Worship and Conduct
Jeremiah 7:1-16 Jeremiah 2:13
I: What Is Worse Than Having No Religion?
1. Worse than no religion is have the wrong kind of religion. Cults, Devil Churches – Rituals counted by numbers.
2. The only kind of Christianity worthy of the name is that which is related to personal behavior and the rise of moral standards.
3. Judah’s worship was not related to her daily living.
4. Worshippers tha† go away from worship unaffected and unchanged in their daily walk have not worshipped.
5. Worship that fails to produce character is without value and a curse to God.
6. Judah thought God was fortunate to have them for His people.
7. “The essential value and proof of religion is that of the affect it produces on conduct.” Morgan.
8. Judah thought they could control God, their need was to let God control them.
II: Christianity and Character.
1. The root from which the word comes means a sharp pointed instrument or engraving tool.
2. The sharp cutting edge of Christian character leaves an impression upon the world.
3. A fine instrument improves with use.
4. Christian character is sharpened in the process of daily living. Like the Oak Tree that weathers the storm.
5. Trials only refine the cutting edge.
6. Faithfulness to Gods will and way sharpens character.
7. The disciplined character cuts smooth. Wisdom tells us the sharp instrument requires less effort.
8. Character is that which is found standing when the crash is over.
9. Character is what you are when no one is around.
10. Character is the moral cash on hand when the creditors close in on life.
11. Character tells your family and friends what you will do under strain or in a crises.
12. Character is what you have been thinking and doing a long time.
III: Spiritual Worship and Moral Demands:
1. The true nature of God is comprehended only as we bring together spiritual worship and moral demands.
2. God is not an absentee landlord!
3. Worship that fails to make us better consecrated people is worse than no worship.
4. Spiritual commitment in worship bring strength to the weary, courage to the discouraged, and makes life worth living.
5. Ritual that does not change man cannot please God. Christians may worship in a temple, but God says we are to be a temple.
The best argument for Christianity is still a Christian.