Incense — Prayer: Lessons from an O.T. Type

I. A LOOK AT INCENSE Ex. 30: 1-10
A. Definition: incense or odor —— root word for burn or anger or heat. Aromatic burning.
B. Incense of spices — Ex. 30: 34-38 speak of perfections of Christ in intercession. Day — every morning night — every evening — perpetual or continual.
C. No strange incense.
D. An Atonement once in a year — It is most holy unto the Lord.

II. A COMPARISON OF INCENSE AND PRAYER Ps. 141:2
A. As INCENSE — was to be beaten and pounded before it was used. So acceptable prayer proceeds from a broken and contrite heart. Ps. 51:17 "a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise."
B. As INCENSE was of no use until fire was put under it and fire taken from the altar. So prayer is of no virtue or use, which is not kindled by the fire of the Holy Spirit of God, which we have from our Altar Jesus Christ.
C. As INCENSE naturally ascended upwards toward heaven. So the design of prayer is to ascend unto the throne of God. Ps. 5:3 'I will direct unto thee and will look up.' That is pray.
D. As INCENSE yielded a sweet, savour — or smell, which was one end of it in the temple services, wherein there was so much burning of flesh and blood. Illus: Burning Flesh — warts. So prayers yield a sweet savour unto God overcoming the stench of the weakness of our flesh — it is a savour of rest wherein He is well pleased.
III. A DISPLAY OF UNACCEPTABLE INCENSE
A. Nadab & Abihu: Wrong Motive Lev. 10:1-3 strange or profane Ex. 30:9 James 4:3 'Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.' P—urpose — Self Gain Sinning Priests
B. Korah, Dathan, & Abiram: Rebellious Num. 16:10, 35 These were the Levites called to the service of the temple but not priests — usurping authority — using prayer as a fake cloak. Purpose — Power. Sinning Servants
C. King Uzziah: Pride — 2Chron. 26: 16-23 Using prayer as a display. Purpose — Fame. Sinning King

CONCLUSION: Prayer is a most solemn and important part of the Christian life. It is not to be taken lightly.
1. Don't look on prayer as easy work, requiring no thought — it needs to be 'set forth' before the Lord with a broken and a contrite heart. Needs to be a sense of his presence and a holy reverence for his name.
2. Incense — prayer must be carefully prepared — kindled with holy fire — Holy Spirit. Devoutly presented — heart felt.
3. Be careful of Wrong Motives, Rebellious spirit, Pride.

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