Thematic Bible: Formalism

Watch your step whenever you visit God's house, and come more ready to listen than to offer a fool's sacrifice, since fools never think they're doing evil. Verse Concepts

Samuel said, "Does the LORD delight as much in burnt offerings and sacrifices as in obeying the LORD? Surely, to obey is better than sacrifice, to pay attention is better than the fat of rams. Verse Concepts

For it is love that I seek, and not sacrifice; knowledge of God more than burnt offerings. Verse Concepts

since they deal only with food, drink, and various washings, which are required for the body until the time when things would be set right. Verse Concepts

Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but obeying God's commandments is everything. Verse Concepts

Indeed, you do not delight in sacrifices, or I would give them, nor do you desire burnt offerings. True sacrifice to God is a broken spirit. A broken and chastened heart, God, you will not despise.

For God's kingdom does not consist of food and drink, but of righteousness, peace, and joy produced by the Holy Spirit. Verse Concepts

However, food will not bring us closer to God. We are no worse off if we do not eat food that has been offered to an idol, and no better off if we do. Verse Concepts

They will hold to an outward form of godliness but deny its power. Stay away from such people. Verse Concepts

"How terrible it will be for you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your mint, dill, and cummin, but have neglected the more important matters of the Law: justice, mercy, and faithfulness. These are the things you should have practiced, without neglecting the others. Verse Concepts

If you have died with the Messiah to the basic principles of the world, why are you submitting to its decrees as though you still lived in the world? Verse Concepts

Then the Lord said: "Because these people draw near with their mouths and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me, worship of me has become merely like rules taught by human beings. Verse Concepts

They seek me day after day, and are eager to know my ways, as if they were a nation that practices righteousness and has not forsaken the justice of their God. "They ask me to reveal just decisions; they are eager to draw near to God. Verse Concepts

"These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Verse Concepts

Stop bringing useless offerings! Incense is detestable to me, as are your New Moons, Sabbaths, and calling of convocations. I cannot stand iniquity within a solemn assembly. Verse Concepts

You are observing days, months, seasons, and years. I am afraid for you! I don't want my work for you to have been wasted!