In Malachi 1:6-10, the children of Israel let their worship and offering lapse into routine and obligation rather than privilege and joy. Their offering was insufficient due to their attitude as much as anything else, which resulted in the poor sacrifices that were being offered. God desires the best that we have no matter what dispensation we are living in or from what state in life we come. Many people seem to think that since we are living under a new covenant that God does not require of us our best. It is like such was for those under the old law only. In this article we want to notice some areas in which God desires our best.

 GOD DESIRES OUR BEST WITH REGARD TO OUR SALVATION FROM SIN HEBREW 5:8, 9 – God desires that we study to know the truth (John 5:39; 8:32; 17:17; 2 Timothy 2:15). He desires that we act on what we have heard, obeying Christ (Hebrews 5:9; James 1:22). We do this by:

Exhibiting genuine sorrow over our sins – 2 Corinthians 7:10

                           Possessing a desire to have those sins remitted and not held

                           to our account – Acts 2:37

                           By having a willingness to do what He has commanded to

                           do to have salvation – Mark 16:15, 16.

 GOD DESIRES OUR BEST WITH REGARD TO OUR WORSHIP OF HIM – JOHN 4:24 – First, we must understand that if one has not obeyed the gospel their worship to God is not accepted by Him. Proper worship involves several things:

                        Attitude – (Forgiveness/Anger/Hatred/Worldly Concerns/Etc.)

                        Dress – (For the occasion – best we have – 2 Corinthians 8:12)

                        Timeliness – Putting the Lord on hold! – (Those that arrive late

                        and leave early on a regular basis.

                        Songs – Everyone singing with all their heart, making melody

        in their hearts. We need to make sure that the songs we are singing

                        are scriptural.

 Prayers – Follow along with prayer leader: can you amen what

                         was said?

                         Lord’s Supper – remember that we can take it in vain as the

                         Corinthians did (1 Corinthians 11:26-29)

     Preaching – Acts 20:7, These brethren did not think it a bore and

          a duty, but a privilege. Paul continued his speech till midnight! For

       those who do not stay awake during regular services, how would

                         that kind of preaching fit your schedule

                         Invitation – Not a time for shuffling around: You are encouraging

                         someone to respond in song.

GOD DESIRES OUR BEST WITH REGARD TO OUR PERSONAL SACRIFICE – ROMANS 12:1, 2.

                        This means our lifestyle. Morally, we need to avoid the works of

the flesh (Galatians 5:19, 20). We need to practice honesty and

integrity. Lying should be avoided (Colossians 3:9). Stealing

should not be a part of our lives (Ephesians 4:28).We should be

careful in our treatment of others (Romans 12:17-21)

This means our time. How much time do we give God out of

our week? In study of His word? In prayer? In worship? In other

areas of service?

This means our efforts. How much time do we devote to the

teaching of God’s word in our part of the community? What

about benevolence toward others?  How about the

encouragement of our brethren?

This includes our financial support of the work of the Lord

                       (2 Corinthians 9:6, 7). The work of the local congregation must

come first when it comes to our contribution. This may mean

putting some things off until later. This may mean running

things tight around the house for a while. This is why it is called

a sacrifice.  Remember, “It is more blessed than to receive”

(Acts 20:35).

In our text God was not so much concerned with the amount of the sacrifice of the Israelites as often times they got that right. He was not as concerned with the type of sacrifice as; here too, they often got that right. God was concerned with the attitude of those bringing the offering, and the priests who allowed it to take place! Their attitude was one of giving to God, who had blessed them with every blessing, the leftovers and the least important sacrifices. The attitude of the priests was condemned because they should have pointed out the blessings bestowed upon them by God and emphasized to the people that they should desire to bring God the very best for all that He has done.

But, what about us? We can talk about Israel all day and get nowhere in solving our problems. Is the problem that Israel had, a problem with us? Are we giving God our best with regard to obedience to the Gospel? If not, then we need to obey today. Are we giving God our best with regard to the worship we offer? If not, then we need to repent! Are we giving to God our best with regard to your personal sacrifice? If not, then we need to repent!

Advertisement