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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Slaves are exhorted to obey [their] earthly masters in everything. They are to work, not merely for personal gain or for the favor of their earthly masters, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord (v.22). The same principles are reiterated in the verses that follow, as the readers are reminded: “It is the Lord Christ you are serving” (v.24).
The principles of this passage apply to all workers. (1) You are working, not merely for your employer but for the Lord. (2) Your employment is an opportunity to bear witness to the sovereignty of Christ in your life. (3) Your inner attitude (the heart) is expressed in the quality of your work. (4) The Lord will recompense you fairly and generously for your work, even if your employer does not. (5) There is no excuse for wrongdoing (e.g., thievery) in the workplace, even if you are ill-treated and underpaid. (6) Remember that you are serving the Lord Christ, so your work should reflect your reverence for him—wherever you are, whatever your circumstances, whatever kind of work you do.
Masters are exhorted: “Provide your slaves [employees] with what is right and fair, because you know that you also have a Master in heaven” (4:1). The same principles apply to both sides of the slave-master relationship: They are the principles by which our Lord judges all persons. He is the Master above every other, the King of kings and Lord of lords. All people—even those who are over other people—must bow the knee to his lordship.
Thus all persons and their activities are brought under the sovereignty of Jesus Christ. His lordship is the standard by which every relationship—in the church, at home, and on the job—must be measured. Mature Christians in pursuit of holiness need to appreciate this fact as much as new converts who are trying to find their way. The overarching lordship of Christ is continually relevant and constantly challenging
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- Proverbs 3:9 – Honor the Lord with your wealth.
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4. God’s Vision for Inspiring Worship (v. 11-14)
God reveals a vision where His name will be honored among all nations. This prophetic vision points to a time when worship will be pure and heartfelt across the globe.
Background: God’s ultimate plan is for worship to be universal and pure, reflecting His global significance and worth.
Key Point: Our worship should reflect this vision. God deserves more than our leftovers; He deserves our highest and best. We must align our worship and our lives with this vision of excellence and connection. As we look forward to the fulfillment of this prophecy, let us commit to making our worship today a reflection of God's ultimate vision.
Scripture References:
- Malachi 1:11 – God’s name honored among the nations.
- Psalm 86:9 – All nations will worship before God.
- Philippians 2:10-11 – Every knee will bow and every tongue confess Jesus as Lord.
- 1 Corinthians 10:31 – Do everything to the glory of God.
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5. Conclusion: Moving Forward with Fresh Commitment
Malachi’s message calls us to evaluate our worship and commitment. Are we stuck in outdated practices, offering God less than our best? Or are we ready to embrace a new, inspiring way to connect with Him?
Reflection: Encourage the congregation to reflect on areas where they may be offering less than their best, both in worship and in daily life. It's time for a fresh commitment to worship that is genuine, excellent, and fully connected to the heart of God.
Commitment: Challenge everyone to commit to a refreshed approach to worship—one that is not limited to a Sunday service but is a daily offering of our best. Let us worship God with a renewed heart and a spirit of excellence.
Closing
Worship with Wow!” encourages worship that goes beyond routine or tradition. Worship with a wow challenges individuals and congregations to engage in worship that is passionate, heartfelt, and transformative—something that not only honors God but also captivates and inspires those who participate.
Closing Prayer: Invite the congregation to seek God’s help in revitalizing their worship and commitment, ensuring that their offerings reflect a vibrant and heartfelt connection with Him.
Scripture References:
- 2 Corinthians 13:5 – Examine yourselves to see if you are in the faith.
- Joshua 24:15 – Choose this day whom you will serve.
- Hebrews 13:15 – Offer a sacrifice of praise to God.
- James 1:5 – Ask God for wisdom to live out our commitment.
