WASTED AND UNWANTED WORSHIP (2)
Scripture: Malachi 1:6-14
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Wasted and Unwanted Worship (2)
Malachi
Robert Dawson
Malachi 1:6-14
A pastor shares the story of how some children in Britain were being quizzed about Scripture and religion. They were asked what the predominant religious leanings were in different nations.
- When asked what the prevailing religion in India was one of the children replied, "Hinduism."
- When asked what the predominant religion was in the Middle East one of the children said, "Islam."
- They were then asked about several other countries. As a final question the teacher inquired as to the prevailing religion in England. One child blurted out, "Hypocrisy." (S. Lewis Johnson)
Not a pleasant assessment, but as they say, out of the mouths of children. That assessment could easily be applied to the United States and most any other nation, no matter its religious leanings.
Hypocrisy, professing belief but not having that belief shape one's worship, heart, and life is a universal problem.
When it came to God's last Words to His people in the OT, that was the assessment He gave of their worship, their hearts (which only He could see) and their lives.
From our last lesson, I want to remind you what one OT commentator wrote concerning God's people. He said, they "appear to be reluctantly and 1/2 heartedly serving God. Not energetic enough to serve Him whole-heartedly nor engage in blatant disobedience" (BST). They were in desperate need of revival but content to live without it.
As we resume our study, the findings in God's diagnostics of His people continue to point to a people suffering from severe heart problems.
The evidence of their spiritual heart-disease is seen in their worship. As we read our Scripture passage, Malachi 1.6-14, one where God speaks to the religious leaders, the priest, and the people, we will find that their worship was wasted and unwanted.
6 "'A son honors his father, and a servant his master. Then if I am a father, where is My honor? And if I am ...
Malachi
Robert Dawson
Malachi 1:6-14
A pastor shares the story of how some children in Britain were being quizzed about Scripture and religion. They were asked what the predominant religious leanings were in different nations.
- When asked what the prevailing religion in India was one of the children replied, "Hinduism."
- When asked what the predominant religion was in the Middle East one of the children said, "Islam."
- They were then asked about several other countries. As a final question the teacher inquired as to the prevailing religion in England. One child blurted out, "Hypocrisy." (S. Lewis Johnson)
Not a pleasant assessment, but as they say, out of the mouths of children. That assessment could easily be applied to the United States and most any other nation, no matter its religious leanings.
Hypocrisy, professing belief but not having that belief shape one's worship, heart, and life is a universal problem.
When it came to God's last Words to His people in the OT, that was the assessment He gave of their worship, their hearts (which only He could see) and their lives.
From our last lesson, I want to remind you what one OT commentator wrote concerning God's people. He said, they "appear to be reluctantly and 1/2 heartedly serving God. Not energetic enough to serve Him whole-heartedly nor engage in blatant disobedience" (BST). They were in desperate need of revival but content to live without it.
As we resume our study, the findings in God's diagnostics of His people continue to point to a people suffering from severe heart problems.
The evidence of their spiritual heart-disease is seen in their worship. As we read our Scripture passage, Malachi 1.6-14, one where God speaks to the religious leaders, the priest, and the people, we will find that their worship was wasted and unwanted.
6 "'A son honors his father, and a servant his master. Then if I am a father, where is My honor? And if I am ...
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