Our Worship Is Acceptable When We Offer Acceptable Gifts

When you offer blind animals in sacrifice, is that not evil? And when you offer those that are lame or sick, is that not evil? Present that to your governor; will he accept you or show you favor? says the LORD of hosts. 9 And now entreat the favor of God, that he may be gracious to us. With such a gift from your hand, will he show favor to any of you? says the LORD of hosts.

Malachi 1:8-9 (ESV)

Acceptable Gifts

A Broken and Contrite Heart (Psalm 51:17)

Your Body as Living Sacrifices (Romans 12:1)

The Prayers of the Righteous (Proverbs 15:8)

The Practice Righteousness and Justice (Proverbs 21:3)

Praise for the LORD’s Great Name (Hebrews 13:15)

The Practice Generosity (Hebrews 13:16)

Financial Support of God’s Work (Philippians 4:18)

Our Worship Is Acceptable When We Cherish the Lord’s Table

Oh that there were one among you who would shut the doors, that you might not kindle fire on my altar in vain! I have no pleasure in you, says the LORD of hosts, and I will not accept an offering from your hand. 11 For from the rising of the sun to its setting my name will be great among the nations, and in every place incense will be offered to my name, and a pure offering. For my name will be great among the nations, says the LORD of hosts. 12 But you profane it when you say that the Lord’s table is polluted, and its fruit, that is, its food may be despised.

Malachi 1:10-12 (ESV)

Quote

The Lord’s Supper is worship because it expresses the infinite worth of Christ. No one is more worthy to be remembered. No one is more worthy to be proclaimed. And no one can nourish our souls with eternal life but Christ.

John Piper

Our Worship Is Acceptable When We Express Heartfelt Worship

But you say, ‘What a weariness this is,’ and you snort at it, says the LORD of hosts. You bring what has been taken by violence or is lame or sick, and this you bring as your offering! Shall I accept that from your hand? says the LORD. 14 Cursed be the cheat who has a male in his flock, and vows it, and yet sacrifices to the Lord what is blemished. For I am a great King, says the LORD of hosts, and my name will be feared among the nations.

Malachi 1:13-14 (ESV)

My Offering of Praise

Complete the sentences and lift up your voice in praise to the Lord Our God.

“LORD, Your name is __________________________________.

I Praise Your Great Name because You have…

Open It!

What is your earliest memory of witnessing or observing Communion (The Lord’s Supper)?

Discuss It!

How were the Corinthians disrespecting the Table of the Lord (11:17–22)?

What does this passage teach us about the Lord’s Supper and Jesus’ redemptive work (11:23–26)?

What is the evangelistic role of Communion (11:26)?

What should we do before observing the Lord’s Supper (11:28)?

What happened when the Corinthians disrespected the Lord’s Table (11:30-32)?

What other counsel does Paul give to Christians preparing for Communion (11:33–34)?

How do you typically prepare for the Lord’s Supper?

Live It!

What has this study taught you about the Lord’s Supper?

What does this passage promise you?

What does this passage require of you?

What will you do differently going forward as you prepare and participate for the Lord’s Supper?