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Matthew 15:9
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- John Gill
John Gill Bible Commentary
But in vain do they worship me,.... In the Hebrew text it is, "their fear towards me": which is rightly expressed here by "worship"; for the fear of God often intends the whole worship of God, both external and internal: here it only signifies external worship, which these men only attended to. They prayed in the synagogues, read, and, in their way, expounded the books of Moses, and the prophets, to the people, diligently observed the rituals of the ceremonial law, brought their offerings and sacrifices to the temple, and neglected nothing appertaining to the outward service of it; and yet it was all "in vain", and to no purpose; since the heart was wanting, no grace there, they acted from wrong principles, and with wrong views; their worship was merely outward, formal, and customary; and besides, they added doctrines and traditions of their own inventing and devising. The phrase, "in vain", is not in the text in Isaiah: some have thought that it was not originally in Matthew, but inserted by some other hand, to make the sense more complete. Grotius thinks there was a various reading, which is followed by the Septuagint, and the evangelist; and that instead of "and is", it was the same with "in vain": but there is no need to suppose either of these: Christ, who made this citation, either added it himself for the clearer illustration of the passage, and as being entirely agreeable to the sense of it, and which it required, for the true understanding of it; or he might have in his view another passage of the same prophet, speaking of the same people, and upon the same subject, Isa 1:11 and from thence take the phrase, and, for explanation sake, join it to the passage here. It follows, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men; that is, teaching the people to observe the traditions of the elders, the decrees and determinations of the doctors, as if they were doctrines delivered by God himself; or, instead of the doctrines contained in the Bible, which lay neglected by them, they obtruded on them the orders, and injunctions of men. In the text in Isaiah, are only these words, "taught by the precept of men": and which relate to their fear and worship of God; and which is here interpreted of their teachers teaching them it, and that explained of the commandments of men; as if, instead of "taught", it had been read, "teaching". The Jews have no reason to quarrel with this construction and sense, since their Targum paraphrases it thus; "and their fear before me is, , according to the commandment of men that teach": and a noted commentator (c) of their's has this remark on the text, "their fear towards me is" not with a perfect heart, but "by the commandment , of the men that teach them". (c) R. Sol. Jarchi in Isa. xxix. 13.
Matthew 15:9
The Tradition of the Elders
8‘These people honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me. 9They worship Me in vain; they teach as doctrine the precepts of men.’ ”
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
The Dreamer
By John Rhys Watkins1.7K52:46DreamsGEN 37:32CH 7:14PSA 27:8PSA 51:17MAT 15:91CO 9:27REV 3:1In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of surrendering to the will of God and living a selfless life. He uses the story of Joseph to illustrate how even in the face of adversity and unfulfilled dreams, we must remain faithful to God's promises. The preacher also highlights the need for revival in the church and urges believers to be honest with themselves and with God. He warns against being deceived by false movements and emphasizes the importance of manifesting the life of Christ to the world.
Christ Is All - in Scripture
By Bill McLeod1.6K46:28Fulness Of ChristPSA 2:10PSA 40:7PSA 41:9MAT 1:21MAT 28:19MRK 14:62COL 3:11TIT 3:7PHM 1:1In this sermon, the speaker begins by referencing Mark 16 and Luke 1 from the Bible. He highlights how Jesus reproached his disciples for their lack of belief in his resurrection and then commanded them to preach the gospel to the world. The speaker also mentions that some versions of the Bible omit miracles and end with Jesus' death on the cross, portraying him as a good man and advocate of peace. However, the speaker emphasizes that the Bible is truly all about Jesus and explores the significance of his ministry and his role as the Son of God.
The Dispensation of the Gospel - Lesson 4
By Robert Wurtz II1.0K38:57MAT 15:9In this sermon, the preacher continues the series on "The Distantiation of the Gospel, Rediscovering the Workings of the Holy Ghost." The first lesson focused on the born-again experience and the different states of centers: careless, awakened, and convicted. The preacher then discussed the characteristics of someone who has truly been born-again. In the second week, an addendum to the lesson was given, emphasizing how the old man is crucified with Christ. The sermon also highlights the awe and wonder of God's creation, including the complexity of human beings and the greatness of angelic hosts. The preacher encourages believers to maintain an attitude of praise, worship, and prayer throughout the day to walk in victory. The sermon concludes with the importance of drawing near to God and experiencing His presence in our lives.
Compared View of the First Three Gospels, Etc.
By John Nelson Darby0The GospelsChrist's MinistryMAT 1:1MAT 4:17MAT 5:1MAT 9:35MAT 11:28MAT 28:19MRK 1:14LUK 3:23LUK 4:18John Nelson Darby discusses the distinct characteristics and purposes of the first three Gospels, emphasizing that Mark presents a chronological account of Christ's service, while Matthew focuses on the presentation of Jesus as the Messiah and the implications of His rejection. He notes that Luke, while generally following Mark's order, includes moral teachings that are unique to his Gospel. Darby highlights the importance of understanding the genealogies and the context of Christ's ministry, particularly in relation to Israel's expectations and the establishment of the church. He concludes that the Gospels collectively reveal the nature of Christ's mission and the unfolding of God's plan for humanity.
Epistle 161
By George Fox0FaithfulnessWorldly TemptationsPSA 91:1ISA 53:7JER 50:5MAT 13:22MAT 15:9ROM 7:4ROM 11:12COL 2:82PE 2:18REV 3:14George Fox urges believers to avoid the distractions and temptations of worldly desires and cares, emphasizing the importance of remaining steadfast in faith and not succumbing to the pressures of society. He encourages the faithful to dwell under God's protection and to be free from the entanglements of material wealth, advocating for a deep commitment to the Lord. Fox highlights the historical suffering of the righteous who resisted joining in with the corrupt practices of the world, instead choosing to remain devoted to God and His truth, which brings peace and righteousness.
Superstitious Shadows
By A.W. Tozer0Faith vs. SuperstitionUnderstanding God's CharacterPSA 119:105PRO 3:5ISA 55:8MAT 15:9JHN 4:24ROM 10:171CO 13:122TI 3:16HEB 11:6JAS 1:5A.W. Tozer emphasizes that true faith honors God by accepting His revealed character, while superstition degrades His reputation by believing in unworthy notions. He argues that even genuine Christians may harbor superstitions that distort their understanding of God, leading to erroneous beliefs. Tozer warns that these misconceptions, if uncorrected by Scripture and the Holy Spirit, can compound into serious sin against God. He challenges the audience to examine their beliefs and rid themselves of any superstitious elements that dishonor the divine. Ultimately, he calls for a faith rooted in truth rather than fancy.
Grappling With Change
By A.W. Tozer0ReformationChange in the ChurchISA 43:19MAT 15:9ROM 12:22CO 5:17GAL 1:6A.W. Tozer emphasizes the necessity of reformation within the church, defining it as a change that removes faults and restores a former good state. He critiques the complacency of Christians who accept the status quo without questioning its alignment with Scripture, warning that many religious practices may not be divinely ordained. Tozer argues that the fear of change leads to a stagnation that can result in a departure from God's will, as people blindly follow traditions without discernment. He calls for a return to biblical principles and a willingness to embrace necessary changes for true spiritual renewal. Ultimately, Tozer urges believers to seek God's guidance in evaluating their practices and beliefs.
Have We Fettered & Imprisoned
By T. Austin-Sparks0The Role of TraditionSpiritual FreedomISA 6:5MAT 15:9JHN 4:24ACT 5:29ROM 8:152CO 3:6GAL 5:1EPH 4:301TH 5:19HEB 12:1T. Austin-Sparks addresses the historical tendency of Christianity to imprison the Spirit through human traditions and established forms, which often stifle the divine movement and limit spiritual growth. He emphasizes that while God gives visions with unlimited potential, these visions can quickly become constrained by human interpretations and organizations, leading to a loss of their original vitality. Sparks challenges listeners to reflect on their spiritual journeys, questioning whether they are bound by systems or truly led by the Spirit. He warns that the letter of the law can kill the Spirit, urging believers to maintain a direct connection to the source of life. Ultimately, he calls for a rebellion against unspiritual restrictions to embrace the true freedom of the Spirit.
Our Field of Battle
By C.H. Spurgeon0MAT 15:9ROM 15:4EPH 4:12COL 2:221TI 4:11TI 6:32TI 3:16TIT 1:9The preacher discusses the importance of sound doctrine in Christianity, emphasizing that doctrine encompasses the essential theological truths rooted in the life of Jesus Christ. He warns against false teachings and the dangers of elevating man's wisdom above God's. The sermon highlights the critical role of doctrine in guiding behavior and the need for spiritual leaders to diligently minister the Word of Truth. The preacher stresses the significance of continually nourishing oneself with sound doctrine to avoid falling away from the faith and being led astray by deceitful spirits and demonic doctrines.
- John Gill
John Gill Bible Commentary
But in vain do they worship me,.... In the Hebrew text it is, "their fear towards me": which is rightly expressed here by "worship"; for the fear of God often intends the whole worship of God, both external and internal: here it only signifies external worship, which these men only attended to. They prayed in the synagogues, read, and, in their way, expounded the books of Moses, and the prophets, to the people, diligently observed the rituals of the ceremonial law, brought their offerings and sacrifices to the temple, and neglected nothing appertaining to the outward service of it; and yet it was all "in vain", and to no purpose; since the heart was wanting, no grace there, they acted from wrong principles, and with wrong views; their worship was merely outward, formal, and customary; and besides, they added doctrines and traditions of their own inventing and devising. The phrase, "in vain", is not in the text in Isaiah: some have thought that it was not originally in Matthew, but inserted by some other hand, to make the sense more complete. Grotius thinks there was a various reading, which is followed by the Septuagint, and the evangelist; and that instead of "and is", it was the same with "in vain": but there is no need to suppose either of these: Christ, who made this citation, either added it himself for the clearer illustration of the passage, and as being entirely agreeable to the sense of it, and which it required, for the true understanding of it; or he might have in his view another passage of the same prophet, speaking of the same people, and upon the same subject, Isa 1:11 and from thence take the phrase, and, for explanation sake, join it to the passage here. It follows, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men; that is, teaching the people to observe the traditions of the elders, the decrees and determinations of the doctors, as if they were doctrines delivered by God himself; or, instead of the doctrines contained in the Bible, which lay neglected by them, they obtruded on them the orders, and injunctions of men. In the text in Isaiah, are only these words, "taught by the precept of men": and which relate to their fear and worship of God; and which is here interpreted of their teachers teaching them it, and that explained of the commandments of men; as if, instead of "taught", it had been read, "teaching". The Jews have no reason to quarrel with this construction and sense, since their Targum paraphrases it thus; "and their fear before me is, , according to the commandment of men that teach": and a noted commentator (c) of their's has this remark on the text, "their fear towards me is" not with a perfect heart, but "by the commandment , of the men that teach them". (c) R. Sol. Jarchi in Isa. xxix. 13.