A Pure Offering
Thesis: To teach the hearer the proper perspective, which is God’s perspective, concerning worship unto Him.
Text: Mal 1:6-14
Introduction,
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).
It has been asserted by some scholars that “Malachi” is not a proper name, but rather a general description of an anonymous penman’s office (i.e. a messenger from God), 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 (an early Christian), 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.
The book was written at about 440 BC (around the time of Nehemiah); it has been asserted that it contains the last written words of inspiration before the coming of John the Baptist (the way preparer for Christ our King), that is why it is place last in the Protestant bible in the OT.
Some of the unique features of the book are . . .
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).
There are 26 references contained therein attesting to the fact that God is the Originator of this short book (“says the LORD, “says the LORD of host”, etc.”), yet we know that every scripture is inspired of God (2 Tim 3:16; 2 Pet 1:20-21).
Malachi describes his prophecy as a “burden” (1:1; ASV; KJV; etc.); for the word of God is always a burden to those that disobey it, but it is a joy to those who “by faith” do the will of the LORD (Heb 11).
The book of Malachi ends the OT with the warning of a curse (4:6), while on the other hand, the NT ends with a blessing (Rev 22:21), this reveals much about the nature of the 2 covenants.
Some of the major issues the prophet addresses are . . .
The priests had become corrupt and hypocritical in their duties
The people were intermarrying with the heathen and neglecting their duties unto the LORD.
There were also problems concerning the rulers of Judah (usually as the civil and religious rulers go, so goes the nation).
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 to 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).
What we will be specifically looking at is how they, through neglect, and bringing in the ways of world, had corrupted the worship of God, and how this seems to mirror our own times.
Because 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)
In this context in v 1-5 God declares His love for Jacob and His hatred for Esau, Esau would be destroyed no matter how hard he tried to avoid his troubles, while Jacob would see it and magnify God in His working of judgment upon Esau. Jacob and Esau represent their descendants here, Esau was worldly and sold his birthright as the family priest for a morsel of food, basically he gave up the spiritual for the physical, God for the world; while Jacob continued with God, yet many times in error, as in our text, and that is where we will enter into it (v 6),
(v 6)
Mal 1:6 "A son honors his father, and a servant his master. If then I am a father, where is my honor? And if I am a master, where is my fear? says the LORD of hosts to you, O priests, who despise my name. But you say, 'How have we despised your name?'
Under the law of Moses and the gospel of Christ (Gal 6:2) children are to honor their fathers (and mothers; Ex 20:12; Eph 6:2),
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).
While under the gospel 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), this is one of the differences between law and grace (Jn 1:17).
Joh 1:17 For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.
Also under Christ, servants are 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 rightfully apply this passage to the employer/employee relationship (1 Pet 2:18-23).
1Pe 2:18 Servants, be subject to your masters with all respect, not only to the good and gentle but also to the unjust.
1Pe 2:19 For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly.
1Pe 2:20 For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? (You deserve it)But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God.
1Pe 2:21 For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. (1 Cor 11:1)
1Pe 2:22 He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth.
1Pe 2:23 When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly.
We need to understand the kind of people God wants us to be, like Christ, suffering, being passive, even though we have the power not to be, looking to Him to change people, instead of us fighting our way through things, understanding that God somehow is in charge of these situations (Deut 29:29; Eph 4:6), thus ever learning and growing towards God through them (Ja 1:2-4; 1 Pet 1:6-7).
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 you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
1Pe 2:9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous 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 you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth."
We see no separate priestly class in the NT, that is the doctrine of man and not God, there is only elders/bishops/presbyters, deacons, evangelists as far as offices go, and all Christians are saints/priests.
God through the prophet charges the priests with not rendering the honor and reverence due Him as Father and Master, and in doing this they had despised God’s name (i.e. His authority), for when a person despises God’s authority he despises Him from Whom it comes.
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, by their actions, are despising Christ’s name, Christ’s authority.
The Jews in this text are denying that they had “despised” God’s name, just like those today who also deny that they are doing anything wrong in the sight of God.
B. (v 7)
Mal 1:7 By offering polluted food upon my altar. But you say, 'How have we polluted you?' By saying that the LORD's table may be despised (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 (which refers to the altar) of the LORD is despised, contemptible; Consider Ex 3:2-6; (turn there) . . .
Exo 3:2 And the angel of the LORD appeared to him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush. He looked, and behold, the bush was burning, yet it was not consumed.
Exo 3:3 And Moses said, "I will turn aside to see this great sight, why the bush is not burned."
Exo 3:4 When the LORD saw that he turned aside to see, God called to him out of the bush, "Moses, Moses!" And he said, "Here I am."
Exo 3:5 Then he said, "Do not come near; take your sandals off your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground."
Exo 3:6 And he said, "I am the God of your 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 at God.
Thus, we must conclude, this was God, many assert that “the angel (messenger) of the LORD” here is a reference to Christ. But why the command “take your sandals off”? Oriental custom? As some would assert, but God is not a God of the traditions of men (Mt 15:3, 6, 9) . . .
Mat 15:9 in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments (traditions; v 3, 6) of men.
Joshua was also commanded in like manner in (look at Jos 5:15) . . .
Jos 5:15 And the commander (prince) of the LORD's army said to Joshua, "Take off your sandals from your feet, for the place where you are standing is holy." And Joshua did so.
We see Joshua was also instructed in similar fashion “take off your sandals from your feet, for the place where you are standing is holy,” but again why?
Consider these passages also (turn to Ex 20:25; Deut 27:6; Jos 8:31) . . .
Exo 20:25 If you make me an altar of stone, you shall not build it of hewn (cut) stones, for if you wield your tool on it you profane (pollute) it.
Deu 27:6 you shall build an altar to the LORD your God of uncut stones. And you shall offer burnt offerings on it to the LORD your God,
Jos 8:31 just as Moses the servant of the LORD had commanded the people of Israel, as it is written in the Book of the Law of Moses, "an altar of uncut stones, upon which no man has wielded an iron tool." And they offered on it burnt offerings to the LORD and sacrificed peace offerings.
Now consider these passages (turn to 1 Cor 14:15; Eph 5:19; Col 3:16) . . .
1Co 14:15 What am I to do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will pray with my mind also; I will sing (praise) with my spirit, but I will sing with my mind also. (The singing here is done with the mind and with the spirit, not with a mechanical instrument formed by the hands of man)
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 pictured making melody along with one’s singing, not a man-made device)
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 (thankfulness) in your hearts unto God. (Again note “singing” with mechanical instruments? No! With grace, favor, thankfulness in your hearts toward God).
I contend that these verses, OT and NT are similar and teach that God 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 manmade instruments, His creation, worshiping Him, under His direction, in perfection, in purity “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 the LORD! Praise the LORD from the heavens; praise him in the heights!
Psa 148:2 Praise him, all his angels; praise him, all his hosts!
Psa 148:3 Praise him, sun and moon, praise him, all you shining stars!
Psa 148:4 Praise him, you highest heavens, and you waters above the heavens!
Psa 148:5 Let them praise the name of the LORD! For he commanded and they were created.
Just as marriage was originally to be one man, one woman, for life (Gen 2:24), and Christ set that back (Mt 19:6; Mk 10:9), our Lord also set worship back, the way it was originally intended, at least purity wise, with no admixture (2 Cor 11:3),
2Co 11:3 But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve in his craftiness, your + minds should be corrupted from the simplicity and the purity that is (in; KJV; YLT) toward Christ.
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 in the OT performed the worship unto God “shoeless”, and I believe it was because when given 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 enter 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.
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 and purity 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 (Satan; 2 Cor 4:4) through “their” inordinate desires, instead of thinking the way that God thinks, He stated through the prophet Isaiah (Isa 55:8-9) . . .
Isa 55:8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD.
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, in this process we begin to think more like God, as we are being 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, in this renewed state it is easier to see such things, and also in this state (renewed) we are more prepared, more fitted for Heaven, which is one of the goals of the gospel (Mt 5:48; John 14:6; 1 Cor 11:1).
C. (v 8)
Mal 1:8 When you offer blind animals in sacrifice, is that not evil? And when you offer those that are lame or sick, is that not evil? Present that to your governor; will he accept you or show you favor? says the LORD 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 in our context they were giving God the leftovers, and keeping the best for themselves.
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 either to get His people’s castoffs.
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 pets, than they give to God, do you think that these facts get by our omniscient (all knowing) God unnoticed?
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), thus their allegiance and their love is divided, Christ said (Mt 6:24) . . .
Mat 6:24 "No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money (mammon; possessions).
For many seem to lack faith in God’s promises (2 Cor 9:8) . . .
2Co 9:8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.
Yet many, “their” wants are too high, and “they” are 1st on “their” list, instead of “God” (#1) and “others” (#2), “they” need to heed the teachings of the Lord on these matters (turn to Mt 6:19-21).
Mat 6:19 "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal,
Mat 6:20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.
Mat 6:21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
God wants to change our hearts, where is your heart in view of Christ’s commands? You can’t take it with you, but you can send it ahead, and that is the point that our Master is making.
D. (v 9)
Mal 1:9 And now entreat the favor of God, that he may be gracious to us. With such a gift from your hand, will he show favor to any of you? says the LORD of hosts.
This seems to be a statement of irony (sarcasm), 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!
“With such a gift from your hand” here refers to the fact that the priests had encouraged the peoples offering of worship according to their will instead of God’s, therefore God would not “show favor to them,” He would not hear their prayers and bless them. What about those today. . .
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 makes 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,
What about those today that teach that one can “jam to Jesus” (offering something common, worldly 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) “accapella” which is derived from a Latin word which literally means “as sung in the church”,
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.
This (“singing”), only is authorized by (in the name of) Christ (Col 3:17a)
Col 3:17a And whatsoever you do, in word or in deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus,
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 so called Christian church)? While God plainly states that women are not to exercise dominion over a man (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.
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 them (Isa 59:2; 1 Pet 3:12), for God said (1 Tim 2:8) . . .
Isa 59:2 but your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hidden his face from you so that he does not hear.
1Ti 2:8 I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.
1Pe 3:12 For the eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, And his ears unto their supplication: But the face of the Lord is upon them that do evil.
In fact these are all offering up “POLLUTED (impure) WORSHIP” to a “pure God,” while God states we “MUST” worship in spirit (from the heart; Rom 2:29), and 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 back to Moses or beyond the doctrine of Christ in these matters and in all matters in which God has spoken “have not God” (2 John 9), they are severed from Christ (Gal 5:4) . . .
Gal 5:4 You are severed from Christ, you who would be justified by the law; you have fallen away from grace.
2Jo 1:9 Whosoever goes onward and abides not in the teaching of Christ (the doctrine of Christ, which is the apostles doctrine; Acts 2:42; John 17:8, 14), has not God: he that abides in the teaching (doctrine), the same has both the Father and the Son
2Jn 1:9 Everyone who goes on ahead and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, (the doctrine of Christ, which is the apostles doctrine; Acts 2:42; John 17:8, 14), does not have God. Whoever abides in the teaching (doctrine) has both the Father and the Son.
But those “that abide 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 Faith, (Jude 3) the New Covenant (Testament) of Jesus Christ, they are the sons (children) 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 who would shut the doors, that you might not kindle fire on my altar in vain! I have no pleasure in you, says the LORD of hosts, and I will not accept an offering from 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 up 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).
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. He would rather them sell their buildings, their musical equipment, their sound systems, go home read the New Testament, believe it, and obey it.
Why would that be? Surely God’s mercy would endure these things and adjust according to what the works of His hands will!!!! Right????
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),
In fact salvation is God’s will for all mankind (1 Tim 2:4; Ezek 18:23),
1Ti 2:4 who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
Eze 18:23 Have I any pleasure in the death of the wicked, declares the Lord GOD, and not rather that he should turn from his way and live?
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 that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.
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; Phili 3:8),
Luk 9:23 And he said to all, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.
Luk 14:33 So therefore, any one of you who does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple.
Luk 17:10 So you also, when you have done all that you were commanded, say, 'We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty (to do).'"
Php 3:8 Indeed, I count everything as loss (for) because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ
Remember the parables concerning the kingdom of God (Mt 13) being like a treasure, a pearl, they sold “all they had” to acquire that of such great value, giving up this world for the next, this is the goal of being a Christian (Col 3:1-4), this is the cost of being a Christian (1 Cor 15:19), and it is to be counted “before” the endeavor is taken (Luke 14:26-35), for one is better off for one to never have heard of Christ than to take a half-hearted approach to the gospel in view of all that God gave for us (2 Pet 2:20-22; Heb 6:4-8).
2Pe 2:20 For if, after they have escaped the defilements of the world through the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the last state has become worse for them than the first.
2Pe 2:21 For it would have been better for them never to have known the way of righteousness than after knowing it to turn back from the holy commandment delivered to them.
2Pe 2:22 What the true proverb says has happened to them: "The dog returns to its own vomit, and the sow, after washing herself, returns to wallow in the mire."
Heb 6:4 For it is impossible, in the case of those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, and have shared in the Holy Spirit,
Heb 6:5 and have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the age to come,
Heb 6:6 and then have fallen away, to restore them again to repentance, since they are crucifying once again the Son of God to their own harm and holding him up to contempt.
Heb 6:7 For land that has drunk the rain that often falls on it, and produces a crop useful to those for whose sake it is cultivated, receives a blessing from God.
Heb 6:8 But if it bears thorns and thistles, it is worthless and near to being cursed, and its end is to be burned.
Heb 10:26 For if we go on sinning (willfully) deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins,
Heb 10:27 but a fearful expectation of judgment, and a fury of fire that will consume the adversaries.
Heb 10:28 Anyone who has set aside the law of Moses dies without mercy on the evidence of two or three witnesses.
Heb 10:29 How much worse punishment, do you think, will be deserved by the one who has trampled underfoot the Son of God, and has profaned the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has outraged the Spirit of grace?
Heb 10:30 For we know him who said, "Vengeance is mine; I will repay." And again, "The Lord will judge his people."
Heb 10:31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
These passages clearly teach that God expects us to take a whole-hearted approach to Him and not turn away from it, and that includes worship, for the consequences will be grave.
B. (v 11)
Mal 1:11 For from the rising of the sun to its setting my name will be great among the nations, and in every place incense will be offered to my name, and a pure offering. For my name will be great among the nations, says the LORD of hosts.
This is a prophecy concerning the coming kingdom of Christ, across the entire planet would the LORD’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), a OT shadow of the truth of the gospel (Heb 10:1; Rev 5:8), which would be offered everywhere, and the worshipped offered from these individuals would be 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 . . .
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).
They would be as pillars and the ground that would uphold that soul saving and transforming doctrine of Christ (1 Tim 3:15),
They would contend earnestly for that once and for all time delivered faith (Jude 3), even though another falling away would come under this final dispensation (2 Thess 2:3).
They shall adhere fervently to the living word of the living God unto eternal life because of their love for Him (Jn 14:15), though ridiculed and tormented by most in the ever-changing religious world (2 Tim 3:12; 4:3-4).
2Ti 3:12 Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,
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.
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.
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, yet they are edging oh so slightly towards the religions of men, the wisdom of men, instead of the pure gospel of Christ.
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 perfectly 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).
But those today, that do turn back the clock, that trust in the old paths (not of the 16th or 19th century, but of the 1st century, the apostolic times), 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.
The Lord put forth this question in Luke 18:8b (turn there) . . .
Luk 18:8b when the Son of Man comes, will he find the faith on the earth? (MLV)
The word “the” as in “the Faith” is in the original, and has been taken out in many translations, but it is still there, none the less, and will be there in God’s word when Jesus comes again.
The question is not people will be believing when He comes, but rather will they be practicing the Faith system as directed by God.
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 “PURE WORSHIP?” Believing and following the instructions of the once for all time delivered Faith (Jude 3)?
Or that which has been studied away, tainted by the wisdom of men, and mingled with the pollutions of men?
Keep in mind that each one of us shall give an account of ourselves to God (Rom 14:12). Therefore let us be doers of the word and not hearers only, deceiving our own selves.
III. THE “PERFORMANCE” DEMANDED IN WORSHIP (Mal 1:12-14; John 4:24)
A. (v 12)
Mal 1:12 But you profane it when you say that the Lord's table is polluted, and its fruit, that is, its food may be despised (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.
There are many today in the church that are just like those of the world, they are taught false doctrines such as umbrella grace 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 (as seen in children’s church, having separate assembly times for the rich as opposed to the poorer classes), they make worship unto God entertainment (as seen in the various praise teams, the watching of videos, the putting on of skits, role reversal days, and so forth), and they are purchasing multimillion dollar facilities to do this in while brethren in other parts of the world are struggling to eat and be clothed.
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 But you say, 'What a weariness this is,' and you snort at it, says the LORD of hosts. You bring what has been taken by violence or is lame or sick, and this you bring as your offering! Shall I accept that from your hand? says the LORD.
By their offering that which God commanded not, they have expressed weariness at God’s ways, it was just not new and exciting enough, it was wearisome, but when they did it “their” way “they” had the best, not God, their houses were plush, and not His, their pockets were full of money, not His, they had the best of their flocks and crops, not Him.
Would or should God accept such actions from them? Would or should our unchanging God (Mal 3:6) accept such actions from us today?
Are we adhering to His word to the very best of our God given 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 honors me with their lips; But their heart is far from me.
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, according to the once for all time delivered Faith (Jude 3) nothing more and nothing less, showing forth the simplicity and the purity that is thrust of the religion of Jesus Christ (2 Cor 11:3; ASV).
For if we are not, our worship will not be accepted likewise.
C. (v 14)
Mal 1:14 Cursed be the (deceiver) cheat who has a male in his flock, and vows it, and yet sacrifices to the Lord what is blemished. For I am a great King, says the LORD of hosts, and my name will be feared among the nations (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, a cheater 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).
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, twist-translated, bible versions, which when followed to a tee, could cost you your immortal soul.
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.
Everything we do in life is not worship (proskuneo; John 4:24) but service (latreia; Rom 12:2), worship is specific acts 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 is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him.
Joh 4:24 God is spirit, and those who worship him MUST WORSHIP IN SPIRIT AND TRUTH.
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 glories, let him glory in the Lord.
1Co 10:31 Whether therefore you eat, or drink, or whatsoever you do, do all to the glory of God.
But that does not necessarily constitute worship.
And why do we worship just like God directs, and not offer will-worship, polluted worship unto Him? For the same reason they of Malachi’s day should have . . .
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).
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 God nor obey the gospel of Christ on the Last Day (1 Pet 4:18; 2 Thess 1:8-9)?
1Pe 4:18 And "If the righteous is scarcely saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?"
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,
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 doubt that no such place exists among the redeemed)
We don’t even have to speculate, we even know the very words of the Lord that they will hear; …“I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!” (Mt 7:23).
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).
The only question is what are we “practicing?” Is our inward and outward “PERFORMANCE” (the way we do it) of worship aligned with God’s will, or our own? Should not these be one in the same? Is this not one of the goals of the gospel (Col 3:10; 1 Cor 11:1)
Our praying, our singing, our giving, our observance of the Lord’s Supper, and our preaching, teaching 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.
God wants these things written upon our hearts, and manifested in our lives (Heb 8:10; Jn 14:15; 1 Jn 4:19) . . .
Heb 8:10 For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the Lord: I will put my laws into their minds, and write them on their hearts, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
Joh 14:15 "If you love me, you will keep my commandments.
1Jn 4:19 We love because he first loved us.
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 is to . . .
1) Hear the word of God (Acts 2:37; Rom 10:17);
Rom 10:17 So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God (Christ).
2) Believe that Jesus is the Divine Christ (Acts 8:37; John 8:24); and that God rewards those that earnestly seek after Him (Heb 11:6). Jesus teaches us that this (belief/faith) is the point that spiritual life begins (Jn 5:24), this is where we enter into that process of “being saved” (Acts 2:47; 1 Cor 1:18; 15:2; 2 Cor 2:15).
Joh 5:24 Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.
But that is not where we are to stop, we are not saved by faith only (Ja 2:24), to stop there would be to possess demon like faith (Ja 2:19), we must continue in the process of “being saved” (Acts 2:47; 1 Cor 1:18; 15:2; 2 Cor 2:15).
3) Repent of sins, (Acts 17:30; Luke 13:3, 5) Jesus stated . . .
Luk 13:3 . . . except you repent, you shall all in like manner perish.
Repentance is a changed mind that results in a changed life, one according to the Way, the Faith, the Gospel
4) Confess Christ before others (Acts 8:37; Rom 10:9) as did the eunuch, he proclaimed. . .
Act 8:37 . . . that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.
So ought you
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); this is the point where one is to be dead to self/sin and alive unto God (Rom 6:3-11).
6) Live a faithful and holy life unto God (1 Pet 1:15; Rev 2:10), serving 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).
Joh 14:15 "If you love me, you will keep my commandments.