… with their self-imposed worship …
Summary: In this passage, Paul provides us with another clue to the difference between true and false religion.
The Greek word Paul used for “self-imposed worship” is “ethelothrēskia.”* (Pronounced “eth-el-oth-race-ki’-ah,” the word is a mouthful in Greek and English.) It is a composite of two other words that describe a kind of worship ceremonial in nature and that originates in the human will. An example of this kind of worship is given in Acts, chapter nineteen.
In the story told in Acts, the people of Ephesus traditionally worshipped a statue of a goddess named Artemis. At one point in the story, the city clerk describes the religion this way:
“Fellow Ephesians, doesn’t all the world know that the city of Ephesus is the guardian of the temple of the great Artemis and of her image, which fell from heaven?” (Acts 19:35)
Like many ancient religions, the focus of the religion is a man-made image carved out of wood or stone and placed in a temple made by human hands. In this case, “self-imposed worship” doesn’t mean that the people of Paul’s day invented Artemis worship on their own. Instead, it was invented by earlier generations and handed down in one form or another over the years.
So, what does the true religion of the One True God have to do with Artemis?
There are many kinds of law in the Old Testament writings, but the two types we are concerned with here are those that come from God and those made by man (ethelothrēskia).
The laws of God are always about two things. The first is loving God above all else, and the second is loving our neighbors as we love ourselves (Matthew 22: 37-40). In addition to the collection of Jewish writings we call the Old Testament, there are a number of writings and traditions that date back to ancient times.
There is an invisible line between the laws that are important to God and the laws devised by men. Not everyone agrees on where this line is. When Paul was known as Saul, in the days when he believed himself to be a Pharisee, Paul would have considered every tradition and rule of the Pharisees to be “law.”
As a believer in Jesus Christ, Paul sees the rules of the Pharisees very differently. Suddenly, the only thing that matters is Jesus Christ. Anything that doesn’t honor Jesus and claims to be necessary for salvation is “self-imposed worship.”
Application: Use the wisdom from God to spot the difference between true worship and “self-imposed worship.”
Food for Thought: Why do people accept “self-imposed worship”?
*”G1479 – ethelothrēskia – Strong’s Greek Lexicon (niv).” Blue Letter Bible. Web. 19 Jan, 2025. <https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g1479/niv/mgnt/0-1/>.
Why do people accept “self-imposed worship”?
Worship isn’t just something we do on Sundays. Gods word calls us to “offer our bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God” as an “act of spiritual worship” (Romans 12:1).
Our worship involves more than just lifting our hands and voices in the church. Our worship becomes a way of life. Lives, given to Jesus bring peace to our spirits and are to be a visible ministry to those around us, as we are called to work with excellence, empowered by the Holy Spirit to represent God.
Jesus becomes our power to keep a positive attitude toward conditions, even when they become difficult. Honor our employers, those around instead of criticizing them as we look for opportunities to radiate Gods light.
Jesus teaches us, true worshippers must worship “in spirit and truth” (John 4:24). We need more than physical motions and rituals. Worship must engage our deepest passions and emotions.
Let the message of Christ be the life in us as He empowers each to teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.” (Colossians 3:16)
We do not allow discouragement rob us of opportunities for growth. When we are struggling, know God is with us now and in our future. Like David, worship with all our might, and we will reconnect with God’s power as we experience a breakthrough.
Thank you, Ron!
Thank you for the beautiful portrait of true worship! You have described a heart connection with our Father. 🙂
Thanks again for the interesting devotion. And great comments from R2T2 as is usual.
Self imposed worship is some ways is easier than true worship. In self imposed worship you can do a deed and check a box and get on with your day. True worship means that it takes a heart level, life changing commitment to follow the Lord and serve Him. Instead of checking a box, the level of commitment is a minute by minute devotion to the Lord that frames every breath that we take.
In Jesus’ sermon on the mount you get the idea that while salvation is a free gift, to follow in true discipleship is costly. Or as Jesus said in Luke 9: 23 – 24: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. 24For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it.”
Thanks, Rich!
Spot on! Well said.