Message Snapshot:

The sermon delved into the expectations God has for us regarding honor, fear, and worship, as depicted in the book of Malachi. We were prompted to reflect on how these expectations have been interpreted by the priests and, by extension, how we interpret them today. It was a call to recognize God’s true nature and align our actions accordingly, ensuring that what we offer to God is wholehearted and unblemished.

Key Takeaways:

• The first takeaway focused on the concept of honor, urging us to assess whether we truly honor God as a son honors his father. It's about revering God's position in our lives genuinely.
• Our understanding of the fear of the Lord went beyond mere respect, recognizing His sovereignty and the reality that we will be accountable to Him for our actions.
• The sermon also addressed the importance of the quality of our offerings to God, emphasizing that our gifts and service should not be second-rate, but rather, represent our best efforts and love.

Discussion Questions:

1. How do you personally relate to God's message to the priests in Malachi? What might that look like in today’s context?

2. What do you think it means to honor and fear God in your daily life?

3. Pastor Burt used examples of Genesis 25:34 and 2 Samuel 12:9-10 to talk about what it means to despise God saying that it is more than an attitude but also treating God as common or thinking that He won't respond with justice.

Have you ever been tempted to believe that God would just let your actions slide without consequence as well? When?

4. Read Luke 12:5, Acts 9:31, and 2 Corinthians 7:1. How do we square the idea of fearing God with His love?

5. How can our appreciation of God's mercy enhance rather than diminish our reverence for Him?

6.  Sunday we were told that there are 5 spiritual offerings that believers give today:

Which of those is the most difficult for you, and why?