What’s Wrong With Religion?
What’s wrong with Religion? Two things, according to God.
First: formalism and ritualism.
Problem #1 Dead Formalism Verses 7 – 13
God isn’t so interested in the externals of religion.
Think of worship as a flashlight. You have a case (external) and you have the batteries. The case is no good unless the batteries are charged.
In Psalm 50, the Lord approves of three internal criteria exhibited by healthy worshippers. There is:
- A practice to cultivate.
- A vow to keep.
- A promise to claim.
Count our Blessings (vss. 14-15; 23)
The practice to cultivate:
Thanksgiving
A “thank offering” is that act and attitude by which we count our blessing and express to God our gratitude for the way He takes care of us.
The attitude of thanksgiving in worship opens the door to many more of God’s blessings in our lives.
Keeping Our Vows (vs. 14)
Ask yourself:
Have I given my life to Christ?
Did I offer myself a living sacrifice?
Did I commit myself to Him?
Have I remained true to Him?
Have I left my first love?
Offer genuine thanksgiving to God and persevere in our vows to Him.
Trusting Our Lord (vss. 14- 15)
True worshippers please God by relying on Him to sustain them and deliver them through the distresses of life.
Problem #2 Rampant Hypocrisy Verses 16 - 21
Isaiah said:
Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men: Isa 29:13
What is the remedy? Repent and return to God. (vss. 22 – 23)
If Christianity is true, it’s true; and if it’s false, it’s false; but why would you believe it is true, but live like it’s false?
Christianity isn’t a religion, it’s a relationship.
Religion is humanity seeking some kind of god, but in Jesus Christ, God was seeking you and me in order to have an eternal relationship of love with us.
Christ:
loves you.
seeks you.
wants a relationship with you.
I can:
Daily sacrifice thank offerings.
Fulfill my vows to Him.
Call upon Him in the day of trouble.
