[devotional for mid-week prayer meeting]
I. DIVISION OF CHAPTER
vv1-6, Hear the Lord & Worship Him
vv7-15, Heed the Lord in How to Worship
vv16-21, Hypocritical Worship the Lord Condemns
v22, Holy Warning to Worship God Aright
v23, Heavenly Wonder of God's Amazing Grace
II. DIVINE EXPRESSION OF CHRIST
v23a, “Praise is the best sacrifice; true, hearty, gracious thanksgiving from a renewed mind. Not the lowing of bullocks bound to the altar, but the songs of redeemed men are the music which the ear of Jehovah delights in. Sacrifice your loving gratitude, and God is honoured thereby.” —C.H.S., Treasury
v23b, “Holy living is a choice evidence of salvation. He who submits his whole way to divine guidance, and is careful to honour God in his life, brings an offering which the Lord accepts through his dear Son; and such a one shall be more and more instructed, and made experimentally to know the Lord's salvation. He needs salvation, for the best ordering of the life cannot save us, but that salvation he shall have. Not to ceremonies, not to unpurified lips, is the blessing promised, but to grateful hearts and holy lives.” —C.H.S., Treasury
Eph 2:8-9
1 Jn 3:2
III. DEVOTIONAL EXHORTATIONS IN CHRIST (challenge)
Worship Always (v6).
Worship Attitude (v14).
Worship Aright (vv22-23).
