I. The
situation – "if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest
that thy brother hath ought against thee."
A. Jesus’
words were spoken at the time of the Jewish system of sacrifices. Sin
prevented a proper relationship with God, but the sacrifice was intended to
restore this relationship. But this sacrifice involved a self-examination
and a genuinely penitent heart. This included an attempt to correct any
wrongs that have been done.
B. As
Christians, we are to offer "spiritual sacrifices" – I Peter
2:5. But the principle of sacrifice has not changed. Our worship must
originate from a penitent heart. Consider I Corinthians 11:28.
II. Significance
of the situation.
A. We
worship God as individuals. Although we may come together and carry out
certain aspects of worship together (such as singing) our worship is
accepted or rejected on an individual basis. If you sing in an appropriate
manner while I do not, God will accept your worship but reject mine.
B. Worship
requires that we have a right relationship with God. Consider Isaiah 59:1-2.
Also Psalm 66:18.
III. The
solution.
A. In
order to have a right relationship with God, we must have a right
relationship with our brethren. This is one element of our worship that is,
unfortunately, not sufficiently taught.
B. If
we come to our place of worship and remember that our brother has ought
against us, we are to make things right with out brother before we
continue with our worship. Note: If I have offended a brother I am to take
the initiative in correcting the wrong I have done. I am to do so by going
to the brother whom I have offended, not by going to others. Consider Romans
12:18.
