Worship, hindrances to

True worship goes beyond mere form and can therefore be hindered by a wrong relationship to God or to others.

Worship that is merely formal is unacceptable

1 Samuel 15:22 See also Isaiah 1:13; Ezekiel 33:31; Hosea 6:6; Matthew 6:5; 2 Timothy 3:5

But Samuel declared: “Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obedience to His voice? Behold, obedience is better than sacrifice, and attentiveness is better than the fat of rams.

Worship is hindered by wrong relationships

To God

Psalm 66:18; Matthew 15:7–9 parallel Mark 7:6–7 See also Isaiah 29:13; Psalm 32:5–6; Isaiah 59:2, Isaiah 64:7; James 4:3

If I had cherished iniquity in my heart, the Lord would not have listened.

You hypocrites! Isaiah prophesied correctly about you: ‘These people honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me. They worship Me in vain; they teach as doctrine the precepts of men.’”

To others

Isaiah 1:11–17; Matthew 5:23–24 See also Amos 5:21–24

“What good to Me is your multitude of sacrifices?” says the LORD. “I am full from the burnt offerings of rams and the fat of well-fed cattle; I take no delight in the blood of bulls and lambs and goats. When you come to appear before Me, who has required this of you— this trampling of My courts? Bring your worthless offerings no more; your incense is detestable to Me. New Moons, Sabbaths, and convocations— I cannot endure iniquity in a solemn assembly. I hate your New Moons and your appointed feasts. They have become a burden to Me; I am weary of bearing them. When you spread out your hands in prayer, I will hide My eyes from you; even though you multiply your prayers, I will not listen. Your hands are covered with blood. Wash and cleanse yourselves. Remove your evil deeds from My sight. Stop doing evil! Learn to do right; seek justice and correct the oppressor. Defend the fatherless and plead the case of the widow.”

So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift.