"Unbelief: Undervaluing New and Old Treasures"
TEXTS: Matthew 13:44-58; Malachi
TRUTHS:
1. When we undervalue what is holy and overvalue what is common, we increase the possibility of “missing” the important work that God wants to do in and through our lives. Placing the wrong value on the wrong things leads one to be overly focused on the temporary world while subtly impacting the trajectory of their lives.
2. Pursuing and obeying Christ so that He fixes some painful or uncomfortable circumstance in your life should/could be considered a “common act.” Meaning, viewing Jesus only as a means to a better, more desirable earthly life reveals that you may be undervaluing what is holy.
3. Be careful concerning your natural desires and their influence over your life; we cannot let them dictate and inform every decision we make. We must remember and consider the actions of Esau, a man who traded his birthright for something to placate his hunger (a natural desire). He was willing to sacrifice something of great value so that he could instantly and easily gratify one of his natural desires.
4. Five truths/lessons from the Book of Malachi:
If you are a believer, God loves you and has chosen you.
God does not accept “leftover” offerings; your first and best is required. Every child of God should regularly examine how they are viewing and relating to God, His people, and His Kingdom.
Bad teaching places too much value on the wrong things. The Bible frequently and consistently warns the people of God to exercise discernment concerning the teaching they support and receive. There are a plethora of unhealthy Bible teachers who will encourage you to place too much value on the temporary, material world.
Do not undervalue your commitment to God. As you grow older, make sure that your view of God continues to grow as well. Just like we overlook our spouses and take their commitment for granted, we can often approach our relationship with God the same way. We need to make sure we don’t slip towards and into such a low view of God and His truth.
Do not rob God. He does not require ten percent from you, but rather a hundred percent. We are priests of God and there are certain expectations that come along with that reality.
TALK TO EACH OTHER:
1. What are examples of other "natural desires" that we should be aware of and regularly considering how they are impacting our decisions/life?
2. How can a believer give God one hundred percent? Is this even possible and what does it look like?
3. What does it mean to give God our "leftovers?" Name some examples that reveal how this is done in our day-to-day lives.
4. How should the fact that God has "chosen you" impact your life and the decisions you are making?
TALK TO GOD:
Pray as you feel led concerning the following areas:
- To wisely and humbly live out the five truths we discussed from the Book of Malachi
- To know and experience the love of God
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