Topic: Spirituality

Series: True Spirituality in Christ (Book Study on Malachi)
Title: Bringing Our Best to Him
Text: Malachi 1:6-14

It is human nature to do our maximum for those we love. Parents strive to give their children the best life they could afford; workers who love their jobs put in long hours of hard work without complaint. Yet Christians often struggle to bring their best to God. Why is this a problem? Why do we urgently need to examine our heart behind our hesitance to give our utmost to Him?

General Questions:

  1. Name the most honourable person you have encountered. What traits or actions of the person make him or her honourable? How was the person being honoured by you or others?

Perspective Questions:

  1. God is looking for the honour owed to Him. How does the perspective of God as our Father and Master help us to treat Him with honour? Which do we need to be reminded of today?
  2. In Malachi 1:6-11, the people showed contempt to God by offering defiled sacrifices. What are some ways believers today also offer less than our best to God? How does this reflect the value we place on what Christ had done for us on the cross?
  3. Ps Daniel also shared that our best comes i) at a cost (see 2 Samuel 2:24) and ii) from the heart (see Mark 12:41-44). What are some obstacles you face that hinder you from giving your best to God?

Application Questions:

  1. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal one or two areas that you have dishonoured God in. Repent and seek God’s forgiveness. Share with your LG to seek prayer and support.
  2. Write down one or two areas that you would start to honour God by bringing your best to Him.

Series: True Spirituality in Christ (Book Study on Malachi)
Title: Trusting in God’s Love
Text: Malachi 1:1-5

Difficult times in life may cause us to doubt God’s love for us. Eventually, we can become increasingly apathetic or ungrateful towards God. What are some perspectives that can help us navigate difficult times and difficult emotions so we can remain faithful to God?

General Questions:

  1. Take time to reflect on what the Lord has done for you that enabled you to experience His love. What happened and how did your appreciation for God’s love change from that experience?

Perspective Questions:

  1. Ps. Timothy shared 3 reasons why Israel questioned God’s love for them:
    1. Disappointment from unmet expectations
    2. Economic difficulties
    3. Jealousy of neighbours
    Which of these do you find more relatable in your recent struggles? How does the perspective of God’s love help us in such circumstances?
  2. How can we be honest with God about our trials, doubts and fears, and also exercise trust in Him?

Application Questions:

  1. What are some habits you can start to become better at remembering Gpd’s love and being grateful to Him?
    What are some habits you can stop (e.g. complaining, comparing) that takes the focus away from God and encourages a tendency to fear, doubt or get discouraged?
  2. Is there a recent incident in your life that is causing you to question or doubt God’s love? Share with your lifegroup and ask them to pray along with you to trust God’s love.

We need a firm foundation for our spiritual life to live out our identity as God’s people. Join us for a 7-part book study series on the book of Malachi, where we will learn what true spirituality in Christ means.