Despising God's Name Under the Guise of Worship

I.  The accusations of God against the priests.  (Mal. 1:6b, 7b)

     A.  You (i.e., the priests) despise God.  (1:6b)

     B.  You despise God's table.  (1:7b)

II.  The protests of the priests against God.  (Mal. 1:6b, 7b)

III.  The actions of the priests against God.  (Mal. 1:7a, 8a)

     "Worship that is not accompanied by obedience is unacceptable to our God who is indeed Lord of all."

IV.  The presents of the priests are unacceptable even to men.  (Mal. 1:8b)

     Principles to learn and apply:

   1.  God has the right to set the standards for what is acceptable worship and what is not acceptable worship.

   2.  God not only has this right, but He has set such standards.

   3.  Man is to worship God in the manner He has declared to be acceptable.

   4.  Spiritual leaders are to set the example for acceptable worship.