Malachi 1:12-13

Introduction:

1. Have you ever lost your passion for or interest in something?

2. This can happen in many different areas in life: work, hobbies, relationships, education, etc.

3. In this discussion, we consider the danger of losing our passion for worship and service to God causing it to become “ho hum.”

Discussion:

I. The Passion of Newness (Romans 6:1-4; Hebrews 10:32-34; Ezra 3:1-4:3)

A. Do you remember the excitement of being newly converted to Christ?

1. This is often the most zealous time of our walk (John 4:28-29).

2. Perhaps we are more keenly aware of the gracious gift God has given us, so our love burns more strongly (Luke 7:47; 1 John 3:1-3; 4:19).

B. We must cultivate this zeal (cf. Hebrews 10:24-25; 2 Timothy 1:6-8) as many things threaten it (Matthew 13:5-7, 20-22; Proverbs 30:7-9; Hebrews 10:32-34; Revelation 2:8-11).

II. When Love Grows Cold (Malachi 1:6-14; Revelation 2:1-4)

A. Malachi confronted Judah for “despising” God’s name in worship.

1. They gave defiled sacrifices as worship became a weariness (1:6-9, 12-13).

2. Heartless worship is worse than none at all (1:10-11; Matthew 15:7-9).

B. The Ephesian church had similarly begun going through the motions and had left their first love (Revelation 2:1-4).

III. Returning to Our First Love (Hebrews 10:32-39; Revelation 2:5-7)

A. The way forward is to look back on the source of our zeal.

1. The Hebrews were to recall the former days and endure (Hebrews 10:32-39).

2. The Ephesians were to remember from where they had fallen, repent, and do the works they did at the first (Revelation 2:5).

B. God repeatedly calls His people to remember His gifts and hold fast to the confidence they generate (Hebrews 3:6; 4:14; 6:18; 10:23; Peter 1:12-15).

Conclusion:

1. The love of Christ controls us (2 Corinthians 5:14- ESV), so we must turn our hearts and minds there consistently to renew our youthful zeal for Him.

2. Though many threats will come and go, the anchor of our souls can never be moved (Hebrews 6:17-20), so we must never let serving Him become “ho hum.”