"Return to Me," Says the Lord

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Scripture Reading

Discussion

What are some ways that the Lord used this sermon in your life on Sunday?

Scott stated that, “Disobedience to God shows the lack of love we have for God.” How have you thought about disobedience to God in your own life?

Scott pointed out that Malachi shows that faithlessness to God, is reflected in our personal faithlessness in our relationships, and our marriages. How do you see this reflected in society today?

How does set up this part of the book of Malachi?

The question is not, “Does God love people”, but, “Do people love God”? Why do the questions in this passage show the lack of love for God?

Scott stated that this particular passage is aimed at the heart of the people. How does money aim at the heart of an individual?

How do these failures in relationship, and idolatry of money reflect the premise of ? (Note this is opposite of pragmatism. We are not doing anything to get a physical thing back from God, but to in turn be near to God)

Why is it important in verse 6 to declare that God does not change?

How does the giving of tithe reflect the heart of man?

Many people say we should definitely ask God questions, but what did Scott state about the way the Israelites saying about the heart of these questions? (Defensive / Cynical)

What are some of the characteristics of a defensive heart?

Not by faith, but by sight

God has given me a brain, rather then waiting on God

Judge by physical surroundings, and wise in their own eyes.

What are some fo the characteristics of a cynical heart?

Cynicism is a result of a shortsighted vision

Distrust of God

Pessimistic

Cynical heart removes us from God

What are we to do with a cynical heart?

Take mind to the foot of the cross

Recognize that there is no need to defend ourselves

Promises of God will be fulfilled and given to us

Which is why we have hope

Who heard what God had to say? () - Those who feared the Lord