Thematic Bible: Formalism

Guard your step when you go to the house of God. It is better to go there and listen than to bring the sacrifices fools bring. Fools are not aware that they do evil. Verse Concepts

Samuel said: What is more pleasing to Jehovah, burnt offerings and sacrifices or your obedience to his voice? Obeying is better than sacrifice. To pay attention is better than the fat of rams. Verse Concepts

I desire loving-kindness (mercy), not sacrifice, and knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings. Verse Concepts

since they have to do only with food, drink, and various purification ceremonies. These are all outward rules, which apply only until the time comes to change them for something better. Verse Concepts

Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing. Obey the commandments of God. Verse Concepts

You do not desire sacrifice. Otherwise, I would offer one to you. You are not pleased with burnt offerings. The sacrifice pleasing to God is a broken spirit. O God, you do not despise a broken and sorrowful (contrite) heart.

For the kingdom of God is not food and drink; but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Verse Concepts

But food will not recommend us to God. If we do not eat we are not worse. If we eat we are not better. Verse Concepts

having a form of godliness, but denying its power. Stay away from people like this! Verse Concepts

Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! You tithe mint and dill and cumin, and have left undone the weightier matters of the law: justice, mercy and faith. You should do both and leave nothing undone. Verse Concepts

If you died with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, do you subject yourselves to ordinances: Verse Concepts

These people praise me with their words, said Jehovah, but they never draw near to me in their hearts (deepest thoughts). Their reverence for me comes from the repetitious tradition of men. Verse Concepts

They seek me day by day. They delight to know my ways like a nation that has done righteousness and has not forsaken the ordinance of their God. They ask me for justice and delight. They are pleased that God is near. Verse Concepts

These people honor me with their lips, but their heart (innermost thoughts) is far from me. Verse Concepts

Do not bring any more worthless grain offerings. Your incense is disgusting to me! So are your New Moon Festivals, your days of worship, and the assemblies you call. I cannot endure your evil assemblies! Verse Concepts

You observe days and months, seasons and years. I fear for you, that I have labored for you to no purpose (and failed).