WEBVTT

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 You are listening to a message from Southwood Presbyterian Church in Huntsville, Alabama.

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 Our passion is to experience and express grace.

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 Join us.

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 Quit going to church.

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 Stop singing.

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 It's a waste of time.

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 This place is full of hypocrites.

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 Yes, maybe you've heard somebody say those things before, but today we hear God saying them.

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 It's kind of hard to hear those words from the prophet Amos that they just sang, isn't it?

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 Especially if you're sitting in a church during a worship service.

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 But they reflect some of the heart of God's message to his people through the prophet Malachi today, too.

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 We've talked about God's call to repentance, back to relationship with him when we're just playing church.

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 Right?

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 Micah told us about that.

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 And then when we're putting other things first and offering God only our leftovers rather than seeking first his kingdom.

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 And God sent Haggai to tell his people that and call them back.

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 And now Malachi comes with some similar words this morning.

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 Just decades later after these other prophets, because God's people really struggle with this.

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 We have to hear it over and over because we wander quickly, don't we?

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 Some of you have told me that you've been convicted by God's word through the prophets over the last few weeks.

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 And that's good, but have our lives altered drastically?

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 To borrow an analogy from Pastor Peter, when it comes to our sin, we're often like someone who opens up the door to look into the crawl space of your house and sees mold growing there.

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 And sees, oh, that's a problem.

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 But then shuts the door back and walks away and carries on.

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 It's there, but it won't bother me today.

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 But eventually it's going to invade everything and have devastating consequences if we don't repent and run back to God for his help.

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 So I'd urge you to listen again to God's word for his people to call us back to him again.

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 Malachi has been freshly convicting to me, showing me my mold again this week.

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 Let's pray, and then we'll read together from God's word.

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 Oh, Father, these words are not complicated, but they are hard to hear.

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 And we are slow to have our lives altered, me most.

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 Holy Spirit, would you soften our hearts?

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 Make us long to be molded into the image of Jesus.

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 Speak your truth to us this morning that we might be the people that you created and redeemed us to be.

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 We ask in Jesus' name.

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 Amen.

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 Malachi 1, beginning at verse 6, let's give careful attention to the reading of God's holy word.

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 A son honors his father and a servant his master.

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 If then I am a father, where is my honor?

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 And if I am a master, where is my fear?

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 Says the Lord of hosts to you, O priests, who despise my name.

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 But you say, how have we despised your name?

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 By offering polluted food upon my altar.

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 But you say, how have we polluted you?

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 By saying that the Lord's table may be despised.

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 When you offer blind animals and sacrifice, is that not evil?

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 And when you offer those that are lame and sick, is that not evil?

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 Present that to your governor.

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 Will he accept you or show you favor, says the Lord of hosts?

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 And now entreat the favor of God that he may be gracious to us.

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 With such a gift from your hand, will he show favor to any of you, says the Lord of hosts?

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 Oh, that there were one among you who would shut the doors, that you might not kindle fire on my altar in vain.

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 I have no pleasure in you, says the Lord of hosts.

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 And I will not accept an offering from your hand.

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 For from the rising of the sun to its setting, my name will be great among the nations.

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 And in every place, incense will be offered to my name in a pure offering.

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 For my name will be great among the nations, says the Lord of hosts.

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 But you profane it when you say that the Lord's table is polluted and its fruit, that is its food, may be despised.

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 But you say, what a weariness this is.

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 And you snort at it, says the Lord of hosts.

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 You bring what has been taken by violence or is lame or sick.

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 And this you bring as your offering.

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 Shall I accept that from your hand, says the Lord?

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 Lord, cursed be the cheat who has a male in his flock and vows it and yet sacrifices to the Lord what is blemished.

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 For I am a great king, says the Lord of hosts.

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 And my name will be feared among the nations.

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 And now, O priest, this command is for you.

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 If you will not listen, if you will not take it to heart to give honor to my name, says the Lord of hosts,

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 then I will send the curse upon you.

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 And I will curse your blessings.

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 Indeed, I have already cursed them because you do not lay it to heart.

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 Behold, I will rebuke your offspring and spread dung on your faces, the dung of your offerings,

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 and you shall be taken away with it.

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 So shall you know that I have sent this command to you,

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 that my covenant with Levi may stand, says the Lord of hosts.

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 My covenant with him was one of life and peace,

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 and I gave them to him.

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 It was a covenant of fear, and he feared me.

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 He stood in awe of my name.

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 True instruction was found in his mouth,

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 and no wrong was found on his lips.

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 He walked with me in peace and uprightness,

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 and he turned many from iniquity.

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 For the lips of a priest should guard knowledge,

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 and people should seek instruction from his mouth.

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 For he is the messenger of the Lord of hosts.

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 But you have turned aside from the way.

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 You have caused many to stumble by your instruction.

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 You have corrupted the covenant of Levi, says the Lord of hosts.

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 And so I make you despised and debased before all the people,

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 inasmuch as you do not keep my ways,

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 but show partiality in your instruction.

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 Amen.

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 May God add his blessing to the reading of his word.

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 Imagine that someone special you love and respect,

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 the Queen of England, Nick Saban, Mickey Mouse,

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 your beloved grandmother,

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 someone like that was coming over to your house for dinner tonight.

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 What would be on the menu?

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 What would you serve to them?

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 Perhaps steak or seafood?

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 Maybe a favorite family recipe for really yummy casserole,

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 something you know about them that it's their favorite, maybe.

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 Some of us might even hire someone else to come cook

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 because it's so important, we don't want to mess it up.

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 But you're probably not going to offer them leftovers.

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 You know, a slice of pizza and some green beans reheated in the microwave, right?

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 None of us would even think.

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 It sounds appalling to us to consider going out

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 and just spending the afternoon running some errands

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 and then, you know what, on the way home,

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 we'll see what we drive by and I'll pick up some roadkill.

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 You know, that's what, I mean, armadillo is what,

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 that's what I'm going to give them, right?

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 No way.

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 Now that may be cheap and easy,

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 but it won't honor our special guest.

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 And yet sometimes we treat God that way.

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 Our relationship with him is what I'll call roadkill Christianity,

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 where we offer him something cheap and easy,

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 costs us nothing, takes us little thought,

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 because other things are just more important to us.

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 But hey, at least we had dinner with God, check.

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 If that sounds extreme to you, it's meant to be.

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 So were these words from the prophet Malachi

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 to God's people in Jerusalem.

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 They're intended to call them,

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 and now to call us,

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 back to a passionate relationship with God,

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 where we're revived to live for his glory

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 and the extension of his kingdom to everyone around us,

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 and that's what we're all about.

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 That's where he's headed,

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 and he begins this morning by exposing

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 the false worship of God's people in his day.

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 They're back at the temple, remember?

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 They're offering sacrifices,

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 but they're not honoring God, their Father.

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 That's what he tells them,

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 and the people say, what?

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 Us?

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 Ow!

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 Now,

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 when you offer blind animals in sacrifice,

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 is that not evil?

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 And when you offer those that are lame or sick,

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 is that not evil?

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 Verse 13,

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 you bring what has been taken by violence

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 or is lame or sick,

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 and this you bring as an offering.

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 Shall I accept that from your hand, says the Lord?

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 Cursed be the cheat who has a male in his flock

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 and vows it,

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 and yet sacrifices to the Lord what is blemished.

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 God has clearly told them not to worship him this way.

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 Deuteronomy 15, for example.

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 If it has any blemish,

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 if it is lame or blind or has any serious blemish,

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 whatever,

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 you shall not sacrifice it to the Lord your God.

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 Pretty clear?

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 But it's tempting, isn't it?

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 It's tempting to give God roadkill,

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 to invest our time and resources and energy

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 in our own kingdoms and the things that matter so much to us

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 and squeeze his worship in where we can

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 on the margins of our lives.

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 The great British preacher,

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 Martin Lloyd-Jones,

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 told the story of a farmer who came in one morning to his wife

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 with good news.

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 He said,

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 our cow has had two baby cows.

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 Here's what we're going to do.

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 We're going to raise them,

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 grow them up.

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 Eventually, we're going to sell them for a good profit.

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 We're going to give the money from one to God.

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 We're going to keep the money from the other for our family.

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 That's how it's going to work.

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 And she said,

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 that's a wonderful idea.

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 Which one is God's?

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 And he said,

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 oh, we don't have to worry about that.

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 We'll decide that when we get there.

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 The next morning,

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 he came in with his wife.

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 He had bad news.

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 God's cow died.

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 Figured out which one was which, didn't he?

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 Didn't take him long.

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 Worship that costs us little

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 is false worship.

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 And so is half-hearted worship

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 that is merely external.

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 Verse 13 again.

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 Here's what the people are saying.

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 What a weariness.

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 And you snort at it.

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 What a drag.

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 This is so dull.

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 Does that ever happen at your house?

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 Do we have to wake up and go to church this morning?

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 I'm so tired.

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 Well, listen, darling.

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 I mean, I know it's not the most exciting thing ever,

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 but we have to go to church.

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 I mean, it's one of those things you have to do.

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 Or maybe you've had your own conversation.

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 God, these neighbors are just such a pain.

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 They're messy.

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 I'm tired of dealing with them.

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 I'm just not sure I'm going to have time for them this week.

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 Sorry.

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 Or maybe in your own mind,

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 it's just getting a bit dull

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 following God's laws for my sexual purity.

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 I mean, I've been pretty good for a while,

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 but it's not a huge deal anyway, right?

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 Just one time.

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 I'll still go to church Sunday.

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 Yes, we will.

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 We'll sit in pews just like these.

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 We'll be there.

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 But in the meantime,

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 we're coming to a worship service,

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 but all the rest of the time,

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 we're telling God that He's not worthy of our worship,

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 that He's not our first love.

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 We may attend worship services,

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 but our hearts aren't worshiping God.

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 And that's the real problem

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 that God has with false worship.

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 So the fact that we give Him roadkill

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 that costs us nothing,

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 that takes little consideration from our hearts,

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 dishonors Him.

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 That's the problem.

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 It says that He is worth little.

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 It tells your friends He's unimportant.

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 It tells your kids He's a box to check,

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 but not a God to love.

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 Listen to what He says here.

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 This is all about His greatness and glory.

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 He says things like,

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 where is my honor?

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 You despise my name.

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 You profane my name.

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 My name will be great among the nations.

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 I am a great king,

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 and my name will be feared among the nations.

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 Do you hear what He's saying?

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 Then, just like serving roadkill to the queen,

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 communicates that you think very little of her.

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 So worshiping God with occasional leftovers of your life

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 communicates you think very little of Him.

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 See, the problem with God impacting only one hour of your week

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 when it's convenient to you,

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 where many of us live sometimes,

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 is that it says to your neighbor who doesn't know Jesus

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 that Jesus is not gloriously worthy

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 or eternally essential.

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 And it leaves the nations who've never heard of Jesus

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 without the hope of the gospel.

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 That's why God's so upset, isn't it?

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 This is a huge deal.

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 Verse 10, He says,

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 Oh, there were one among you who would shut the doors

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 that you might not kindle fire on my altar in vain.

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 I've no pleasure in you, says the Lord of hosts.

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 I will not accept an offering from your hand.

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 For from the rising of the sun to its setting,

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 my name will be great among the nations.

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 You're not making it that way.

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 And in every place,

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 incense will be offered to my name,

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 a pure offering,

00:16:10.840 --> 00:16:14.220
 for my name will be great among the nations,

00:16:14.580 --> 00:16:17.280
 says the Lord of hosts.

00:16:17.720 --> 00:16:21.759
 The glory of His name is so vital to God

00:16:21.759 --> 00:16:25.639
 that He would rather have empty churches

00:16:25.639 --> 00:16:29.720
 than empty worship that doesn't display

00:16:29.720 --> 00:16:32.240
 the worth of His great name.

00:16:33.820 --> 00:16:34.379
 Yikes!

00:16:35.139 --> 00:16:37.019
 That's not exaggeration in a song.

00:16:37.240 --> 00:16:39.040
 I'm not stretching the truth.

00:16:39.039 --> 00:16:40.419
 It's what He tells them.

00:16:40.759 --> 00:16:42.059
 Somebody shut the doors!

00:16:47.219 --> 00:16:49.199
 That's what He's all about, isn't it?

00:16:49.299 --> 00:16:52.480
 This grand story that He's telling,

00:16:52.899 --> 00:16:55.539
 that Malachi shows up in for a few decades,

00:16:56.360 --> 00:17:00.299
 that you and I get to live in for a few decades,

00:17:00.719 --> 00:17:05.440
 is about His glory filling the earth

00:17:05.440 --> 00:17:09.519
 so that all nations will know Him and worship Him.

00:17:09.700 --> 00:17:10.980
 He will see to it.

00:17:11.019 --> 00:17:12.960
 He says that true worship happens

00:17:12.960 --> 00:17:14.960
 among the Gentiles themselves

00:17:14.960 --> 00:17:16.320
 if the Jews won't get on board.

00:17:16.820 --> 00:17:17.700
 That's the promise.

00:17:18.759 --> 00:17:20.039
 And y'all, we're here this morning

00:17:20.039 --> 00:17:22.680
 because that promise of His name being made great

00:17:22.680 --> 00:17:23.279
 among the nations

00:17:23.279 --> 00:17:26.259
 has actually been coming to life for centuries now.

00:17:26.259 --> 00:17:29.859
 That's a big reason that we're gathered here.

00:17:30.079 --> 00:17:34.460
 Could Malachi have even imagined Gentiles like this

00:17:34.460 --> 00:17:36.879
 from the rising of the sun,

00:17:36.940 --> 00:17:39.839
 think where they started on this Sunday, for example,

00:17:40.559 --> 00:17:42.059
 all the way to its setting,

00:17:42.319 --> 00:17:44.539
 magnifying God's name.

00:17:44.640 --> 00:17:46.180
 It's what He's talking about,

00:17:46.240 --> 00:17:47.319
 but could He have even imagined

00:17:47.319 --> 00:17:48.559
 what it was going to become?

00:17:49.559 --> 00:17:53.819
 That's true worship in every place in all of life.

00:17:55.319 --> 00:17:57.359
 True worship makes the name of God great

00:17:57.359 --> 00:17:59.879
 because we give the best of all we have to Him

00:17:59.879 --> 00:18:02.240
 from the bottom of our hearts

00:18:02.240 --> 00:18:03.339
 with all that we are.

00:18:03.899 --> 00:18:06.940
 True worship delights in the presence of God

00:18:06.940 --> 00:18:08.879
 when His people gather together,

00:18:09.079 --> 00:18:11.299
 especially as the new temple

00:18:11.299 --> 00:18:13.779
 where He dwells among us.

00:18:14.960 --> 00:18:16.359
 And true worship moves outward

00:18:16.359 --> 00:18:19.259
 because we long for the nations to know

00:18:19.259 --> 00:18:20.639
 not how great we are,

00:18:20.959 --> 00:18:24.259
 but how great and awesome our God is.

00:18:24.719 --> 00:18:27.399
 That's true worship.

00:18:28.919 --> 00:18:31.539
 He is indeed a great King.

00:18:32.159 --> 00:18:36.279
 And our job as we experience His glorious grace

00:18:36.279 --> 00:18:38.799
 is to express that grace to every neighbor,

00:18:39.179 --> 00:18:42.299
 to every nation that they too might live their lives

00:18:42.299 --> 00:18:43.699
 for the glory of King Jesus.

00:18:44.419 --> 00:18:45.939
 Is that what we're really all about?

00:18:46.359 --> 00:18:47.559
 Because that's why we're here.

00:18:48.299 --> 00:18:51.179
 But is it actually what we're about?

00:18:52.799 --> 00:18:54.899
 Y'all, we've got to ask ourselves those questions

00:18:54.899 --> 00:18:57.519
 and have those conversations.

00:18:58.279 --> 00:18:59.519
 How are we?

00:19:00.319 --> 00:19:02.019
 And how are we not?

00:19:02.219 --> 00:19:04.299
 All about that great story

00:19:04.299 --> 00:19:05.779
 and that great mission

00:19:05.779 --> 00:19:08.059
 that God has put us here for.

00:19:08.199 --> 00:19:09.719
 I hope you'll take the time

00:19:09.719 --> 00:19:12.619
 to talk about that with your family

00:19:12.619 --> 00:19:15.099
 or your connect community

00:19:15.099 --> 00:19:15.939
 or your connect community in a few minutes

00:19:15.939 --> 00:19:17.759
 or your small group.

00:19:18.519 --> 00:19:21.439
 What does that look like in your life?

00:19:21.639 --> 00:19:23.839
 We're not getting into a lot of particulars,

00:19:24.000 --> 00:19:25.079
 but we need to.

00:19:27.519 --> 00:19:29.579
 Remember how it worked in Malachi's day.

00:19:30.939 --> 00:19:33.379
 The holy presence of God,

00:19:33.879 --> 00:19:37.019
 at that time dwelling particularly in the temple,

00:19:37.019 --> 00:19:41.740
 was mediated to his people through the priests.

00:19:41.839 --> 00:19:43.700
 The priests were the go-betweens, right?

00:19:44.460 --> 00:19:46.619
 This one tribe, the Levites,

00:19:46.680 --> 00:19:47.700
 out of the 12,

00:19:48.180 --> 00:19:49.680
 those were the priests

00:19:49.680 --> 00:19:51.980
 and they were the ones who went before God

00:19:51.980 --> 00:19:54.220
 and they were the ones who represented him

00:19:54.220 --> 00:19:56.859
 to the rest of the nation of Israel,

00:19:56.960 --> 00:19:58.279
 to all God's people.

00:19:58.279 --> 00:20:00.899
 But that was only the beginning

00:20:00.899 --> 00:20:03.759
 of the priests going on then.

00:20:04.240 --> 00:20:06.440
 God also called the whole nation

00:20:06.440 --> 00:20:09.180
 as a kingdom of priests.

00:20:09.339 --> 00:20:12.339
 All 12 tribes were to be a kingdom of priests

00:20:12.339 --> 00:20:13.920
 who would represent God

00:20:13.920 --> 00:20:15.879
 and carry his holy presence

00:20:15.879 --> 00:20:18.799
 to all their neighbors and to all nations.

00:20:20.079 --> 00:20:24.599
 Just as he calls every Christian today.

00:20:24.599 --> 00:20:29.159
 To mediate his presence dwelling in us

00:20:29.159 --> 00:20:30.899
 by his Holy Spirit

00:20:30.899 --> 00:20:32.319
 to all our neighbors

00:20:32.319 --> 00:20:34.319
 and to all nations.

00:20:34.719 --> 00:20:36.699
 1 Peter 2, if you need a verse for it.

00:20:37.519 --> 00:20:38.899
 We are to know him

00:20:38.899 --> 00:20:40.539
 and to make him known,

00:20:40.799 --> 00:20:42.199
 not just in this place,

00:20:42.279 --> 00:20:42.759
 but everywhere.

00:20:43.599 --> 00:20:45.019
 That's true worship.

00:20:45.319 --> 00:20:48.899
 Friends, that's why God has given us breath today.

00:20:49.399 --> 00:20:50.859
 It's what his word tells us.

00:20:50.899 --> 00:20:52.579
 It either is what we're about or it's not.

00:20:52.819 --> 00:20:54.019
 That's why we're here.

00:20:54.599 --> 00:20:58.879
 I read this week the story

00:20:58.879 --> 00:21:01.219
 of a young new believer in Africa.

00:21:02.439 --> 00:21:03.659
 Having met Jesus,

00:21:03.839 --> 00:21:06.240
 she was excited to go to worship services

00:21:06.240 --> 00:21:07.359
 at her local church.

00:21:07.579 --> 00:21:08.859
 And she did.

00:21:09.039 --> 00:21:10.699
 And sure enough, during the service,

00:21:10.839 --> 00:21:12.240
 this time came for the offering.

00:21:12.779 --> 00:21:14.459
 And a plate started being passed

00:21:14.459 --> 00:21:15.419
 through the congregation.

00:21:17.079 --> 00:21:19.119
 Being unfamiliar with this practice,

00:21:19.240 --> 00:21:20.339
 she watched and noticed

00:21:20.339 --> 00:21:22.000
 that people would reach into their pockets

00:21:22.000 --> 00:21:23.699
 and put money in the plate.

00:21:23.700 --> 00:21:25.259
 And that seemed to be the thing to do.

00:21:26.120 --> 00:21:26.519
 Except,

00:21:27.360 --> 00:21:28.539
 she was poor.

00:21:30.059 --> 00:21:32.319
 She didn't have any money.

00:21:33.480 --> 00:21:34.980
 She got the plate

00:21:34.980 --> 00:21:36.100
 when it came around to her

00:21:36.100 --> 00:21:38.039
 and didn't really know what to do with it.

00:21:38.140 --> 00:21:40.360
 So she put it on the ground.

00:21:41.420 --> 00:21:42.759
 And then she stood in it

00:21:42.759 --> 00:21:43.900
 and said in a loud voice,

00:21:44.039 --> 00:21:45.539
 God, I don't have any money,

00:21:45.940 --> 00:21:48.000
 but you can have all of me.

00:21:48.000 --> 00:21:51.440
 That's true worship.

00:21:52.779 --> 00:21:53.779
 Because it happens

00:21:53.779 --> 00:21:55.839
 not just in these walls, right?

00:21:56.319 --> 00:21:57.819
 She wasn't bringing to God

00:21:57.819 --> 00:21:58.619
 something that would happen

00:21:58.619 --> 00:21:59.740
 just while she was here

00:21:59.740 --> 00:22:00.400
 for a little bit.

00:22:00.579 --> 00:22:02.319
 But when all of us

00:22:02.319 --> 00:22:04.099
 is living all for Jesus,

00:22:04.240 --> 00:22:05.259
 that's true worship.

00:22:05.380 --> 00:22:05.559
 Amen?

00:22:05.559 --> 00:22:05.700
 Amen?

00:22:10.160 --> 00:22:11.420
 How about our lives?

00:22:11.420 --> 00:22:16.680
 Roadkill Christianity?

00:22:17.860 --> 00:22:18.200
 Or

00:22:18.200 --> 00:22:22.360
 stand in the offering plate Christianity?

00:22:22.600 --> 00:22:22.900
 There you go.

00:22:23.000 --> 00:22:23.700
 We'll call it that.

00:22:23.980 --> 00:22:24.519
 That's something.

00:22:24.800 --> 00:22:25.320
 It is now.

00:22:28.400 --> 00:22:29.440
 Roadkill Christianity?

00:22:30.259 --> 00:22:31.300
 Whatever I can find

00:22:31.300 --> 00:22:32.039
 at the end of the day?

00:22:34.360 --> 00:22:35.440
 Or all of me?

00:22:35.600 --> 00:22:36.440
 All the time?

00:22:36.560 --> 00:22:36.960
 Everywhere?

00:22:36.960 --> 00:22:37.519
 Everywhere?

00:22:37.519 --> 00:22:37.720
 Everywhere?

00:22:40.759 --> 00:22:42.220
 This call to true worship

00:22:42.220 --> 00:22:44.460
 is for all of us.

00:22:46.119 --> 00:22:47.339
 But to be faithful

00:22:47.339 --> 00:22:48.940
 to Malachi's message,

00:22:49.160 --> 00:22:50.440
 I have to point out

00:22:50.440 --> 00:22:52.839
 that he targets this message

00:22:52.839 --> 00:22:53.819
 at those called

00:22:53.819 --> 00:22:56.059
 to lead God's people,

00:22:56.460 --> 00:22:57.660
 particularly to minister

00:22:57.660 --> 00:22:59.539
 his word to them.

00:23:00.680 --> 00:23:02.539
 They are especially responsible

00:23:02.539 --> 00:23:04.839
 for the true or false worship

00:23:04.839 --> 00:23:06.379
 of God's people.

00:23:06.380 --> 00:23:08.400
 Look how he starts chapter 2

00:23:08.400 --> 00:23:09.980
 after already in chapter 1

00:23:09.980 --> 00:23:11.700
 addressing the priests.

00:23:12.120 --> 00:23:13.380
 Now he's reiterating

00:23:13.380 --> 00:23:14.980
 his focus in chapter 2.

00:23:15.320 --> 00:23:16.060
 Now, O priest,

00:23:16.160 --> 00:23:17.580
 this command is for you.

00:23:18.160 --> 00:23:19.040
 If you will not listen,

00:23:19.140 --> 00:23:20.300
 if you will not take it to heart

00:23:20.300 --> 00:23:21.540
 to give honor to my name,

00:23:21.640 --> 00:23:22.600
 says the Lord of hosts,

00:23:22.860 --> 00:23:24.960
 then I will send the curse upon you

00:23:24.960 --> 00:23:26.340
 and I will curse your blessings.

00:23:27.320 --> 00:23:28.640
 Indeed, I have already cursed them

00:23:28.640 --> 00:23:30.180
 because you do not lay it to heart.

00:23:30.620 --> 00:23:32.200
 Behold, I will rebuke your offspring

00:23:32.200 --> 00:23:34.660
 and spread dung on your faces,

00:23:34.660 --> 00:23:36.880
 the dung of your offerings,

00:23:36.880 --> 00:23:39.759
 and you shall be taken away with it.

00:23:40.080 --> 00:23:40.940
 So shall you know

00:23:40.940 --> 00:23:42.960
 that I have sent this command to you.

00:23:44.820 --> 00:23:46.200
 Even when you pronounce

00:23:46.200 --> 00:23:48.600
 a benediction, a blessing,

00:23:49.019 --> 00:23:50.620
 it will actually be a curse

00:23:50.620 --> 00:23:54.580
 because you're not honoring my name.

00:23:55.300 --> 00:23:57.800
 See, there's a profound connection

00:23:57.799 --> 00:24:00.019
 between those called

00:24:00.019 --> 00:24:02.460
 to represent God to his people,

00:24:02.579 --> 00:24:04.940
 to minister his word to them

00:24:04.940 --> 00:24:08.720
 and the hearts of his people themselves.

00:24:09.779 --> 00:24:12.059
 Whether or not they worship him appropriately

00:24:12.059 --> 00:24:14.899
 and passionately with all of their lives

00:24:14.899 --> 00:24:18.299
 is really connected to those priests.

00:24:19.779 --> 00:24:21.220
 I got to be honest with you,

00:24:21.279 --> 00:24:25.019
 I've been feeling the weight of that this week.

00:24:25.019 --> 00:24:28.200
 How does my relationship with God,

00:24:29.519 --> 00:24:32.619
 our pastor's ministry of the word,

00:24:33.559 --> 00:24:37.400
 our elders' shepherding of this flock

00:24:37.400 --> 00:24:40.420
 impact all of us?

00:24:41.839 --> 00:24:43.259
 God says it's huge

00:24:43.259 --> 00:24:45.160
 one way or the other.

00:24:47.660 --> 00:24:49.400
 We need to be praying

00:24:49.400 --> 00:24:51.819
 for our leaders, don't we?

00:24:51.819 --> 00:24:56.079
 I asked you that personally

00:24:56.079 --> 00:24:58.259
 in my last pastor's note

00:24:58.259 --> 00:25:01.139
 and I'm really thankful for y'all.

00:25:01.240 --> 00:25:02.799
 So many of you pray for me.

00:25:03.539 --> 00:25:05.179
 So many of you have come to me recently

00:25:05.179 --> 00:25:06.559
 and said I'm praying for you.

00:25:06.679 --> 00:25:07.439
 I always have been

00:25:07.439 --> 00:25:08.339
 or I'm starting now.

00:25:08.679 --> 00:25:09.460
 I'll take it either way.

00:25:11.439 --> 00:25:13.539
 I need it so much.

00:25:13.639 --> 00:25:16.500
 I feel that need more and more

00:25:16.500 --> 00:25:19.079
 and this passage will help you briefly

00:25:19.079 --> 00:25:20.960
 know more about where to pray

00:25:20.960 --> 00:25:23.899
 and where to push us

00:25:23.899 --> 00:25:26.639
 as leaders of God's people.

00:25:28.659 --> 00:25:30.500
 See, these priests in Malachi's day

00:25:30.500 --> 00:25:31.980
 are false priests.

00:25:32.779 --> 00:25:34.980
 They're actually encouraging God's people

00:25:34.980 --> 00:25:36.879
 in their roadkill Christianity.

00:25:37.220 --> 00:25:39.579
 Not speaking the truth of God's word

00:25:39.579 --> 00:25:41.119
 clearly into their lives

00:25:41.119 --> 00:25:42.939
 and so God starts with them.

00:25:42.940 --> 00:25:46.840
 God says they are not focusing

00:25:46.840 --> 00:25:49.720
 on his name, verse 1,

00:25:49.820 --> 00:25:52.519
 but rather focusing on their own name.

00:25:54.700 --> 00:25:59.180
 That's what partiality in instruction means

00:25:59.180 --> 00:26:00.480
 in verse 9.

00:26:01.320 --> 00:26:05.320
 False priests fear man more than God.

00:26:06.400 --> 00:26:08.200
 Boy, that is hard for me.

00:26:08.200 --> 00:26:14.340
 Then verse 8 highlights these dual realities

00:26:14.340 --> 00:26:16.059
 that so often go together

00:26:16.059 --> 00:26:19.200
 and we see it and you've watched it happen.

00:26:20.140 --> 00:26:21.460
 They, the priests,

00:26:21.559 --> 00:26:24.319
 are walking away from God themselves.

00:26:25.500 --> 00:26:28.259
 They're not following his word

00:26:28.259 --> 00:26:30.160
 that they are to know and love.

00:26:30.259 --> 00:26:31.860
 They're not living for his glory.

00:26:31.980 --> 00:26:33.240
 They're not worshiping him

00:26:33.240 --> 00:26:34.440
 with their whole lives.

00:26:34.440 --> 00:26:37.180
 And as a result,

00:26:38.320 --> 00:26:39.580
 they're leading others

00:26:39.580 --> 00:26:41.519
 away from God too.

00:26:42.220 --> 00:26:43.759
 Those things go hand in hand, don't they?

00:26:45.279 --> 00:26:46.440
 It's no surprise,

00:26:46.600 --> 00:26:49.400
 but it is a grievous tragedy

00:26:49.400 --> 00:26:51.039
 when that happens.

00:26:51.340 --> 00:26:53.500
 If my life doesn't display

00:26:53.500 --> 00:26:55.860
 the greatness and worth of God

00:26:55.860 --> 00:26:57.680
 and my teaching doesn't exalt

00:26:57.680 --> 00:26:59.500
 the glory and grace of God,

00:26:59.500 --> 00:27:01.700
 then those magnificent truths

00:27:01.700 --> 00:27:04.120
 become small.

00:27:04.440 --> 00:27:07.759
 In the eyes of those I'm leading.

00:27:10.700 --> 00:27:12.240
 Just so in our day,

00:27:12.320 --> 00:27:14.039
 we have many priests

00:27:14.039 --> 00:27:17.180
 seeking celebrity status

00:27:17.180 --> 00:27:18.740
 over humility.

00:27:20.799 --> 00:27:23.160
 Many have crashed on the rocks

00:27:23.160 --> 00:27:24.840
 of personal moral failure

00:27:24.840 --> 00:27:26.340
 and hidden sins

00:27:26.340 --> 00:27:27.660
 rather than honest,

00:27:27.820 --> 00:27:29.100
 fruit-bearing repentance

00:27:29.100 --> 00:27:30.900
 and faith in their struggles.

00:27:31.779 --> 00:27:33.160
 Many have allowed political

00:27:33.160 --> 00:27:34.380
 and social agendas

00:27:34.380 --> 00:27:35.740
 to cloud the clarity

00:27:35.740 --> 00:27:36.779
 of God's word

00:27:36.779 --> 00:27:38.400
 and the gospel call

00:27:38.400 --> 00:27:40.480
 because many of us struggle

00:27:40.480 --> 00:27:42.019
 with fearing man

00:27:42.019 --> 00:27:43.840
 more than God.

00:27:46.700 --> 00:27:48.060
 Is it any surprise

00:27:48.060 --> 00:27:48.759
 that in our day,

00:27:48.840 --> 00:27:50.320
 God has brought disgrace

00:27:50.320 --> 00:27:51.900
 and shame

00:27:51.900 --> 00:27:53.580
 upon preachers

00:27:53.580 --> 00:27:54.279
 and leaders

00:27:54.279 --> 00:27:55.820
 dishonoring his name?

00:27:55.819 --> 00:27:56.939
 He says,

00:27:57.359 --> 00:27:59.299
 feces on your faces

00:27:59.299 --> 00:28:00.679
 in verse 3.

00:28:00.779 --> 00:28:02.059
 He's serious

00:28:02.059 --> 00:28:05.279
 because I will not allow

00:28:05.279 --> 00:28:07.319
 one who dishonors me

00:28:07.319 --> 00:28:09.799
 to continue with my blessing.

00:28:12.139 --> 00:28:12.779
 Friends,

00:28:13.039 --> 00:28:13.960
 please pray.

00:28:15.859 --> 00:28:17.879
 Pray for all of us

00:28:17.880 --> 00:28:19.840
 as we're all called

00:28:19.840 --> 00:28:21.260
 to be a kingdom of priests

00:28:21.260 --> 00:28:22.060
 to the nations

00:28:22.060 --> 00:28:23.680
 and pray particularly

00:28:23.680 --> 00:28:24.580
 for your pastors

00:28:24.580 --> 00:28:25.340
 and elders

00:28:25.340 --> 00:28:26.920
 and any who minister

00:28:26.920 --> 00:28:29.320
 God's word to you.

00:28:30.920 --> 00:28:33.180
 Listen to how it's supposed to work.

00:28:33.720 --> 00:28:35.240
 Why God gives priests

00:28:35.240 --> 00:28:36.300
 to represent him

00:28:36.300 --> 00:28:37.740
 to his people.

00:28:38.160 --> 00:28:38.960
 Verse 5,

00:28:38.960 --> 00:29:08.579
 You see what he's saying?

00:29:08.579 --> 00:29:10.259
 His main concern

00:29:10.259 --> 00:29:11.639
 is God's name,

00:29:11.759 --> 00:29:13.279
 God's glory, right?

00:29:14.639 --> 00:29:15.740
 You hear how he walks

00:29:15.740 --> 00:29:16.919
 with God himself,

00:29:17.299 --> 00:29:18.500
 speaking God's truth,

00:29:18.659 --> 00:29:20.319
 knowing God's truth

00:29:20.319 --> 00:29:21.559
 and as a result

00:29:21.559 --> 00:29:22.639
 he leads others

00:29:22.639 --> 00:29:24.379
 away from their sin

00:29:24.379 --> 00:29:26.519
 to repent

00:29:26.519 --> 00:29:28.359
 and turn back to God?

00:29:30.559 --> 00:29:31.379
 That's the way

00:29:31.379 --> 00:29:32.259
 it's supposed to work.

00:29:32.740 --> 00:29:34.339
 These words are describing Levi

00:29:34.339 --> 00:29:37.059
 whose household

00:29:37.059 --> 00:29:37.980
 God sets up

00:29:37.980 --> 00:29:38.779
 as priests

00:29:38.779 --> 00:29:40.519
 over his people

00:29:40.519 --> 00:29:42.000
 to point them

00:29:42.000 --> 00:29:42.839
 toward him.

00:29:44.839 --> 00:29:45.720
 But who else

00:29:45.720 --> 00:29:46.839
 does that sound like?

00:29:48.480 --> 00:29:49.319
 Listen again.

00:29:52.399 --> 00:29:53.500
 My covenant with him

00:29:53.500 --> 00:29:54.379
 was one of life

00:29:54.379 --> 00:29:55.379
 and peace

00:29:55.379 --> 00:29:56.899
 and I gave them to him.

00:29:57.720 --> 00:29:58.960
 It was a covenant of fear

00:29:58.960 --> 00:29:59.980
 and he feared me.

00:30:00.379 --> 00:30:01.079
 He stood in awe

00:30:01.079 --> 00:30:01.779
 of my name.

00:30:02.179 --> 00:30:03.059
 True instruction

00:30:03.059 --> 00:30:04.440
 was in his mouth.

00:30:04.440 --> 00:30:06.180
 No wrong was found

00:30:06.180 --> 00:30:07.059
 on his lips.

00:30:07.779 --> 00:30:08.420
 He walked with me

00:30:08.420 --> 00:30:09.100
 in peace

00:30:09.100 --> 00:30:10.460
 and uprightness

00:30:10.460 --> 00:30:12.299
 and he turned many

00:30:12.299 --> 00:30:14.559
 from iniquity.

00:30:15.940 --> 00:30:17.860
 Doesn't it sound like Jesus?

00:30:19.080 --> 00:30:21.420
 Our great high priest.

00:30:22.779 --> 00:30:24.279
 The one whose zeal

00:30:24.279 --> 00:30:25.720
 for God's name

00:30:25.720 --> 00:30:26.559
 bleeds through

00:30:26.559 --> 00:30:28.220
 everything he does.

00:30:28.220 --> 00:30:30.480
 who always

00:30:30.480 --> 00:30:32.000
 follows his father's will

00:30:32.000 --> 00:30:32.539
 no matter what

00:30:32.539 --> 00:30:33.500
 it costs him.

00:30:33.740 --> 00:30:34.400
 Who actually

00:30:34.400 --> 00:30:35.600
 speaks God's

00:30:35.600 --> 00:30:36.700
 very law

00:30:36.700 --> 00:30:37.440
 himself

00:30:37.440 --> 00:30:38.660
 in whose mouth

00:30:38.660 --> 00:30:40.160
 is no deceit

00:30:40.160 --> 00:30:41.100
 ever found

00:30:41.100 --> 00:30:42.059
 at all

00:30:42.059 --> 00:30:43.059
 and who doesn't

00:30:43.059 --> 00:30:44.180
 merely lead people

00:30:44.180 --> 00:30:45.740
 away from iniquity

00:30:45.740 --> 00:30:46.980
 but actually

00:30:46.980 --> 00:30:48.220
 delivers them

00:30:48.220 --> 00:30:49.440
 from their sin

00:30:49.440 --> 00:30:50.299
 once

00:30:50.299 --> 00:30:51.759
 and for all.

00:30:52.920 --> 00:30:53.180
 See,

00:30:53.279 --> 00:30:54.480
 we get the true priest

00:30:54.480 --> 00:30:55.740
 don't we?

00:30:55.740 --> 00:30:58.019
 The one who finally

00:30:58.019 --> 00:30:59.759
 does all of this

00:30:59.759 --> 00:31:00.660
 perfectly

00:31:00.660 --> 00:31:01.620
 and then

00:31:01.620 --> 00:31:03.039
 comes to those of us

00:31:03.039 --> 00:31:04.000
 called to be priests

00:31:04.000 --> 00:31:04.839
 and you know what

00:31:04.839 --> 00:31:05.559
 he doesn't do?

00:31:05.779 --> 00:31:06.740
 He doesn't fling

00:31:06.740 --> 00:31:07.740
 dung at us

00:31:07.740 --> 00:31:08.940
 and say

00:31:08.940 --> 00:31:10.420
 get it together

00:31:10.420 --> 00:31:13.980
 you disgraceful priests

00:31:13.980 --> 00:31:15.279
 can't you live

00:31:15.279 --> 00:31:16.039
 for me more?

00:31:16.220 --> 00:31:17.279
 That's not what he does.

00:31:20.079 --> 00:31:20.539
 No,

00:31:20.579 --> 00:31:21.599
 the perfect priest

00:31:21.599 --> 00:31:24.799
 at the end

00:31:24.799 --> 00:31:25.779
 of all that perfection

00:31:25.779 --> 00:31:28.319
 he takes

00:31:28.319 --> 00:31:29.099
 the shame

00:31:29.099 --> 00:31:31.939
 the disgrace

00:31:31.939 --> 00:31:35.199
 the curse

00:31:35.199 --> 00:31:38.159
 for us

00:31:38.159 --> 00:31:39.559
 false priests

00:31:39.559 --> 00:31:41.079
 on himself

00:31:41.079 --> 00:31:43.779
 hanging

00:31:43.779 --> 00:31:45.019
 on a cross

00:31:45.019 --> 00:31:45.539
 outside

00:31:45.539 --> 00:31:47.079
 the city

00:31:47.079 --> 00:31:48.319
 beaten

00:31:48.319 --> 00:31:50.539
 bloodied

00:31:50.539 --> 00:31:52.539
 buried

00:31:52.539 --> 00:31:53.460
 in a borrowed

00:31:53.460 --> 00:31:54.179
 tomb

00:31:54.179 --> 00:31:56.919
 he takes

00:31:56.919 --> 00:31:57.639
 that on himself

00:31:57.639 --> 00:31:58.379
 to rescue

00:31:58.379 --> 00:31:59.299
 us

00:31:59.299 --> 00:32:00.079
 false

00:32:00.079 --> 00:32:01.139
 priests

00:32:01.139 --> 00:32:02.539
 and to make us

00:32:02.539 --> 00:32:03.259
 true

00:32:03.259 --> 00:32:04.019
 sons

00:32:04.019 --> 00:32:05.379
 that's our great

00:32:05.379 --> 00:32:06.099
 hope, right?

00:32:06.919 --> 00:32:07.279
 That's

00:32:07.279 --> 00:32:08.419
 that's where we find

00:32:08.419 --> 00:32:08.679
 hope

00:32:08.679 --> 00:32:09.859
 beloved by the

00:32:09.859 --> 00:32:11.279
 perfect God

00:32:11.279 --> 00:32:12.500
 because Jesus

00:32:12.500 --> 00:32:13.740
 is perfect

00:32:13.740 --> 00:32:15.399
 for us

00:32:15.399 --> 00:32:17.279
 and he

00:32:17.279 --> 00:32:18.279
 remakes us

00:32:18.279 --> 00:32:19.740
 he does that

00:32:19.740 --> 00:32:20.160
 indeed

00:32:20.160 --> 00:32:21.059
 into priests

00:32:21.059 --> 00:32:21.920
 who even

00:32:21.920 --> 00:32:22.460
 today

00:32:22.460 --> 00:32:23.420
 can be a part

00:32:23.420 --> 00:32:23.899
 of making

00:32:23.899 --> 00:32:24.599
 the name

00:32:24.599 --> 00:32:25.319
 of our great

00:32:25.319 --> 00:32:25.759
 king

00:32:25.759 --> 00:32:26.819
 glorious

00:32:26.819 --> 00:32:27.559
 among the

00:32:27.559 --> 00:32:27.980
 nations

00:32:27.980 --> 00:32:31.819
 so it's not

00:32:31.819 --> 00:32:32.519
 as we find

00:32:32.519 --> 00:32:34.539
 ourselves

00:32:34.539 --> 00:32:35.480
 perfect

00:32:35.480 --> 00:32:37.460
 but as we

00:32:37.460 --> 00:32:38.599
 find ourselves

00:32:38.599 --> 00:32:39.460
 in

00:32:39.460 --> 00:32:40.299
 Jesus

00:32:40.299 --> 00:32:41.819
 that we

00:32:41.819 --> 00:32:42.819
 find God's

00:32:42.819 --> 00:32:43.460
 true

00:32:43.460 --> 00:32:44.399
 blessing

00:32:44.399 --> 00:32:45.240
 isn't it?

00:32:45.660 --> 00:32:46.399
 Blessing

00:32:46.400 --> 00:32:47.560
 now flows

00:32:47.560 --> 00:32:48.540
 to us

00:32:48.540 --> 00:32:49.360
 instead of

00:32:49.360 --> 00:32:50.019
 curse

00:32:50.019 --> 00:32:50.820
 and the

00:32:50.820 --> 00:32:51.240
 blessing

00:32:51.240 --> 00:32:51.820
 of God

00:32:51.820 --> 00:32:52.820
 then flows

00:32:52.820 --> 00:32:53.660
 through us

00:32:53.660 --> 00:32:54.300
 to all our

00:32:54.300 --> 00:32:54.620
 neighbors

00:32:54.620 --> 00:32:55.600
 and all

00:32:55.600 --> 00:32:56.200
 nations

00:32:56.200 --> 00:32:57.500
 isn't that a

00:32:57.500 --> 00:32:58.340
 greater and more

00:32:58.340 --> 00:32:59.300
 glorious purpose

00:32:59.300 --> 00:33:00.240
 than whatever else

00:33:00.240 --> 00:33:01.120
 you're living for?

00:33:01.540 --> 00:33:02.240
 Say yes

00:33:02.240 --> 00:33:03.019
 it is

00:33:03.019 --> 00:33:05.780
 thank you

00:33:05.780 --> 00:33:06.100
 Jesus

00:33:06.100 --> 00:33:07.800
 for allowing us

00:33:07.800 --> 00:33:08.300
 to be a part

00:33:08.300 --> 00:33:08.720
 of that

00:33:08.720 --> 00:33:09.740
 love

00:33:09.740 --> 00:33:11.300
 so amazing

00:33:11.299 --> 00:33:12.980
 so divine

00:33:12.980 --> 00:33:13.740
 demands

00:33:13.740 --> 00:33:14.759
 my soul

00:33:14.759 --> 00:33:16.039
 my life

00:33:16.039 --> 00:33:17.539
 my all

00:33:17.539 --> 00:33:20.240
 sing that again

00:33:20.240 --> 00:33:20.799
 in just a minute

00:33:20.799 --> 00:33:21.319
 let's pray

00:33:21.319 --> 00:33:21.839
 and ask him

00:33:21.839 --> 00:33:22.639
 for his grace

00:33:22.639 --> 00:33:24.599
 father we do

00:33:24.599 --> 00:33:25.579
 need it

00:33:25.579 --> 00:33:28.740
 your love may

00:33:28.740 --> 00:33:29.639
 demand our soul

00:33:29.639 --> 00:33:30.200
 our life

00:33:30.200 --> 00:33:30.619
 our all

00:33:30.619 --> 00:33:30.819
 but

00:33:30.819 --> 00:33:34.240
 we'll forget

00:33:34.240 --> 00:33:35.000
 that quickly

00:33:35.000 --> 00:33:39.059
 we even forget

00:33:39.059 --> 00:33:39.759
 the glorious

00:33:39.759 --> 00:33:40.559
 good news

00:33:40.559 --> 00:33:41.640
 that we don't

00:33:41.640 --> 00:33:42.379
 have to make

00:33:42.379 --> 00:33:42.900
 ourselves

00:33:42.900 --> 00:33:43.779
 acceptable to

00:33:43.779 --> 00:33:44.140
 you this

00:33:44.140 --> 00:33:44.700
 afternoon

00:33:44.700 --> 00:33:46.640
 that Jesus

00:33:46.640 --> 00:33:47.180
 has done

00:33:47.180 --> 00:33:47.579
 that

00:33:47.579 --> 00:33:50.900
 so would you

00:33:50.900 --> 00:33:51.440
 remind us

00:33:51.440 --> 00:33:51.839
 of that

00:33:51.839 --> 00:33:52.480
 and would you

00:33:52.480 --> 00:33:53.259
 would you

00:33:53.259 --> 00:33:53.779
 give us your

00:33:53.779 --> 00:33:54.700
 grace to be

00:33:54.700 --> 00:33:56.220
 faithful priests

00:33:56.220 --> 00:33:59.440
 that's why

00:33:59.440 --> 00:33:59.960
 we're here

00:33:59.960 --> 00:34:03.119
 help us

00:34:03.119 --> 00:34:03.720
 encourage each

00:34:03.720 --> 00:34:04.279
 other in that

00:34:04.279 --> 00:34:05.359
 give us your

00:34:05.359 --> 00:34:05.819
 spirit

00:34:05.819 --> 00:34:06.900
 that your name

00:34:06.900 --> 00:34:07.660
 might be great

00:34:07.660 --> 00:34:08.480
 in this place

00:34:08.480 --> 00:34:08.980
 and among the

00:34:08.980 --> 00:34:09.440
 nations

00:34:09.440 --> 00:34:10.280
 in Jesus

00:34:10.280 --> 00:34:10.700
 name

00:34:10.700 --> 00:34:11.619
 amen

00:34:11.619 --> 00:34:16.639
 for more

00:34:16.639 --> 00:34:17.159
 information

00:34:17.159 --> 00:34:17.960
 visit us

00:34:17.960 --> 00:34:18.460
 online

00:34:18.460 --> 00:34:18.860
 at

00:34:18.860 --> 00:34:19.760
 southwood.org

00:34:19.760 --> 00:34:29.540
 anda

00:34:29.560 --> 00:34:29.820
 you

00:34:29.820 --> 00:34:30.680
 who

00:34:30.680 --> 00:34:31.280
 and

00:34:31.280 --> 00:34:35.820
 you

00:34:35.820 --> 00:34:36.180
 you

00:34:36.180 --> 00:34:38.440
 you