Things God Will Not Accept

Genesis 4:1-5

(Genesis 4:1-5) And Adam knew Eve his wife; and she conceived, and bare Cain, and said, I have gotten a man from the LORD. And she again bare his brother Abel. And Abel was a keeper of sheep, but Cain was a tiller of the ground. And in process of time it came to pass, that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto the LORD. And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the LORD had respect unto Abel and to his offering: But unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell.

(Leviticus 10:1-2) And Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, took either of them his censer, and put fire therein, and put incense thereon, and offered strange fire before the LORD, which he commanded them not. And there went out fire from the LORD, and devoured them, and they died before the LORD.

(Isaiah 1:11) To what purpose is the multitude of your sacrifices unto me? saith the LORD: I am full of the burnt offerings of rams, and the fat of fed beasts; and I delight not in the blood of bullocks, or of lambs, or of he goats.

(Jeremiah 6:20) To what purpose cometh there to me incense from Sheba, and the sweet cane from a far country? your burnt offerings are not acceptable, nor your sacrifices sweet unto me.

(Amos 5:21-23) I hate, I despise your feast days, and I will not smell in your solemn assemblies. Though ye offer me burnt offerings and your meat offerings, I will not accept them: neither will I regard the peace offerings of your fat beasts. Take thou away from me the noise of thy songs; for I will not hear the melody of thy viols.

I read these verses because there is a mistaken idea that is held by many that says that God will accept anything that is offered to Him. It seems that some have the concept of God that is like a "Good Will" store. "Good Will" generally takes anything that is given them. It may be junk, it may be of no value whatsoever, but they will take it. Example of family who had a yard sale. They brought me their leftovers! "We couldn't sell it so we decided to give it to the church." I'm here to tell you this morning that God isn't a 'Good Will' drop station! That same philosophy carries over in other areas as well. Ask some folks if they will be in the services and you get a run down something like this: If I feel good, and if I get up in time, if there isn't anywhere else to go, and if I can find just the right outfit to wear, then you can count on me cause I'll be there! Such commitment to God overwhelms me! People approach giving to the Lord in much the same manner. If there is anything left over after paying the bills and buying the groceries and making the payments on the boat and of course we must put some aside for our retirement, but if there is a dollar or two left you can count on me doing my part!

This may come as a shock to some, but God is not interested in our leftovers! God has a set of standards for us to follow (The Bible) and it is the same standard for all of us. God will only accept what He has specified in His Word.

This morning I want to draw your attention to three things that God will not accept:

I. God Will Not Accept Sincerity in Place of Salvation.

II. God Will Not Accept the Works of the Flesh in Place of Worship in the Spirit.

III. God Will Not Accept Lukewarmness in Place of Hearts on Fire for God.

This morning, I want you to know that God will not accept just anything that we may offer Him. God has made it quite clear in His Word what He expects when it comes to the matters of salvation, worship, and service. Where are we at this morning? Are you saved? Are you worshiping God? Are you on fire for Him?