22 November Deuteronomy 12

True Worship

Moses starts by explaining the rules about how and where to worship. His teachings remind people how important it is to obey God’s commands. But Moses also shows that just following rules isn’t enough to connect with God truly. Faith and worship are also needed.

1. True worship requires that you avoid compromising with the world.

When you are not obedient, you must stop and repent so God can also use you. Deuteronomy 12:1-2 (AMP) “These are the statutes and judgments (precepts) which you shall be careful to do in the land which the Lord, the God of your fathers, has given you to possess as long as you live on the earth. 2 You shall utterly destroy all the places where the nations whom you shall dispossess serve their gods, on the high mountains and the hills and under every green [leafy] tree”. In the New testament John states this: 1 John 1:9 (AMP) “If we [freely] admit that we have sinned and confess our sins, He is faithful and just [true to His own nature and promises], and will forgive our sins and cleanse us continually from all unrighteousness [our wrongdoing, everything not in conformity with His will and purpose]”.

Like Israel, we must also avoid accommodating these idols of the flesh in their lives. An idol is anyone who takes the place of God in a person's life, receiving devotion, trust, or attention that should be directed toward God. Idols, such as wealth, status, relationships, personal desires, and ideas, can also be intangible. These can become central to a person’s life, drawing their primary focus and loyalty away from God.

2. True worship requires that you avoid compromising God’s Word.

Deuteronomy 12:4 (AMP) “You shall not act like this toward the Lord your God”. And also Deuteronomy 4:2 (AMP) “You shall not add to the word which I am commanding you, nor take away from it, so that you may keep the commandments of the Lord your God which I am commanding you”. These verses instruct God’s people to follow His commandments, without adding to or taking away from them, highlighting the importance of preserving the integrity of God’s Word.

Proverbs 30:5-6 (AMP) “Every word of God is tested and refined [like silver]; He is a shield to those who trust and take refuge in Him. 6 Do not add to His words, Or He will reprove you, and you will be found a liar True worship knowledge that God is present. True worship requires a continuous relationship with Christ. True worship requires that you to be focused on God”. This passage underscores that God’s Word is pure and trustworthy. It warns against altering His words, as any addition or distortion misrepresents God’s truth.

Paul exemplifies the matter in 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (AMP) “All Scripture is God-breathed [given by divine inspiration] and is profitable for instruction, for conviction [of sin], for correction [of error and restoration to obedience], for training in righteousness [learning to live in conformity to God’s will, both publicly and privately, behaving honourably with personal integrity and moral courage]; so that the [a]man of God may be complete and proficient, outfitted and thoroughly equipped for every good work”. This verse affirms that Scripture comes from God and serves a divine purpose, which should not be compromised.

3. True worship understands God is present when we gather in His Name.

Deuteronomy 12:11-12 (AMP) “then it shall come about that the place which the Lord your God will choose for His Name [and Presence] to dwell; there you shall bring everything that I am commanding you: your burnt offerings, your sacrifices, your tithes and the [voluntary] contribution of your hand [as a first gift from the fruits of the ground], and all your choice votive offerings which you vow to the Lord. And you shall rejoice before the Lord your God, you and your sons and your daughters, and your male and female servants, and the Levite who is within your [city] gates, since he has no portion or inheritance with you”.

While Jesus was on Earth, He fulfilled this prophecy by becoming the dwelling place of God’s glory and the place for our worship. Today, God’s Holy Spirit dwells within us. Whenever two or more are gathered in His name, His presence is there. Matthew 18:18-20 (MSG) “Take this most seriously: A yes on earth is yes in heaven; a no on earth is no in heaven. What you say to one another is eternal. I mean this. When two of you get together on anything at all on earth and make a prayer of it, my Father in heaven goes into action. And when two or three of you are together because of me, you can be sure that I’ll be there”.

4. True worship seeks a relationship with God

Deuteronomy 12:17-18 (NKJV) “You may not eat within your gates the tithe of your grain or your new wine or your oil, of the firstborn of your herd or your flock, of any of your offerings which you vow, of your freewill offerings, or of the [a]heave offering of your hand. 18 But you must eat them before the Lord your God in the place which the Lord your God chooses, you and your son and your daughter, your male servant and your female servant, and the Levite who is within your gates; and you shall rejoice before the Lord your God in [b]all to which you put your hands”. This was also the only voluntary offering. It symbolised a higher walk with God. Christ also offered believers the opportunity to enjoy spiritual intimacy with Him, symbolised by dining with Him. Revelation 3:20 (NKJV) “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me”.

In conclusion, true worship is a devotion to honouring God in spirit and truth, guided by obedience, integrity, and relationship. Moses’ instructions highlight that worship isn’t merely a set of rules to follow but a life of holiness and separation from worldly compromise. True worship demands our complete focus on God, avoiding the distractions of worldly idols or influences that can pull us away. It is a call to uphold God’s Word faithfully, with no alterations or compromises, as His Word is pure and trustworthy.

Furthermore, true worship acknowledges God’s presence among His people, fulfilling Jesus’ promise to be present when we gather in His name. This presence empowers and unites us, reminding us that worship is a personal and communal experience. Lastly, true worship seeks an intimate, ongoing relationship with God that mirrors the invitation to “dine with Him,” where He is not only the centre of our devotion but also the source of our joy and strength.

May our worship reflect a heart that fully surrenders to God, honours His Word, and delights in His presence, striving continually to draw nearer to Him in faith, love, and obedience.