does it pay to serve god? malachi 3:16

Does it Pay to Serve God? Malachi 3:16

Does it Pay to Serve God? Malachi 3:16

Adapted from a

Davon Huss sermon

http://www.sermoncentral.com/print_friendly.asp?

ContributorID=&SermonID=42820

Adapted from a

Davon Huss sermon

http://www.sermoncentral.com/print_friendly.asp?

ContributorID=&SermonID=42820

Malachi 3:16 NIV Then those who feared the LORD talked with each other, and the

LORD listened and heard. A scroll of remembrance was written in his

presence concerning those who feared the LORD and honored his name.




Have you ever come in contact with someone who went to church for a long time, got involved in the programs of the

church, made a decision for Jesus Christ, but over time they believe that it

didn’t do much for them, so they no longer attend church or any spiritual

activities. They probably will not say that out loud but this is a prevailing attitude

among some people.

Have you ever come in contact with someone who went to church for a long time, got involved in the programs of the

church, made a decision for Jesus Christ, but over time they believe that it

didn’t do much for them, so they no longer attend church or any spiritual

activities. They probably will not say that out loud but this is a prevailing attitude

among some people.

God helps those who help themselves, and God didn’t do much for me. As a

matter of fact my life was more difficult when I was serving God, so who needs

God, the church, Christianity? It is a burden. What is the use? In the past I have thought, "What good am I doing

preaching the Word? Look at the lives of the people! No change, no difference. Are they even listening, do they even

care?”

God helps those who help themselves, and God didn’t do much for me. As a

matter of fact my life was more difficult when I was serving God, so who needs

God, the church, Christianity? It is a burden. What is the use? In the past I have thought, "What good am I doing

preaching the Word? Look at the lives of the people! No change, no difference. Are they even listening, do they even

care?”

The very reasons I gave myself for not preaching the Word are the same

reasons that I need to preach the Word of God! How many ask, "What are we

getting out of it?" They are serving God as a mere duty and when it becomes too

troublesome they abandon God.

The very reasons I gave myself for not preaching the Word are the same

reasons that I need to preach the Word of God! How many ask, "What are we

getting out of it?" They are serving God as a mere duty and when it becomes too

troublesome they abandon God.

These people argue that God was obligated to pay them something in

return for them showing up and going through the motions. Their expectations were not met so they questioned God’s pay off. Their conclusion was "We’re no

better off!“Are we serving out of duty or out of

love? If out of duty, if no tangible results, then we abandon God.

These people argue that God was obligated to pay them something in

return for them showing up and going through the motions. Their expectations were not met so they questioned God’s pay off. Their conclusion was "We’re no

better off!“Are we serving out of duty or out of

love? If out of duty, if no tangible results, then we abandon God.

H.B. London- "Lord, I need You to help me to see satisfactions in service, to

enjoy partnership with You, to delight in studying, seeking, and speaking for You; and rescue me from the prison of merely

doing my duty. Amen.“

This shows great insight. This is not just a problem with them; it can also be a

problem with us.

H.B. London- "Lord, I need You to help me to see satisfactions in service, to

enjoy partnership with You, to delight in studying, seeking, and speaking for You; and rescue me from the prison of merely

doing my duty. Amen.“

This shows great insight. This is not just a problem with them; it can also be a

problem with us.

Our attitude can be this way sometimes. Look at neighbors, look at co-workers,

look at the people on TV, they don’t go to church nor have any faith, they are

godless and look, they are better off. They are happy go lucky and they make more money and are rewarded for their immorality. WE probably have not said this but we have thought it from time to

time.

Our attitude can be this way sometimes. Look at neighbors, look at co-workers,

look at the people on TV, they don’t go to church nor have any faith, they are

godless and look, they are better off. They are happy go lucky and they make more money and are rewarded for their immorality. WE probably have not said this but we have thought it from time to

time.

Really this stems from the problem of self-righteousness. We are better than

others are. We are blessed of God. Nobody is as good and as blessed as we are. We don’t drink, don’t smoke, don’t chew and we don’t date girls who do. If we do these things we are better than

other people. We look down our noses at the ungodly person who is laying the

gutter and we say that person is suffering for his sins.

Really this stems from the problem of self-righteousness. We are better than

others are. We are blessed of God. Nobody is as good and as blessed as we are. We don’t drink, don’t smoke, don’t chew and we don’t date girls who do. If we do these things we are better than

other people. We look down our noses at the ungodly person who is laying the

gutter and we say that person is suffering for his sins.

I am so much better than that. However, when we do all that we believe that a

Christian should and it is clear that we are not better off in this world than others, we have less money, less prestige, less power, low social

standing, this is the point where many lose their motivation and maybe even

lose their faith.

I am so much better than that. However, when we do all that we believe that a

Christian should and it is clear that we are not better off in this world than others, we have less money, less prestige, less power, low social

standing, this is the point where many lose their motivation and maybe even

lose their faith.

Some people are serving God not to glorify Him, but for their own selfish

interests and personal advantage. When their selfish interest and personal

advantage are not met to their satisfaction, then they no longer serve

God.

Some people are serving God not to glorify Him, but for their own selfish

interests and personal advantage. When their selfish interest and personal

advantage are not met to their satisfaction, then they no longer serve

God.

This brings us to the book of Malachi. The preaching prophet Malachi

ministered not long after the time of Nehemiah. About 400 years before the

birth of Christ. It is the last book of the Old Testament.

The temple and the city of Jerusalem had been rebuilt.

This brings us to the book of Malachi. The preaching prophet Malachi

ministered not long after the time of Nehemiah. About 400 years before the

birth of Christ. It is the last book of the Old Testament.

The temple and the city of Jerusalem had been rebuilt.

Nehemiah is no longer there and the people become disappointed with God because He is not making them more prosperous and more powerful than their neighbors. When they compare themselves to their neighbors, they

realize that they are poor in many ways. However, they are serving God and

doing their duty so why are they poor while the ungodly are rich.

Nehemiah is no longer there and the people become disappointed with God because He is not making them more prosperous and more powerful than their neighbors. When they compare themselves to their neighbors, they

realize that they are poor in many ways. However, they are serving God and

doing their duty so why are they poor while the ungodly are rich.

People who are just fulfilling an obligation do not bring their best.

Israel’s attitude was to do just enough to get by because their hearts were far

from God. Israel’s attitude lead to much of this decline. First, they doubt God’s love because they have not been very prosperous. The priests and people do

not appreciate proper worship.

People who are just fulfilling an obligation do not bring their best.

Israel’s attitude was to do just enough to get by because their hearts were far

from God. Israel’s attitude lead to much of this decline. First, they doubt God’s love because they have not been very prosperous. The priests and people do

not appreciate proper worship.

They bring crippled, worthless animals sacrifices to the temple and expect God to be pleased. They consider the whole worship process a waste of time. The

priests have no reverence for God’s law. Men have divorced their wives without cause and have broken their marriage

vows. Robbed God by withholding their tithes and offering.

They bring crippled, worthless animals sacrifices to the temple and expect God to be pleased. They consider the whole worship process a waste of time. The

priests have no reverence for God’s law. Men have divorced their wives without cause and have broken their marriage

vows. Robbed God by withholding their tithes and offering.

These problems have been caused because of this central issue to the book

of Malachi. Malachi 3:14 NIV “You have said, ‘It is

futile to serve God. What did we gain by carrying out his requirements and going

about like mourners before the LORD Almighty? 15 But now we call the

arrogant blessed. Certainly the evildoers prosper, and even those who challenge

God escape.’ ”

These problems have been caused because of this central issue to the book

of Malachi. Malachi 3:14 NIV “You have said, ‘It is

futile to serve God. What did we gain by carrying out his requirements and going

about like mourners before the LORD Almighty? 15 But now we call the

arrogant blessed. Certainly the evildoers prosper, and even those who challenge

God escape.’ ”

"What is the use of religion? Does it make any difference to a man’s

condition?" Sinful lives appeared to have a firm foundation, and to live in mansions, while righteous ones were

living in mud huts. Goodness seemed to spell ruin. This is in the Old Testament.

Yes, things were different. However, how many of us have not thought these

things and have considered the upside-down state of our world.

"What is the use of religion? Does it make any difference to a man’s

condition?" Sinful lives appeared to have a firm foundation, and to live in mansions, while righteous ones were

living in mud huts. Goodness seemed to spell ruin. This is in the Old Testament.

Yes, things were different. However, how many of us have not thought these

things and have considered the upside-down state of our world.

These ideas are still difficulties in the way of believing in a loving, all-knowing,

and all-powerful God, and are easy arguments coming from unbelievers to frustrate faith. Malachi makes it clear that to dwell upon these ideas and to have these thoughts drive us to throw

off our faith, is not merely folly, it is sin.

These ideas are still difficulties in the way of believing in a loving, all-knowing,

and all-powerful God, and are easy arguments coming from unbelievers to frustrate faith. Malachi makes it clear that to dwell upon these ideas and to have these thoughts drive us to throw

off our faith, is not merely folly, it is sin.

How do we answer people when they give us these arguments against God?

How do we combat these ungodly ideas in our own lives? Does it pay to serve God? We must rely upon our spiritual relationships with God and with other Christians to combat, to answer. Verse

16 and following helps us to answer these questions.

How do we answer people when they give us these arguments against God?

How do we combat these ungodly ideas in our own lives? Does it pay to serve God? We must rely upon our spiritual relationships with God and with other Christians to combat, to answer. Verse

16 and following helps us to answer these questions.

Fear of the LordFear of the LordI feared my parents. When I was young I

feared getting a spanking, but later I feared them from a different perspective. I did not want to disappoint them, make them ashamed, and dishonor the family

name. I did not want my actions and attitudes to get in the way of our

relationship. I feared them. I took into account how this would affect our

relationship.

I feared my parents. When I was young I feared getting a spanking, but later I

feared them from a different perspective. I did not want to disappoint them, make them ashamed, and dishonor the family

name. I did not want my actions and attitudes to get in the way of our

relationship. I feared them. I took into account how this would affect our

relationship.

Even if my actions would lead me to poverty, to ruin, to public humiliation,

just to hear my parents’ words, "Son, we are so proud of you.“

I fear my wife. Not in the sense that I am afraid of her, just her cast-iron skillet.

No, but I do not want to disappoint her, make her ashamed of me, dishonor her through my actions. I do not want my

actions and attitudes to get in the way of our relationship.

Even if my actions would lead me to poverty, to ruin, to public humiliation,

just to hear my parents’ words, "Son, we are so proud of you.“

I fear my wife. Not in the sense that I am afraid of her, just her cast-iron skillet.

No, but I do not want to disappoint her, make her ashamed of me, dishonor her through my actions. I do not want my

actions and attitudes to get in the way of our relationship.

I fear my wife. I take into account how each thing will affect our relationship.

Even if my actions will lead us to poverty, to ruin, to public humiliation, just to hear Gayla’s words, “Rick, I am

so proud of what you have done.” Above all of these, I fear the Lord. I do fear getting discipline from him, but

beyond that I do not want to disappoint him, make him ashamed, and dishonor

his Holy Name.

I fear my wife. I take into account how each thing will affect our relationship.

Even if my actions will lead us to poverty, to ruin, to public humiliation, just to hear Gayla’s words, “Rick, I am

so proud of what you have done.” Above all of these, I fear the Lord. I do fear getting discipline from him, but

beyond that I do not want to disappoint him, make him ashamed, and dishonor

his Holy Name.

I do not want my actions and attitudes to get in the way of our relationship. Everything I do, I need to take into

account how this will affect my relationship with the Lord. I fear and

respect and honor the Lord.

I do not want my actions and attitudes to get in the way of our relationship. Everything I do, I need to take into

account how this will affect my relationship with the Lord. I fear and

respect and honor the Lord.

Even if my righteous actions lead me to poverty, to ruin, or to public humiliation, just to hear the Lord’s words, "Well done good and faithful servant" makes all the

difference throughout eternity.

Godly people take God seriously and ungodly people do not take God

seriously. (Jim Harvey)

Even if my righteous actions lead me to poverty, to ruin, or to public humiliation, just to hear the Lord’s words, "Well done good and faithful servant" makes all the

difference throughout eternity.

Godly people take God seriously and ungodly people do not take God

seriously. (Jim Harvey)

They talked to each otherThey talked to each otherFellowship is so important. To hang

around an ungodly crowd who do not take the Lord seriously will begin to

lessen our fear, it will begin to ruin us spiritually.

For EncouragingHebrews 10:25 NET not abandoning our own meetings, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging each other,

and even more so because you see the day drawing near.

Fellowship is so important. To hang around an ungodly crowd who do not take the Lord seriously will begin to

lessen our fear, it will begin to ruin us spiritually.

For EncouragingHebrews 10:25 NET not abandoning our own meetings, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging each other,

and even more so because you see the day drawing near.

Building each other up

1 Thessalonians 5:11 NET Therefore encourage one another and build up

each other, just as you are in fact doing.

Building each other up

1 Thessalonians 5:11 NET Therefore encourage one another and build up

each other, just as you are in fact doing.

Reassuring each other Sharing Christ and how good He has

been to us.1 Peter 2:9 NET But you are a chosen

race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people of his own, so that you may proclaim the virtues of the one who called you out of darkness into his

marvelous light.

Reassuring each other Sharing Christ and how good He has

been to us.1 Peter 2:9 NET But you are a chosen

race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people of his own, so that you may proclaim the virtues of the one who called you out of darkness into his

marvelous light.

May we be like Jeremiah.

Jeremiah 20:9 NIV But if I say, “I will not mention him or speak any more in his

name,” his word is in my heart like a fire, a fire shut up in my bones. I am weary of

holding it in; indeed, I cannot.

Being around people of faith is so important.

May we be like Jeremiah.

Jeremiah 20:9 NIV But if I say, “I will not mention him or speak any more in his

name,” his word is in my heart like a fire, a fire shut up in my bones. I am weary of

holding it in; indeed, I cannot.

Being around people of faith is so important.

and the LORD listened and heard.

Who does the Lord hear?

Does the Lord hear those who just simply do their duty, fulfill their

obligations, or does He hear those whose hearts are simple, sincere, and surrendered to Him no matter what the

cost.

and the LORD listened and heard.

Who does the Lord hear?

Does the Lord hear those who just simply do their duty, fulfill their

obligations, or does He hear those whose hearts are simple, sincere, and surrendered to Him no matter what the

cost.

The Spiritual ReceptionThe Spiritual Reception

He hears those who have:

1. The right attitude- reverence and respect for God.2. The right heart- fears the Lord and wants to bring glory to Him.3. Are looking for the right results- more humility, obedience, and worship.

He hears those who have:

1. The right attitude- reverence and respect for God.2. The right heart- fears the Lord and wants to bring glory to Him.3. Are looking for the right results- more humility, obedience, and worship.

16c A scroll of remembrance was written in his presence concerning those who

feared the LORD and honored his name. When they saw the wicked rewarded and the righteous suffer, it made them think

that God forgot all their good. Here Malachi promises that not only will God

remember, but He will write it down! (Guzik)

16c A scroll of remembrance was written in his presence concerning those who

feared the LORD and honored his name. When they saw the wicked rewarded and the righteous suffer, it made them think

that God forgot all their good. Here Malachi promises that not only will God

remember, but He will write it down! (Guzik)

Those who fear Him, yes, but those who are his children.

Malachi 3:17 NIV “They will be mine,” says the LORD Almighty, “in the day

when I make up my treasured possession. I will spare them, just as in compassion a man spares his son who

serves him.

Those who fear Him, yes, but those who are his children.

Malachi 3:17 NIV “They will be mine,” says the LORD Almighty, “in the day

when I make up my treasured possession. I will spare them, just as in compassion a man spares his son who

serves him.

Contrast vs. 14 with this promise, “You have said, It is futile to serve God.”

Verse 17a,c “They will be mine,” says the LORD Almighty “… I will spare them, just as in compassion a man spares his

son who serves him.What is the difference?

Contrast vs. 14 with this promise, “You have said, It is futile to serve God.”

Verse 17a,c “They will be mine,” says the LORD Almighty “… I will spare them, just as in compassion a man spares his

son who serves him.What is the difference?

The service of a son and the service of a slave. In the parable of the Prodigal Son,

the youngest came back and served because he was a son, the Eldest served

because he felt like he was a slave. There is a service of God that thinks in terms of what it is contributing to the plantation and what the slave owner owes to me. That service is indeed in

vain.

The service of a son and the service of a slave. In the parable of the Prodigal Son,

the youngest came back and served because he was a son, the Eldest served

because he felt like he was a slave. There is a service of God that thinks in terms of what it is contributing to the plantation and what the slave owner owes to me. That service is indeed in

vain.

But there is another kind of service that thinks like a son in the house of his

father- here is total security, here is food on the table, here is rest and recreation and love and education and inheritance

and the fame and glory of my Father! Why would I want to work anywhere else

but here!

But there is another kind of service that thinks like a son in the house of his

father- here is total security, here is food on the table, here is rest and recreation and love and education and inheritance

and the fame and glory of my Father! Why would I want to work anywhere else

but here!

This is the mindset of the true servant of God. Are you a son, a member of the

family, or are you a slave? God hears his children, not slaves or servants who put

in their time and expect payment.

This is the mindset of the true servant of God. Are you a son, a member of the

family, or are you a slave? God hears his children, not slaves or servants who put

in their time and expect payment.

The spiritual rewardsThe spiritual rewards1 Corinthians 15:58 NET So then, dear

brothers and sisters, be firm. Do not be moved! Always be outstanding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your

labor is not in vain in the Lord. God will hear your words and remember

your service. This means that God will never forget the good that we have done

in his power and for His glory.

1 Corinthians 15:58 NET So then, dear brothers and sisters, be firm. Do not be moved! Always be outstanding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your

labor is not in vain in the Lord. God will hear your words and remember

your service. This means that God will never forget the good that we have done

in his power and for His glory.

It may look forgotten and unrewarded now, but God is just and every lesson faithfully prepared, every courtesy on the highway, every smile on the street, every thank you note, every visit in the

hospital, etc, is being written in the book of remembrance and will be repaid to

your joy and God’s glory forever when the books are opened. Amen! God said I will spare them, just as in compassion a

man spares his son who serves him. Verse 17c

It may look forgotten and unrewarded now, but God is just and every lesson faithfully prepared, every courtesy on the highway, every smile on the street, every thank you note, every visit in the

hospital, etc, is being written in the book of remembrance and will be repaid to

your joy and God’s glory forever when the books are opened. Amen! God said I will spare them, just as in compassion a

man spares his son who serves him. Verse 17c

The good news is that sons don’t have to be perfect to be spared, they just have

to serve like sons instead of slaves. They have to enjoy the mansion instead

of the slaves quarters outback. How can a holy God spare a sinful son even if the son has repented and come home?

Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners. God is just.

The good news is that sons don’t have to be perfect to be spared, they just have

to serve like sons instead of slaves. They have to enjoy the mansion instead

of the slaves quarters outback. How can a holy God spare a sinful son even if the son has repented and come home?

Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners. God is just.

He will spare sinful sons, precisely because he did not spare his only

sinless Son. God promises that one day all things will

be made right. The differences between the righteous and the wicked will be cleared up one

day. The future judgment holds the key.

He will spare sinful sons, precisely because he did not spare his only

sinless Son. God promises that one day all things will

be made right. The differences between the righteous and the wicked will be cleared up one

day. The future judgment holds the key.

Malachi 3:18 NIV And you will again see the distinction between the righteous and the wicked, between those who

serve God and those who do not.

Is this not enough to convince you? Some may ask,

“What is in it for me NOW?”

Malachi 3:18 NIV And you will again see the distinction between the righteous and the wicked, between those who

serve God and those who do not.

Is this not enough to convince you? Some may ask,

“What is in it for me NOW?”

Malachi 4:1 NIV “Surely the day is coming; it will burn like a furnace. All the

arrogant and every evildoer will be stubble, and that day that is coming will

set them on fire,” says the LORD Almighty. “Not a root or a branch will be

left to them.

Malachi 4:1 NIV “Surely the day is coming; it will burn like a furnace. All the

arrogant and every evildoer will be stubble, and that day that is coming will

set them on fire,” says the LORD Almighty. “Not a root or a branch will be

left to them.

2 But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with

healing in its wings. And you will go out and leap like calves released from the

stall.

Don’t be so concerned about now. It will all be made right, but which side are you

on?

2 But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with

healing in its wings. And you will go out and leap like calves released from the

stall.

Don’t be so concerned about now. It will all be made right, but which side are you

on?