Scriptures for Today: Malachi 1:1-14 Explained
Malachi 1:1-14
The burden of the word of the LORD to Israel by Malachi. 2 I have loved you, saith the LORD. Yet ye say, Wherein hast thou loved us? Was not Esau Jacob’s brother? saith the LORD: yet I loved Jacob, 3 And I hated Esau, and laid his mountains and his heritage waste for the dragons of the wilderness. 4 Whereas Edom saith, We are impoverished, but we will return and build the desolate places; thus saith the LORD of hosts, They shall build, but I will throw down; and they shall call them, The border of wickedness, and, The people against whom the LORD hath indignation for ever. 5 And your eyes shall see, and ye shall say, The LORD will be magnified from the border of Israel. 6 A son honoureth his father, and a servant his master: if then I be a father, where is mine honour? and if I be a master, where is my fear? saith the LORD of hosts unto you, O priests, that despise my name. And ye say, Wherein have we despised thy name? 7 Ye offer polluted bread upon mine altar; and ye say, Wherein have we polluted thee? In that ye say, The table of the LORD is contemptible. 8 And if ye offer the blind for sacrifice, is it not evil? and if ye offer the lame and sick, is it not evil? offer it now unto thy governor; will he be pleased with thee, or accept thy person? saith the LORD of hosts. 9 And now, I pray you, beseech God that he will be gracious unto us: this hath been by your means: will he regard your persons? saith the LORD of hosts. 10 Who is there even among you that would shut the doors for nought? neither do ye kindle fire on mine altar for nought. I have no pleasure in you, saith the LORD of hosts, neither will I accept an offering at your hand. 11 For from the rising of the sun even unto the going down of the same my name shall be great among the Gentiles; and in every place incense shall be offered unto my name, and a pure offering: for my name shall be great among the heathen, saith the LORD of hosts. 12 But ye have profaned it, in that ye say, The table of the LORD is polluted; and the fruit thereof, even his meat, is contemptible. 13 Ye said also, Behold, what a weariness is it! and ye have snuffed at it, saith the LORD of hosts; and ye brought that which was torn, and the lame, and the sick; thus ye brought an offering: should I accept this of your hand? saith the LORD. 14 But cursed be the deceiver, which hath in his flock a male, and voweth, and sacrificeth unto the Lord a corrupt thing: for I am a great King, saith the LORD of hosts, and my name is dreadful among the heathen.
Introduction — When Worship Becomes Just a Routine (Malachi 1:1-14 Explained)
Malachi is the final voice of the Old Testament. After this book, God will not speak again for 400 years.
No prophets. No visions. Just silence until John the Baptist cries in the wilderness.
And what is Malachi about?
Dishonoring worship. Careless religion. Dead faith.
This is not the story of pagans — It is the story of God’s own people going to the temple, offering sacrifices, but giving God leftovers.
And God asks one devastating question: “Where is My honor?”
This sermon is a warning AND an invitation. A warning: God does not accept every kind of worship. An invitation: If you give God your best, He draws near with blessing.
This is a message every Christian needs. Every church needs. Every family needs.
And by the end of this sermon, you will know:
- What dishonoring worship looks like
- What honoring worship looks like
- And the one thing God wants from you this week
Let’s walk through it.
Verse 1 — God Sends a Heavy Message (Malachi 1:1-14 Explained)
Malachi 1:1
The burden of the word of the LORD to Israel by Malachi.
“Burden” means a weight, a load, a message that crushes the heart. Malachi didn’t preach what was easy. He preached what was necessary.
Why would God end the Old Testament with a burden instead of a blessing?
Because the greatest danger to God’s people is comfortable religion. Don’t get too comfortable. Look, there’s this grace movement out there that is teaching that we are not to preach against sin. That’s called getting too comfortable. And it’s silly.
Let’s say one of the children here goes over to a store close to the church and steals something. Are you telling me we can’t tell them it’s wrong to steal. “Oh, it’s okay. You’re saved. God doesn’t mind.”
Verses 2–3 — God Begins With Love, Not Anger (Malachi 1:1-14 Explained)
Malachi 1:2-3
I have loved you, saith the LORD. Yet ye say, Wherein hast thou loved us? Was not Esau Jacob’s brother? saith the LORD: yet I loved Jacob, 3 And I hated Esau, and laid his mountains and his heritage waste for the dragons of the wilderness.
Before God rebukes, He reassures. “I have loved you.” But the people say: “How? Where? Show me.” Wherein hast thou loved us?
They’re not denying God. They’re doubting God. And then God reminds them of Esau and Jacob — Two brothers, one chosen, one rejected. “Yet I loved Jacob, and I hated Esau.” God accepted Jacob because of faith and rejected Esau because of no faith. Same thing with Cain and Abel. No faith = not loved. Faith = loved.
Jacob represents people of faith. Esau represents people without faith. God hates profane people, people who despise spiritual things, and people who always choose flesh over faith. Notice how Jacob and Esau is helping us to get Malachi 1:1-14 explained correctly.
God is saying “Israel, the only reason you exist is because I loved you first.” The only reason you and I exist today is because God loved us first. Without Him loving us first, we would have never believed on the Lord Jesus Christ.
The first step toward honoring worship is remembering how God has loved you. When worship becomes empty, love has become distant. We don’t want to forget how much God has loved us in our life. This church is only here because God loves us. If you knew the story of how this church came into existence, you would know God did it. We didn’t do it.
Verse 4 — Edom Will Try, But God Will Stop Them (Malachi 1:1-14 Explained)
Malachi 1:4
Whereas Edom saith, We are impoverished, but we will return and build the desolate places; thus saith the LORD of hosts, They shall build, but I will throw down; and they shall call them, The border of wickedness, and, The people against whom the LORD hath indignation for ever.
Edom says: “We’ll rebuild. We’ll rise again.”
God says: “No you won’t.” He says, “I will throw it back down.”
Why? Because pride builds what God tears down. If God opposes the proud nation, He also opposes the proud heart. And they are filled with pride.
Think of a place like New Orleans which is filled with witchcraft. Destroyed by a hurricane. “We’ll build it back.” Destroyed by a hurricane. “We’ll build it back.” Destroyed by a hurricane. God says, “I’ll throw it back down.”
Notice the Bible says “the border of wickedness, and, the people whom the Lord hath indignation forever.” I am sure forever means forever! Indignation is righteous anger. God hated Esau. Esau is Edom. They learned their ways from Esau. They are representing a people that God hates. He is angry with them forever. “Well, is hell really forever?” Forever.
They never turned to God. They rejected God. And God rejected them for how long? Forever.
Verse 5 — God Will Be Magnified (Malachi 1:1-14 Explained)
Malachi 1:5
The LORD will be magnified from the border of Israel.
You may dishonor Him. The world may ignore Him. But God will still be magnified.
He doesn’t need perfect people to lift His name — He will always raise a remnant who fear Him. This is the eternal nation of Israel which includes all believers from all time.
From the border of Israel” means that everyone who sees Israel — from the nations standing at her borders to those far beyond — will witness God’s greatness in how He blesses His people. Israel, the eternal nation, the spiritual nation, equals God’s people. The Lord will be magnified! I love Malachi 1:1-14 explained in the correct way!
That was the introduction to this book. Now we move to the next paragraph in the chapter.
Verse 6 — The Heart of the Chapter: “Where Is My Honor?” (Malachi 1:1-14 Explained)
Malachi 1:6
A son honoureth his father, and a servant his master: if then I be a father, where is mine honour? and if I be a master, where is my fear? saith the LORD of hosts unto you, O priests, that despise my name. And ye say, Wherein have we despised thy name?
This is the whole chapter in one question. God uses a simple comparison:
- A son honors a father
- A servant honors a master
- But God’s people honored God less than they honored humans
- Again, they give humans more honor than the Almighty God
Direct Question: Do you give God less respect than you give your boss? Less time than you give your phone? Less passion than you give entertainment? Think about it.
We get excited for a basketball game. Where’s the excitement for church? Hey, I want this to be a church that is excited for what’s happening. Do you see what God has done here already? Do you know how far we’ve come? All of us – together. Do you see that? Hey, we need to be excited! I hear Keith on Sunday mornings saying, “PRAISE GOD!” And that’s right. Yell it out. Praise the Lord! Let’s give glory to God. Give honor to God.
That is what this verse exposes. God is not asking for perfection — He is asking for honor.
God says, “Where is mine honor. O priests, that despise me name.” And then they say, “Wherein have we despised thy name?” Are you calling God a liar. God said you despise his name. They say, “What??? How did we despise your name?” Let’s see what they did.
Verses 7–9 — Worship Without Reverence (Malachi 1:1-14 Explained)
Malachi 1:7-9
Ye offer polluted bread upon mine altar; and ye say, Wherein have we polluted thee? In that ye say, The table of the LORD is contemptible. 8 And if ye offer the blind for sacrifice, is it not evil? and if ye offer the lame and sick, is it not evil? offer it now unto thy governor; will he be pleased with thee, or accept thy person? saith the LORD of hosts. 9 And now, I pray you, beseech God that he will be gracious unto us: this hath been by your means: will he regard your persons? saith the LORD of hosts.
Here are their three sins:
- They brought God leftovers.
Blind animals. Lame animals. Sick animals. - They called worship “a burden.”
“Behold, what a weariness is it!” You’ll see this in verse 13. - They showed more honor to their governor than to their God.
“Offer it now to your governor — will he accept it?”
Many Christians give God the scraps of their life and call it worship. Does come to churching a burden for you? You get to make it what you want. Is worshipping God a burden to you, or do you just absolutely love to worship him? Malachi 1:1-14 explained is teaching us this doctrine!
For example, I love having church. I love worshipping God. I love singing to God. We stand and sing. Is it too much of a burden for you to stand and sing? Are you that tired? Is it just too much for you to stand up and sing? You can stand up and do other things, but you can’t stand to sing to God. It’s just too tough. Really? This is similar to what God is saying in this verse.
Hold up a wrinkled, torn dollar. “This is what many people offer God — the leftover parts of their time, energy, and heart.” People around here get money coming in that they didn’t even work for, but they won’t even give much at all to a church. They might give a few leftovers. And God will give you His leftovers.
Pick one area where you’ve been giving God leftovers — and give Him your best instead. Try it.
Verse 10 — God Rejects Empty Religion (Malachi 1:1-14 Explained)
Malachi 1:10
Who is there even among you that would shut the doors for nought? neither do ye kindle fire on mine altar for nought. I have no pleasure in you, saith the LORD of hosts, neither will I accept an offering at your hand.
This is terrifying. God says: “I’d rather the doors of the temple be shut than receive fake worship.” God doesn’t want that. Imagine God saying that about a church today. God says, “I have no pleasure in you.” And He says He won’t accept an offering at your hand.
For example, if you just want to give scraps to God, just don’t give it at all. Keep it all for yourself. And see what happens. God says to keep your scrap offering. He doesn’t need it. He doesn’t want it. Now, if you want to give an offering in faith and in joy, God loves that. And He will bless that offering.
2 Corinthians 9:7
Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.
What kind of worship does God refuse — and what kind does He receive? We answer that in verses 11–14.
Verse 11 — God Wants Pure Worship (Malachi 1:1-14 Explained)
Malachi 1:11
For from the rising of the sun even unto the going down of the same my name shall be great among the Gentiles; and in every place incense shall be offered unto my name, and a pure offering: for my name shall be great among the heathen, saith the LORD of hosts.
While Israel dishonored God, the Gentiles honored Him. While God’s people brought scraps,
the world brought sincerity. Think of Jonah and Nineveh. Think of Malachi 1:1-14 Explained!
This is a shocking reversal right there in the Bible. God doesn’t care if you’re Jew or Gentile. He doesn’t care if you’re black or white. He doesn’t care if you’re Hispanic or Asian. He’s looking for the faithful – the people of faith.
God will pass over the unfaithful and bless those who honor Him — even those without a specific background. Here’s an example: God honors you as a new believer more than some pastor of 70 years who is high and lifted up and taught false doctrine for those 70 years.
Honor is not about heritage — it’s about the heart. Honor the Lord by believing Him.
Verses 12–14 — The Curse of Half-Hearted Worship (Malachi 1:1-14 Explained)
Malachi 1:12-14
But ye have profaned it, in that ye say, The table of the LORD is polluted; and the fruit thereof, even his meat, is contemptible. 13 Ye said also, Behold, what a weariness is it! and ye have snuffed at it, saith the LORD of hosts; and ye brought that which was torn, and the lame, and the sick; thus ye brought an offering: should I accept this of your hand? saith the LORD. 14 But cursed be the deceiver, which hath in his flock a male, and voweth, and sacrificeth unto the Lord a corrupt thing: for I am a great King, saith the LORD of hosts, and my name is dreadful among the heathen.
God exposes them:
- They said worship was boring
- They sighed through the offering
- They brought the torn, the lame, the sick
- They vowed one thing, and offered another
“If you call Me King — then treat Me like one.” He says, “For I AM a GREAT KING,” saith the Lord of Hosts!
True worship is not measured by what you feel — but by what you offer. What are you bringing to the Lord God Almighty? Do you bring a good attitude towards Him or is it a burden to come worship the Lord? Are you too tired to listen? Is it a weariness to listen to His words being preached? Is it too tough to give your total attention?
You’ll have total attention when you eating food. You don’t fall asleep on that. When you get that ice cream, I don’t see anyone sleeping. Do you understand? Honor the Lord. Have honor in this church. This is Malachi 1:1-14 explained!
How to Honor God This Week (Malachi 1:1-14 Explained)
1. Give God the first part — not the leftover part.
First in your day. First in your week. First in your heart.
2. Speak to God with reverence.
Stop casual, flippant attitudes toward prayer, Scripture, and worship.
3. Remove the “polluted sacrifices.”
Whatever is lame, sick, or torn in your walk — fix it or cut it off.
4. Treat God better than you treat people.
If you wouldn’t offer it to your boss… Don’t offer it to your God. If you don’t sleep when you’re working, don’t sleep at church. You would be fired at work for sleeping. Give God your best FIRST.
5. Bring Him something this week that costs you something.
Time. Repentance. Obedience. Sacrifice.
Honor Unlocks Fellowship (Malachi 1:1-14 Explained)
God’s last message in the Old Testament is simple: “Honor Me — and I will draw near. Dishonor Me — and I will withdraw.”
Make sure you hear that. It’s a simple message today. And don’t just let it go in one ear and out the other.
Honor is the doorway to blessing. It is. And don’t ever forget that.
Before tonight ends, choose one way to honor God — and do it tonight.
Next Sermon: Matthew 1:1-17 Genealogy of Jesus Christ
Most people skip the genealogy, but Matthew didn’t write it to be skipped. He wrote it to shock you with who Jesus really is.
This isn’t a list of names — it’s a 2,000-year trail of grace, scandal, mercy, kings, sinners, and God’s unstoppable plan.
If you’ve ever wondered whether God can use your past, your family, or your failures, this passage is your proof.
Matthew 1 is the story of how God weaves broken people into a perfect Savior — and how He can do the same with you.
I hope you enjoyed this sermon on Malachi 1:1-14 Explained!
Let’s pray.
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