Embracing God's Promises Through Silence and Worship
Summary
### Summary
Today, we explored the profound message of God's promises as illustrated in the book of Malachi. We began by reflecting on the generosity and responsiveness of our congregation, which mirrors the spirit of giving and sacrifice that God calls us to embody. As we delved into Malachi, we were reminded of the 400 years of silence from God, a period where no prophet's voice was heard, yet God's work continued. This silence was not an absence but a preparation for the coming of John the Baptist and ultimately, Jesus Christ, the fulfillment of God's promises.
Malachi presents a courtroom scene where God, as the prosecuting attorney, charges His people with contempt for offering defiled sacrifices and not fully surrendering to His will. This indictment serves as a mirror for us, challenging us to examine our own lives and the authenticity of our worship. God’s promise, however, remains steadfast: He will send a messenger to prepare the way, and the Lord will come to refine and purify His people.
The essence of our faith journey is anchored in the promises of God. From Abraham to Moses, Joshua, and the New Testament believers, we see that all they had was a promise from God, and it was enough. These promises are fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who embodies all of God's assurances with a resounding "Yes." Our faith is not based on tangible evidence but on the unwavering promises of God, which call us to trust and obey.
In our personal lives, we often seek God's intervention in our circumstances, asking for deliverance or blessings. However, the true essence of our relationship with God is not in what He can do for us but in His presence with us. We are called to seek God Himself, not just His gifts. This is the heart of Malachi's message and the entire scripture: the promise of God's faithful presence with us through every trial and triumph.
### Key Takeaways
1. God's Promises Amidst Silence: The 400 years of silence between the Old and New Testaments were not a period of God's inactivity but a time of preparation for the coming of Christ. This teaches us that even when God seems silent, He is still at work, preparing us for His greater plans. [29:06]
2. Authentic Worship: Malachi challenges us to examine the authenticity of our worship. Offering defiled sacrifices and not fully surrendering to God shows contempt for His name. True worship requires complete surrender and genuine devotion, not just outward compliance. [31:10]
3. Faith in God's Promises: From Abraham to Moses and Joshua, the Bible shows that God's people often had nothing but His promises to rely on. This teaches us that faith is about trusting God's promises even when we lack tangible evidence. Our journey is guided by His word and our obedience to it. [36:03]
4. Seeking God's Presence Over His Gifts: Our prayers should focus on seeking God's presence rather than asking for specific blessings or deliverance. The true essence of our relationship with God is found in His presence with us, which provides strength and peace in all circumstances. [45:15]
5. Living Out the Promise: The ultimate fulfillment of God's promises is in Jesus Christ. As believers, we are called to live out this promise by trusting in Christ and allowing His presence to guide us. This involves stepping out in faith, even when the path is unclear, and relying on God's unwavering faithfulness. [49:19]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[27:40] - Generosity and Community
[28:29] - Introduction to Malachi
[29:06] - 400 Years of Silence
[29:41] - Feeling on Trial
[30:14] - Charges of Contempt
[32:02] - Weariness and Words
[33:47] - The Coming Messenger
[34:26] - Acceptable Sacrifices
[35:12] - God's Unchanging Nature
[36:03] - Faith in Promises
[39:51] - Fulfillment in Christ
[42:16] - The Cost of Following Christ
[45:15] - Seeking God's Presence
[49:19] - Living Out the Promise
[51:05] - The Promise of Christ's Presence
[56:11] - Embracing the Promise
[59:13] - The Shepherd's Presence
[01:00:30] - Invitation to Embrace God's Promise
[01:05:56] - Closing Prayer and Benediction
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Malachi 3:1-6
2. 2 Corinthians 1:20
3. Isaiah 43:1-2
#### Observation Questions
1. In Malachi 3:1, who is the messenger that God promises to send, and what is his purpose?
2. According to Malachi 3:2-3, what will the Lord do when He comes to His temple?
3. How does 2 Corinthians 1:20 describe the fulfillment of God's promises?
4. What assurance does Isaiah 43:1-2 give to those who are going through difficult times?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does the 400 years of silence between the Old and New Testaments teach us about God's timing and preparation? [29:06]
2. How does the concept of offering defiled sacrifices in Malachi challenge us to examine the authenticity of our worship today? [31:10]
3. Why is it significant that all of God's promises are fulfilled in Jesus Christ, as stated in 2 Corinthians 1:20? [39:51]
4. How can seeking God's presence over His gifts change our perspective on prayer and our relationship with Him? [45:15]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt God was silent in your life. How can the 400 years of silence in Malachi encourage you to trust that God is still at work? [29:06]
2. In what ways might you be offering "defiled sacrifices" in your life? What steps can you take to ensure your worship is genuine and fully surrendered to God? [31:10]
3. How can you remind yourself daily that God's promises are fulfilled in Jesus Christ, especially when facing uncertainty or doubt? [39:51]
4. Think about your recent prayers. Are they more focused on asking for God's gifts or seeking His presence? How can you shift your focus to prioritize God's presence in your life? [45:15]
5. Identify a specific area in your life where you need to trust in God's promise rather than seeking tangible evidence. How can you step out in faith this week? [36:03]
6. How can you cultivate a deeper awareness of God's presence in your daily routine, especially during challenging times? [45:15]
7. Reflect on the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises in Jesus Christ. How can this truth guide your actions and decisions in the coming week? [49:19]
Devotional
Day 1: God's Work in Silence
Even when God seems silent, He is preparing us for His greater plans.
Description:
The 400 years of silence between the Old and New Testaments were not a period of God's inactivity but a time of preparation for the coming of Christ. This teaches us that even when God seems silent, He is still at work, preparing us for His greater plans. During this time, the people of Israel might have felt abandoned or forgotten, but God was orchestrating events to fulfill His promises. This period of silence culminated in the arrival of John the Baptist, who prepared the way for Jesus Christ, the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises.
In our own lives, we may experience seasons where God seems distant or silent. These times can be challenging and may cause us to question our faith. However, it is crucial to remember that God's silence does not equate to His absence. He is always at work, even when we cannot see it. Trusting in God's timing and His plans requires faith and patience, knowing that He is preparing us for something greater. [29:06]
Habakkuk 2:3 (ESV): "For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end—it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay."
Reflection: Think of a time when you felt God was silent in your life. How can you trust that He is still at work, preparing you for His greater plans?
Day 2: Authentic Worship
True worship requires complete surrender and genuine devotion, not just outward compliance.
Description:
Malachi challenges us to examine the authenticity of our worship. Offering defiled sacrifices and not fully surrendering to God shows contempt for His name. True worship requires complete surrender and genuine devotion, not just outward compliance. In the book of Malachi, God accuses His people of offering blemished sacrifices and going through the motions of worship without true reverence or commitment. This serves as a mirror for us, prompting us to reflect on the sincerity of our own worship practices.
Authentic worship is not about performing rituals or following religious routines. It is about a heartfelt connection with God, characterized by genuine love, reverence, and obedience. When we approach God with a sincere heart, we honor His name and demonstrate our commitment to Him. This kind of worship transforms our lives and deepens our relationship with God. [31:10]
Isaiah 29:13 (ESV): "And the Lord said: 'Because this people draw near with their mouth and honor me with their lips, while their hearts are far from me, and their fear of me is a commandment taught by men.'"
Reflection: Reflect on your current worship practices. Are there areas where you are merely going through the motions? How can you cultivate a more genuine and heartfelt connection with God in your worship?
Day 3: Trusting God's Promises
Faith is about trusting God's promises even when we lack tangible evidence.
Description:
From Abraham to Moses and Joshua, the Bible shows that God's people often had nothing but His promises to rely on. This teaches us that faith is about trusting God's promises even when we lack tangible evidence. Throughout the scriptures, we see numerous examples of individuals who stepped out in faith, guided solely by God's word. They trusted in His promises, even when the fulfillment seemed distant or impossible.
Our journey of faith is similar. We may not always see immediate results or have concrete evidence of God's promises being fulfilled. However, we are called to trust in His word and remain obedient to His guidance. This kind of faith requires us to let go of our need for control and certainty, relying instead on God's unwavering faithfulness. [36:03]
Hebrews 11:1 (ESV): "Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen."
Reflection: Think of a promise from God that you are holding onto. How can you strengthen your trust in His faithfulness, even when you lack tangible evidence of its fulfillment?
Day 4: Seeking God's Presence
The true essence of our relationship with God is found in His presence with us.
Description:
Our prayers should focus on seeking God's presence rather than asking for specific blessings or deliverance. The true essence of our relationship with God is found in His presence with us, which provides strength and peace in all circumstances. Often, we approach God with a list of requests, seeking His intervention in our lives. While it is not wrong to ask for God's help, we must remember that the greatest gift He offers is Himself.
Malachi's message and the entire scripture emphasize the importance of God's faithful presence with us. When we seek God Himself, rather than just His gifts, we experience a deeper and more fulfilling relationship with Him. His presence brings comfort, guidance, and assurance, regardless of the challenges we face. [45:15]
Psalm 16:11 (ESV): "You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore."
Reflection: In your prayers today, focus on seeking God's presence rather than asking for specific blessings. How does this shift in focus change your experience of prayer and your relationship with God?
Day 5: Living Out the Promise
As believers, we are called to live out God's promises by trusting in Christ and allowing His presence to guide us.
Description:
The ultimate fulfillment of God's promises is in Jesus Christ. As believers, we are called to live out this promise by trusting in Christ and allowing His presence to guide us. This involves stepping out in faith, even when the path is unclear, and relying on God's unwavering faithfulness. Jesus embodies all of God's assurances with a resounding "Yes," and through Him, we have access to the fullness of God's promises.
Living out the promise means actively engaging in our faith journey, making decisions that reflect our trust in God's word, and allowing His presence to influence every aspect of our lives. It requires us to be intentional in our relationship with Christ, seeking His guidance and following His example. By doing so, we become living testimonies of God's faithfulness and love. [49:19]
2 Corinthians 1:20 (ESV): "For all the promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why it is through him that we utter our Amen to God for his glory."
Reflection: Consider one area of your life where you need to step out in faith and trust in God's promises. What practical steps can you take today to live out this promise and allow Christ's presence to guide you?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "The truth is all the people of God have ever had was a promise from God. Read the Bible. All they ever had was a promise. Everything that happened in scripture. All the miracles that took place. Took place not because God offered some evidence. That something was going to happen. But because somebody believed the promise of God. And stepped out in obedience to the will of God. That's the pathway to effective Christian living. That's the pathway to finding our way. Out of the maze. That we sometimes sense ourselves to be in. In this life." (42 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "If you do not believe in Jesus Christ, the promises of God are null and void in your life. We don't like to hear that anymore, do we? We'd rather have a broader stream of truth and acceptance, but I'm going to say it again. If you do not. If you do not have Jesus Christ in your life, you cannot call on the promises of the living God. He is the only way to the father. There is no other way." (32 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Stop asking God for anything except himself. Ask God for himself. Seek more of him, not more of what you think he can do. Not more of what he might do. Start giving. Start seeking the God of heaven. That's the message of Malachi. That's the message of the entire scripture. We have the promise of God that God will be faithful with us." (30 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Jesus Christ, who is the fulfillment of the promise, is at your side and with you in every circumstance and every situation. That's the promise of God. He's with us. I don't pray anymore that God would deliver me from things. I've learned that. I don't ask him to do that. What I ask him to do is to reassure me that I'm standing in the place of the promise, wherever that is." (34 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "I can't promise you anything, but I can tell you this. If you bring your kids into the promise of God, into the promise of God, not asking God to do anything, but just here they are, Lord, I'm going to give them to you. Here's my situation. I'm not telling you what you ought to do. But please do come and be with me. The Lord is my shepherd. I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside the still waters." (35 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "When I read it, I felt like I was in a courtroom. And I felt like maybe I was in the docket. And the prosecuting attorney was pressing the charges against me. And in this case, the prosecuting attorney happened to be God himself. Which made me extremely uncomfortable to be in that position. But here's why I felt that way. It begins right in the beginning. Verse 2 of chapter 1. God said to me on the witness end, I've always loved you, said the Lord. And sometimes in my journey, I've wanted to say, really? How have you loved me? Have you ever had the courage to ask God that question? How have you loved me?" (52 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The only thing that I have to offer you. This morning is the promise of God. That's all we have as a church. That's all we have. That's the message is the promise of God. Of course, we have Christ. And now the living Christ the resurrected Christ who through whom the Holy Spirit comes into our lives and brings the person of Christ to dwell in us. It's a wonderful thing, but that's all we have and then in the New Testament Paul sums it up like this. He says for all of God's promises. This is. This is in 2nd Corinthians 1 for all of God's promises have been fulfilled in Christ with a resounding. Yes." (39 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "God is always up to something when we're going through something. God is always up to something. We have His promise. this is our time. For such a time as this. This is our time. This is our time to stand in the gap, as the old prophet said, and make up the hedge. This is our time to carry the burden. This is our time to give what we need to give. This is our time to sacrifice ourselves for the kingdom of God. If we don't, what will our sons and our daughters learn from us? If they don't see it in us." (47 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "I can't promise you anything, but I can tell you this. If you bring your kids into the promise of God, into the promise of God, not asking God to do anything, but just here they are, Lord, I'm going to give them to you. Here's my situation. I'm not telling you what you ought to do. But please do come and be with me. The Lord is my shepherd. I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside the still waters. Isn't that wonderful? We're in the green pastures and the still waters. He restores my soul. But even if I should walk through the valley, anybody in a valley today, even if I should walk through the valley of even death, I will not be afraid because he's with me." (35 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "I can't promise you anything, but I can tell you this. If you bring your kids into the promise of God, into the promise of God, not asking God to do anything, but just here they are, Lord, I'm going to give them to you. Here's my situation. I'm not telling you what you ought to do. But please do come and be with me. The Lord is my shepherd. I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside the still waters. Isn't that wonderful? We're in the green pastures and the still waters. He restores my soul. But even if I should walk through the valley, anybody in a valley today, even if I should walk through the valley of even death, I will not be afraid because he's with me. You know, he didn't, he didn't even say, please get me out of the valley. He said, I'm okay here. We're going to not be here, but I'm all right here." (72 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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