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“A PURE OFFERING”

Thesis: To teach the hearer the proper perspective, God’s perspective concerning worship unto Him. Text: Mal 1:6-14

Introduction,
1. Today we will be looking at the book of Malachi, his name means “my messenger,” other that what is in this book, we know nothing about the penman except that he worked with Ezra and Nehemiah (based upon statements in the book).

2. It has been asserted by some scholars that “Malachi” is not a proper name, but rather a general description of the anonymous penman’s office, Jewish tradition (the “Targum” the Aramaic translation of the OT) renders it “my messenger whose name is Ezra the scribe” and this was accepted by Jerome, yet the “Targum” is simply a bible version, (it is the work of men) as is the NIV, and we certainly would not consider many statements in it to be God’s truth, yet most of the evidence points to this being a proper name, and considering that we have no other anonymously penned books in the OT, neither should we consider this.

3. The book was written at about 440 BC (around the time of Nehemiah); it contains the last words of inspiration before the coming of John the Baptist (the way preparer of Christ our King).

4. Some of the unique features of the book are . . .
a. It is written in what is referred to as the “didactic-dialectic style,” in this style an assertion or charge is made by the speaker, the speaker then answers the charge as from those being charged, and then a final refutation is made by the speaker (Who is God), showing forth the truth of the first assertion (we see this 10 times in the book).
b. There are 26 references contained therein attesting to the fact that Jehovah is the Originator of this short book (“saith Jehovah, ect”) yet we know every scripture is inspired of God; 2 Tim 3:16; 2 Pet 1:20-21).
c. Malachi describes his prophecy as a “burden” (1:1); for the word of God is always a burden to those that disobey it, but a joy to those who obediently wait on the LORD.
d. The book of Malichi ends the OT canon with the warning of a curse (4:6), while on the other hand, the NT ends with a blessing (Rev 22:21).

5. Some of the major issues the prophet addresses are . . .
a. The priests had become corrupt and hypocritical in their duties
b. The people were intermarrying with the heathen and neglecting their duties unto Jehovah.
c. There were also problems concerning the rulers of Judah (usually as the rulers and priests go, so goes the nation).

6. God working through the decree of Cyrus had brought the people back to the promised land, under Ezra and Nehemiah along with the prompting of Haggai and Zechariah the temple and the city walls had been rebuilt and therefore the people expected the Messiah to come at any time (and to set up an earthly kingdom), but when that did not immediately take place, they became discouraged and started going back into the ways of the world, Malachi was bring them back from the world and back unto God, pointing them to John the Baptizer (the Elijah who would come first) and then the Messiah (3:1; 4:5).

7. What we will be specifically looking at is how they, through neglect, and bringing in the ways of world, had corrupted the worship of Jehovah, and how this seems to mirror our own times.

8. Therefore concerning “Worship” it’s either . . .
1) “Pollution” (Mal 1:6-9) . . .
2) Or “Purity” (Mal 1:10-11), there is no middle ground (Mt 12:30) . . .
3) For worship unto God is based upon both inward and outward “Performance” (Mal 1:12-14; John 4:24)

I. “POLLUTION” OF WORSHIP (Mal 1:6-9)

A. (v 6)

Mal 1:6 A son honoreth his father, and a servant his master: if then I am a father, where is mine honor? and if I am a master, where is my fear? saith Jehovah of hosts unto you, O priests, that despise my name. And ye say, Wherein have we despised thy name?

Under the law of Moses and the law of Christ children were to honor their fathers (and mothers; Ex 20:12; Eph 6:2),

1. And if the dishonor went to a certain level, death was commanded for the child under Moses (Ex 21:15, 17; Deut 21:18-21).

a. Under the law of Christ the child has until his death to be forgiven through the gospel from such crimes before he has to give account (Heb 9:27; 2 Cor 5:10).

2. Under Christ, servants are also commanded to be in subjection their masters, even the evil ones, suffering doing good, rather than evil, overcoming evil with good (Rom 12:21), imitating Christ (as seen in 1 Pet 2:18-23), we can apply this passage to the employer/employee relationship.

1Pe 2:18 Servants, be in subjection to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward. 1Pe 2:19 For this is acceptable, if for conscience toward God a man endureth griefs, suffering wrongfully. 1Pe 2:20 For what glory is it, if, when ye sin, and are buffeted for it, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye shall take it patiently, this is acceptable with God. 1Pe 2:21 For hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that ye should follow his steps: 1Pe 2:22 who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: 1Pe 2:23 who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously:

a. And keep in mind in the application of our context that all Christians are priests (1 Pet 2:5, 9; Rev 1:6; 5:10).

1Pe 2:5 ye also, as living stones, are built up a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.

1Pe 2:9 But ye are an elect race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God's own possession, that ye may show forth the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:

Rev 1:6 and he made us to be a kingdom, to be priests unto his God and Father; to him be the glory and the dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

Rev 5:10 and madest them to be unto our God a kingdom and priests; and they reign upon earth.

3. God through the prophet charges the priests with not rendering the honor and reverence due Him, and in doing this they had despised God’s name (His authority), and when a person despises God’s authority he despises Him from Whom it comes.

a. The same thing is happening about us today, Jesus Christ has been given “all authority” (Mt 28:18), He has legislated on a multitude of matters through the NT, yet many act as if there is no law under Christ, simply the freedom to do whatever one wants, even when in the direct conflict of many commands given in the NT, these also, by their actions, are despising Christ’s name.

b. The Jews in this text are denying that they had “despised” God’s name, just like those today deny that they are doing anything wrong in the sight of God.

B. (v 7)

Mal 1:7 Ye offer polluted bread upon mine altar. And ye say, Wherein have we polluted thee? In that ye say, The table of Jehovah is contemptible.

The priests are charged with offering polluted offerings unto God. “Polluted” means “unclean, tainted, impaired, profane (which means common, not set apart by God as holy),” and in doing this they were, by their actions saying that the table (the altar) of Jehovah is contemptible, consider (Ex 3:2-6) . . .

Exo 3:2 And the angel of Jehovah appeared unto him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush: and he looked, and, behold, the bush burned with fire, and the bush was not consumed. Exo 3:3 And Moses said, I will turn aside now, and see this great sight, why the bush is not burnt. Exo 3:4 And when Jehovah saw that he turned aside to see, God called unto him out of the midst of the bush, and said, Moses, Moses. And he said, Here am I. Exo 3:5 And he said, Draw not nigh hither: put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground. Exo 3:6 Moreover he said, I am the God of thy father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. And Moses hid his face; for he was afraid to look upon God.

1. Thus, we must conclude, this was God, but why the command “put off thy shoes”? Oriental custom? Some would assert, but God is not a God of the traditions of men (Mt 15:9) . . .

Mat 15:9 But in vain do they worship me, Teaching as their doctrines the precepts (traditions) of men.

a. Joshua was also commanded in like manner (Jos 5:15) . . .

Jos 5:15 And the prince of Jehovah's host said unto Joshua, Put off thy shoe from off thy foot; for the place whereon thou standest is holy. And Joshua did so.

b. Joshua was also instructed in similar fashion “Put off thy shoe from off thy foot; for the place whereon thou standest is holy,” but again why?

b. Consider these passages (Ex 20:25; Deut 27:6; Jos 8:31)

Exo 20:25 And if thou make me an altar of stone, thou shalt not build it of hewn (cut) stones; for if thou lift up thy tool upon it, thou hast polluted it.

Deu 27:6 Thou shalt build the altar of Jehovah thy God of unhewn stones; and thou shalt offer burnt-offerings thereon unto Jehovah thy God:

Jos 8:31 as Moses the servant of Jehovah commanded the children of Israel, as it is written in the book of the law of Moses, an altar of unhewn stones, upon which no man had lifted up any iron: and they offered thereon burnt-offerings unto Jehovah, and sacrificed peace-offerings.

c. Now consider these (Eph 5:19; Col 3:16)

Eph 5:19 speaking one to another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord; (note that the “heart” is what is making melody, not a machine)

Col 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; in all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another, with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts unto God. (again note “singing” with mechanical instruments? No! With favor in your hearts toward God)

d. I contend that Jehovah wants to be worshiped with His unaltered creation, not with hewn stones, not with shod feet in the cases of Moses or Joshua, nor with mechanical instruments, His creation, worshiping Him, under His direction, in perfection, “In spirit and truth” (Jn 4:24), according to His will, not man’s (Col 2:20-23; Ps 148:1-5).

Psa 148:1 Praise ye Jehovah. Praise ye Jehovah from the heavens: Praise him in the heights. Psa 148:2 Praise ye him, all his angels: Praise ye him, all his host. Psa 148:3 Praise ye him, sun and moon: Praise him, all ye stars of light. Psa 148:4 Praise him, ye heavens of heavens, And ye waters that are above the heavens. Psa 148:5 Let them praise the name of Jehovah; For he commanded, and they were created

h. Just as marriage was originally to be one man, one woman for life (Gen 2:24), and Christ set that back (Mt 19:6; except for cases of fornication, the innocent party may remarry; Mt 5:32; 19:9), our Lord set worship back, the way it was originally intended, and least purity wise, with no admixture, (Jewish tradition also aligns with this thought concerning the removal of footwear, of which the main thrust is one of “purity” in view of God’s commands, the officiating priests performed the worship unto God shoeless, and I believe it was because when giving the list of dress for the priests [Ex ch 28, 37] shoes were not included, thus they weren’t added, even to this day the Jews go to the synagogues barefoot on the Day of Atonement, also think about the Genesis account when mankind sinned against God and they covered themselves in fig-leaves, God made them coats of skins [which implied sacrifice for said sins], yet He shod them not, shoes were man’s idea, not God’s).

2. And back to our text (Mal 1:7), by not offering exactly what God commanded, they were acting in contempt towards the Most High, just like today, when God says “sing” (Eph 5:19; Col 3:16) and we want to “play” or add any other thing to the simplicity that is in Christ (2 Cor 11:3), in doing this we are polluting our worship unto Him, we are acting towards Him with “contempt,” which is about the strongest word of hatred one can use towards another, yet these priests of Malachi’s time, nor the people that offer profane (common, not set apart by God as holy) worship to God today can see this.

a. The reason is they are blinded by the god of this world (2 Cor 4:4) through their inordinate desires, instead of thinking the way that God thinks (Isa 55:8-9) . . .

Isa 55:8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith Jehovah. Isa 55:9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.

b. this is one of the things which the “renewal” (Rom 12:2; 2 Cor 4:16; Eph 4:23; Col 3:9; Tit 3:5) of the Holy Spirit delivered faith brings about, once we begin to think more like God, after we are recreated into the likeness of His Image (Eph 4:24; Col 3:10), which we lost through sin and adhering to the ways of the world, it is easy to see such things, and we are also in this state more prepared, more fitted for Heaven, which is the goal of the gospel (John 14:6; 1 Cor 11:1).

C. (v 8)

Mal 1:8 And when ye offer the blind for sacrifice, it is no evil! and when ye offer the lame and sick, it is no evil! Present it now unto thy governor; will he be pleased with thee? or will he accept thy person? saith Jehovah of hosts.

The sacrifices under Moses were specifically identified as to the type and the quality, for instance the Passover lamb was to be a male, one year old, without spot nor blemish (Ex 12:5), the best of what they had was to be offered (Lev 22:17 ff; Deut 15:21) yet they were giving God the leftovers, and keeping the best for themselves.

1. If they were going to offer a gift to a civil ruler, it wouldn’t be a half dead, blind, putrid road kill beast, this wouldn’t be pleasing to him, and it’s not pleasing to God to get His peoples leftovers.

a. In a recent study concerning the giving of religious people claiming to follow Christ; it is said that they spend more money annually caring for their dogs, than they give to God, do they think that these facts get by our omniscient (all knowing) God unnoticed?

b. Christians are commanded to give cheerfully, as they have been prospered, from the heart (1 Cor 16:2; 2 Cor 9:7), yet many seem not to be very prosperous, nor cheerful, but I think the main problem is their hearts, they seem to love things, riches more than God, Who in fact through His providence is the very source of all they are and have (Acts 17:25), their allegiance and their love is divided (Mt 6:24).

Mat 6:24 No man can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.

c. For many seem lack the faith in God’s promises (2 Cor 9:8).

2Co 9:8 And God is able to make all grace abound unto you; that ye, having always all sufficiency in everything, may abound unto every good work:

d. “Their” wants are too high, and “they” are 1st on “their” list, instead of God and others, “they” need to heed the teachings of the Lord on these matters (Mt 6:19-21).

Mat 6:19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon the earth, where moth and rust consume, and where thieves break through and steal: Mat 6:20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth consume, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: Mat 6:21 for where thy treasure is, there will thy heart be also.

D. (v 9)

Mal 1:9 And now, I pray you, entreat the favor of God, that he may be gracious unto us: this hath been by your means: will he accept any of your persons? saith Jehovah of hosts.

This seems to be a statement of irony, seeing that they were not doing God’s will God’s way, perhaps they should pray for God’s favor, seeing that they did exactly as He commanded, surely He will reciprocate!

1. “This has been by your means” here refers to the fact that the priests had encouraged the peoples offering worship according to their will instead of God’s, therefore God would not “respect their persons,” He would not hear their prayers. What about those today. . .

a. That teach that God can be worshipped in any way that is good in man’s eyes (Col 2:8, 22-23a)?

Col 2:8 Take heed lest there shall be any one that maketh spoil of you through his philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ: Col 2:22 (all which things are to perish with the using), after the precepts and doctrines of men? Col 2:23a Which things have indeed a show of wisdom in will-worship,

b. That teach that one can “jam to Jesus” (offering something common and not set apart by God, for God) and be pleasing unto God, mixing 2 types of music together (vocal and instrumental), while God commands the “one” specific type of music to be offered unto Him (singing; Eph 5:19; Col 3:16),

Eph 5:19 speaking one to another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord;

Col 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; in all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts unto God.

c. This (“singing”) only is authorized (in the name of) Christ (Col 3:17)

Col 3:17 And whatsoever ye do, in word or in deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

d. What about those today that teach that women can lead in prayer, in song, officiate over the Lord’s table, that can be elders, that can stand as the head of an entire religious body (as seen in the Christian church), while God plainly states that women cannot exercise dominion over a man in any religious matters (1 Tim 2:11-12).

1Ti 2:11 Let a woman learn in quietness with all subjection. 1Ti 2:12 But I permit not a woman to teach, nor to have dominion over a man, but to be in quietness.

e. What about those that teach that men can have hands stained with the sin of adultery (by being in unscriptural marriages) and lead congregations of the Lord’s people in differing acts of worship, all these are separated from God, His face is against them, and He will not hear (Isa 59:2; 1 Pet 3:12), for God said (1 Tim 2:8) . . .

1Ti 2:8 I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.

f. In fact these are all offering up “POLLUTED WORSHIP” to a “pure God,” while God states we “MUST” worship in spirit (from the heart; Rom 2:29), and in truth (according to His word, “Thy word is Truth;” John 17:17), and not go beyond what is written (1 Cor 4:6) in the NT (the Old covenant has been abolished, nailed to the cross; Eph 2:15; Col 2:14), and those that do go beyond the doctrine of Christ in these matters and in all matters in which God has spoken “have not God” (2 John 9).

2Jo 1:9 Whosoever goeth onward and abideth not in the teaching of Christ (the doctrine of Christ, which is the apostles doctrine; Acts 2:42; John 17:8, 14), hath not God: he that abideth in the teaching, the same hath both the Father and the Son

g. These “that abideth in the teaching” also have the Spirit dwelling in them, they are those who mind the things of the Spirit (Rom 8:5), who are led by the Spirit (Rom 8:14), through the fully revealed and confirmed the faith, (Jude 3) the New Covenant (Testament) of Jesus Christ, they are the sons of God, Abraham’s seed according to promise (Gal 3:26-29).

II. “PURITY OF WORSHIP” (Mal 1:10-11)

A. (v 10)

Mal 1:10 Oh that there were one among you that would shut the doors, that ye might not kindle fire on mine altar in vain! I have no pleasure in you, saith Jehovah of hosts, neither will I accept an offering at your hand.

It would be more pleasing to God if just one person would show enough love and respect for Him that he would have the courage to shut down the temple rather than to offer us that which He commanded not, in other words it is better that no worship be offered if it be not pure worship offered up after the due order (1 Chro 15:13), and from the heart (Deut 6:5).

1. The same is true today, God does not change (Mal 3:6; Ja 1:17), God would rather have mankind not worship Him at all, instead of offering polluted prayer, polluted observances of the Lord’s Supper, polluted singing, polluted giving, polluted preaching, polluted teaching and learning.

a. Why would that be? Surely God’s mercy would endure these things and adjust according to what the works of His hands will!!!! Right????

b. NO!!! God is going to have to judge all, through His Son on That Day (Acts 17:31), and it will be according to His word (John 12:48; Rom 2:16; Rev 20:12), and it is not His will to inflict the maximum punishment upon His creation, but rather the fewer stripes if punishment is due (Luke 12:47-48),

c. In fact salvation is God’s will for all mankind (1 Tim 2:4; Ezek 18:23),

1Ti 2:4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.

Eze 18:23 Have I any pleasure in the death of the wicked? saith the Lord Jehovah; and not rather that he should return from his way, and live?

d. But most of mankind are insistent upon doing things their way, instead of God’s (Pro 14:12) . . .

Pro 14:12 There is a way which seemeth right unto a man; But the end thereof are the ways of death.

e. Therefore they have thrusted salvation from themselves and have judged themselves unworthy of eternal life, one has to follow Christ with all, as nothing at all, or not at all (Luke 14:33; 9:23; 17:10; Col 3:8),

Luk 9:23 And he said unto all, If any man would come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.

Luk 17:10 Even so ye also, when ye shall have done all the things that are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants; we have done that which it was our duty to do.

Phi 3:8 Yea verily, and I count all things to be loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but refuse, that I may gain Christ,

Luk 14:33 So therefore whosoever he be of you that renounceth not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.

B. (v 11)

Mal 1:11 For from the rising of the sun even unto the going down of the same my name shall be great among the Gentiles; and in every place incense shall be offered unto my name, and a pure offering: for my name shall be great among the Gentiles, saith Jehovah of hosts.

This is a prophecy concerning the coming kingdom of Christ, across the entire planet would Jehovah’s name be considered great, not just in a small region in the mid-east; incense here refers to prayer (Ps 141:2; Rev 5:8), which would be offered everywhere, and the worshipped offered from these individuals in purity, in spirit (from the heart (Rom 2:29), and in truth (according to God’s word; John 17:17; 4:24), these priests in Malachi’s time might think that they are all God has, that His plans only concern them . . .

1. Yet under the law of Christ (Gal 6:2), that new covenant to come (Jer 31:31-34), there would be those that love God so fervently that they would die for Him and His revealed will (Rev 2:10b).

a. They would be pillars and ground that would uphold that soul saving and transforming doctrine of Christ (1 Tim 3:15),

b. They would contend earnestly for that once and for all time delivered faith (Jude 3), even though another great falling away would come under this final dispensation (2 Thess 2:3).

c. They shall adhere strictly to the living word of the living God unto eternal life, though ridiculed and tormented by most in the religious world (2 Tim 3:12; 4:3-4).

2Ti 3:12 Yea, and all that would live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. 2Ti 4:3 For the time will come when they will not endure the sound doctrine; but, having itching ears, will heap to themselves teachers after their own lusts; 2Ti 4:4 and will turn away their ears from the truth, and turn aside unto fables.

2. These days are upon us in full force, there are a multitude of manmade religions claiming Christ, yet denying many of its very truths, even among those who at one time were attempting to restore the once and for all delivered faith.

a. It is sad that almost every congregation of the Lord’s people are seemingly moving away from the old paths of the first century, even those that are seemingly faithful, they are edging oh so slightly towards the religions of men, instead of the gospel of Christ,

b. I can’t even think of one congregation that has decided to turn back the clock (so to speak) and do away with a tradition and adhere more strictly to that pattern seen the NT, but rather they are moving ever so slowly towards the ranks of the unfaithful, they fail to see where their traditions are in fact making void the word of God (Mt 15:6).

3. But those today, that do turn back the clock, that trust in the old paths (not of the 19th century, but of the 1st century), these are offering up worship that is pure, that hasn’t been tainted by the traditions and additions of men in their so called wisdom, they may be ridiculed by their brethren, but they see the dire straits of the day, and see the pattern being brought forth among the Lord’s people towards apostasy.

a. The Lord put forth this question in Luke 18:8b . . .

Luk 18:8b when the Son of man cometh, shall he find (the; ASV margin) faith on the earth?

b. The answer to that question is in the hands of every individual who has a literal translation of the NT, and lies in their reaction to it, will they offer up that “PURE WORSHIP” or one that has been studied away by the wisdom of men, and mingled with the pollutions of men?

III. THE “PERFORMANCE” DEMANDED IN WORSHIP (Mal 1:12-14; John 4:24)

A. (v 12)

Mal 1:12 But ye profane it, in that ye say, The table of Jehovah is polluted, and the fruit thereof, even its food, is contemptible.

The Jews were showing forth their contempt and pollutions unto God to the world, these acts were not hidden from those that weren’t God’s people, they were doing things like those in the world, and of the world.

1. There are many today in the Lord’s church that are just like those of the world, they are taught false doctrines such as umbrella grace, direct operations of the Holy Spirit which enable one to be holy unto God when in fact they are partaking of the lusts of the world, they are splitting up the assembly, having praise teams, they are purchasing multimillion dollar facilities while brethren in other parts of the world are struggling to eat and be clothed.

a. So, instead of shining like lights, being the salt of the earth, to those in a sin sick and dying world, they are practicing most of the very worldly pleasures they are to have forsaken, in God’s eyes these are just like the priests and the Jews of Malachi’s time, they are saying by their actions that God’s ways (by not openly and obviously practicing them in truth before those of the world) are contemptible (Jer 6:16b).

Jer 6:16b but they said, We will not walk therein. B. (v 13)

Mal 1:13 Ye say also, Behold, what a weariness is it! and ye have snuffed at it, saith Jehovah of hosts; and ye have brought that which was taken by violence, and the lame, and the sick; thus ye bring the offering: should I accept this at your hand? saith Jehovah.

By their offering that which God commanded not, they have expressed weariness at God’s ways, it is just not new and exciting enough, it was wearisome, when they did it “their” way “they” had the best, not God, their houses were plush, and not His, their pockets were full on money, not His, they had the best of their flocks and crops, not Him.

1. Would or should God accept such actions from them? Would or should out unchanging God accept such actions from us today?

a. Or we adhering to His word to the very best of our abilities, from the bottom of our hearts and our pockets, or our we just giving lip service like the Jews of the Lord’s day (Mt 15:8).

Mat 15:8 This people honoreth me with their lips; But their heart is far from me.

b. Are we adding a multitude of traditions that we think is best, when what is actually best is doing what they did in the 1st century, nothing more and nothing less.

c. For if we are not, our worship will not we accepted likewise.

C. (v 14)

Mal 1:14 But cursed be the deceiver, who hath in his flock a male, and voweth, and sacrificeth unto the Lord a blemished thing; for I am a great King, saith Jehovah of hosts, and my name is terrible (is to be feared) among the Gentiles.

The follower of Jehovah in that day that did not do exactly as God commanded, in the way He commanded (here specifically referring to the making of a vow, i.e. doing something extra for the LORD in which a sacrifice was part thereof, and didn’t give his best, but rather kept it for himself and gave God the dregs), this individual is pictured as a deceiver of God, he would be cursed, worship unto God is a very serious matter to Him Who directs these actions. For those that believe not, just ask Nadab and Abihu (Lev 10:1-2), or Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1-11), or those who perverted the Lord’s Supper at Corinth (1 Cor 11:30).

1. There are some today that teach that everything one does in life is worship unto God, this is based on a multitude of error filled new bible versions, which when followed to a tee, can and will cost you your immortal soul.

a. Worship unto the Most High is to be done with carefulness, exactingly, with the utmost of reverence, it would be very hard to keep this type of conformity going continually, let alone, not knowing if one were right or wrong in what they were doing.

b. Everything we do in life is not worship (proskuneo; John 4:24) but service (latreia; Rom 12:2), worship is a specific act directed specifically by the Almighty, unto the Almighty, and in a specific way; it “MUST” be done in “spirit and truth” the Lord said (John 4:23-24) . . .

Joh 4:23 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and truth: for such doth the Father seek to be his worshippers. Joh 4:24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship in spirit and truth.

c. Yet everything that the Christian does is to be to the glory of God (1 Cor 1:31; 10:31),

1Co 1:31 that, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.

1Co 10:31 Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.

d. But that does not necessarily constitute worship.

2. And why do we worship just like God directs, and not offer will worship unto Him? For the same reason they of Malachi’s day should have . . .

a. Because God is the great King, and the whole of His creation is at His fingertips, we ought to tremble at such power, and many Gentiles understood this as a fact (even though at that time most did not obey, but under Christ many would).

b. What about us that do know the terror of the Lord (2 Cor 5:11), that do know what God said is going to happen the moment one leaves this earth (Luke 16:19-31), what awaits all those know not nor obey the gospel of Christ on the last day (2 Thess 1:8-9).

2Th 1:8 rendering vengeance to them that know not God, and to them that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus: 2Th 1:9 who shall suffer punishment, even eternal destruction from the face of the Lord and from the glory of his might,

c. Is God going to let us slide, and allow us to go into the eternal mansion where the redeemed lawless ones will inhabit???!!! (this is sarcasm, I am sure no place exists among the redeemed)

d. We don’t even have to speculate, we even know the very words of the Lord that they will hear; Laws concerning worship are specific, and they are serious, and they are eternally binding, so is everything where God has spoken, and if we don’t conform, based upon a loving, active faith, we will here this . . .“I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!” (Mt 7:23).

e. The only question is what are you “practicing?” Is your inward and outward “PERFORMANCE” (the way you do it) in worship aligned with God’s will, or your own?

f. Our praying, our singing, our giving, our observance of the Lord’s Supper, and our preaching and learning MUST be done from the heart, and according to His will (John 4:24).

Joh 4:24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him MUST WORSHIP IN SPIRIT AND TRUTH.

g. And just like worship unto God is specifically directed in the NT; in like manner the way one is saved in specifically laid out, in the book of Acts over and over again, there are 9 specific conversion examples which show us God’s plan for salvation, it is the same today (just like worship) as it has been for almost 2000 years.

One must . . .

1) Hear the Word of God (Acts 2:37; Rom 10:17);

Rom 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.



2) Believe that Jesus is the Christ (Acts 8:37; John 8:24); and that God rewards those that earnestly seek after Him (Heb 11:6). Jesus said . . .

Joh 8:24 . . . for except ye believe that I am, ye shall die in your sins.

3) Repent of sins, (Acts 17:30; Luke 13:3, 5) Jesus stated . . .

Luk 13:3 . . . except ye repent, ye shall all in like manner perish.

4) Confess Christ before men (Acts 8:37; Rom 10:9) as did the eunuch, he proclaimed. . .

Act 8:37 . . . that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.

5) Be baptized (immersed) into Christ (Gal 3:27) into the death of Christ (Rom 6:3) where His blood was shed (John 19:34) unto (for) the remission of sins. (Acts 2:38; 22:16); at which point God adds you to the church (Acts 2:47) translates you into the kingdom (Col 1:13) adds you to that one body (1 Cor 12:13) which Christ promised to save (Eph 5:23).

6) And live a faithful and holy life unto God (1 Pet 1:15; Rev 2:10), living and worshiping God according to His divine instructions, thereby demonstrating our love of God and Christ, and proving it by keeping his commandments (John 14:15).


"That in us ye might learn not to go beyond the things which are written"

Contact us:
Evangelist - Kenneth Windbiel
715-866-4873
kensanwind@hotmail.com

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