DEAD RELIGION MAKES GOD TIRED By Major Frank Materu
Key Scripture: Isaiah 1:13-14 “Bring no more vain oblations; incense is an abomination unto me; the new moons and sabbaths, the calling of assemblies, I cannot away with; it is iniquity, even the solemn meeting. Your new moons and your appointed feasts my soul hateth: they are a trouble unto me; I am weary to bear them.”
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Introduction
Religion, when disconnected from righteousness and humility, becomes a source of weariness to God. Throughout history, God has expressed His displeasure with empty religious practices that lack true devotion and obedience. The essence of God’s call to His people has always been to walk in humility, righteousness, and truth, rejecting the pride and pretense of religion. This message serves as a clarion call to examine our hearts, turn away from dead religion, and walk in a manner pleasing to God.
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The Weariness of God with Religion
Isaiah 29:13 “Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men.”
God has always been weary of those who practice religion outwardly while their hearts remain far from Him. In ancient times, the prophets cried out against the religious pride and idolatry of God’s people. They continued their rituals while their actions betrayed a deep rebellion against God. Their hands were stained with innocent blood, and yet they presumed their traditions made them acceptable to Him. This hypocrisy grieved God then, and it grieves Him today.
Religiosity often becomes a cloak for sin and rebellion, allowing individuals to continue in pride and disobedience while claiming alignment with God. True devotion requires humility and a willingness to be corrected and guided by the Spirit of God.
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God's Wrath Against Religious Pride
Matthew 23:27-28 “Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men’s bones, and of all uncleanness. Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.”
In this generation, as in times past, God’s wrath is directed toward those who exhibit religious pride. Religious leaders and followers alike may outwardly appear holy but harbor contempt for God’s truth in their hearts. This pretense leads to rebellion and a rejection of God’s standards.
Such individuals pursue their own ways under the guise of religiosity, mocking God with their hypocrisy. God’s punishment for such rebellion is certain, for He will not tolerate the abuse of His name and truth.
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The Call to Righteousness and Humility
Micah 6:8 “He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?”
God’s desire is not for outward religious acts but for hearts that are humble and obedient. True righteousness is found in a life submitted to God, walking in His truth, and seeking His guidance. It is through humility that we can receive correction and instruction from God. Pride, however, blinds us to our need for repentance and draws us away from Him.
In the life of Jesus, we see a consistent rebuke of the religiously proud. The Pharisees, despite their extensive knowledge of the law, were often the target of His criticism because they refused to humble themselves and accept the truth.
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The Danger of Religious Hypocrisy
Mark 7:6-7 “He answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me. Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.”
Religious hypocrisy not only misleads others but also hardens the heart against God. When individuals prioritize their traditions, rituals, and outward appearances over genuine obedience, they deceive themselves and others. Such hypocrisy makes a mockery of God’s name and invites His judgment.
The lure of religious pride is strong, drawing many into a false sense of security. However, God’s judgment is reserved for those who persist in such deception, choosing their own ways over His truth.
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A Warning to the Religious Leaders of Today
Jeremiah 23:1 “Woe be unto the pastors that destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture! saith the Lord.”
Many religious leaders today have turned to promoting their own agendas, wealth, and influence under the guise of serving God. They boast in their achievements, wear their success as a crown, and mislead their followers. However, their actions are an abomination to God, who sees through their deception.
The wealth and glory they amass cannot shield them from God’s wrath. True leaders are called to serve with humility, pointing others to God and not to themselves.
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Summary
Dead religion, characterized by pride, hypocrisy, and rebellion, is a grievous offense to God. It blinds individuals to their need for repentance and draws them away from the truth. God’s call to His people is to reject religiosity and embrace righteousness, humility, and genuine devotion.
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Conclusion
The way of religion leads to destruction, but the way of righteousness leads to life. God desires hearts that are humble, obedient, and willing to walk in His truth. He has no delight in outward displays of religiosity but in a genuine relationship with His people.
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Call to Action
Examine your heart today. Are you caught in the trap of religious pride and hypocrisy? Turn back to God with humility and seek His truth. Reject the empty rituals and traditions that distance you from Him and commit to walking in His righteousness.
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Final Word of Encouragement
Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”
God’s mercy and guidance are available to all who humble themselves before Him. In these challenging times, let us cling to His truth and walk in His ways, knowing that He will sustain and uphold us. Stay steadfast in faith, and He will lead you into the fullness of His blessings.
