"Pure Worship + Typology"
TEXT: 2 Cor. 11:2; Malachi 2
TRUTHS:
1. Humans are inclined to personally view themselves as ‘good’. The temptation to assume that we are basically and inherently ‘good people’ is often a real struggle for many children of God. And although humanity retains the image of God and can participate in good works that benefit and serve other people, the Word of God steers us away from viewing self as intrinsically ‘good’. Every human has the distinct potential to produce evil, which God is intimately aware of and sovereign over, and that sinful nature desperately positions us before our Creator in need of redemption and restoration.
2. Our Heavenly Father desires an intimate relationship with the soul of every human. We must be careful not to fall into a rhythm of life that has us simply attending worship services rather than participating in them.
3. The Book of Malachi warns us about offering “leftovers” as we worship our Lord. It will produce confusion and cause a believer to feel distant from the presence and power of God.
4. What does God require of His children? What is the “deal-breaker” that, if done, will cause friction and distance in our personal relationship with Him? What is God looking for as He sanctifies and matures us? The number one thing that our Heavenly Father pays attention to concerning His children is how we treat (and view) other people. If our hearts and actions get “off” as we relate to others, we will notice that it directly impacts our relationship with the presence and voice of God (in a negative way).
5. It is quite common for believers to only cry out to their Heavenly Father during seasons of brokenness. But when life is comfortable, and we seemingly have most of our wants, we become distracted and back away from a fervent relationship with God through prayer. But we are called to live before the face of God, during seasons of both lament and rejoicing, and to offer Him thanks and praise through it all. This is what the Bible is getting at when it mentions being “pure in heart.” Purity of heart directs one to always seek God, throughout all seasons and circumstances of life.
6. We cannot (and must not) ‘yawn’ at the presence of God! Why? Our faith will not be passed on to the next generation and our prayers will be hindered from being answered.
TALK TO EACH OTHER:
1. Why is it important for us to understand and adhere to the truth that the Bible reveals about the nature of humans (Truth 1)? How should this reality impact the way we view others? Additionally, does it mean that we should have a low and pessimistic view of self? Why or why not?
2. What is the difference between attending and participating in worship services? How does a child of God prepare themselves to participate in corporate worship instead of only attending?
3. Consider our modern and cultural context and describe what it means (and looks like) to offer the Lord "leftovers" in our worship of Him. What does this practically look like?
4. Why does the Lord give so much attention to our treatment of other people? What is He trying to teach and reveal to us about human existence? What is the theology behind this reality?
5. What does it look like to "yawn" at the presence of God? What can believers do to ensure that they stay fervent in spirit concerning the presence and person of God?
TALK TO GOD:
Pray into the following areas:
Repentance about offering God "leftovers"
For hearts to be in awe of the presence and power of God
That brotherly affection would flow freely at Abundant Life
That we seriously consider the NT's commands concerning how we are to treat "one-another"