PODCAST
Inward Righteousness
July 17th, 2013
Amos 5:18-27
Some people have the misconception that the Old Testament teaches an outward religion, while the New Testament teaches a religion of the heart. Passages like those from Amos 5 should lay that idea to rest. Though the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the New Testament Church opened up new possibilities for inner holiness, God has always been concerned about our motives and character. He has always wanted to have all of us.
Many in Amos’s day thought outward religious rituals were good enough. As long as they showed up and did their “religious duty,” they were free to live however they wanted the rest of the time–even worship additional gods. Sadly, we, too, can be fooled into thinking this way. Take time to let the message of Amos 5 critique your life. Is your heart sincerely in the worship you offer to God? Are you placing every aspect of your life under God’s authority today? In God’s plan, outward obedience is supposed to help train us as we seek to be transformed in His image.
Author: Ryan R. Pettit
