True Worship of God MUST be in Accordance with His Word
Intro: Well Good Morning friends and visitors. My name is Matt Johnson and today we continue our study of the Old Testament book of Ezra. The date is 539BC. The Jews are trying to rebuild Jerusalem and rebuild their lives. And Ezra is trying to make sure they do it – according to God’s Word…
Prayer:
Well friends, two weeks ago Prince Charles redefined his role as the King of England (Slide 2). King Charles has decided he is no longer defender of the Christian faith. He now calls himself DEFENDER OF ALL FAITHS, with a particular soft spot for Islam (which is currently getting a lot of bad press because of Pakastani rape gang report published recently in England). Now in making this decision King Charles has broken his SOLEMN OATH at his coronation. That is serious. He is now also saying that he has “a special role in uniting communities and faiths together” which is both wrongheaded and sounds a bit like “an antichrist”. The supreme governor of the Church of England is now promoting religious syncretism. So I’m appalled that no official rebukes have come forth from the Church of England, GAFCON or even our own Anglican Diocese of Sydney. This is the so-called head of the church.
Now for those of you who don’t know much about the Church of England (or the Anglican Church of Australia) – all Kings and Queens in England PROMISE at their coronation to defend the Christian Faith (as the one true faith). This is their solemn promise to the Church of England, the Parliament and the British public. For this reason – the King or Queen of England was often labelled THE SUPREME GOVERNOR of the Church of England.
But Charles is now trying to say that his role as King in A MULTICULTURAL SOCIETY is to defend the validity of all religions. Sadly, I anticipate that many Anglican bishops will soon follow suit in defending the validity of all religions (especially misunderstood Islam).
But this is not the role of Christian leaders. The apostle Paul says in Galatians 1 let false religion be eternally damned (Gal.1:9). THE ONLY WAY to build a life, a church or even a civil society – that is truly blessed by God is to build it upon God’s Word. But we now live in a society (where Kings, politicians and church leaders) are rejecting God’s Word with no fear of the consequences. But I can assure you from Scripture – there will be consequences…
Now at one level the books of Ezra and Nehemiah are about PHYSICALLY REBUILDING Jerusalem after it was destroyed by the Babylonians. But at another level these books are about SPIRITUALLY REBUILDING true religion and true civil society – upon the Word of God. YOU SEE, WHY did Israel end up slaves in Babylon? Why did Jerusalem completely implode as a society and culture? Was it just a spot of bad luck OR was there a fundamental, underlying problem? (PAUSE) THAT’S RIGHT. The Jews whole life fell apart – because they ignored and disobeyed Gods Word.
In Deuteronomy 27 the Jews pronounced a curse upon themselves if they so much as tolerated false religion in their midst (Deut.27:13; cf Deut.13:1-18). They said “let us be cursed”. But little by little they became INCLUSIVE, they TOLERATED false, demonic religion and they paid the price. The prophets all declare that false religion corrupted them. The Jews thought they could 1) marry unbelievers, 2) break the Sabbath, 3) charge usury on loans, 4) sacrifice their babies, 5) be sexually immoral, 6) lie, steal and cheat and they’d still be blessed by God. But they learnt the hard way – that God cannot be mocked.
So as a remnant of Jews come back to the land – Zerubbabel, Joshua, Ezra, Haggai and Zechariah know that EVERYTHING – must be re-built in Jerusalem in precise and intentional faithfulness to God’s Word. This is not a time to be CLEVER or CREATIVE or COMPROMISE. This is time to obey Gods Word in every detail because the alternative is only sinking sand…
Point 1: Jewish Worship is re-Built upon Faithfulness to God’s Word
Show: Ezr.3:7 (Slide 3)
Explain: Well the Jews are now trying to rebuild the temple in the same way King Solomon built the temple in 1 Kings 5. They pay for the FINEST CEDAR TIMBER to be brought down from Lebanon. The Jews know from Gods Word that the first temple was built with cedar from Lebanon and God was pleased to have His glory fill that temple (1Kngs 5; 1Kngs 8:10-11). King David was also considered a prophet and he had given instructions for the first temple to be built with cedar from Lebanon (1Chr.22:2-5). So the Jews are now trying to REBUILD THE TEMPLE in exact accordance with what they know from Gods Word. They are trying to do everything in obedience to Gods Word.
Now today I am going to speak a lot about OBEDIENCE TO GODS WORD. But you must understand that obedience to Gods Word does not merit salvation. OBEDIENCE is a response to salvation. In His grace God saved the Jews from slavery in Egypt and then He called them to obey Him. In His grace, God saved the Jews from slavery in Babylon and then through Ezra, Haggai and Zechariah God called them to carefully rebuild their lives by obeying His Word. The same is true for us as Christians. In His grace, God saves us from slavery to Satan, sin and death through Jesus’ death and resurrection. This is entirely God’s gift. But in response to this gift, God calls us to TRUST HIM and carefully OBEY HIM – so that we might walk in His blessings.
So last week David Loke spoke to you about the Jews rebuilding the altar shortly after they returned from Babylon. But the rebuilding of the altar was not A) for traditions sake or B) even to restore Jewish infrastructure. God commanded in His Word that – the Jews were to offer certain sacrifices to Him on the first day, the 10th day and the 15th-21st days of the seventh month. This was a command. So the Jews figured that if they were going to obey God’s command – they needed to re-build the altar. This book is NOT really about building stuff. Its about obedience to God’s Word. That’s the key idea…
Show: Slide 4 (Ezr.3:2, 4).
Explain: Now please notice – the focus on doing what is in accordance with what is written (ie in Scripture) The Jews don’t get CREATIVE with the altar or the sacrifices. If anyone is dumb enough to say; “You know we offered unblemished sheep and cows before, why don’t we try some Zebra and crocodiles this time. You know let’s just spice things up a bit.” Anyone who makes such suggestions – its caboom. The Jews have learnt the hard way – you don’t mess with Gods Word. If anyone says; “You know we just got back to the land, like 6 weeks ago. Let’s just give God half the sacrifices He requests, on half the days he specifies. I mean, I’m sure that if God is love, he’ll understand.” Sound familiar?
Sadly, the modern church is doing this on all sorts of matters – under the guise of love, grace, tolerance and suicidal empathy. But the Jews went into slavery in Babylon for much the same things the Christian Church is doing today. So Zerubabel, Joshua, Ezra, Nehemiah, Haggai and Zechariah have now all learnt the hard way – that you DON’T MESS with God’s Word. So as wise, godly leaders they are now making sure that ABSOLUTELY EVERYTHING in Jerusalem is happening in accordance with God’s Word, because they want God’s blessing…
Now last week – David drew on the theme of WORSHIP and the importance of WORSHIP. But I want to go further and ask you – what is worship? WORSHIP is usually understood as AN EXPRESSION of God’s true worth to you. So when your mouth, conduct or life expresses Gods true worth it is worship. But what is God’s true worth? What is God worthy of – if your life, your existence and every good thing you possess comes from His hand? Well the Bible makes it clear God is WORTHY of your love. You should love God with all your heart, mind, soul and body. But the Scriptures go further, (indeed Jesus goes further), and says “if you love me you will do what I command…” (Jn.14:15). Similarly, the apostle John says that if we love God we will do what he commands (1Jn.5:3).
So this is what God is worthy of – our true obedience. If I was to define the true nature of worship it would be something like this; (Slide 5). Now I’m not sure that’s a perfect definition. But its close because it communicates that there is COVENANTAL RELATIONSHIP in worship. When we truly worship God in faith, love and obedience He promises a blessing.
Now do you want GODS BLESSING upon your life? C’mon, do you want GODS BLESSING upon your work, upon your home and upon your children? (Well, this is it. Worship of God is about obedience to God and obedience to God carries a blessing). NOW THIS BLESSING is not the PROSPERITY GOSPEL. But it is a real blessing – where God promises to provide for you, grow you and bring PEACE, CONTENTMENT, HOPE, JOY AND PURPOSE into your life. So the book of Ezra is all about rebuilding Israel upon the Word of God in order to reap this blessing. Let me show you how much Ezra is focussed upon obedience to Gods Word. (Slide 6 & 7).
Now I’m sure – some of you may struggle with the last one. (We will look at marriage to unbelievers more closely in a few weeks time). But Ezra knows that everything in God’s Kingdom MUST be done according to Gods commands
Point 2: The Jewish Temple is Rebuilt in Faithfulness to Gods Word
Show: Ezr.3:8-9 (Slide 8-9)
Explain: Well after offering ALL THE SACRIFICES (in accordance with Gods Word) they begin working on the temple (also in accordance with Gods Word). EVERYTHING they are doing SCREAMS obedience to Gods Word. First, they get cedar wood from Lebanon because this aligns with the instructions King David gave for the building of the first temple (1Chr.16). Then, they get all the Levites to supervise the work in the Temple because this is what God explicitly commands in Exodus and Numbers…
Again, God was very clear in Scripture that only the tribe of Levi could serve in the Tabernacle and the Temple. And Exodus 32 tells us the reason the tribe of Levi was given this important task. When the Jews made the golden calf at Mt Sinai, God called all the Jews to put the idolaters to death. But only the tribe of Levi stepped up and obeyed God (Ex.32:25-29). So Levi was then chosen to oversee the work in God’s house because they clearly demonstrated unwavering faithfulness to Gods Word. Sometimes holiness in Gods house requires strong masculine type action for a greater good.
But how many tribes of Israel were there? (PAUSE). Yep, that right – 12 tribes. Now I can imagine the tribe of REUBEN standing up and saying – “hang on this is not fair. I’m the firstborn child. I should have this honour in Gods temple. Not Levi.” Or perhaps the tribe of BENJAMIN saying; “hang on, are you saying that the tribe of Levi is functionally and ontologically more capable at leading worship, than the Benjaminites. That’s discrimination. That’s some sort of patriarchal hierarchical nonsense – saying that certain people have certain roles in the temple and I’m not having a bar of it. I’m demanding diversity, equity and inclusion.” (PAUSE) Sound familiar?! These days many YOUNG FEMINISTS struggle to understand why men are called to be the leaders in the church and in the home. Its deemed unfair and we kick against the goads (Acts 26:14)
But the Bible is very clear in Ephesians 5, 1 Peter 3, 1 Corinthians 11 and 1 Timothy 2 that men should lead in the home and in the church in the same way that Christ leads his people – ie sacrificially, faithfully and putting others before self. That’s why God made men strong, so that we could physically provide for our families and protect the church even in difficult times. So you don’t create good men by challenging their masculinity and telling them to stop being men. (That just produces hostility). No. You create good men by teaching them to use their God-given physical strength to lead in society, the church and the home – like Jesus. Gods way produces good men and this in turn is what is also good for women.
Now whether you agree 1) with God choosing Levi to minister in the temple or 2) God choosing men to lead in the home and in the church – is hardly the point. Does God have the right to make such decisions as God? (PAUSE). C’mon, this is where the rubber hits the road. Does God have the right to tell us what to do in every aspect of our lives AND do we trust that God is doing this because He wants to bless us?
YOU KNOW what Ephesians 5, 1 Peter 3, 1 Timothy 2 and 1 Corinthians 11 says about leadership in the home and church. But we really don’t like God’s Word challenging our worldly ideologies or sinful desires. So just like the Jews (who ended up in Babylon) most Christians today – have Bible passages that they like to ignore or pretend don’t exist. It’s usually the hot topic subjects – like abortion, or sexuality or divorce or hell. The question is do you believe the Bible is Gods Word – given for our blessing?
These days – it’s seems like every second pastor I hear on YouTube – is sprouting reasons not to trust the plain AND literal meaning of Scripture. They say things like; “Yes, it says women should not preach in church, but if you know the historical context – you’d understand this is just a cultural, patriarchal hangover from Judaism”. This is just Satan again saying; “Did God really say?”
Again, the same happens with HOMOSEXUALITY. You know what Leviticus 18, Romans 1 and 1 Corinthians 6 say about homosexuality. But pastors now say things like the word HOMOSEXUALITY in the Bible doesn’t really mean HOMOSEXUALITY between consenting adults. It means men who force themselves upon male slaves or male children. But I’m sorry to say this is just nonsense to suit the prevailing opinions of society. Romans 1 is clear that there is something “UNNATURAL” and “SHAMEFUL” about sexual desire for people of the same sex.
Now truly I don’t hate or fear homosexuals. We are all sinners in need of God’s salvation. But when God saves us – he calls us to repent of our sins and obey His Word – so that we can walk once more in God’s blessing. My job as a pastor is simply to tell you the truth in God’s Word. What you choose to do with it is then ultimately on you. Now I know some people get UPSET WITH ME talking about the HOT-BUTTON SUBJECTS like men and women, sexual ethics, euthanasia, abortion, divorce and Jesus being the only way to be saved. I’m told this is divisive. But this is where THE RUBBER HITS THE ROAD. If you start to accept the arguments (being pushed by society), Gods Word becomes completely IRRELEVANT. My faithfulness as a pastor is tested wherever the battle for God’s Word rages most fiercely. That’s all the HOT BUTTON SUBJECTS. You undermine the authority of Gods Word on one particular subject, you inevitably undermine the authority of Gods Word in all subjects. If you can’t see why that is true – it is a problem.
The question is do you believe THE BIBLE is A) God’s Word, B) that it is entirely true and C) that there is a blessing in obeying it? LET ME REMIND YOU what the Bible says about itself (Slide 10 – 2Tim.3:16-17). Now please notice this is exactly how Zerubbabel, Joshua and Ezra are treating every one of God’s Words – right down to the number of sacrifices, the wood used in the temple and who are to be the ministers. They are treating ALL SCRIPTURE as the Word of God – because they are seeking God’s blessing…
Point 3: The Praise & Thanksgiving is done in Faithfulness to Gods Word
Show: Ezr.3:10-11 (READ)
Explain: Well again, we see that EVERYTHING IS BEING DONE in accordance with Scripture. The priests are in their special vestments sounding trumpets (in accordance with Exodus 28 and Numbers 10). The sons of Asaph are playing the cymbals (in accordance with 1 Chronicles 16). And even the song they sing – “God is good, his love for Israel endures forever” is straight from Psalm 136. They aren’t even getting TOO CREATIVE in their worship. They are singing one of Gods authorised songs found in the Bible. The Jewish leaders are making sure that EVERYTHING is being done in faithfulness to Gods Word. They’ve learnt the hard way – that ignoring Gods Word comes at a serious cost.
(GOSPEL) Now let’s again be perfectly clear that THE COST of ignoring and disobeying Gods Word is death and banishment form Gods presence. That’s what we all deserve for we have all disobeyed God. But when Jesus died on the cross – he took the punishment for our sins. Jesus paid THE COST of your disobedience so you can be spared. He did this because he loves you. So when you believe Jesus died for you and you sincerely ask God to forgive – He pardons you completely, comes into your life by the Holy Spirit and promises you a place in heaven forever. He literally sets you free from Satan’s kingdom. But then God says, now if you trust me and love me – keep my commands and it will go well for you in life. Faith without works is dead…
There is an old Christian hymn called “TRUST AND OBEY” that I think the modern church would do well to remember. It says (Slide 13; Trust & Obey). Now you have to decide whether God is worthy of your trust and obedience? Are we taking Gods Word seriously in our church?
Apply: Now as I finish (TODAY) I want to introduce you to some theological concepts – called the Regulative Principle and the Normative Principle of worship (Slide 14 – READ). Now please understand that most churches today are more normative, than regulative.
In the Protestant Reformation 1) Martin Luther in the Lutheran Church and 2) Richard Hooker in the Anglican Church argued for the normative principle – which basically says we are free to do anything in Church that is deemed edifying and that the Bible does not explicitly forbid. This normative position now largely dominates most protestant, charismatic and evangelical churches today. But most Churches have now so embraced the normative principle and rejected the regulative principle that ALL SORTS OF NONSENSE is being brought into the church today that is not edifying, not needed and not true worship (because its ot grounded in God’s word.
Now I’d say extreme positions on either the Regulative or Normative Principle is probably dangerous. THE REGULATIVE PRINCIPLE can become very legalistic. BUT THE NORMATIVE PRINCIPLE – can also create churches that are very shallow, worldly and unprincipled. What I want you to notice is that in Ezra – the worship of God is much closer to THE REGULATIVE PRINCIPLE, than the normative principle. because the people are now trembling at God’s Word. They’ve learnt the hard way – that departing from Gods Word and becoming free and creative and Spirit led in their worship is not always Spirit led. Sometimes it’s just the flesh. Sometimes its just Satan. So I’d say – that in THE MODERN CHURCH – a move back towards the regulative principle may be helpful. Perhaps we could all afford to tremble a little more before God Word and make sure that our worship is truly in accordance with what is written, so we do reap God’s blessing and not Gods curse. The question is do we really trust Gods Word?
