Sermon Overview Scripture Passage: Malachi 1:6-14 Our highest privilege as Christians is to know and enjoy God’s presence in a personal and exciting way. But what happens when we find ourselves in a spiritual drought? Malachi 1:6-14 reveals three key ways to keep the wonder in our worship and a fire in our faith. First, we must recognize the nature of God, as Father and as Master: “'A son honors his father, and a servant his master. If then I am the Father, where is My honor? And if I am a Master, Where is My reverence?' Says the Lord of hosts…” (v. 6). Our spiritual drought could be a result of taking God’s role as Father and Master too lightly. God deserves our deepest honor and greatest reverence. Adrian Rogers says, “The fear of God is love on its knees; it is the one fear that removes all other fears.” Secondly, we restore the wonder when we revere the name of God. “For from the rising of the sun, even to its going down, My name shall be great among the Gentiles; in every place incense shall be offered to My name, and a pure offering; for My name shall be great among the nations,’ says the Lord of hosts” (v. 11). God deserves the best of what we have, and yet, we despise the name of God by offering half-hearted worship and withholding our perfect offerings. God’s name is defiled if our giving to Him makes no difference in our lifestyle. Adrian Rogers says, “God’s name is not to be defiled; it is to be declared.” Finally, we will restore the wonder in our worship when we respect the nobility of God. “But cursed be the deceiver who has in his flock a male and takes a vow but sacrifices to the Lord what is blemished— for I am a great King,” says the Lord of hosts, “And My name is to be feared among the nations” (v. 14). When we remember the depths of God’s nobility and respect that He is the King of kings, we will be excited to be in His presence. Apply it to your life Have you lost the wonder in your worship? Recognize God’s nature as a Father and a Master, who deserves our love, labor, and loyalty. Do not profane His name or defile it with half-hearted worship; rather, respect His nobility as the King of kings.
