Not What These Hands Have Done
Michael Durham teaches that true worship is not about what we can offer God with our hands, but about recognizing God's self-sufficiency and offering our lives in humble thanksgiving.
This sermon emphasizes the importance of recognizing our absolute need for God's grace and sufficiency in our lives. It highlights the danger of relying on our own efforts, righteousness, or religious practices to please God, stressing the significance of coming to Him in brokenness and dependency. The message calls for a humble acknowledgment of our inadequacies and a surrender to God's power and work in our lives, ultimately leading to true peace and transformation.
Sermon Outline
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I. The Heart of True Worship
- Worship is a life lived unto God, not just ritual acts
- The importance of proper motives in worship
- Worship is not about what we can give God but about honoring Him
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II. God's Rebuke of Empty Sacrifices
- God is displeased with hypocritical worship
- Sacrifices without righteousness and justice are worthless
- The people were faithful in ritual but lacked true devotion
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III. God's Self-Sufficiency and Ownership
- God owns all creation and needs nothing from us
- Our offerings are not contributions to God but acts of thanksgiving
- Remembering God's sovereignty guards against pride in worship
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IV. Practical Implications for Worshippers
- Examine your motives for worship
- Offer thanksgiving and call on God in times of trouble
- Live a life that glorifies God beyond the worship service
Key Quotes
“Not what these hands have done. Or I could say not what these hands could ever do as well.” — Michael Durham
“God is saying, you offer worship. Yes, you're doing the things that I commanded, but you're doing it hypocritically.” — Michael Durham
“I don't bring anything to God that he doesn't already have. And anything I contribute to this cause this morning has first been given to me.” — Michael Durham
Application Points
- Examine your heart to ensure your worship is motivated by genuine love and gratitude, not obligation or routine.
- Remember that God owns all things and does not need your offerings, so worship as an act of thanksgiving and surrender.
- Live a life of worship daily by seeking justice, mercy, and humility in your actions beyond the church service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Michael Durham say God does not need our sacrifices?
Because God is self-sufficient and owns all things; our offerings do not add to Him but are expressions of our gratitude.
What is the main problem with worship according to Psalm 50?
The problem is worship without genuine devotion and right motives, even if the rituals are faithfully performed.
How should Christians approach worship based on this sermon?
Christians should worship with a heart of thanksgiving, recognizing God's sovereignty and offering their lives, not just external acts.
What does the story of Corrie ten Boom illustrate in the sermon?
It illustrates God's providence and ownership over all things, reinforcing that He provides for His people in miraculous ways.
How can worshippers avoid hypocrisy in their worship?
By aligning their lives with God's commands, seeking justice, and worshiping with sincere hearts rather than mere ritual compliance.