Despicable Worship

February 11, 2018 Speaker: Jordan Gowing Series: Malachi | Restoring God's Favor

Topic: Sunday Morning Teaching Passage: Malachi 1:6–14

Just how seriously does God take the state of our hearts when we worship him? Join us this Sunday at CrossWinds Church in Spencer as we explore the book of Malachi.

Sermon Discussion Questions

  1. What comes to mind when you hear the word “despicable”? Before this sermon, how would you have described “despicable worship” from God’s perspective?
  2. Read Malachi 1:6–8. What were some of the ways that Israel was failing to honor God who for he is? What are some ways that we are tempted today to not honor God for who he is?
  3. Why is it so important to prepare our hearts for worship on Sunday mornings? Why is it so important to prepare our hearts for worship throughout the week?
  4. Read Malachi 1:11, 14. What were some of the ways that Israel was failing to recognize God’s greatness? How is half-hearted worship rooted in a failure to recognize God’s greatness?
  5. Read Malachi 1:13. What is the danger a boredom with worshiping God? How does Malachi’s point here differ from getting “heavy eyelids” during a sermon or Sunday service?
  6. Read Malachi 1:8; Deuteronomy 15:21. Of what were the Israelites guilty here? What are some of the ways that we see worship merely as a ritual or action today? How can we avoid this danger?
  7. Read Malachi 1:10; 2 Samuel 24:24. We learn from David’s example that sacrifice should be a way of declaring how much you value God in comparison to all else. What are some ways that our worship can declare the surpassing worth of God?
  8. Read Malachi 1:13; Exodus 22:31. Of what were the Israelites guilty here? What are some ways that our worship can be pragmatic and not at all worshipful today?
  9. Read Malachi 1:11; Malachi 3:1–4; John 4:21–24; Philippians 3:3–4, 7–10. What is our only hope for pure and undefiled worship?
  10. What are some ways that you can apply this passage to your own worship not only on Sunday mornings but throughout the week?

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March 11, 2018

When God Seems Silent in the Face of Evil