I Have No Pleasure in You

This passage deals with a time when the people of Israel and their priests defiled the sacrifices they offered to God, disregarded his grace, and mocked him. God points out that they were bringing not healthy offerings but sick and blemished ones, trying to use him. This goes beyond a mere question of ritual; it is a spiritual corruption that exposes their complaints against the Creator and their lack of thankfulness.

The sermon points out that such an attitude is, in the end, an act of despising God. Just as the priests' corruption put the whole nation in danger, a faith today that seeks only blessings and tries to use God is also a serious problem. It warns that God does not accept offerings brought with deceit, and that we can enjoy his grace only when we sincerely repent and live holy lives. Like King David's earnest prayer, what is required is a true faith that serves God as Lord without being shaken by whether circumstances are good or bad.

The sermon asks why believers must not fall into the world's temptations and greed, but live in obedience to God's unchanging word. It also raises the question of what wisdom enables us to live as believers who keep the faith while waiting for Christ's return.