The sermon discussed the “great error of Approaching God Empty.” It focused on the importance of one’s heart attitude when coming before God. Approaching God Empty should not be done casually or superficially but with the right heart posture. Six aspects of the proper heart attitude were outlined. First is having a heart of gratitude, thanking God for His blessings and goodness. Second is having a heart of reverence, honoring God’s name and attributes by focusing fully on Him.
Third is having a heart of sacrifice, not coming before God empty-handed but offering sacrificially according to how God has blessed. This should be done willingly and not delayed. Fourth is having a heart of service, using one’s gifts and abilities to support the work of God. Fifth is having a heart of expectancy, believing God for something specific when coming into His presence. Stories from the Bible illustrated this, like the woman with the issue of blood. Sixth is having a heart of responsibility and being accountable for one’s actions and duties so God has something concrete to bless.
The sermon stressed that God looks at the heart, not superficial actions. Examples from Scripture highlighted the importance of each element, such as David refusing free materials for the temple to sacrifice properly. Approaching God Empty or without reverence insults Him. Stories of faithful servants demonstrated the heart attitudes required like the Israelites wholeheartedly supporting the Tabernacle construction. Their sacrifice led God’s glory cloud to fill the tabernacle.
