Dec13
Worship Service - Idolatry on Sunday Mornings, Pt. 4
I’d like to continue addressing a topic I began a couple weeks ago, that is, identifying the idols we may serve in our hearts even as we gather to worship God with His people. In previous posts we looked at music, tradition, creativity, experience, and liturgy. Here’s one more (well really, two). Biblical Knowledge - I hesitate to include “biblical knowledge” as a potential idol. The reason I do is that we can wrongly pursue a knowledge of doctrine that is distinct from a knowledge of God Himself. We have to acknowledge this possibility or we easily fall into the error of the Pharisees, who took more pride in their “rightness” than in their relationship with God. We too, can be more impressed with the accurate theology in our songs than the fact that God has shown us mercy in Jesus Christ. Doctrine and theology, humbly studied and applied, always lead us to fear, love, and worship God more, not less. For that reason, Jesus rebuked the Pharisees for pursuing a knowledge of Scripture that didn’t lead to Him. “You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me, yet you refuse to come to me that you may have life.” ( John 5:39-40, ESVJohn 5:39-40
[39]You search the Scriptures because you think that in
them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear
witness about me, [40]yet you refuse to come to me that you
may have life. (ESV)
) As we grow in our understanding of and love for God’s Word, it should always produce a corresponding humility and godliness in us. How tragic that those who defend certain ways of worshipping God most vocally often disgregard the humility God esteems most highly. (Is. 66:2) Biblical Ignorance - On the other side of the coin, we can exalt our ignorance of Scripture as we worship God, claiming that “words get in the way of worship.” At some point in the future I plan to share on the primacy of God’s Word in our worship. For now, it’s enough to say that when we don’t intentionally value God’s Word as the controlling influence and primary substance of our worship, other authorities rush in to fill its place. We are not more spiritual, nor closer to God, nor more mature if we think we don’t need words to communicate with God. God has always placed His Word at the center of our communion with Him, whether that be through song, prayer, or preaching. Through God’s Word we best come to know Who He is, who we are, and how we are to relate to Him. ( Ex. 20Exodus 20
[20:1]And God spoke all these words, saying,
[2]"I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the
land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery.
[3]"You shall have no other gods before me.
[4]"You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or
any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that
is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the
earth. [5]You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for
I the LORD your God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity
of the fathers on the children to the third and the fourth
generation of those who hate me, [6]but showing steadfast
love to thousands of those who love me and keep my
commandments.
[7]"You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in
vain, for the LORD will not hold him guiltless who takes
his name in vain.
[8]"Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. [9]Six
days you shall labor, and do all your work, [10]but the
seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you
shall not do any work, you, or your son, or your daughter,
your male servant, or your female servant, or your
livestock, or the sojourner who is within your gates.
[11]For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the
sea, and all that is in them, and rested on the seventh
day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and made it
holy.
[12]"Honor your father and your mother, that your days
may be long in the land that the LORD your God is giving
you.
[13]"You shall not murder.
[14]"You shall not commit adultery.
[15]"You shall not steal.
[16]"You shall not bear false witness against your
neighbor.
[17]"You shall not covet your neighbor's house; you
shall not covet your neighbor's wife, or his male servant,
or his female servant, or his ox, or his donkey, or
anything that is your neighbor's."
[18]Now when all the people saw the thunder and the
flashes of lightning and the sound of the trumpet and the
mountain smoking, the people were afraid and trembled, and
they stood far off [19]and said to Moses, "You speak to us,
and we will listen; but do not let God speak to us, lest we
die." [20]Moses said to the people, "Do not fear, for God
has come to test you, that the fear of him may be before
you, that you may not sin." [21]The people stood far off,
while Moses drew near to the thick darkness where God was.
[22]And the LORD said to Moses, "Thus you shall say to
the people of Israel: 'You have seen for yourselves that I
have talked with you from heaven. [23]You shall not make
gods of silver to be with me, nor shall you make for
yourselves gods of gold. [24]An altar of earth you shall
make for me and sacrifice on it your burnt offerings and
your peace offerings, your sheep and your oxen. In every
place where I cause my name to be remembered I will come to
you and bless you. [25]If you make me an altar of stone,
you shall not build it of hewn stones, for if you wield
your tool on it you profane it. [26]And you shall not go up
by steps to my altar, that your nakedness be not exposed on
it.' (ESV)
; 1 Kings 8:91 Kings 8:9
[9]There was nothing in the ark except the two tablets
of stone that Moses put there at Horeb, where the LORD made
a covenant with the people of Israel, when they came out of
the land of Egypt. (ESV)
; Ex. 34:6-7Exodus 34:6-7
[6]The LORD passed before him and proclaimed, "The LORD,
the LORD, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and
abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, [7]keeping
steadfast love for thousands, forgiving iniquity and
transgression and sin, but who will by no means clear the
guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the
children and the children's children, to the third and the
fourth generation." (ESV)
; Josh 1:7-8Joshua 1:7-8
[7]Only be strong and very courageous, being careful to
do according to all the law that Moses my servant commanded
you. Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left,
that you may have good success wherever you go. [8]This
Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you
shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be
careful to do according to all that is written in it. For
then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will
have good success. (ESV)
; 2 Chron. 31:2-42 Chronicles 31:2-4
[2]And Hezekiah appointed the divisions of the priests
and of the Levites, division by division, each according to
his service, the priests and the Levites, for burnt
offerings and peace offerings, to minister in the gates of
the camp of the LORD and to give thanks and praise. [3]The
contribution of the king from his own possessions was for
the burnt offerings: the burnt offerings of morning and
evening, and the burnt offerings for the Sabbaths, the new
moons, and the appointed feasts, as it is written in the
Law of the LORD. [4]And he commanded the people who lived
in Jerusalem to give the portion due to the priests and the
Levites, that they might give themselves to the Law of the
LORD. (ESV)
; 34:29-33; Ps. 119Psalm 119
[119:1] Blessed are those whose way is blameless,
who walk in the law of the LORD!
[2]Blessed are those who keep his testimonies,
who seek him with their whole heart,
[3]who also do no wrong,
but walk in his ways!
[4]You have commanded your precepts
to be kept diligently.
[5]Oh that my ways may be steadfast
in keeping your statutes!
[6]Then I shall not be put to shame,
having my eyes fixed on all your commandments.
[7]I will praise you with an upright heart,
when I learn your righteous rules.
[8]I will keep your statutes;
do not utterly forsake me!
[9]How can a young man keep his way pure?
By guarding it according to your word.
[10]With my whole heart I seek you;
let me not wander from your commandments!
[11]I have stored up your word in my heart,
that I might not sin against you.
[12]Blessed are you, O LORD;
teach me your statutes!
[13]With my lips I declare
all the rules of your mouth.
[14]In the way of your testimonies I delight
as much as in all riches.
[15]I will meditate on your precepts
and fix my eyes on your ways.
[16]I will delight in your statutes;
I will not forget your word.
[17]Deal bountifully with your servant,
that I may live and keep your word.
[18]Open my eyes, that I may behold
wondrous things out of your law.
[19]I am a sojourner on the earth;
hide not your commandments from me!
[20]My soul is consumed with longing
for your rules at all times.
[21]You rebuke the insolent, accursed ones,
who wander from your commandments.
[22]Take away from me scorn and contempt,
for I have kept your testimonies.
[23]Even though princes sit plotting against me,
your servant will meditate on your statutes.
[24]Your testimonies are my delight;
they are my counselors.
[25]My soul clings to the dust;
give me life according to your word!
[26]When I told of my ways, you answered me;
teach me your statutes!
[27]Make me understand the way of your precepts,
and I will meditate on your wondrous works.
[28]My soul melts away for sorrow;
strengthen me according to your word!
[29]Put false ways far from me
and graciously teach me your law!
[30]I have chosen the way of faithfulness;
I set your rules before me.
[31]I cling to your testimonies, O LORD;
let me not be put to shame!
[32]I will run in the way of your commandments
when you enlarge my heart!
[33]Teach me, O LORD, the way of your statutes;
and I will keep it to the end.
[34]Give me understanding, that I may keep your law
and observe it with my whole heart.
[35]Lead me in the path of your commandments,
for I delight in it.
[36]Incline my heart to your testimonies,
and not to selfish gain!
[37]Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things;
and give me life in your ways.
[38]Confirm to your servant your promise,
that you may be feared.
[39]Turn away the reproach that I dread,
for your rules are good.
[40]Behold, I long for your precepts;
in your righteousness give me life!
[41]Let your steadfast love come to me, O LORD,
your salvation according to your promise;
[42]then shall I have an answer for him who taunts me,
for I trust in your word.
[43]And take not the word of truth utterly out of my
mouth,
for my hope is in your rules.
[44]I will keep your law continually,
forever and ever,
[45]and I shall walk in a wide place,
for I have sought your precepts.
[46]I will also speak of your testimonies before kings
and shall not be put to shame,
[47]for I find my delight in your commandments,
which I love.
[48]I will lift up my hands toward your commandments,
which I love,
and I will meditate on your statutes.
[49]Remember your word to your servant,
in which you have made me hope.
[50]This is my comfort in my affliction,
that your promise gives me life.
[51]The insolent utterly deride me,
but I do not turn away from your law.
[52]When I think of your rules from of old,
I take comfort, O LORD.
[53]Hot indignation seizes me because of the wicked,
who forsake your law.
[54]Your statutes have been my songs
in the house of my sojourning.
[55]I remember your name in the night, O LORD,
and keep your law.
[56]This blessing has fallen to me,
that I have kept your precepts.
[57]The LORD is my portion;
I promise to keep your words.
[58]I entreat your favor with all my heart;
be gracious to me according to your promise.
[59]When I think on my ways,
I turn my feet to your testimonies;
[60]I hasten and do not delay
to keep your commandments.
[61]Though the cords of the wicked ensnare me,
I do not forget your law.
[62]At midnight I rise to praise you,
because of your righteous rules.
[63]I am a companion of all who fear you,
of those who keep your precepts.
[64]The earth, O LORD, is full of your steadfast love;
teach me your statutes!
[65]You have dealt well with your servant,
O LORD, according to your word.
[66]Teach me good judgment and knowledge,
for I believe in your commandments.
[67]Before I was afflicted I went astray,
but now I keep your word.
[68]You are good and do good;
teach me your statutes.
[69]The insolent smear me with lies,
but with my whole heart I keep your precepts;
[70]their heart is unfeeling like fat,
but I delight in your law.
[71]It is good for me that I was afflicted,
that I might learn your statutes.
[72]The law of your mouth is better to me
than thousands of gold and silver pieces.
[73]Your hands have made and fashioned me;
give me understanding that I may learn your
commandments.
[74]Those who fear you shall see me and rejoice,
because I have hoped in your word.
[75]I know, O LORD, that your rules are righteous,
and that in faithfulness you have afflicted me.
[76]Let your steadfast love comfort me
according to your promise to your servant.
[77]Let your mercy come to me, that I may live;
for your law is my delight.
[78]Let the insolent be put to shame,
because they have wronged me with falsehood;
as for me, I will meditate on your precepts.
[79]Let those who fear you turn to me,
that they may know your testimonies.
[80]May my heart be blameless in your statutes,
that I may not be put to shame!
[81]My soul longs for your salvation;
I hope in your word.
[82]My eyes long for your promise;
I ask, "When will you comfort me?"
[83]For I have become like a wineskin in the smoke,
yet I have not forgotten your statutes.
[84]How long must your servant endure?
When will you judge those who persecute me?
[85]The insolent have dug pitfalls for me;
they do not live according to your law.
[86]All your commandments are sure;
they persecute me with falsehood; help me!
[87]They have almost made an end of me on earth,
but I have not forsaken your precepts.
[88]In your steadfast love give me life,
that I may keep the testimonies of your mouth.
[89]Forever, O LORD, your word
is firmly fixed in the heavens.
[90]Your faithfulness endures to all generations;
you have established the earth, and it stands fast.
[91]By your appointment they stand this day,
for all things are your servants.
[92]If your law had not been my delight,
I would have perished in my affliction.
[93]I will never forget your precepts,
for by them you have given me life.
[94]I am yours; save me,
for I have sought your precepts.
[95]The wicked lie in wait to destroy me,
but I consider your testimonies.
[96]I have seen a limit to all perfection,
but your commandment is exceedingly broad.
[97]Oh how I love your law!
It is my meditation all the day.
[98]Your commandment makes me wiser than my enemies,
for it is ever with me.
[99]I have more understanding than all my teachers,
for your testimonies are my meditation.
[100]I understand more than the aged,
for I keep your precepts.
[101]I hold back my feet from every evil way,
in order to keep your word.
[102]I do not turn aside from your rules,
for you have taught me.
[103]How sweet are your words to my taste,
sweeter than honey to my mouth!
[104]Through your precepts I get understanding;
therefore I hate every false way.
[105]Your word is a lamp to my feet
and a light to my path.
[106]I have sworn an oath and confirmed it,
to keep your righteous rules.
[107]I am severely afflicted;
give me life, O LORD, according to your word!
[108]Accept my freewill offerings of praise, O LORD,
and teach me your rules.
[109]I hold my life in my hand continually,
but I do not forget your law.
[110]The wicked have laid a snare for me,
but I do not stray from your precepts.
[111]Your testimonies are my heritage forever,
for they are the joy of my heart.
[112]I incline my heart to perform your statutes
forever, to the end.
[113]I hate the double-minded,
but I love your law.
[114]You are my hiding place and my shield;
I hope in your word.
[115]Depart from me, you evildoers,
that I may keep the commandments of my God.
[116]Uphold me according to your promise, that I may live,
and let me not be put to shame in my hope!
[117]Hold me up, that I may be safe
and have regard for your statutes continually!
[118]You spurn all who go astray from your statutes,
for their cunning is in vain.
[119]All the wicked of the earth you discard like dross,
therefore I love your testimonies.
[120]My flesh trembles for fear of you,
and I am afraid of your judgments.
[121]I have done what is just and right;
do not leave me to my oppressors.
[122]Give your servant a pledge of good;
let not the insolent oppress me.
[123]My eyes long for your salvation
and for the fulfillment of your righteous promise.
[124]Deal with your servant according to your steadfast
love,
and teach me your statutes.
[125]I am your servant; give me understanding,
that I may know your testimonies!
[126]It is time for the LORD to act,
for your law has been broken.
[127]Therefore I love your commandments
above gold, above fine gold.
[128]Therefore I consider all your precepts to be right;
I hate every false way.
[129]Your testimonies are wonderful;
therefore my soul keeps them.
[130]The unfolding of your words gives light;
it imparts understanding to the simple.
[131]I open my mouth and pant,
because I long for your commandments.
[132]Turn to me and be gracious to me,
as is your way with those who love your name.
[133]Keep steady my steps according to your promise,
and let no iniquity get dominion over me.
[134]Redeem me from man's oppression,
that I may keep your precepts.
[135]Make your face shine upon your servant,
and teach me your statutes.
[136]My eyes shed streams of tears,
because people do not keep your law.
[137]Righteous are you, O LORD,
and right are your rules.
[138]You have appointed your testimonies in righteousness
and in all faithfulness.
[139]My zeal consumes me,
because my foes forget your words.
[140]Your promise is well tried,
and your servant loves it.
[141]I am small and despised,
yet I do not forget your precepts.
[142]Your righteousness is righteous forever,
and your law is true.
[143]Trouble and anguish have found me out,
but your commandments are my delight.
[144]Your testimonies are righteous forever;
give me understanding that I may live.
[145]With my whole heart I cry; answer me, O LORD!
I will keep your statutes.
[146]I call to you; save me,
that I may observe your testimonies.
[147]I rise before dawn and cry for help;
I hope in your words.
[148]My eyes are awake before the watches of the night,
that I may meditate on your promise.
[149]Hear my voice according to your steadfast love;
O LORD, according to your justice give me life.
[150]They draw near who persecute me with evil purpose;
they are far from your law.
[151]But you are near, O LORD,
and all your commandments are true.
[152]Long have I known from your testimonies
that you have founded them forever.
[153]Look on my affliction and deliver me,
for I do not forget your law.
[154]Plead my cause and redeem me;
give me life according to your promise!
[155]Salvation is far from the wicked,
for they do not seek your statutes.
[156]Great is your mercy, O LORD;
give me life according to your rules.
[157]Many are my persecutors and my adversaries,
but I do not swerve from your testimonies.
[158]I look at the faithless with disgust,
because they do not keep your commands.
[159]Consider how I love your precepts!
Give me life according to your steadfast love.
[160]The sum of your word is truth,
and every one of your righteous rules endures forever.
[161]Princes persecute me without cause,
but my heart stands in awe of your words.
[162]I rejoice at your word
like one who finds great spoil.
[163]I hate and abhor falsehood,
but I love your law.
[164]Seven times a day I praise you
for your righteous rules.
[165]Great peace have those who love your law;
nothing can make them stumble.
[166]I hope for your salvation, O LORD,
and I do your commandments.
[167]My soul keeps your testimonies;
I love them exceedingly.
[168]I keep your precepts and testimonies,
for all my ways are before you.
[169]Let my cry come before you, O LORD;
give me understanding according to your word!
[170]Let my plea come before you;
deliver me according to your word.
[171]My lips will pour forth praise,
for you teach me your statutes.
[172]My tongue will sing of your word,
for all your commandments are right.
[173]Let your hand be ready to help me,
for I have chosen your precepts.
[174]I long for your salvation, O LORD,
and your law is my delight.
[175]Let my soul live and praise you,
and let your rules help me.
[176]I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek your
servant,
for I do not forget your commandments.
; Ps. 19:7-11Psalm 19:7-11
[7]The law of the LORD is perfect,
reviving the soul;
the testimony of the LORD is sure,
making wise the simple;
[8]the precepts of the LORD are right,
rejoicing the heart;
the commandment of the LORD is pure,
enlightening the eyes;
[9]the fear of the LORD is clean,
enduring forever;
the rules of the LORD are true,
and righteous altogether.
[10]More to be desired are they than gold,
even much fine gold;
sweeter also than honey
and drippings of the honeycomb.
[11]Moreover, by them is your servant warned;
in keeping them there is great reward.
; Mt. 15:8; Acts 13:48-49Acts 13:48-49
[48]And when the Gentiles heard this, they began
rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord, and as many
as were appointed to eternal life believed. [49]And the
word of the Lord was spreading throughout the whole region.
(ESV)
; Col. 3:16Colossians 3:16
[16]Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching
and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms
and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your
hearts to God. (ESV)
; 1 Tim. 4:131 Timothy 4:13
[13]Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading
of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching. (ESV)
) I’ve received numerous encouraging e-mails and comments recently. Thank you for taking the time to read and respond this Blog. Your encouragement is meaningful and an evidence of God’s kindness to me.
Read Part 5 of Idolatry on Sunday Mornings
For more on this topic, download the following free message from the Sovereign Grace site:
Worship and the Word by Craig Cabaniss
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