2013 FEBRUARY WEEK ONE LESSON

STUDY 11: ACCEPTABLE WORSHIP 

MAIN TEXT: Isaiah 1:11-20

MEMORY VERSE: John 4:24

In our studies on Praises and worship, it is necessary to look at what God sees as acceptable worship. We shall also be looking at what is false worship. In so doing we shall see and keep away from whatever constitutes false worship. We can then confidently approach God with the fullest assurance that our praises and worship will be meaningful.

 

In the Old Testament, the people of Israel became so used to worship and therefore indifferent to the meanings of the rituals involved in their worship. As a result they lost touch with God.  God therefore became fed up with their rituals and denounced them through the prophets with statements like “I am sick of your sacrifices,” and “Don’t bring me any more burnt offerings!”(Isaiah 1:11a, NLT).

STUDY QUESTIONS

1.      What does God require of His children as they approach Him in worship? Leviticus 11:44a

2.      Describe in your own words what it means to be holy.

3.      What are some of the rituals by which the people of Israel approached God in worship?

4.      Why did God denounce the manner in which the people of Israel approached Him during worship?

5.      In what ways do Christians at times behave like the people of Israel during worship?

 

CONCLUSION: Although God takes pleasure in our worship, He does not want us to worship Him without understanding and commitment. Since He is holy, He expects His people to worship Him in holiness.  In view of this He declares, “For I am the LORD your God. You shall therefore consecrate yourselves, and you shall be holy; for I am holy (Leviticus 11:44a NKJV).We need to avoid holding on to mere rituals in worship as the people of Israel did. Essentially, we should approach God in worship with purity of heart, love for justice, mercy, and righteousness. This is acceptable worship.