25). • Letting culture, tradition, or personal taste outrank Scripture. Walking It Out Today • Measure every worship practice by the Word first, preference second. • Celebrate the feasts God fulfilled in Christ; don’t invent replacements (1 Corinthians 5:7-8). • Pursue both reverence and joy—He deserves nothing less (Psalm 2:11). God’s commandments are not restraints on our freedom; they are rails keeping us on the track that leads to life, blessing, and the glory of His name. |
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