Sermons

Summary: The importance of offering God the best in our worship and lives.

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1. Introduction: Embracing a New Approach to Worship

Last week in our first sermon, we reflected on the boundless and unchanging love of God, (God's deep, unchanging love for His people ) which calls us to respond with heartfelt worship. Today, we’ll explore how our response can move beyond mere tradition and become a dynamic expression of reverence and connection. Worship is not just about repeating old rituals; it’s about offering God our very best in a way that truly honors Him.

Illustration: Imagine if you received a gift that was hastily wrapped with old newspaper and presented without thought. While the gift itself might be valuable, the presentation reflects a lack of care and respect. Similarly, God deserves more than routine or half-hearted offerings. In Malachi 1:6-14, we see a challenge to move past complacency and toward worship that genuinely inspires and connects us with the Divine.

Scripture References:

- John 3:16 – God’s immense love for us.

- Romans 12:1 – Our call to offer our bodies as a living sacrifice.

- Matthew 15:8-9 – Worship that honors God is sincere and from the heart.

3-9 But Jesus put it right back on them. “Why do you use your rules to play fast and loose with God’s commands? God clearly says, ‘Respect your father and mother,’ and, ‘Anyone denouncing father or mother should be killed.’ But you weasel around that by saying, ‘Whoever wants to, can say to father and mother, What I owed to you I’ve given to God.’ That can hardly be called respecting a parent. You cancel God’s command by your rules. Frauds! Isaiah’s prophecy of you hit the bull’s-eye:

These people make a big show of saying the right thing,

but their heart isn’t in it.

They act like they’re worshiping me,

but they don’t mean it.

They just use me as a cover

for teaching whatever suits their fancy.”

- John 4:24 – True worshippers worship in spirit and truth.

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2. The Disconnect Between Respect and Reality (v. 6)

Sermon:

God uses the imagery of a father and master to underscore the respect He deserves. Just as a son honors his father and a servant respects his master, so too should we honor God as our Father and Master. Yet, the Israelites had failed to offer Him this respect.

Background: In ancient Israel, the roles of father and master were highly esteemed. To dishonor these roles was considered a serious offense. God fulfills both roles—providing and guiding His people.

Key Point: Despite the clear expectations, the priests were neglecting their duties and failing to show God the honor He deserved. Today, we need to ask ourselves in what ways we might be failing to offer God our full respect and attention. Are our worship practices reflective of our reverence for God?

Scripture References:

- Isaiah 64:8 – God as our Father and Potter.

- 1 Peter 1:17 – God as our impartial Judge.

- Exodus 20:12 – Honor your father and mother.

- Malachi 1:6 – God’s complaint about being dishonored.

3. Revamping Our Offerings: From Routine to Reverence (v. 7-10)

reflection:

God criticized the people for offering polluted sacrifices—animals that were lame, blind, or sick. This was more than a matter of ritual failure; it was a sign of a deeper heart problem.

Background: Old Testament law required offerings to be without blemish, symbolizing purity and genuine devotion. Offering subpar sacrifices was an affront to God’s holiness.

Application: This principle extends beyond animal sacrifices. It challenges us to examine whether we are offering God our best in our time, resources, and efforts. Are we giving God our leftover time and energy, or are we engaging in worship with genuine passion and excellence? True worship requires us to give our best, not just what is convenient or easy.

Scripture References:

- Leviticus 22:19-20 – Requirements for offerings.

- Deuteronomy 15:21 – Offering blemish-free sacrifices.

19-23 Set apart to God, your God, all the firstborn males in your herds and flocks. Don’t use the firstborn from your herds as work animals; don’t shear the firstborn from your flocks. These are for you to eat every year, you and your family, in the Presence of God, your God, at the place that God designates for worship. If the animal is defective, lame, say, or blind—anything wrong with it—don’t slaughter it as a sacrifice to God, your God. Stay at home and eat it there. Both the ritually clean and unclean may eat it, the same as with a gazelle or a deer. Only you must not eat its blood. Pour the blood out on the ground like water

- Colossians 3:23 – Work heartily as for the Lord.

22-25 Servants, do what you’re told by your earthly masters. And don’t just do the minimum that will get you by. Do your best. Work from the heart for your real Master, for God, confident that you’ll get paid in full when you come into your inheritance. Keep in mind always that the ultimate Master you’re serving is Christ. The sullen servant who does shoddy work will be held responsible. Being a follower of Jesus doesn’t cover up bad work

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