matthew 15:9 - worship soap bible study

Dive into God’s Word to learn how it describes and defines worship by using the SOAP Bible Study Method (Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer). Use the Worship SOAP Bible Study Workbook to help keep all your studies in one place. Praying that the following will be a launching pad into your studies! Feel free to add any extra notes in the comments for others who are studying.

They worship me in vain;
    their teachings are merely human rules."
Matthew 15:9

Observation: Jesus is talking about the Pharisees and teachers of the law. They are doing the acts of worship but not from their heart. This does not make Jesus happy. “In vain” means without success or result. The Pharisees were very knowledgeable about the law, religious acts, and rituals. They were more focused on keeping the law than doing it honestly.

Application: We should only worship if it’s from the heart. Don’t go through the motions if you don’t mean them; it’s a waste of time.

Prayer: Ask God to help you come before him honestly in worship and worship with your whole heart when you do. Ask him to forgive you for the times you just went through the motions.

Click here to view all resources for the Worship SOAP Bible Study.