RCCG Sunday School Student Manual 12 October 2025 – VAIN WORSHIP.

Isaiah 29:13.

[7]Hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy about you, saying:

[8]‘These people draw near to Me with their mouth, And honor Me with their lips, But their heart is far from Me.

[9]And in vain they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’ ”

INTRODUCTION: The word “vain” means empty or without value. “Worship” is reverence and adora-tion directed towards God, be it the lifting of hands, spoken words, or sung songs. Worship should not be a mere ritual, but an expression of love, and submission to God even in the time of adversity (Job 1:20-21). Unlike common beliefs, it neither begins nor ends with the singing quota of our Christian gatherings. Vain worship is unac-ceptable before God and it is an attitude abhorred by Him. This lesson uncovers vain worship and highlights the biblical direction for true worship.

Certain human manifestations point to vain worship.

Vain worshippers place importance on being seen outwardly by all as reverencing God (Luke 18:10-12). It is only about superficial worshin such as honouring God with lips or maintaining “holier-than-thou” appearance with neither con-nection of the heart nor inner transformation (Isaiah 29:13; Matthew 23:27-28). It is saying the right things but not truly engaging with God (Matthew 15:8). It is being legalistic i.e. following human traditions and prioritising rituals and man-made commandments to take precedence over true devotion to God (Mark 7:6-9).

One concern for those who promote vain worship is that they cannot continue in deception forever (Galatians 6:7-8). God rejects worship that does not come from the heart (Amos 5:21-23, Matthew 7:21-23). Focusing on traditions rather than personal faith weakens the relationship with God (Galatians 1:14). Vain worshippers are also, often led into misguided religion, in which they risk replacing godliness with human practices (Colossians 2:8).

God has called us to authentic worship which be-gins with true repentance and renewal of mind (Acts 3:19). True worship does not start or end in church but is evident in every aspect of life (John 4:21-23). It is, therefore, a lifestyle that must be lived daily (Romans 12:1). Our Lord, Jesus Christ explains that it must be done “in spirit and in truth” (John 4:24).

True worship comes from the heart and is based on God’s truth (Philippians 3:3). It aligns with the will of God and is evidenced by love, obedien and reverence (1 Samuel 15:22; 2 Samuel 23:1 16). It always exercises genuine faith, devotion, and a commitment to God’s word (Psalm 119:37-38). We must submit to the leading of God, this gives Him pleasure and no true worship can be better than that (Romans 8:14).

CONCLUSION: Desist from ritualistic and fruitless worship; God can only be worshipped acceptably in spirit and in truth.

QUESTIONS

1. Define vain worship.

2. Mention four ways to be involved in vain worship.

FURTHER READINGS:

SUN: Mark 7:7.

MON: Matthew 15:8.

TUE: Isaiah 29:13.

WED: Isaiah 1:12-17.

THUR: Amos 5:21-23.

FRI: Micah 6:6-8.

SAT: Romans 10:2-3.

ASSIGNMENT: State five (5) pointers to vain wor-ship (2×5=10 Marks).