Thematic Bible: Formalism

Be careful what you do when you go to the temple of God; draw near to listen rather than to offer a sacrifice like fools, for they do not realize that they are doing wrong. Verse Concepts

Then Samuel said, "Does the Lord take pleasure in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as he does in obedience? Certainly, obedience is better than sacrifice; paying attention is better than the fat of rams. Verse Concepts

For I delight in faithfulness, not simply in sacrifice; I delight in acknowledging God, not simply in whole burnt offerings. Verse Concepts

They served only for matters of food and drink and various washings; they are external regulations imposed until the new order came. Verse Concepts

Circumcision is nothing and uncircumcision is nothing. Instead, keeping God's commandments is what counts. Verse Concepts

Certainly you do not want a sacrifice, or else I would offer it; you do not desire a burnt sacrifice. The sacrifices God desires are a humble spirit -- O God, a humble and repentant heart you will not reject.

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

Now food will not bring us close to God. We are no worse if we do not eat and no better if we do. Verse Concepts

They will maintain the outward appearance of religion but will have repudiated its power. So avoid people like these. Verse Concepts

"Woe to you, experts in the law and you Pharisees, hypocrites! You give a tenth of mint, dill, and cumin, yet you neglect what is more important in the law -- justice, mercy, and faithfulness! You should have done these things without neglecting the others. Verse Concepts

If you have died with Christ to the elemental spirits of the world, why do you submit to them as though you lived in the world? Verse Concepts

The sovereign master says, "These people say they are loyal to me; they say wonderful things about me, but they are not really loyal to me. Their worship consists of nothing but man-made ritual. Verse Concepts

They seek me day after day; they want to know my requirements, like a nation that does what is right and does not reject the law of their God. They ask me for just decrees; they want to be near God. Verse Concepts

This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me, Verse Concepts

Do not bring any more meaningless offerings; I consider your incense detestable! You observe new moon festivals, Sabbaths, and convocations, but I cannot tolerate sin-stained celebrations! Verse Concepts

You are observing religious days and months and seasons and years. I fear for you that my work for you may have been in vain.