Key Ideas
Faith Fact
I will do what God says is right.
Faith Verse
Psalm 86:12 (NLT)
With all my heart I will praise you, O Lord my God. I will give glory to your name forever.
Question of the Day: Why should we be careful that our actions and our heart are honoring God?
Read about It
Read: Mark 7:1–13
The religious leaders in these verses were very concerned about making sure that their religious laws were followed. In fact, they were more concerned about following their man-made traditions perfectly than they were about the condition of their hearts. The way they were living showed that they didn’t have a heart close to God.
Sometimes in our life, it’s easy to get caught up in the actions of worshipping God. This can look like going to church regularly out of habit and not because we want to. It could also be saying memorized prayers before a meal rather than having a heartfelt conversation with God and thanking Him for what He’s done. The thing is though, God can see right through all that. We may be able to fool others, but God knows the condition of our true heart.
Talk about It
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Question 1. What were the religious leaders concerned about in the verses we read? Answer 1. They were upset that Jesus’ disciples didn’t follow the Jewish ritual of hand washing before eating. (Mark 7:2–5)
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| Question 2. What Old Testament prophet did Jesus quote in His reply to the religious leaders?
Answer 2. Isaiah
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| Question 3. What is an example of putting something you think is important over what God says is important?
Answer 3. Answers will vary.
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Question 4. Why do you think God cares about both your heart and your actions? Answer 4. Answers will vary.
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| Question 5. Why should we be careful that our actions and our heart are honoring God?
Answer 5. Answers will vary. |
Pray about It
Dear God, help me not to do things for You simply out of habit or tradition. I want to have a heart that truly wants to worship You and honor You in all I do. Amen.