Right Fear, Right Worship - Mal 1:6 - 2:9 - Mako

Whether it is with singing or with other everyday activities, God is examining our hearts.  And if God is not first in our hearts, our actions are going to show it.

In thinking on God’s name we are thinking on more than just a name.  We are thinking on the God who when Moses asked God’s name answered by saying “I AM Who I AM.”  We are to consider God’s awesomeness and God’s reputation.

Right worship involves a respectful attitude, a true fear of God.

As Christians our whole lives are meant to be a sacrifice to God. 

Do we try to squeeze God into a small corner of our lives and just offer him sacrifices that we don’t want?  Is a sacrifice that we don’t want really a sacrifice?

Out of a deep fear of God, we must preach God’s Word, not trying to please people or bring honor to ourselves. 

Unlike the religious teachers of Jesus’ day, Jesus spoke with authority, He spoke what is true for He is the very embodiment of truth.  Jesus walked with God in peace and uprightness.  Jesus turned many away from their sins.  He ate with prostitutes and sinners and many repented in response to His message.

Levi’s priesthood ended.  Jesus’ priesthood will never end. 

Jesus put flesh and bones to this picture of what a true priest should be.  Instead of selfishness and greed, Jesus lived in fear of God and gave up Himself for sinners like you and me.

There may be times when human teachers do fail and fall, but Jesus will never fail. 

Jesus always sought to honor the name of His Father.

Because of Jesus’ sacrifice we have been made holy and we can live holy lives.  Because of Jesus’ sacrifice we can offer up our lives as a living sacrifice to God.  This is our spiritual act of worship.