Where is my Honor and Fear?

Malachi 1:6-14

God, who knew the intent of all men, is asking pertinent questions from those who despised His name.
In Malachi’s time, the people seem to have been utterly indifferent to God and openly insolent. “Behold,” said they, “what a weariness it is!” (Malachi1:13a).
They thought anything was good enough for God and offered Him the refuse of their households.
Even the priests had become a set of mercenary hirelings, refusing to do anything without reward.
The people had lost their habits of devotion and had become accustomed to a life of listlessness and carelessness. Now, they found it difficult to submit to the restraints of religion.

P1. The Callousness of the Priest That Shows Contempt for God

Malachi 1:7-8,10,12-13; 1 Kings 22:51-53; Daniel 3:15-18; Exodus 5:1-2; Ephesians 4:17-22

The Priest’s lack of honour and reverence for God pushed them to ungodly worship and sacrifice.
They offered polluted offerings and inappropriate animals for sacrifice.
They are like Ahaziah, who provoked the Lord God to anger.
They are like Nebuchadnezzar, who challenged the authority and deliverance of God.
They are like Pharaoh, who challenged the order of God.
Apostle Paul highlighted this callousness as the vanity of the mind, darkened understanding, ignorance, the blindness of the heart, uncleanness, and greediness.
Due to the Most High love and mercy, we ought to honour and fear Him.

Malachi 1:9-11,14; Daniel 4:13-17; John 3:18-20

God contend against the inferior sacrifices that cannot be accepted by the human governor that was presented to Him.
God refuses to accept offerings that lack genuine devotion from the ingrate.
God was displeased with the priests who showed weariness and disdain in worshipping the Most High.
God curses deceivers who promise to offer unblemished animals but instead sacrifice corrupt ones (Malachi 1:14).
This callous attitude underscores the importance of integrity and sincerity in worshipping God.
The New Testament emphasized the condemnation of those who mock the word and works of God.

Malachi 1:9; Ephesians 4:22-27; 1 Samuel 15:22; Romans 5:19; 6:16; 16:19; 1:5

There is a disposition in men to look for the cause of their afflictions anywhere rather than in themselves (Osborne Lilley).
Man is a centre of causation. One man has ruined thousands. Godless parents ruin families; hypocritical pastors destroy their flocks; depraved politicians overthrow a nation (Osborne Lilley).
They have come from fate, misfortune, accident, the errors of others, and God’s vindictive anger. Despite their callousness, honest confession is rare (Osborne Lilley).
There is a solemn call to repentance and restoration from old lifestyles and deceitful lusts.
There is a call for filial obedience to our heavenly Father and Master.
We can receive grace today for obedience unto righteousness.