Worship God Approves #1978

20 Therefore when you come together in one place, it is not to eat the Lord’s Supper. 21 For in eating, each one takes his own supper ahead of others; and one is hungry and another is drunk. 22 What! Do you not have houses to eat and drink in? Or do you despise the church of God and shame those who have nothing? What shall I say to you? Shall I praise you in this? I do not praise you.” (1 Corinthians 11:20–22, NKJV)

Sinful attitudes and conduct were interrupting and corrupting the worship of the church at Corinth. Their misunderstanding and abuse of the Lord’s Supper exposed divisions between rich and poor brethren. The inspired remedy Paul taught was to partake of the Lord’s Supper properly and to eat their regular meals at home (1 Cor. 11:22, 23-33, 34). We see an underlying worship principle in this passage. Acceptable worship is about God; it is not about us. We are not the ones who decide what makes worship right, good, and pleasing to the Lord. Yet, that seems to be a prevailing attitude in worship gatherings around the world. The Scriptures do not support the premise that sincerity alone justifies acceptable worship. Heartfelt worship without truth guiding it is self-soothing, not Deity honoring. Truth-guided worship that does not spring from the heart is empty, even hypocritical. May we be true worshipers who worship God in spirit and truth (Jno. 4:23-24).

“Who gave you this authority?” #1266

“The baptism of John—where was it from? From heaven or from men?” And they reasoned among themselves, saying, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ He will say to us, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’” (Matthew 21:25, NKJV)

When differences arise over how we understand and apply the Scriptures on matters of moral living and religious duty, some people say, “What difference does it make? As long as you are sincere, you will be fine.” But, minimizing the disagreement and its effects does not remove the difference. Nor does making sincerity the standard of acceptability solve the problem. But, making such statements does reveal a mindset that Christians must not have and hold. In today’s passage, Jesus said there are only two possible sources of authority in soul-effecting matters: heaven or men. When heaven speaks, it makes a great difference over what men have to say (Galatians 1:10). This is why we must have Bible authority for all we say and do. Otherwise, we are acting upon no authority greater than ourselves, and, by doing so, violate heaven’s authority (Colossians 3:17). Jesus Christ has the authority to command, to save, to bless and to condemn (Matthew 28:18; John 5:19-23; 17:1-2). You will find His authority in His word, and nowhere else (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

Peddling the word of God #1160

For we are not, as so many, peddling the word of God; but as of sincerity, but as from God, we speak in the sight of God in Christ. (2 Corinthians 2:17, NKJV)

As it was then, so it continues to be. Those who speak the pure gospel of Christ stand in contrast to the hucksters who make merchandise of the word of God, peddling their adulterated message of the gospel for personal advancement and material gain. Why would a church charge people a fee to hear the word of God? Some do. Why would a church charge a fee for the activities they offer? Church-sponsored activities that request fees to participate are not from the word of God, for if they were, they would be offered to the public “without money and without price” (Isa. 55:1). Truly, “by covetousness they will exploit you with deceptive words” (2 Peter 2:3). We stand before God and answer to Him. Therefore, let us speak the word of God with sincerity of heart and clarity of words, not with diluted speech and polluted motives. May we never charge for what God offers freely: “And the Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come!’ And let him who hears say, ‘Come!’ And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely” (Rev. 22:17).

“The sincerity of your love” #965

8  I speak not by commandment, but I am testing the sincerity of your love by the diligence of others. 9  For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich. (2 Corinthians 8:8–9, NKJV)

In urging the Corinthian church to complete their commitment to send benevolent relief to their needy brethren in Jerusalem, the apostle used the example of the diligent disciples in Macedonia to prompt their action (2 Cor. 8:1-7). The Macedonians were themselves following the great example of Jesus Christ, who emptied Himself of heaven’s glory so that we may be spiritual rich (Phil. 2:5-8). Sincere love, by definition, sacrifices itself for the benefit and well being of others. Do not merely tell someone you love them. The test of love is putting aside your own comfort, pleasure and profit in order to promote blessings and spiritual advantages in the lives of those for whom we profess love. “My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and truth” (1 Jno. 3:18).

Not Peddling the Word of God #915

For we are not, as so many, peddling the word of God; but as of sincerity, but as from God, we speak in the sight of God in Christ. (2 Corinthians 2:17, NKJV)

Religious hucksters who peddle the word of God hinder and harm the spread of God’s truth. The “prosperity gospel” that enriches its preachers while giving false hope to those captured by its promise of material wealth comes to mind. Then there are those who offer miracles and plead for your money so they can continue their curing crusade – all “in the name of Jesus.” (We speak as foolish people!) The apostles of Christ did not play on the covetous desires of their hearers, nor do we. They did not make merchandise of the word of God. Those who do so today deceive many, and help harden hearts against the truth. The apostles’ doctrine is about saving lost souls from sin, not lining the pockets of the peddlers of error (Acts 2:41-42). Paul said, “I do not seek yours, but you” (2 Cor. 12:14). He sought their salvation, not their material goods. Gospel preachers seek souls for Christ; False teachers seek souls for themselves. Beware those who handle the word of God deceitfully and adulterate the purity of the gospel (2 Cor. 4:2). How will you know the genuine gospel from the counterfeit, and the false teacher from the truth teacher? By their fruits you will know them (Matt. 7:15-20). Do they agree with the apostles of Christ? If not, they are not of God (read 1 Jno. 4:1, 6).

With My Whole Heart #796

1  I will praise You with my whole heart; Before the gods I will sing praises to You. 2  I will worship toward Your holy temple, and praise Your name for Your lovingkindness and Your truth; For You have magnified Your word above all Your name. 3  In the day when I cried out, You answered me, and made me bold with strength in my soul. (Psalm 138:1–3, NKJV)

Jehovah God is worthy of wholehearted praise. Whether “the gods” before whom the psalmist sings praises to Jehovah are the rulers of nations, the judges among the people, or the false idols that are nothing, he attributes devoted worship and praise to God for His lovingkindness and truth. These continue to motivate our worship today. Additionally, the psalmist relied upon God, and God kept His word. The Lord answered his prayers, emboldening him and strengthening his faith. What wonderful incentives we have to worship God with our whole heart! He is a God of kindness and of truth. He answers our petitions and assures our faith. Give Him reverent worship with your whole heart.