Worship: Expressing Our Love And Adoration

Speaker: Toby Soechting

Scripture: Malachi 

INTRODUCTION:

1. When Paul warned Timothy of a coming time when men would have a “form of godliness but denying its power” (2 Tim. 3:5) he spoke of times that mirrored those in the days of Malachi.
2. Malachi’s audience was finding little meaning or fulfillment in life.
3. There is a direct correlation between possessing the quality of holiness in one’s life AND finding meaning in life.
4. Scriptural worship helps us keep the two (holiness & meaning) connected.

DISCUSSION:
I. GRATITUDE (Mal. 1:2).

1. I have loved you,” says the LORD. “Yet you say, ‘In what way have You loved us?
2. When we are less than grateful to God, we have a form of godliness, but are denying its true power!

II. GIVING (Mal. 1:6-14).

1. Israel was giving God their leftovers.
2. We have an obligation to avoid dishonoring or despising God in the worship we pay.

III. GLORIFY GOD, NOT YOURSELF (Mal. 2:1-9).

1. “…You shall love the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.” (Mt. 4:10).
2. “Humble yourself in the sight of the Lord and He will lift you up” (Jas. 4:10).

IV. GRATITUDE FOR EVERYTHING (Mal. 3:6-12).

1. God accused Israel of robbing Him.
2. Christians are not obligated to tithe but we should feel obligated to give everything to God.

Conclusion:  May we always approach God with the love, respect, and adoration He deserves and His nature demands.

Worship: Expressing Our Love And Adoration

Consider One Another

Speaker: David Savage

Scripture: Hebrews 10:19-25

Overview:

• Let us draw near to God.
• Let us hold fast the confession.
• Let us consider one another to stir up love and good works.

Consider One Another

An Oft Forgotten Element of Brotherly Love

Speaker: Toby Soechting

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 4:11

INTRODUCTION:

1. “that you also aspire to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you,” (1 Thess. 4:11) 
2. “But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people’s matters. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter.” (1 Peter 4:15–16) 
3. “He who passes by and meddles in a quarrel not his own is like one who takes a dog by the ears.” (Prov. 26:17)

DISCUSSION:

I. SOME THINGS ARE OUR BUSINESS.

1. “Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself...” (Gal. 6:1–2)
2. “Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account…” (Heb. 13:17)
3. “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature...” (Mk. 16:15-16)

II. SOME AREAS REQUIRE OUR CARE, LEST WE MEDDLE.

1. When our motivation is anything less than agape love (cf. John 21:15-23).
2. When it is not my quarrel.

Conclusion:  As we go about the business of doing good for the sake of our God, may we never grow weary in so doing, for great is our reward in heaven, but may we also remember that spiritual maturity and discernment will be required.

An Oft Forgotten Element of Brotherly Love