My Name shall be Great

Text: Malachi 1-2
30 September 2007

(I) THE GREATNESS OF GOD’S NAME

1. Declaration

“…from the rising of the sun, even to its going down,My name shall be great among the Gentiles…” Malachi 1:11

” ‘…I am a great King,’ says the LORD of hosts,‘And My name is to be feared among the nations.’ ” Malachi 2:14

a) A Formal Declaration

b) A Personal Declaration

c) Content of Declaration

i) Greatness of God’s name

ii) This name is to be feared (reverenced)

2. Defence

a) Israel had not honoured God’s name

b) The nation had brought God’s name to disrepute

(II) THE GRAVE SINS OF ISRAEL

1. Charge of Despising of God’s name (Malachi 1:6)

2. Charge of Bringing unfit offering (Malachi 1:8, 9, 14)

3. Charge of Profaning the altar of God (Malachi 1:12)

4. Charge of Scorn of God’s service (Malachi 1:13)

5. Not giving glory to God’s name (Malachi 2:1)

(III) A SEVERE WARNING NOT TO BE TAKEN LIGHTLY

1. From blessing to Cursing (Malachi 2:2)

2. Rebuke of the descendants (Malachi 2:3)

3. Made contemptible (Malachi 2:9)

(IV) AN URGENT WORD OF ADVICE TO BE HEEDED

1. Returning to God

” ‘…Return to Me, and I will return to you’ …” Malachi 3:7

2. Returning to God the tithes and offerings

“Bring all the tithes into the storehouse…” Malachi 3:10

3. Recovery of the practice of the Fear of the Lord

“Then those who feared the Lord spoke to one another…” Malachi 3:16

“But to you who fear My name…” Malachi 4:2

4. Remembering the law

“Remember the Law of Moses…” Malachi 4:4