In Malachi 1:6-14, God confronts the priests for offering unacceptable sacrifices, reflecting their lack of reverence and the people’s flawed worship. He accuses them of despising His name by offering blemished animals, a violation of the sacrificial system meant to symbolize atonement and honor. Instead of repenting, the priests respond with defiance and weariness, further demonstrating their disregard for God. This attitude trickles down to the people, who also offer inadequate sacrifices, highlighting how the leaders’ actions corrupted the community’s worship. God declares He will not accept these offerings, emphasizing the need for sincere reverence and obedience. Ultimately, this passage underscores the importance of approaching God with a heart transformed by grace, leading to genuine worship that honors Him.

Main Point of Sermon: Reverential worship is internally and externally concerned with honoring God.

Key Terms to Know:

Reverence – Proud sense of awe and respect.

Worship – see Romans 12:1

Sermon Outline:

1. Reverential worship is grounded in grace
2. Reverential worship is purposeful in its practice (v.6-8a)
3. Reverential worship seeks the Lord’s favor. (v.8b-10)
4. Reverential worship regards service as a privilege not a pain. (v.11-14)

Study Questions:

1. How does Malachi 1:6-14 demonstrate the connection between internal reverence and external acts of worship?
2. What is the significance of the progression of personas used to describe God in Malachi 1:6-8 (father, master, governor)?
3. How does the sermon connect the Old Testament sacrificial system to the person and work of Christ?
4. According to the sermon, how does Hebrews 13:20-21 support the idea that reverential worship is grounded in grace?
5. What is the role of the church in cultivating and expressing reverential worship, according to the sermon?

Application Questions:

1. How can you cultivate a deeper sense of awe and respect for God in your daily life?
2. In what ways might you be “playing at worship” rather than engaging with your whole heart, soul, mind, and strength?
3. How does your participation in the church community reflect your love for God and your understanding of worship as a privilege?
4. What are some practical ways you can offer your “living sacrifice” of service to God this week?
5. How can you ensure that your worship is not merely external observance but flows from a heart transformed by grace?