“The Call to Worship God with a Right Attitude” 10/15/06

Malachi 3:13-4:6

WORSHIPING GOD IN SPIRIT AND IN TRUTH- Series in Malachi

Have you wondered: Does God really love me? Where is the proof? Is my worship to the Lord authentic?  Do I really love God? Am I faithful in my relationships and in my marriage? Do I really have genuine faith in Him?  Is my financial giving to the Lord pleasing to Him?  Is it enough? Is serving God really worth it?  Our study of Malachi will answer these questions!

 

POINT 1- Those who worship with a right attitude will discern RIGHTEOUSNESS  Vv. 3:13-17

A.      Their attitudes have caused them say serving God was USELESS

They griped about the demands of worship, economy, harassment of hostile neighbors, lack of justice in the world, about marriage, lack of blessings.

B.       Their attitudes was rooted in an attitude of DOUBT

Read PSALM 73

C.     Those with right attitudes responded with FAITH

 

“Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world”  Philippians 2:14-15

 

Story of Boy swinging bat as best hitter in world…

 

What choice will you make today in your attitude?  Will you be a light?

 

 

POINT 2- Those who worship with a right attitude will be VINDICATED  3:18-4:6

How many of you are looking forward to be VINDICATED?

 

A.     In that day God has promised to bring full JUSTICE

B.     In that day God has promised to honor those who fear His NAME

 

“Indeed I will make those of the synagogue of Satan, who say they are Jews and are not, but lie -- indeed I will make them come and worship before your feet, and to know that I have loved you.”  Revelation 3:9

 

C.     A proper attitude will always be characterized by OBEDIENCE

D.     In preparation for His vindication, God is sending ELIJAH

See Matt 17

If Elijah was to come and speak with you, how would your attitude measure up to his prophetic ministry?  Let’s serve God with a purity of heart and love for Him above all else!

 

 

Finish with Psalm 73!