7th Feb Sermon Discussion - “Offensive Offering and Worthless Worship”

Bible verses: Malachi 1:6-2:9

2 key areas that cause the Israelites’ worship to be unacceptable to the Lord:
1. They were worshipping without a fear and reverence for the Lord (Malachi 1: 6-9)

Activity: You are given a scenario. There is a list of questions for you to answer relating to the scenario. Please choose one answer only.

Imagine your Principal has asked to see you at 9am at the school canteen.

Question 1: What time will you come? (Give a reason to your answer)
A. 9.00am
B. 8.45am
C. 9.15am

Question 2: Will you make sure your uniform is in place?(Give a reason to your answer)
A. Yes
B. No

Question 3: When the Principal is talking to you, will you be using your phone or daydream?
A. Of course
B. No, I better listen

Many of us will definitely come earlier or on time, will definitely make sure our uniform is ok and will definitely pay full attention to what the Principal says as we are afraid that we might get punished or even get expelled. Let me ask you another set of questions.

1. How many of you come on time or earlier for service?
2. How many of you sms your friend, talk to your friend or sleep during service?
3. How many of you actually listen and apply what Pastor teaches on Sunday?
4. How about our dressing? Is there a need for change ?

Do you agree that some of our attitudes show a lack of fear and respect for the Lord ?
What are some actions we can take to correct our behaviour ?

Application: As a cell group, let’s commit ourselves to give God our best every week when we come to worship. Let’s hold each other accountable for positive change. Choose one teen to lead a prayer of commitment for the cell group.

2. They worship in a wearisome and tiresome manner (Malachi 1:12-13)

1. We grow tired of God and merely go through the motions when we have lost the fire in our hearts for Him.

2. Someone once said that worry and worship cannot exist together. Our worries can also become “gods” that is bigger than God that robs our joy in worshipping Him. Are there burdens in our hearts that hinder our worship?

Application: Minister to the teens in the areas of their worries and cares. All read Psalms 23 together and be refreshed in his presence.

**Cell leaders, please emphasize the two points below to wrap up:

How to Remove “Offensive Offering & Worthless Worship” from Our Lives?

1. We must fall in love with God so that like someone in love, we can’t wait to be in His presence to worship and spend time with Him. We give Him our BEST.

2. We must see how much He loves us and be renewed in our love and honor for Him. We are His BELOVED.