Lip Service to God

Introduction

In Matthew 15, the scribes and Pharisees came to Jesus and challenged him concerning the traditions of the elders. Jesus replied to them in verses 7-9, "Hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy about you, saying: 'These people draw near to Me with their mouth, And honor Me with their lips, But their heart is far from Me. And in vain they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.'"

Last time we discussed how people give up the commandments of God to follow the traditions of Men in the discussion of celebrating Christmas as a religious holiday. Most can’t let go of this tradition as it has been seared in their minds for decades by family and, for centuries, by men.

This week we look at how much more people prefer the commandments of men over God’s law.

Just One Drink never hurt anyone

The use of alcoholic beverages with a meal or during a celebration continues to be an issue with Christians. They see it as a liberty; provided they don’t get drunk. They understand that drunkenness is condemned in scripture (Lk. 21:34; Rom. 13:13; 1 Cor. 5:11, 6:10; Eph. 5:18), so they limited themselves to one or two drinks.

With those drinks comes the phrase, “I know my limit” and that takes God right out of the equation. They follow the commandments of men instead of heeding God’s words in Proverbs 20:1, Wine is a mocker, Strong drink is a brawler, And whoever is led astray by it is not wise. They allow the Weight/Oz. ratio to tell them their limit instead of knowing that one sip puts them on the path of drunkenness.

Here’s a question: How effective would you be in sharing the gospel message with others if they knew you drank alcohol? Their question to you would be: How is your life different than mine? The answer: It isn’t different. Remember what Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 6:17, Therefore "Come out from among them And be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, And I will receive you."

They’re just Scratcher Tickets

Another vice that some Christians might have is that of the Lottery. They know that Gambling is wrong (1 Tim. 6:10; Lk. 16:14; 2 Tim. 3:2), but they will justify buying the odd lottery ticket of “Scratchers” citing that it’s only a couple of dollars and it’s to benefit the local school system. The only reason people play the lottery is to win “a lot of money” in return for those couple of dollars. 

One strong reason why gambling is wrong; regardless of the small input by self is that the clothes of Jesus were gambled for while he hung upon the cross. In Jn. 19:24, They said therefore among themselves, "Let us not tear it, but cast lots for it, whose it shall be," that the Scripture might be fulfilled which says: "They divided My garments among them, And for My clothing they cast lots." Therefore, the soldiers did these things. “Cast lots” is another way to say gamble. Roman soldiers; Gentiles no less, gambled for our savior’s clothing! What makes a Christian different when they play the lottery? Nothing!

At Least I’m Here

One final example of lip service is those who show up for worship on Sunday morning and that’s it. Whether it’s dragging self in at the last minute, or arriving on time, these Christians will participate as required but only because they “have to” not “want to” or “need to”.

I understand that young children are “dragged” to services each week because their parents bring them along. This is to help them to understand the importance of worshipping our creator. Your parents care enough about your spiritual upbringing as they do with anything else that you need as you mature.

The problem lies in the teenagers and young adults who still have this mentally of “have to be here”. Understandably, parents can only do so much in educating their children. We must understand that Prov. 22:6 is not written in stone and isn’t a definitive outcome. Children have independent thoughts as the rest of us.

Remember what Hebrews 10:24-25 says, And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching. You serve just as much of an example with your presence as the rest of the congregation. New Christians might see your absence as the norm and may follow in your steps. So, don’t just show up, arrive with an eagerness to learn and participate.

Conclusion

 There are other ways Christians give ‘Lip Service to God’ and not think that there’s anything to it. Overall, if you’re not following the commands of God (Jn. 14:15), or if you’re going beyond what is written (1 Cor. 4:6), then you are giving lip service and nothing more.