Last week, we began a new series of articles entitled, “What Does The Bible Say About…” We asked and answered the question, “What does the Bible say about itself?” examining seven qualities about the Bible.
This week, we want to answer the question, “What does the Bible say about vain worship?”
Defining our terms.
We want to begin by defining our terms.
The word “vain” means “Marked by futility or ineffectualness; having no real value (Synonyms: Unsuccessful, useless, worthless).”
The word “worship” means “To honor, show reverence, and praise God.”
We are either successful or unsuccessful in properly worshipping Him. He desires and deserves pure and true worship from His people (Psa. 29:2; 95:6; John 4:24; Col. 3:17). True worship is done in “spirit” (right attitude) and in “truth” (right standard).
The problem of vain worship.
Vain worship is ultimately a heart problem. The Holy Spirit through Isaiah said,
“Inasmuch as these people draw near with their mouths and honor Me with their lips, but have removed their hearts far from Me, and their fear toward Me is taught by the commandment of men” (Isa. 29:13).
Jesus quoted from this text when addressing the religious leaders in His day as they worshipped in vain, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men (Matt. 15:8-9; Mark 7:7-8, 13).
The same thing happens today when men add, take away, and twist the Scriptures “to their own destruction” (2 Pet. 3:16). It turns into what “I want” instead of what He deserves!
God only accepts what He authorizes as man-made worship services are vain, empty, and not pleasing to God!
Examples of vain worship in Scripture.
Nadab and Abihu.
There are several examples of “vain worship” throughout the Scriptures. We consider Nadab and Abihu who “offered profane fire before the Lord which He had not commanded them” (Lev. 10:1-2).
The word “profane” means “strange,” or “unexpected.” The English Standard Version states: “they offered unauthorized fire.”
Many today offer “unauthorized worship” adding things such as mechanical instruments (the New Testament is silent on the incorporation of mechanical instruments; only authorized to sing — Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16), sporadic observance of the Lord’s Supper (authorized to partake every first day of the week — Acts 2:42; 20:7), etc.
King Jeroboam.
Another example of vain worship is King Jeroboam (1 Kin. 12:25-33). He led many people astray as he changed the object of worship, the location of worship, the authorized personnel, and the time of worship.
What he did was a sin (1 Kin. 12:30). He devised this vain worship “in his heart” (1 Kin. 12:26, 33), which so many do today.
What God says about “vain worship”
God is not pleased with vain worship.
His disgust with vain worship is brought out in passages such as Isaiah 1:10-15 in which God says:
* “I have had enough.”
* “Bring no more futile (vain) sacrifices.”
* “It is an abomination to Me.”
* “I am weary of bearing them.”
* “I will hide My eyes from you.”
* “I will not hear.”
We find in Ezekiel 33:31:
“So they come to you as people do, they sit before you as My people, and they hear your words, but they do not do them; for with their mouth they show much love, but their hearts pursue their own gain.”
How can we avoid “vain worship?”
Now that we have examined what the Bible says about “vain worship,” how can we make sure our worship is not in vain?
* First, our goal must always be to worship God in the way He has prescribed, recognizing that He is the Audience (Psa. 19:14; 29:2; 1 Pet. 2:5).
* Second, we must worship by the authority of the Lord (Col. 3:17).
* Third, we must follow the New Testament pattern (Acts 2:42). If we do what they (the early church) did, we will be what they were!
* Fourth, internal devotion must go hand in hand with external motion (Heb. 13:15).
* Fifth and finally, we must always strive to worship God in spirit AND in truth (John 4:24).
Next week, we will ask and answer the question, “What does the Bible say about, “walking in the light?”
Drew Suttles is a minister for the Quitman church of Christ in Quitman, Georgia, and one of my best friends in this world. They live-stream all their Bible classes and sermons on their YouTube channel.
Drew also hosts the “Weathering the Storm” podcast on the Scattered Abroad Network. Drew talks about facing life’s challenges as a child of God. His podcast will be a blessing to your life.
