Matthew 15:1-9 / Mark 7:1-13…
The religion of the Pharisees makes people hypocritical. A hypocrite is one who pretends to be something that he is not. Many times hypocrites are self-deceived as to this. The Pharisees gave the appearance of holiness, but it was actually haughtiness. It wasn’t humility before God it was simply ritual before man.
The real question with all religious ritual, practice and doctrine is, “Is it of God or of man?” The answer is if it conforms to God’s Word. Jesus said that they were going through motions but their hearts were far removed from God. They compounded the error by teaching these man-made precepts as divine doctrine. These problems were serious enough to render their worship vain. We must remember that to obey is better than sacrifice (1 Samuel 15:22).
Worship must be in spirit; internally real and not outwardly by ritual alone (cf. Philippians 3:3). Worship must be in truth; not just a projection of our sincerity, or a reflection of culture, but firmly based on the truth of God revealed in the Bible (cf. 1 John 4:5-6).
Many today, as a pretense of honoring God, add to God’s Word. They insist on certain ceremonies and practices that are supposed to give us a deeper devotion, yet Paul says otherwise (Colossians 2:16-23). We can look like good Christians on the outside. We can have a church relationship, follow the church rules, and use the right church words. We can say we love Jesus, but our hearts may be far from Him. God wants us to be real. A humble heart will lead to true holiness, which will work but not pretend that it is something it is not.
1 comment:
Remember that this entire devotional series can be ordered in book form @
http://www.lulu.com/shop/jd-hatfield/daily-gospel-devotional/paperback/product-20042375.html
To be included in the daily email, or to receive a copy of the reading schedule, contact us (primesoul@hotmail.com).
God bless you as you join and continue in the walk with us...
Post a Comment