Malachi 1 6 14 Building on what weve

Malachi 1: 6 -14

Building on what we’ve learned so far in “Malachi”, we will be talking about “Careless Worship” today in 3 parts: 1. ) The Origin(s) of Careless Worship 2. ) The Essence of Careless Worship 3. ) The Opposite of Careless Worship

Origins of Careless Worship 1. ) Not seeing the wonder of God’s love - 1: 2 “I have loved you. ” 2. ) Not accepting God’s Majestic Fatherhood - 1: 6 “If I am a father, where is my honor? ” 3. ) Not recognizing God’s greatness - Verses 11 & 14 contrast with 10 & 13

Malachi 1: 11 & 14 “My Name will be great among the nations, from where the sun rises to where it sets. In every place incense and pure offerings will be brought to Me, because My Name will be great among the nations, ” says the LORD Almighty. ” “…For I am a great King, ” says the LORD Almighty, “and My Name is to be feared among the nations. ”

The essence of careless worship is worthless religious activity. . . actions that show little a person values God. ----------------------------Malachi 1: 10 "Oh, that there were one among you who would shut the doors, that you might not kindle fire upon My altar in vain!"

The Hebrew word behind the phrase “in vain” is hinam and is loaded with deep meaning. ---------------------------------- 2 Samuel 24: 24 “No, I insist on paying you for it. I will not sacrifice to the LORD my God burnt offerings hinam [that cost me nothing]. ”

“It makes a person bored with God and excited about the world. If you don't see the greatness of God, then all the things that money can buy become very exciting. If you can't see the sun, you will be impressed with a street light. If you've never felt thunder and lightning, you'll be impressed with fireworks. And if you turn your back on the greatness and majesty of God, you'll fall in love with a world of shadows and short-lived pleasures. ” - Piper

Malachi 1: 13 You say, ‘What a burden!’ [weariness, tiresome task, drudgery, tedious, nuisance, too hard, boring] and you sniff at it [Me] contemptuously, ” says the LORD Almighty.

What is the Opposite of Careless Worship? True Worship! True Worship does two things: 1. ) It expresses the feeling of God's value and greatness 2. ) It seeks to sustain in the congregation that same spiritual sense of God's immense worth and beauty.

Or to put it another way: True worship comes from a heart where God is treasured above all human property and praise, and it aims to inspire the same God-centered passion in the hearts of the congregation.

As we close today’s Worship Service by singing the new (and simple) song “Take, O Take Me As I Am”, there will be two prayer times during this song. If you know that there is a need for repentance in your life, ministry or worship… take advantage of this time.