Exodus 32:6
“And they rose up early on the morrow, and offered burnt offerings, and brought peace offerings; and the people sat down to eat and to drink, and rose up to play.”
The Israelites looked religious on the outside, but their hearts were far from God. They offered sacrifices, held a feast, and even used God’s name, yet what they were doing was nothing more than spiritual rebellion wrapped in religious activity.
Many today do the same. They go to church, sing songs, give offerings, and even serve—but their hearts are not truly surrendered. They go through the motions but live for themselves.
Exodus 32 is a warning: God is not fooled by outward religion. He wants more than actions—He wants our hearts.
1. They Brought Offerings, But Not to God
“They offered burnt offerings, and brought peace offerings…” (Exodus 32:6)
The Israelites brought sacrifices, but they weren’t for the true God. They had formed a golden calf and declared it to be their deliverer. Their worship looked right from the motions, but it was meaningless because it wasn’t directed to the LORD.
Many today bring offerings—money, service, good works—but if it’s not truly for God, it’s empty.
Biblical Examples of Empty Worship
- Cain’s Offering (Genesis 4:3-5) – Cain brought an offering, but not one that pleased God. He wanted to worship his own way, and God rejected it.
- King Saul’s Sacrifice (1 Samuel 13:8-14) – Instead of waiting on Samuel, Saul performed a sacrifice himself, thinking the act alone was enough. His disobedience cost him the kingdom.
- Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1-10) – They gave an offering but lied about it, showing that God cares about the heart, not just the action.
How to Know If Our Worship Is Real
- It Comes from the Heart, Not Just Obligation – Jesus rebuked the Pharisees for honoring God with their lips while their hearts were far from Him
Matthew 15:8 says “This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.”
- It Leads to Obedience, Not Just Activity – Samuel told Saul, “To obey is better than sacrifice” (1 Samuel 15:22).
- It Seeks God’s Glory, Not Recognition – Paul said, “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31).
- It Affects More Than Just Sunday – True worship transforms our daily lives
Romans 12:1 says: “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.”
The Israelites thought they were worshiping, but their offerings were worthless because they weren’t directed to God. Are we truly giving our lives to the Lord, or are we just going through religious motions?
