"God elects his people before the foundation of the world for his glory (Ephesians 1:6). He creates humankind for his glory (Isaiah 43:7). He chooses Israel for his glory (Isaiah 49:3). He delivers them from Egypt for his glory (Psalm 106:7-8). He restores them after exile for his glory (Isaiah 48:9-11). He sends his Son to confirm his trustworthiness and so the Gentiles will glorify him for his mercy (Romans 15:8-9). He puts his Son to death to display the glory of his vindicated righteousness (Romans 3:25-26). He commands his people to do all things for his glory (1 Corinthians 10:31). He will send his Son a second time to receive the glory due him (2 Thessalonians 1:9-10). And in the end he will fill the earth with the knowledge of his glory (Habakkuk 2:14)." ? —John Piper, A Hunger for God [Crossway Books], pp. 179-180. [Emphases added]

For Reflection/Discussion: What does it mean to honor God's Name? What role was Israel called to play in honoring God's Name among the nations? What role does the church have in bringing honor to God's Name? What part do we as individual believers play in bringing honor to God's Name? What are some of the ways that Christians have glorified and brought dishonor to God? How can we bring honor to God's Name in our day-to-day living?

For Reflection/Discussion: Malachi challenges his contemporaries for offering blind, lame, and diseased animals as sacrifices to the Temple. What might be the cultural equivalent today? How might the people of Israel have tried to rationalize offering blind, lame, and diseased animals to God? What rationalizations or excuses have you heard (or given) for not attending worship? Not tithing?

For Reflection/Discussion: Do you ordinarily give God the first and the best, or do you give God whatever is left over? If everyone worshiped as you worship, gave as you give, and serve as you serve, would the church be better or worse for it? How does our worship, giving, and serving honor God? Build the church? Honor God's Name among the nations?