Deuteronomy:12

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* Verse 1-4 - Moses comes to the statutes he had to give in charge to Israel ; and begins with such as relate to the worship of God . The Israelites are charged not to bring the rites and usages of idolaters into the worship of God ; not under colour of making it better . We cannot serve God and mammon ; nor worship the true God and idols ; nor depend upon Christ Jesus and upon superstitious or self-righteous confidences . * Verse 5-32 - The command to bring ALL the sacrifices to the door of the tabernacle , was now explained with reference to the promised land . As to moral service , then , as now , men might pray and worship every where , as they did in their synagogues . The place which God would choose , is said to be the place where he would put his name . It was to be his habitation , where , as King of Israel , he would be found by all who reverently sought him . Now , under the gospel , we have no temple or altar that sanctifies the gift but Christ only : and as to the places of worship , the prophets foretold that in every place the spiritual incense should be offered , Malachi strkjv @1:11 . Our Saviour declared , that those are accepted as true worshippers , who worship God in sincerity and truth , without regard either to this mountain or Jerusalem , * Verse John - strkjv @4:21 . And a devout Israelite might honour God , keep up communion with him , and obtain mercy from him , though he had no opportunity of bringing a sacrifice to his altar . Work for God should be done with holy joy and cheerfulness . Even children and servants must rejoice before God ; the services of religion are to be a pleasure , and not a task or drudgery . It is the duty of people to be kind to their ministers , who teach them well , and set them good examples . As long as we live , we need their assistance , till we come to that world where ordinances will not be needed . Whether we eat or drink , or whatever we do , we are commanded to do all to the glory of God . And we must do all in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ , giving thanks to the Father through him . They must not even inquire into the modes and forms of idolatrous worship . What good would it do them to know those depths of Satan ? And our inward satisfaction will be more and more , as we abound in love and good works , which spring from faith and the in-dwelling Spirit of Christ . **** Matthew Henry 's Commentary ****

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