Dictionary of Bible Themes » 8000 The life of the believer » 8700 Threats to the life of faith » 8752 false worship
Forms of worship that are not worthy of God, especially worship offered without sincerity and obedience or that is contrary to the commands of God.
Examples of false worship
Worship conducted in disobedience to God
Leviticus 10:1-2 See also Numbers 3:2-4; 1 Samuel 15:1-23; 2 Kings 17:33
Worship and sacrifices offered by those who were not priests
1 Samuel 13:11-14 See also 2 Chronicles 26:19-20
Insincere worship
Isaiah 29:13 See also Matthew 15:8-9; Mark 7:6-7; Colossians 2:23
Worship lacking in due humility and reverence
Matthew 6:5 See also Luke 18:10-14
Worship conducted in ignorance of God
John 4:22 See also Acts 17:22-23
Scripture vividly contrasts false worship with true worship
True worship involves the worshipper's heart, soul and mind
Deuteronomy 6:5 pp Matthew 22:37 pp Mark 12:30 pp Luke 10:27
True worship is costly
2 Samuel 24:24; Mark 12:41-44; Romans 12:1 True worship involves the whole of a person's life and not just formal acts of worship.
True worship is in the spirit
John 4:23-24 See also Isaiah 29:23; Philippians 3:3; 1 Timothy 2:9; Hebrews 12:28
See also
5135 blindness, spiritual 6183 ignorance, of God 7413 priesthood, OT 8218 consecration 8333 reverence 8622 worship 8714 dishonesty 8718 disobedience 8748 false religion 8768 idolatry 8784 nominal religion
