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IF THEN I AM THE FATHER, WHERE IS MY HONOUR

Text: Malachi 1
28 June 2009

(I) SIGNIFICANT EXPRESSIONS OF GOD’S RELATIONSHIP AS FATHER

1. Love of a Father

“I have loved you,” says the LORD…” Malachi 1:2a

a) Choice

b) Commitment

2. Relationship with God established

a) Father

b) Master

(II) SAD AND SINFUL RESPONSES TO GOD

1. Doubting God’s Love

“…In what way have You loved us?…” Malachi 1:2b

2. Despising God’s name

“…To you priests who despise My name…” Malachi 1:6g

3. Defiance expressed

“…Yet you say, ‘In what way have we despised Your name?’ ” Malachi 1:6h

4. Defiling of Worship

“You offer defiled food on My altar, But say,‘In what way have we defiled You?’By saying,‘The table of the LORD is contemptible.’ ” Malachi 1:7

5. Dishonouring of the Lord

“And when you offer the blind as a sacrifice, Is it not evil?And when you offer the lame and sick, Is it not evil?’Offer it then to your governor!Would he be pleased with you?Would he accept you favourably?’ Says the LORD of hosts.’ ” Malachi 1:8

(III) SERIOUS WORD OF ADMONITION

“A son honours his father, And a servant his master.If then I am the Father, Where is My honour?And if I am Master, Where is My reverence?…” Malachi 1:6

1. Standard social protocols of life

a) In the Family

A son must honour his father

b) In Society

A servant must revere his master

2. Serious religious problems addressed

a) God should be honoured by His children but He is not

b) God should be revered by His servants but He is not

(IV) SEEKING TO RELATE TO GOD APPROPRIATELY

1. Recognising the Greatness of God

“For from the rising of the sun, even to its going down,My name shall be great among the Gentiles,In every place incense shall be offered to My name And a pure offering;For My name shall be great among the nations,’ Says the LORD of hosts.” Malachi 1:11

2. Returning to God

“But now entreat God’s favour; That He may be gracious to us…” Malachi 1:9

a) God’s favour is needed

b) God’s grace is also badly needed