Malachi

Session 1: God Speaks Again — Malachi 1:1

Study Notes — Discussion Handout — Audio Essay

Purpose: To understand the historical and spiritual context of Malachi and prepare our hearts to hear God's timeless message of covenant love and renewal

What to Look For

As you read Malachi 1:1, notice how God chooses to speak when His people need Him most. Watch for the simple but powerful way God identifies His messenger. Pay attention to how this single verse sets the stage for God's heart to be revealed to His people.

Personal Reflection Questions

Think of a time when you felt spiritually dry or distant from God. What happened that helped you hear His voice again?

If you could ask God one honest question about a difficult season you've walked through, what would it be?

Overview

The book of Malachi was written around 450 BC, about 100 years after God's people returned from exile in Babylon. Think of it like this: imagine your family had been away from home for 70 years, and when you finally came back, the house was run down and life was much harder than you remembered. That's where God's people were spiritually and emotionally.

They had rebuilt the temple, but their worship had become lifeless. Their priests were going through the motions. The people were cutting corners with God and wondering if He even cared anymore. Sound familiar? In our culture today, many people attend church but struggle with feeling disconnected from God. They wonder if their faith really makes a difference in their daily lives.

Into this spiritual dryness, God speaks through Malachi. The name "Malachi" means "my messenger," and God had something important to say to people who felt forgotten.

Scripture: Malachi 1:1

This May Surprise You

Here's something that might surprise you about Malachi 1:1 - it's actually a love letter. We might think of Old Testament prophets as angry preachers pointing fingers, but Malachi is different. Yes, God addresses problems, but He does it because He loves His people too much to let them drift away.

The word "oracle" in verse 1 doesn't mean "burden" like some translations suggest. It means "a lifting up" or "a word that carries weight." God wasn't dumping more problems on His people. He was lifting them up with truth they needed to hear. When we feel spiritually tired, God doesn't abandon us - He speaks into our situation with exactly what we need.

Seeds for Thought

Point 1: "This is the message that the Lord gave to Israel through Malachi" (Malachi 1:1a NLT)

Comment: Notice God takes the initiative. His people weren't seeking Him - He sought them. God doesn't wait for us to get our act together before He speaks to us. Even when we feel distant or have been unfaithful, He reaches out first.

Point 2: The message came "through Malachi" (Malachi 1:1b NLT)

Comment: God uses ordinary people to deliver His extraordinary messages. Malachi wasn't a superhero - he was simply available to be God's voice. God is still looking for people willing to share His love with others, especially in seasons when hope feels thin.

Point 3: The message was specifically "to Israel" (Malachi 1:1c NLT)

Comment: God speaks personally to His people. This wasn't a general announcement to the world - it was a specific word for specific people in a specific situation. God knows exactly what we're going through and speaks directly into our circumstances.

Take-Home Thought

When life gets hard and faith feels dry, our first instinct might be to think God has forgotten about us. But Malachi 1:1 teaches us something beautiful about God's character - He speaks when we need to hear from Him most.

God's people had been through exile, disappointment, and spiritual dryness. Their worship had become routine, and their hope was fading. But God didn't write them off. He sent them a message through an ordinary person named Malachi. The message wasn't, "Shape up or ship out." Instead, it was, "I still love you, and I want to restore our relationship."

This is the same God we serve today. When we enter new seasons - whether it's retirement, health challenges, family changes, or spiritual dry spells - God doesn't leave us to figure it out alone. He speaks into our situations with love, guidance, and hope. Sometimes He uses a pastor, sometimes a friend, sometimes a scripture that jumps off the page. The method may vary, but His heart remains the same: He loves us too much to let us drift away from Him.

Quotes

Charles Spurgeon: "God's voice is never silent when His people have ears to hear. He speaks most clearly not when we are strong, but when we are weak and need His strength most."

John Chrysostom: "Do not marvel that God should speak through humble messengers. He delights to use the simple to confound the wise, and to show that His power is made perfect in weakness."

Biblical Connections

God speaking through prophets: Similar to how God spoke through Moses (Deuteronomy 18:18), Jeremiah (Jeremiah 1:4), and other prophets

"The word of the Lord came": Echoes the opening of many prophetic books (Hosea 1:1, Joel 1:1, Micah 1:1)

God's covenant with Israel: Connects to God's original promises to Abraham (Genesis 12:1-3) and the covenant at Mount Sinai (Exodus 19:5-6)

God seeking His people: Reflects the same heart shown in the Garden of Eden when God called, "Where are you?" (Genesis 3:9)

How Does This Help Me Trust God Today?

When you're entering a new season in life, remember that God specializes in speaking into transitions. He doesn't wait for you to have all the answers or feel spiritually strong. He takes the first step toward you, just like He did with His people through Malachi.

Maybe you're facing health concerns, family changes, or simply feeling spiritually dry. Trust that God sees exactly where you are, and He has something to say into your situation. Stay open to how He might speak - through His Word, through other believers, through circumstances, or through that quiet voice in your heart. He's still the God who loves you too much to leave you alone in difficult seasons.

Culture Connection

In our world today, people often feel like God has gone silent or stopped caring about their struggles. Just like the people in Malachi's time, many folks today are going through the motions of faith while feeling spiritually empty inside. Social media shows us everyone else's highlight reel, making us wonder why our own lives feel so ordinary or difficult. When we don't see dramatic answers to prayer or feel God's presence strongly, it's easy to think He's not paying attention. But Malachi 1:1 reminds us that God still speaks to His people, even when—especially when—we feel worn out and disconnected. His message comes not because we deserve it, but because He loves us and wants to restore our relationship with Him.

Changed Life

This simple verse can change how we approach dry seasons in our faith. Instead of assuming God is distant when life feels routine or disappointing, we can actively listen for His voice through His Word, through other believers, and through circumstances. Rather than waiting to feel spiritual before we engage with God, we can choose to open our hearts and expect Him to speak, just like He did through Malachi. This might mean picking up our Bible when we don't feel like it, showing up to church when we're discouraged, or asking God to help us see His hand in our everyday lives. The change starts with believing that God still has something important to say to us, even when we feel like we've heard it all before.

Session 2: Loved by God — Malachi 1:2-5

Study Notes — Discussion Handout — Audio Essay

Purpose: To be assured of God's faithful love and reflect on how that love shapes our identity and trust in difficult seasons

What to Look For

As you read these verses, notice how God responds to His people's doubt with proof of His love. Watch for the contrast between God's treatment of Jacob and Esau. Pay attention to how God's love is shown through His actions in history, not just His words.

Personal Reflection Questions

When have you found yourself questioning whether God really loves you during a hard time in your life?

What's one way you've seen God's love proven in your life that you could share with someone who doubts His care?

Overview

Have you ever had someone you love question your feelings for them? Maybe a child who asked, "Do you really love me?" after you had to discipline them? Or a spouse who wondered about your commitment during a rough patch? It hurts when people we love doubt our love, doesn't it?

That's exactly what's happening in Malachi 1:2-5. God's people are going through tough times and they're essentially saying, "God, if you love us so much, why is life so hard?" Sound familiar? In our culture today, people often measure God's love by their circumstances. When things go well, God loves them. When things get difficult, they wonder if He's forgotten them.

But God doesn't get defensive or angry at their question. Instead, He patiently reminds them of the proof of His love throughout their history. He shows them that His love isn't based on their feelings or circumstances - it's based on His unchanging character and His choice to love them.

Scripture: Malachi 1:2-5

This May Surprise You

Here's something that might surprise you about this passage: God isn't comparing Jacob and Esau as individuals, but as nations. When the Bible talks about "loving Jacob" and "hating Esau," it's using Hebrew language that means "choosing one over another." Think of it like a parent who has to choose which child gets the family inheritance - it doesn't mean they don't love the other child.

God chose Israel (Jacob's descendants) to be His special people through whom He would bless the whole world. This choice wasn't because Jacob was better than Esau - in fact, Jacob was quite a schemer! It was simply God's gracious choice. The proof of God's love isn't that He chose Israel because they deserved it, but that He chose them despite their flaws and remained faithful to that choice through all their ups and downs.

Seeds for Thought

Point 1: "I have always loved you," says the Lord (Malachi 1:2a NLT)

Comment: Notice God uses the word "always." His love isn't something that started recently or something that comes and goes based on our behavior. It's a steady, constant love that has been there from the beginning. When we doubt God's love, we're not discovering something new about Him - we're forgetting something that's always been true.

Point 2: But you retort, "Really? How have you loved us?" (Malachi 1:2b NLT)

Comment: God doesn't get upset when we honestly question Him. He invites our questions and is willing to provide evidence. Sometimes when we're hurting, we need proof of God's love, not just promises. God understands this and responds with patience, not anger.

Point 3: And the Lord replies, "This is how I showed my love for you: I loved your ancestor Jacob" (Malachi 1:2c NLT)

Comment: God points to history as proof of His love. He doesn't just tell them He loves them - He shows them through His actions over generations. God's love is proven by what He has done, not just by what He says. When we doubt His love today, we can look back at the cross and see the ultimate proof.

Point 4: "but I rejected his brother, Esau, and turned his fatherland into a wasteland" (Malachi 1:3 NLT)

Comment: God's choice of Israel over Edom (Esau's descendants) shows His sovereign right to choose whom He will use for His purposes. This isn't about eternal salvation but about earthly roles in God's plan. God chose Israel to be a light to the nations, and He remained faithful to that choice even when they failed.

Point 5: "And you will see it with your own eyes and say, 'Truly, the Lord's greatness reaches far beyond Israel's borders!'" (Malachi 1:5 NLT)

Comment: God's love for His people will become so obvious that even they will recognize it. Sometimes we have to wait to see the full picture of how God has been working in our lives. What looks like trouble today may be revealed as God's loving protection tomorrow.

Take-Home Thought

When life gets hard, it's natural to question whether God really loves us. The people in Malachi's day were doing exactly that. They looked at their circumstances - a struggling economy, spiritual dryness, and broken promises - and wondered if God had forgotten His love for them.

But God's response is both gentle and powerful. He doesn't rebuke them for questioning. Instead, He points to the evidence of His love throughout their history. He reminds them that His love isn't based on their performance or their circumstances - it's based on His character and His choice to love them.

The same is true for us today. When we enter difficult seasons - health challenges, financial struggles, family problems, or simply the challenges of aging - we might find ourselves asking, "God, do you really love me?" And God's answer is the same today as it was then: "Look at the cross. Look at how I've provided for you through the years. Look at the ways I've protected you that you didn't even realize. Look at how I've never left you alone."

God's love for us isn't a feeling that comes and goes. It's a commitment He made before we were born, and it's a commitment He will keep until we see Him face to face. Our circumstances don't determine His love - His love determines how He works through our circumstances.

Quotes

Charles Spurgeon: "God's love is not a sunset that fades into night, but an eternal noon that knows no evening. When we question His love, we reveal our forgetfulness, not His fickleness."

A.W. Tozer: "God's love is not wearied by our sins nor discouraged by our failures. It is not contingent upon our worthiness nor diminished by our weakness. God loves because it is His nature to love."

Biblical Connections

God's choice of Jacob over Esau: Connects to the original story in Genesis 25:23 and Romans 9:10-13 where Paul explains God's sovereign choice

"I have loved you with an everlasting love": Echoes Jeremiah 31:3 where God declares His unchanging love for His people

God's faithfulness to His promises: Links to God's covenant promises to Abraham (Genesis 12:1-3) and His faithfulness throughout Israel's history

Questioning God's love: Similar to the Israelites' complaints in the wilderness (Exodus 16:3) and Job's struggles with understanding God's ways (Job 23:3)

God's love proven through action: Points forward to the ultimate proof of God's love at the cross (Romans 5:8, 1 John 4:9-10)

How Does This Help Me Trust God Today?

When you're tempted to question God's love because of difficult circumstances, remember that His love is proven by history, not by feelings. Look back at the ways He has provided, protected, and guided you through past challenges.

God's love for you isn't based on your performance, your health, your family situation, or your spiritual strength. It's based on His unchanging character and His choice to love you. Just as He remained faithful to Israel through their ups and downs, He remains faithful to you through yours.

The next time you find yourself asking, "Does God really love me?" remember that He's not offended by the question. He understands your heart, and He has plenty of evidence to show you - starting with the cross and continuing through every day He has walked with you through life's journey.

ulture Connection

In today's world, love often feels conditional and temporary. We see marriages ending, friendships fading, and even family relationships breaking down when people disappoint each other. Social media "likes" and approval from others can make us feel loved one day and forgotten the next. Many people, including longtime believers, struggle with feeling worthy of God's love, especially when they look at their mistakes and wonder how God could still care about them. Like the Israelites who asked "How have you loved us?" we live in a culture that questions whether love can really last through hard times, failures, and ordinary life. But God's declaration of love in Malachi isn't based on our performance or feelings—it's based on His unchanging character and His choice to love us.

Changed Life

When we truly grasp that God's love for us is not based on our behavior, it changes how we see ourselves and others. Instead of trying to earn God's approval through perfect church attendance or good deeds, we can rest in the security of His love that was established before we were even born. This frees us from the exhausting cycle of guilt and performance that many believers experience. It also changes how we love others—we can extend grace to difficult family members, forgive those who have hurt us, and stop keeping score in our relationships. When someone asks us "How do you know God loves you?" we can point to His consistent faithfulness throughout history and in our own lives, rather than basing it on how we feel that particular day.

Session 3: Revering God's Name — Malachi 1:6-14

Study Notes — Discussion Handout — Audio Essay

Purpose: To return to sincere worship that honors God's holiness, not out of routine but out of deep reverence

What to Look For

As you read this passage, notice how God compares Himself to a father and master who deserves honor. Watch for the contrast between what God deserves and what His people are offering Him. Pay attention to how God feels about worship that has become routine instead of reverent.

Personal Reflection Questions

Think about your own worship habits. When do you feel most connected to God during worship, and when does it feel more like going through the motions?

If someone watched how you approach worship and prayer, what would they learn about how much you value your relationship with God?

Overview

Imagine you spent weeks preparing a special meal for someone you love - shopping for the finest ingredients, cooking all day, setting the table beautifully. Then your guest arrives, takes one look at your efforts, and says, "Oh, this will do, I guess," before checking their phone during dinner. How would you feel?

That's a small picture of what God was experiencing with His people's worship. They were still showing up to the temple and going through the religious motions, but their hearts weren't in it. They were bringing God their leftover time, leftover energy, and literally their leftover animals - the sick, lame, and blind ones they couldn't use for anything else.

In our culture today, we often treat worship the same way. We show up to church out of habit, sing songs while thinking about lunch, and give God whatever time and attention is left over after everything else. But God is calling us to something much deeper - worship that flows from a heart that truly understands who He is.

Scripture: Malachi 1:6-14

This May Surprise You

Here's something that might surprise you about this passage: God isn't just upset about bad sacrifices - He's heartbroken about a broken relationship. When God says, "A son honors his father, and a servant respects his master" (verse 6), He's not being demanding. He's expressing the pain of a loving Father whose children treat Him like a stranger.

Think about it this way: if your adult children only called you when they needed money, and when they did visit, they seemed bored and distracted, wouldn't that break your heart? It's not that you need their attention to feel good about yourself - it's that the relationship means everything to you, and their attitude shows it means very little to them.

God doesn't need our worship to boost His ego. He desires our worship because He knows that when we truly see Him for who He is, our hearts will naturally respond with love, gratitude, and awe. Empty worship isn't just an insult to God - it robs us of the joy and transformation that comes from genuine connection with our Creator.

Seeds for Thought

Point 1: "A son honors his father, and a servant respects his master. If I am your father and master, where are the honor and respect I deserve?" (Malachi 1:6 NLT)

Comment: God isn't demanding honor because He's insecure - He's pointing out a broken relationship. When we truly understand God as our loving Father and sovereign Lord, honor and respect flow naturally. Empty worship reveals that we've forgotten who God really is and what He's done for us.

Point 2: "You have shown contempt for my name! But you ask, 'How have we ever shown contempt for your name?'" (Malachi 1:6b NLT)

Comment: Sometimes we can't see our own spiritual blindness. The priests thought they were serving God faithfully, but their routine worship had become an insult to His holiness. This is why we need God's Word and honest friends to help us see when our worship has become empty habit instead of heartfelt devotion.

Point 3: "You place defiled food on my altar and ask, 'How have we defiled it?' You defile it by saying the altar of the Lord deserves no respect." (Malachi 1:7 NLT)

Comment: God sees our hearts behind our actions. The priests weren't intentionally trying to insult God, but their careless attitude showed they had lost sight of His holiness. When we approach God casually, without preparation or reverence, we're essentially saying He doesn't deserve our best effort.

Point 4: "When you give blind animals as sacrifices, isn't that wrong? And isn't it wrong to offer animals that are crippled and diseased?" (Malachi 1:8 NLT)

Comment: God deserves our best, not our leftovers. The blind and lame animals represented giving God what was convenient rather than what was costly. Today, this might look like giving God our leftover time, distracted attention, or minimal effort while giving our best energy to everything else.

Point 5: "Oh, that one of you would shut the Temple doors so that these worthless sacrifices would not be offered!" (Malachi 1:10 NLT)

Comment: God would rather have no worship than empty worship. This shows how much empty religion grieves His heart. He's not interested in religious performance - He wants genuine relationship. Sometimes God allows circumstances that interrupt our religious routines to help us rediscover what real worship means.

Point 6: "My name is honored by people of other nations from morning until night" (Malachi 1:11 NLT)

Comment: While God's own people were offering Him empty worship, people from other nations were discovering the joy of honoring Him. This reminds us that God doesn't need us to worship Him - He invites us to worship Him because it's where we find true life and joy.

Take-Home Thought

It's easy to read this passage and think God is being harsh or demanding. But when we look closer, we see the heart of a loving Father who is grieved by His children's indifference. God isn't upset because He needs our praise to feel better about Himself. He's heartbroken because He knows that empty worship robs us of the joy and transformation that comes from genuine relationship with Him.

After years of walking with God, it's possible for our worship to become routine. We show up to church, sing the songs, pray the prayers, and go through all the right motions. But somewhere along the way, we might lose the sense of wonder and gratitude that once filled our hearts. We might start giving God our leftover time, distracted attention, and minimal effort while pouring our best energy into everything else.

But here's the beautiful truth: God isn't asking us to work harder at worship. He's inviting us to remember who He is. When we truly see God as our loving Father who gave His Son for us, as our sovereign Lord who holds our future in His hands, as our faithful companion who has walked with us through every season of life - worship becomes natural. Honor and reverence flow from a heart that remembers God's goodness, not from a sense of religious obligation.

The goal isn't perfect worship - it's sincere worship. God would rather have our honest, imperfect praise from a grateful heart than our polished performance from a distracted mind. He's looking for hearts that still find Him worthy of our best attention, our genuine gratitude, and our wholehearted devotion.

Quotes

A.W. Tozer: "Worship is no longer worship when it reflects the culture around us more than the Christ within us. True worship flows from a heart that has been captured by the beauty of God's holiness."

John Chrysostom: "When you come before God in worship, come not as one who performs a duty, but as one who approaches a beloved Father. Let your heart be prepared before your mouth speaks, and let reverence guard every word."

Biblical Connections

God as Father and Master: Connects to Jesus' teaching about God as our Father (Matthew 6:9) and His lordship over our lives (Luke 6:46)

Offering our best to God: Echoes the principle from Leviticus 22:20-22 about acceptable sacrifices and Cain and Abel's offerings (Genesis 4:3-5)

Empty religious rituals: Similar to Isaiah's rebuke of meaningless worship (Isaiah 1:11-17) and Jesus' criticism of the Pharisees (Matthew 23:23-28)

God's name being honored among the nations: Points to God's ultimate plan for all peoples to worship Him (Isaiah 56:7, Revelation 7:9-10)

True worship: Connects to Jesus' teaching about worshiping in spirit and truth (John 4:23-24) and Paul's call to present our bodies as living sacrifices (Romans 12:1)

How Does This Help Me Trust God Today?

When you examine your own worship habits, remember that God isn't looking for perfect performance - He's looking for sincere hearts. If you've noticed that worship has become routine, don't feel condemned. Instead, let this be an invitation to rediscover the wonder of who God is and what He's done in your life.

Take time before worship to prepare your heart. Remember specific ways God has been faithful to you. Think about His goodness, His love, and His presence in your life. When you approach God with a heart full of genuine gratitude and reverence, worship becomes less about going through the motions and more about connecting with the One who loves you most.

Trust that God sees your heart's desire to honor Him, even when your worship feels imperfect. He's not keeping score of your performance - He's delighting in your sincere attempts to draw near to Him. The goal isn't to impress God with your worship, but to let worship transform you as you encounter His greatness and goodness.

Culture Connection

Our culture treats everything as casual, including our relationship with God. We live in a time when respect for authority has declined, and many people approach God like He's their buddy rather than the Creator of the universe. Even in church, we sometimes bring the same casual attitude we have toward everything else—showing up late, letting our minds wander, or going through the motions without really thinking about who we're worshiping. Like the priests in Malachi's day who offered damaged animals, we often give God our leftovers: tired prayers, half-hearted singing, or minimal effort in serving others. Meanwhile, we'll spend hours preparing for a job interview or getting ready for a special dinner, showing more reverence for earthly things than for the God who gave us life itself.

Changed Life

This passage challenges us to examine what we're really offering God in our worship and daily lives. Instead of rushing through prayers or treating church like a social event, we can prepare our hearts before we come into God's presence. This might mean arriving a few minutes early to quiet our minds, thinking about the words we sing instead of just mouthing them, or choosing to give our best time and energy to God rather than what's left over after everything else. It also changes how we talk about God to others—speaking of Him with respect rather than making Him the subject of casual jokes or complaints. When we truly revere God's name, our worship becomes authentic, and our lives begin to reflect the honor we give Him in our hearts.

Session 4: God's Covenant and Our Calling — Malachi 2:1-9

Study Notes — Discussion Handout — Audio Essay

Purpose: To value our spiritual influence and remain faithful to God's truth in how we lead, teach, and live

What to Look For

As you read these verses, notice how seriously God takes the responsibility of spiritual leadership. Watch for the contrast between what the covenant with Levi was meant to accomplish and how the priests had failed. Pay attention to how God's judgment is connected to their influence on others, not just their personal failures.

Personal Reflection Questions

Think about someone who has been a positive spiritual influence in your life. What qualities made their example so powerful?

In what ways do others look to you for spiritual guidance or example, even if you don't think of yourself as a "leader"?

Overview

Have you ever watched a trusted leader fall from grace and felt the ripple effects in your community? Maybe it was a pastor who compromised his integrity, a teacher who stopped caring about students, or a family member whose poor choices affected everyone around them. When people in positions of influence fail, it hurts more than just themselves.

That's exactly what was happening in Malachi's day. The priests - the spiritual leaders of Israel - had stopped taking their calling seriously. They were going through the motions of their duties while their hearts had grown cold toward God. Worse yet, their poor example was leading others away from God instead of toward Him.

In our culture today, we often think leadership only applies to people with official titles - pastors, teachers, managers, or politicians. But the truth is, we all have spheres of influence. Whether it's with family members, neighbors, friends, or fellow church members, people are watching how we live out our faith. God takes this responsibility seriously, and so should we.

Scripture: Malachi 2:1-9

This May Surprise You

Here's something that might surprise you about this passage: God's anger isn't primarily about the priests' personal sins - it's about how their failures affected others. When God says He will "spread on your faces the manure from your festival sacrifices" (verse 3), it sounds harsh, but He's making a point about public shame matching public influence.

The priests had a covenant with God through Levi that was supposed to bring "life and peace" to God's people (verse 5). Their job was to teach God's truth, guide people in right living, and help others find their way to God. Instead, they were causing people to stumble and turn away from God's path.

This reminds us that spiritual influence is both a privilege and a responsibility. When we live faithfully, we help others draw closer to God. When we compromise or grow careless, we might unknowingly lead others astray. God holds us accountable not just for our own spiritual health, but for how our lives impact the faith of others around us.

Seeds for Thought

Point 1: "Listen, you priests - this command is for you!" (Malachi 2:1 NLT)

Comment: God addresses those in positions of spiritual responsibility directly. While this was specifically for priests, the principle applies to all of us who influence others spiritually. God takes notice of how we use whatever platform or influence He has given us, whether large or small.

Point 2: "If you do not listen, and if you do not resolve to honor my name... I will send a curse on you" (Malachi 2:2 NLT)

Comment: God's warnings come from love, not anger. Just as a parent warns a child about dangerous behavior, God warns spiritual leaders about the consequences of unfaithfulness. The "curse" isn't God being mean - it's the natural result of abandoning the covenant relationship that brings blessing.

Point 3: "My covenant with him was a covenant of life and peace, and I gave them to him" (Malachi 2:5 NLT)

Comment: God's original design for spiritual leadership was beautiful - it was meant to bring life and peace to His people. When we fulfill our calling to influence others positively, we participate in God's life-giving work in the world. This is the high privilege of spiritual influence.

Point 4: "He revered me and stood in awe of my name. True instruction was in his mouth" (Malachi 2:5-6 NLT)

Comment: Notice the connection between personal reverence for God and effective spiritual influence. Levi's descendants were meant to first have their own hearts right with God, then speak truth from that foundation. Our influence flows from our relationship with God, not from our position or knowledge alone.

Point 5: "The words of a priest's lips should preserve knowledge of God, and people should go to him for instruction" (Malachi 2:7 NLT)

Comment: People naturally look to those they respect for spiritual guidance. This isn't just about formal teaching - it's about living in such a way that others see God's truth reflected in our lives. Our words and actions should help others know God better.

Point 6: "But you priests have left God's paths. Your instructions have caused many to stumble" (Malachi 2:8 NLT)

Comment: Here's the heartbreak - instead of leading people toward God, the priests were leading them away. This shows how seriously God takes the responsibility of influence. When our example causes others to stumble spiritually, it grieves God's heart because He loves those people too.

Take-Home Thought

You might be thinking, "But I'm not a priest or pastor - this doesn't really apply to me." But here's the truth: if you're a follower of Christ, you have spiritual influence. Maybe it's with your children or grandchildren who watch how you respond to life's challenges. Maybe it's with neighbors who know you're a Christian and observe how you treat others. Maybe it's with friends who come to you for advice during difficult times.

God's covenant with Levi was meant to bring "life and peace" to His people through faithful spiritual leadership. While we may not be priests in the temple, we are all called to be people who bring life and peace into the lives of others through our faithfulness to God. This is both a tremendous privilege and a serious responsibility.

The key isn't perfection - it's faithfulness. When we stumble, we can model repentance and grace. When we face challenges, we can demonstrate trust in God's goodness. When others are hurting, we can offer the comfort and hope we've received from God. Our influence doesn't depend on having all the answers; it depends on pointing others toward the One who does.

As we age and gain life experience, our influence often grows. Younger people look to us for wisdom. Fellow believers watch how we handle health challenges, family changes, and life transitions. Unbelievers observe whether our faith makes a real difference in how we face life's difficulties. God has entrusted us with these opportunities to be His representatives in the world.

Quotes

John Chrysostom: "The soul of a priest should shine like light beaming out to all the world. A priest whose life is dimmed brings darkness to many. But this principle extends to all believers - we are all called to be lights in this dark world."

Charles Spurgeon: "Every Christian is either a missionary or a mission field. We are either drawing others closer to Christ by our example, or we are making His way more difficult for them to find. There is no neutral ground in spiritual influence."

Biblical Connections

Covenant with Levi: Connects to God's original calling of the Levites for priestly service (Numbers 3:5-10) and their role as teachers of God's law (Deuteronomy 33:10)

Spiritual leadership accountability: Echoes Jesus' warning about causing others to stumble (Matthew 18:6) and James' caution about teaching (James 3:1)

Life and peace through God's covenant: Points to the peace God offers through His new covenant (John 14:27) and the abundant life Jesus came to give (John 10:10)

All believers as priests: Connects to Peter's teaching about all Christians being a "royal priesthood" (1 Peter 2:9) with responsibility to declare God's praises

Faithful instruction: Links to Paul's charge to Timothy about handling God's word correctly (2 Timothy 2:15) and teaching with integrity

How Does This Help Me Trust God Today?

When you feel the weight of spiritual influence - whether with family, friends, or fellow believers - remember that God doesn't expect you to be perfect. He expects you to be faithful. Your influence flows not from your strength but from your connection to Him.

If you've failed in your influence or made mistakes that affected others, take heart in God's grace. Like the priests in Malachi's day, you can return to faithful covenant relationship with God. Confession, repentance, and renewed commitment can restore both your relationship with God and your positive influence on others.

Trust that God will use your faithful example, even in small ways, to draw others to Himself. Whether it's showing grace under pressure, trusting God through health challenges, or simply living with consistent integrity, your life can be a source of "life and peace" to those around you. God has placed you where you are for a reason - trust Him to work through your faithfulness to bless others.

Culture Connection

Today we see leaders in every area of society—politics, business, entertainment, and even churches—falling short of the trust placed in them. When pastors fail morally, politicians break promises, or trusted figures let us down, it shakes our faith in leadership itself. Many people have become cynical about anyone in authority, expecting them to eventually disappoint. At the same time, we live in a culture where truth itself seems flexible, where people choose their own version of facts, and where compromise is often seen as wisdom rather than wavering. But God's standards for those who represent Him haven't changed. Whether it's church leaders, parents, or anyone others look up to for spiritual guidance, God still expects integrity and faithfulness to His truth, not just when it's convenient or popular.

Changed Life

This passage reminds us that we all have influence over someone, whether we realize it or not. Instead of pointing fingers at failed leaders, we can ask ourselves: "Who looks up to me, and am I leading them toward God or away from Him?" This might change how we talk about our faith around grandchildren, how we treat our spouses when we think no one is watching, or how we respond to difficulties in front of younger believers. When we mess up—and we will—this passage encourages us to own our mistakes rather than making excuses or covering them up. It also challenges us to speak truth in love, even when it's uncomfortable, rather than telling people only what they want to hear. Living with integrity becomes not just about our own relationship with God, but about our responsibility to those who are watching our lives.

Session 5: Faithfulness in Relationships — Malachi 2:10-16

Study Notes — Discussion Handout — Audio Essay

Purpose: To understand that our personal commitments reflect our relationship with a faithful God

What to Look For

As you read this passage, notice how God connects faithfulness to Him with faithfulness to one another. Watch for the repeated theme of covenant - both God's covenant with His people and marriage covenants between spouses. Pay attention to how God feels about broken commitments and why faithfulness matters so much to Him.

Personal Reflection Questions

Think of a relationship in your life where someone has shown you faithful love through both good times and hard times. How did their faithfulness affect you?

What do you think it means that God "hates divorce" but loves divorced people? How do we balance God's heart for commitment with His grace for those who've experienced broken relationships?

Overview

Have you ever noticed how a couple who has been faithfully married for 50 or 60 years seems to glow with a special kind of love? They've weathered storms together, supported each other through illness, celebrated joys, and worked through countless small daily challenges. Their faithfulness to each other tells a beautiful story about what covenant love looks like.

In Malachi's day, many of the men were breaking their marriage commitments. They were divorcing their wives to marry younger women, often from other nations who worshipped different gods. They thought this was just a personal matter, but God saw it differently. He saw that their unfaithfulness in marriage reflected and reinforced their unfaithfulness to Him.

In our culture today, we often treat commitments as contracts that can be broken when they become inconvenient. But God designed relationships - especially marriage - to be covenants that reflect His own faithful love for us. When we understand how faithful God has been to us through all our ups and downs, it changes how we approach our commitments to others.

Scripture: Malachi 2:10-16

This May Surprise You

Here's something that might surprise you about this passage: when God says "I hate divorce" (verse 16), He's not condemning people who have been through divorce. He's expressing His heart for what divorce represents - the breaking of a covenant that was meant to reflect His own faithful love.

Think of it this way: if you watched someone you love being deeply hurt by a broken promise, you might say, "I hate it when people break their word like that." You're not hating the people involved - you're grieving the pain caused by broken commitments. That's closer to God's heart here.

God designed marriage to be a picture of His relationship with His people - faithful, committed, loving through all circumstances. When marriages break apart (especially for selfish reasons like those in Malachi's day), it not only hurts the people involved but also damages the picture of God's character that marriage is meant to display. God grieves both the personal pain and the distorted picture of His love.

Seeds for Thought

Point 1: "Are we not all children of the same Father? Are we not all created by the same God?" (Malachi 2:10 NLT)

Comment: God begins with our common foundation - we all belong to the same heavenly Father. This reminds us that faithfulness in relationships isn't just a nice idea; it's how family members should treat each other. When we break faith with others, we're betraying our own spiritual family.

Point 2: "So why do we betray each other, violating the covenant of our ancestors?" (Malachi 2:10b NLT)

Comment: God sees our relationships with others as connected to His covenant with us. When we're unfaithful to people, we're also being unfaithful to God who called us to love one another. Our horizontal relationships reflect our vertical relationship with God.

Point 3: "You cry out, 'Why doesn't the Lord accept my worship?' I'll tell you why! Because the Lord witnessed the vows you and your wife made when you were young." (Malachi 2:13-14 NLT)

Comment: Here's a powerful truth - God doesn't separate our worship from our relationships. If we're breaking our commitments to people, our worship feels empty to God. He cares about the whole picture of our lives, not just the religious parts.

Point 4: "But you have been unfaithful to her, though she is your partner, the wife of your marriage covenant." (Malachi 2:14b NLT)

Comment: God calls the wife a "partner" - someone who shares life's journey equally. Marriage isn't about ownership or convenience; it's about partnership and covenant commitment. God designed marriage as a relationship of mutual faithfulness and support.

Point 5: "Didn't the Lord make you one with your wife? In body and spirit you are his." (Malachi 2:15 NLT)

Comment: God sees marriage as creating a new unity that He Himself has brought about. This isn't just a human contract - it's something God has joined together. This makes faithfulness in marriage a matter of honoring what God has done, not just keeping human promises.

Point 6: "So guard your heart; do not be unfaithful to your wife." (Malachi 2:16 NLT)

Comment: Faithfulness begins in the heart before it shows up in actions. God calls us to actively guard our hearts against unfaithfulness. This means making choices every day to nurture love and commitment rather than allowing them to drift.

Take-Home Thought

You might wonder how this passage applies if you're single, widowed, or divorced. The beautiful truth is that this passage is ultimately about God's character and how He calls us to reflect His faithfulness in all our relationships - not just marriage. God is showing us that He values commitment, loyalty, and keeping our word because that's who He is.

Think about God's faithfulness to you over the years. He has never given up on you, even when you've failed Him. He has never broken His promises to you, even when you've been unfaithful to Him. He has loved you through seasons of spiritual dryness, times of doubt, and moments of disobedience. His covenant love for you is unshakeable.

This is the kind of love God calls us to show in our relationships. Whether it's faithfulness to a spouse through illness and aging, loyalty to friends through difficult times, commitment to adult children even when they make poor choices, or simply being trustworthy with our word in everyday interactions - we're called to mirror God's faithful character.

For those who have experienced broken marriages or other relationship failures, this passage isn't meant to bring condemnation. God's grace covers our failures, and He can bring healing and restoration even from our worst mistakes. What this passage does teach us is that moving forward, we can choose to reflect God's faithfulness in whatever relationships He gives us.

The goal isn't perfect relationships - it's faithful relationships. When we fail, we can model repentance and forgiveness. When others fail us, we can show the same grace God has shown us. Our commitment to faithfulness in relationships becomes a way of worshipping God and showing the world what His love looks like.

Quotes

Timothy Keller: "The reason that marriage is so painful and yet wonderful is because it is a reflection of the gospel, which is painful and wonderful at once. The gospel is this: We are more sinful and flawed than we ever dared believe, yet more loved and accepted than we ever dared hope."

John Chrysostom: "When husband and wife are united in marriage, they no longer appear as something earthly, but as the image of God Himself. Their faithfulness to one another becomes a window through which others can see the faithfulness of God."

Biblical Connections

One flesh in marriage: Connects to God's original design for marriage in Genesis 2:24 and Jesus' teaching about marriage in Matthew 19:3-6

God's covenant faithfulness: Echoes throughout Scripture, from God's promises to Abraham (Genesis 15:18) to His new covenant in Christ (Hebrews 8:6-13)

Faithfulness in relationships reflecting faith in God: Similar to Paul's teaching about marriage reflecting Christ's relationship with the church (Ephesians 5:25-33)

God witnessing our vows: Connects to the understanding that God is present at our commitments and holds us accountable (Ecclesiastes 5:4-5)

Love as the foundation of faith: Links to Jesus' teaching that love for one another proves our love for God (1 John 4:20-21)

How Does This Help Me Trust God Today?

When your relationships face challenges - whether in marriage, family, friendships, or other commitments - remember that God understands the difficulty of faithful love. He has chosen to love you faithfully even when it's been costly to Him. His faithfulness to you through decades of life gives you both a model and the strength to be faithful to others.

If you're struggling in a relationship, ask God for wisdom about how to love faithfully without enabling harmful behavior. Faithfulness doesn't mean accepting abuse or enabling destructive patterns. It does mean keeping your commitments, showing grace, and working toward healing when possible.

If you've experienced broken relationships or feel you've failed in faithfulness, trust in God's grace and restoration. He can bring beauty from ashes and help you move forward with renewed commitment to reflecting His faithful love. Your past failures don't disqualify you from future faithfulness - they can actually deepen your appreciation for God's grace and make you more compassionate toward others who struggle.

Trust that as you seek to be faithful in your relationships, you're participating in God's own work of love in the world. Your commitment to faithfulness, however imperfect, becomes a testimony to God's faithful character and a source of hope for others who are watching your life.

Culture Connection

We live in a throwaway culture where relationships are often treated as disposable when they become difficult or inconvenient. Dating apps make it easy to replace people with a simple swipe, and many marriages end at the first sign of serious trouble rather than working through problems together. Even in our churches, we sometimes see people jump from relationship to relationship or congregation to congregation when things get challenging. Society tells us to "follow your heart" and prioritize personal happiness above commitment, but God's design for relationships is built on covenant faithfulness—sticking with people through good times and bad. Like the Israelites who broke faith with their wives and with God, we're tempted to abandon our commitments when they require sacrifice or don't immediately meet our needs.

Changed Life

This passage challenges us to see our relationships as sacred commitments rather than temporary arrangements. In marriage, it means choosing to love and serve our spouse even when feelings fade or conflicts arise, remembering that God hates the breaking of covenant promises. For those who are single or widowed, it applies to all our relationships—being people others can count on, keeping our word even when it costs us something, and showing the same kind of faithful love God shows us. Instead of looking for reasons to distance ourselves from difficult people, we can ask God to help us love them better. When we're tempted to gossip, betray confidences, or abandon friendships during tough seasons, we remember that faithfulness in our human relationships reflects our faithfulness to God. Our commitment to others becomes a witness to God's unwavering commitment to us.

Session 6: The God Who Judges and Refines — Malachi 2:17-3:5

Study Notes — Discussion Handout — Audio Essay

Purpose: To trust in God's justice and prepare for His refining work in our lives, not just His judgment of the world

What to Look For

As you read this passage, notice how God responds to people who question His justice. Watch for the promise of the messenger who will prepare the way for the Lord's coming. Pay attention to the dual nature of God's coming - both judgment for those who oppose Him and purification for those who belong to Him.

Personal Reflection Questions

Have you ever felt frustrated watching someone get away with wrong behavior while good people seem to suffer? How did you handle those feelings?

When you think about God's "refining fire" in your own life, what areas might He want to purify or strengthen in you?

Overview

Have you ever watched the news and wondered, "Where is God's justice?" You see corrupt politicians keeping their power, dishonest business leaders getting richer, and people who seem to have no regard for God or others living comfortable lives. Meanwhile, faithful people struggle with illness, financial hardship, and heartbreak. It's natural to ask, "Does God even care about right and wrong?"

That's exactly what God's people were asking in Malachi's day. They looked around and saw wicked people prospering while they struggled. They began to wonder if it even mattered whether you served God or not. Some were even saying, "God must think evil is good, or else where is the God of justice?"

But God's answer is both comforting and challenging. Yes, He will bring justice - perfect, complete justice. But when He comes to set things right, He won't just judge the world "out there." He will also purify His own people, burning away everything in our lives that doesn't honor Him. God's justice isn't just about punishing the wicked - it's about making everything and everyone right.

Scripture: Malachi 2:17-3:5

This May Surprise You

Here's something that might surprise you about this passage: the "messenger" who prepares the way for the Lord (verse 1) isn't just talking about John the Baptist, though he certainly fulfilled this role. This messenger represents anyone God uses to help people get ready for His work in their lives.

Think about the people God has used as "messengers" in your life - maybe a pastor who helped you see your need for God, a friend who challenged you to grow spiritually, or even difficult circumstances that caused you to seek God more seriously. God often sends preparation before transformation.

The refining fire God promises isn't meant to destroy us - it's meant to purify us. When silver is refined, the fire doesn't destroy the silver; it burns away the impurities so the true beauty of the silver can shine. God's refining work in our lives burns away the things that hurt us and others - selfishness, bitterness, pride, fear - so that Christ's character can shine more clearly through us.

Seeds for Thought

Point 1: "You have wearied the Lord with your words. 'How have we wearied him?' you ask." (Malachi 2:17 NLT)

Comment: Sometimes our complaints about God's justice actually reveal our lack of trust in His character. God doesn't get tired like we do, but our constant questioning of His goodness can show that we've forgotten who He really is. Instead of asking "Where is God's justice?" we can trust that His timing and methods are perfect.

Point 2: "By saying that all who do evil are good in the Lord's sight, and he is pleased with them. Or by asking, 'Where is the God of justice?'" (Malachi 2:17b NLT)

Comment: When we see evil people succeed, it's tempting to think God doesn't care about right and wrong. But God's apparent delay in judgment isn't approval of evil - it's patience, giving people time to repent. His justice is certain, even when His timing is different from what we expect.

Point 3: "Look! I am sending my messenger, and he will prepare the way before me." (Malachi 3:1 NLT)

Comment: God doesn't come suddenly without warning. He graciously sends preparation first. In our lives, God often prepares us for His work through people, circumstances, or His Word. When we recognize these "messengers," we can cooperate with God's preparation rather than resist it.

Point 4: "Then the Lord you are seeking will suddenly come to his Temple." (Malachi 3:1b NLT)

Comment: The people were seeking God's justice, but they may not have been ready for His presence. Sometimes we pray for God to act, but we're not prepared for what His action might require of us. God's presence brings both comfort and challenge.

Point 5: "But who will be able to endure it when he comes? Who will be able to stand and face him when he appears?" (Malachi 3:2 NLT)

Comment: Meeting with a holy God isn't a casual encounter. It requires preparation and humility. But this isn't meant to frighten us away from God - it's meant to help us take Him seriously and approach Him with proper reverence and readiness.

Point 6: "For he will be like a blazing fire that refines metal, or like a strong soap that bleaches clothes." (Malachi 3:2b NLT)

Comment: Both fire and soap are used for purification, not destruction. God's refining work might be intense, but it's motivated by love. He wants to remove everything that hurts us or hinders our relationship with Him. The discomfort is temporary; the purification is eternal.

Point 7: "He will sit like a refiner of silver, burning away the dross. He will purify the Levites, refining them like gold and silver." (Malachi 3:3 NLT)

Comment: Notice that the refiner sits and watches carefully. God doesn't refine us carelessly or harshly. He monitors the process, knowing exactly how much heat we can handle and when the purification is complete. His refining is precise and loving.

Take-Home Thought

When we look at the injustice in the world, it's natural to cry out, "Where is God?" But this passage reminds us that God sees everything, and He will make all things right in His perfect timing. His apparent delay isn't indifference - it's patience, giving people time to turn to Him before judgment comes.

But here's what we might not expect: when God comes to bring justice, He doesn't just deal with the obvious sinners "out there." He also comes to refine His own people. This isn't because He's angry with us, but because He loves us too much to leave us unchanged. He wants to burn away everything in our lives that causes pain, breaks relationships, or hinders our joy.

As we age, God's refining work often becomes more evident. Health challenges might teach us to depend on Him more fully. Loss of loved ones might deepen our understanding of what really matters. Financial limitations might show us that our security comes from Him, not our bank account. These aren't punishments - they're God's loving way of purifying our hearts and preparing us for eternity with Him.

The refining process isn't always comfortable, but it's always purposeful. God sits like a careful silversmith, watching over the process, applying just the right amount of heat for just the right amount of time. He knows when the impurities have been burned away and His character is shining clearly through our lives.

We can trust God's justice because we can trust God's character. He will deal with evil and injustice perfectly. And He will continue His patient, loving work of making us more like Jesus, burning away everything that doesn't belong and bringing out the beauty of His image in us.

Quotes

C.S. Lewis: "The problem of pain meets its match in the purpose of God. He allows the refiner's fire not to destroy us, but to prepare us for a weight of glory that our present troubles cannot even fathom."

Amy Carmichael: "God does not comfort us to make us comfortable, but to make us comforters. He does not refine us to make us sparkle, but to make us reflect His glory to a world that desperately needs to see Him."

Biblical Connections

The messenger preparing the way: Fulfilled by John the Baptist (Matthew 3:1-3, Luke 1:17) but echoing the pattern of all God's messengers throughout history

God's refining fire: Connects to God's purification of Isaiah (Isaiah 6:6-7) and Peter's teaching about tested faith (1 Peter 1:6-7)

God as righteous judge: Echoes throughout Scripture, from Abraham's confidence that "the Judge of all the earth will do right" (Genesis 18:25) to Paul's teaching about God's judgment (Romans 2:5-11)

Purification of God's people: Links to Paul's teaching about God's discipline (Hebrews 12:5-11) and sanctification (1 Thessalonians 5:23)

God's patience with sinners: Connects to Peter's explanation of God's patient delay (2 Peter 3:9) and Paul's testimony of God's patience (1 Timothy 1:16)

How Does This Help Me Trust God Today?

When you're frustrated by injustice in the world or struggling with God's refining work in your own life, remember that God is both perfectly just and perfectly loving. His justice ensures that all wrongs will be made right. His love ensures that His refining work in your life is for your good and His glory.

If you're experiencing difficult circumstances that feel like refining fire, trust that God is sitting beside the furnace, carefully monitoring the process. He won't allow more heat than you can bear, and He knows exactly when the refining is complete. The temporary discomfort is producing eternal benefits - stronger faith, deeper character, and clearer reflection of Christ's image.

Don't be afraid of God's refining work. Embrace it as evidence of His love for you. He could leave you as you are, but He loves you too much to do that. He's committed to the long process of making you more like Jesus, burning away everything that hurts you and bringing out everything that honors Him.

When you see injustice in the world, instead of questioning God's justice, pray for those who are causing harm and trust that God's timing is perfect. Your job isn't to bring judgment - it's to reflect God's character while He does His patient work of justice and refinement in the world.

Culture Connection

We live in a time when people are frustrated with injustice but have lost hope that real justice will ever come. We see corrupt politicians stay in power, criminals get light sentences while honest people suffer, and those who cheat the system seeming to prosper while those who play by the rules struggle. Many people have given up on the idea that good will ultimately triumph over evil. Like the Israelites who said "Where is the God of justice?" we wonder if God really sees what's happening in our world. At the same time, our culture wants justice without judgment—we want wrongdoing punished but don't want to face the reality that we all fall short of God's perfect standards. We're quick to point out others' failures while avoiding honest examination of our own hearts.

Changed Life

This passage changes how we respond to both injustice and God's work in our own lives. Instead of becoming bitter when we see others seemingly get away with wrongdoing, we can trust that God sees everything and will ultimately make all things right. This doesn't mean we ignore injustice or fail to stand up for what's right, but we don't carry the burden of being everyone's judge and jury. When we face difficulties or challenges, we can ask ourselves: "Is God using this situation to refine something in my character?" Rather than just asking God to remove our problems, we can pray for the strength to let Him use them to make us more like Christ. We also become more patient with God's timing, understanding that His refining process takes time and that His justice, though sometimes delayed from our perspective, is always perfect and complete.

Session 7: Returning with Open Hands — Malachi 3:6-1

Study Notes — Discussion Handout — Audio Essay

Purpose: To practice giving as an act of returning to God, trusting in His provision and honoring His generosity

What to Look For

As you read this passage, notice how God connects faithfulness in giving with faithfulness in relationship. Watch for God's promise to bless those who trust Him with their resources. Pay attention to how God views our giving - not as payment to Him, but as an expression of our trust in His provision.

Personal Reflection Questions

Think about a time when someone was generous to you during a difficult season. How did their giving affect not just your circumstances but also your heart?

What are some ways God has provided for you over the years that you might have taken for granted?

Overview

Have you ever noticed how generous people often seem to have a special joy about them? They're not necessarily wealthy, but there's something in their spirit that's different from people who hold tightly to everything they have. They seem to understand something about life that others miss - that giving and receiving are both gifts from God.

In Malachi's day, God's people were struggling financially, and their response was to hold tighter to what they had. They stopped bringing their tithes and offerings to support God's work, thinking they needed to keep everything for themselves. But God saw their tight-fisted approach as both a symptom and a cause of their spiritual distance from Him.

In our culture today, we often think about giving in terms of charity or taxes - something we do out of duty or to help others. But God presents giving as something much deeper: it's a way of returning to Him, an expression of trust in His provision, and a participation in His generous heart. When we give faithfully, we're not just helping others - we're aligning our hearts with God's heart.

Scripture: Malachi 3:6-10

This May Surprise You

Here's something that might surprise you about this passage: God's invitation to "test me in this" (verse 10) is the only place in Scripture where God invites us to test Him. Usually, testing God is forbidden because it shows lack of faith. But when it comes to generous giving, God essentially says, "Try me and see if I won't take care of you."

This isn't a "name it and claim it" promise that faithful giving will make us wealthy. Rather, it's God's assurance that when we trust Him with our resources, He will provide what we truly need. Sometimes that provision comes in obvious ways - unexpected income, gifts from others, or bills that are smaller than expected. Sometimes it comes in less obvious ways - health that saves medical costs, wisdom that prevents expensive mistakes, or contentment that makes us feel rich regardless of our bank account.

The key insight is that God sees our giving as a barometer of our trust in Him. When we give generally, we're saying, "God, I believe You will take care of me." When we hold everything tightly, we're essentially saying, "God, I'm not sure You'll provide, so I better take care of myself."

Seeds for Thought

Point 1: "I am the Lord, and I do not change. So you descendants of Jacob are not destroyed." (Malachi 3:6 NLT)

Comment: God begins with His unchanging character as the foundation for everything else. Because He doesn't change, His promises are reliable and His provision is certain. Our giving is safe because our God is unchanging. This gives us confidence to be generous, knowing God's character is our security.

Point 2: "Ever since the days of your ancestors, you have scorned my decrees and failed to obey them. Now return to me, and I will return to you." (Malachi 3:7 NLT)

Comment: God's call to return isn't angry - it's loving. He's not holding grudges about past failures but offering fresh relationship. The pattern of turning away from God and then returning has been going on for generations, but God's invitation remains open. Our giving becomes a way of returning to Him.

Point 3: "But you ask, 'How can we return when we have never gone away?'" (Malachi 3:7b NLT)

Comment: Sometimes we can be distant from God without realizing it. The people thought they were still faithful, but their tight-fisted approach to giving revealed hearts that had grown cold toward God. Our attitudes toward money and possessions often reveal the true condition of our hearts.

Point 4: "Should people cheat God? Yet you have cheated me! But you ask, 'What do you mean? When did we ever cheat you?'" (Malachi 3:8 NLT)

Comment: God doesn't need our money, but He cares about what our giving says about our relationship with Him. When we withhold what belongs to God, we're not hurting Him financially - we're damaging our own spiritual health. It's like a child who refuses to accept gifts from a loving parent.

Point 5: "You have cheated me of the tithes and offerings due to me." (Malachi 3:8b NLT)

Comment: The tithe (ten percent) was meant to support God's work and help those in need. But this isn't just about a specific percentage - it's about the principle of putting God first in our finances. When we prioritize everything else and give God the leftovers, we're essentially saying other things matter more to us than He does.

Point 6: "Bring all the tithes into the storehouse so there will be enough food in my Temple." (Malachi 3:10 NLT)

Comment: God's concern isn't just spiritual - it's practical. The tithes supported the priests and helped feed the poor. When we give faithfully, we participate in God's work of caring for others. Our giving becomes a way of loving our neighbors and supporting God's kingdom work.

Point 7: "If you do... I will open the windows of heaven for you. I will pour out a blessing so great you won't have enough room to take it in!" (Malachi 3:10b NLT)

Comment: God promises blessing, but not necessarily the kind we might expect. His blessings include provision, protection, satisfaction, and joy. Sometimes His greatest blessing is teaching us to be content with what we have while finding joy in generosity.

Take-Home Thought

Money matters to God - not because He needs it, but because our attitudes toward money reveal so much about our hearts. When we hold tightly to our resources, we're often expressing fear about the future or doubt about God's provision. When we give generously, we're declaring our trust in God's faithfulness and participating in His generous heart.

Many seniors face unique challenges when it comes to giving. Fixed incomes, rising medical costs, and uncertainty about future needs can make it tempting to hold onto every dollar. But this passage reminds us that our security comes not from our savings account but from our unchanging God. This doesn't mean we should be careless with money - it means we should be thoughtful about how our financial decisions reflect our trust in God.

Faithful giving isn't about a magic formula that guarantees prosperity. It's about aligning our hearts with God's generous character and trusting Him to provide what we truly need. Sometimes His provision comes through increased income, sometimes through decreased expenses, sometimes through the generosity of others, and sometimes through the deep contentment that comes from knowing we have enough.

The beautiful truth is that God invites us to "test" Him in this area. He's so confident in His ability to provide that He essentially says, "Try being generous and see what happens." This isn't a get-rich-quick scheme - it's God's invitation to discover the joy that comes from participating in His work and trusting His provision.

Whether your resources are large or small, the principle remains the same: giving with a generous heart is a way of returning to God, expressing trust in His provision, and participating in His work of blessing others. It's not about the amount - it's about the heart behind the gift.

Quotes

John Wesley: "Gain all you can, save all you can, give all you can. But remember that the purpose of gaining and saving is to have more to give, for giving is the natural expression of a heart that has been touched by God's generosity."

Randy Alcorn: "God prospers me not to raise my standard of living, but to raise my standard of giving. When we give, we simply move money from an earthly account to a heavenly account. We don't lose it - we simply change its location."

Biblical Connections

Testing God (positively): This is unique in Scripture, contrasting with warnings against testing God (Deuteronomy 6:16, Matthew 4:7)

Tithing principle: Connects to Abraham giving a tenth to Melchizedek (Genesis 14:18-20) and Jacob's vow to give a tenth (Genesis 28:20-22)

God's unchanging character: Echoes throughout Scripture (Numbers 23:19, James 1:17, Hebrews 13:8)

Generous giving: Links to Jesus' teaching about giving (Luke 6:38), Paul's teaching about cheerful giving (2 Corinthians 9:6-7), and the early church's generosity (Acts 2:44-47)

God's provision: Connects to Jesus' teaching about God caring for our needs (Matthew 6:25-34) and Paul's confidence in God's provision (Philippians 4:19)

How Does This Help Me Trust God Today?

When you're worried about financial security or struggling with being generous, remember that your security comes from God's unchanging character, not your changing circumstances. He has provided for you throughout your life, and He promises to continue providing what you truly need.

If giving feels risky because of limited resources, start small but start somewhere. God isn't asking you to be careless with money - He's asking you to trust Him with your resources. Even a small gift given from a trusting heart honors God and participates in His work.

Consider how God has been generous to you throughout your life - not just financially, but in health, relationships, experiences, and spiritual blessings. Let gratitude for His generosity motivate your own generous spirit. When we truly understand how much God has given us, giving to others becomes a natural response.

Remember that faithful giving is ultimately about relationship, not transaction. It's a way of saying, "God, I trust You with my future, and I want to participate in Your work in the world." Whether your gift is large or small, God sees the heart behind it and delights in your trust in His provision.

Culture Connection

Our culture has made money and possessions the measure of security and success. We're constantly told we need more—bigger houses, newer cars, larger retirement accounts—to be truly safe and happy. Even in retirement, many of us worry constantly about having enough, watching our investments like a hawk and feeling anxious about every expense. At the same time, we live in a society where people give less and less to charitable causes, including the church, often because they feel financially stretched or don't trust how their money will be used. Like the Israelites, we hold tightly to what we have, believing that our security comes from what we can accumulate and control rather than from God's provision. The idea of giving generously feels risky when everything around us says to hold on tight to what we have.

Changed Life

This passage challenges us to see our money and possessions as tools for trusting God rather than sources of security in themselves. Instead of viewing our tithe or offerings as money we're losing, we can see them as opportunities to demonstrate our faith that God will provide for our needs. This doesn't mean being foolish with money, but it means our giving reflects our belief that God owns everything and can be trusted with our future. For those on fixed incomes, it might mean giving faithfully from what we have rather than waiting until we feel we have "enough." It also changes how we talk about money—instead of constantly worrying about finances or complaining about costs, we can speak with gratitude about God's provision and look for ways to be generous with others. When we truly return to God with our whole lives, including our wallets, we discover that He is indeed faithful to provide for those who trust Him.

Session 8: God Remembers the Faithful — Malachi 3:13-18

Study Notes — Discussion Handout — Audio Essay

Purpose: To be encouraged that God sees and honors the faithfulness of His people, even when the world seems indifferent

What to Look For

As you read this passage, notice the contrast between those who complain about serving God and those who fear Him. Watch for the beautiful image of God's "book of remembrance" where He records the faithfulness of His people. Pay attention to God's promise about how He will treat those who are faithful to Him.

Personal Reflection Questions

Have you ever felt discouraged about living faithfully when it seemed like others were getting ahead by cutting corners or ignoring God?

When you think about God keeping a "book of remembrance" of your faithfulness, what moments in your life do you think would be recorded there?

Overview

Have you ever worked really hard on something important, only to feel like nobody noticed or cared? Maybe you spent years caring for an aging parent, served faithfully in church, or tried to live with integrity in a workplace where others were dishonest. Sometimes doing the right thing feels thankless, and you might wonder if it's worth the effort.

That's exactly how many of God's people were feeling in Malachi's day. They looked around and saw people who ignored God seeming to prosper, while their own faithfulness seemed to go unnoticed. They began to question whether serving God was worth it. Some were even saying, "It's useless to serve God. What do we gain by obeying His commands?"

But in one of the most beautiful passages in the Old Testament, God reveals something wonderful: He sees every act of faithfulness, He treasures every moment of reverence toward Him, and He keeps careful records of those who honor Him. Nothing goes unnoticed. Nothing is forgotten. Every faithful deed is written in His book of remembrance.

Scripture: Malachi 3:13-18

This May Surprise You

Here's something that might surprise you about this passage: the people God treasures most aren't the ones with perfect lives or outstanding achievements. They're simply people who "feared the Lord and thought about his name" (verse 16). The Hebrew word for "feared" here doesn't mean being scared of God - it means having deep reverence, respect, and awe for who He is.

The phrase "thought about his name" is particularly beautiful. It means these people regularly brought God to mind, considered His character, and let His nature influence their daily choices. These weren't necessarily the most visible or prominent people - they were simply folks who lived with a constant awareness of God's presence and goodness.

This means the grandmother who prays faithfully for her family, the church member who quietly helps where needed, the neighbor who shows kindness without fanfare, the person who chooses honesty when no one would know the difference - these faithful saints are God's treasured possessions. He doesn't overlook the small acts of faithfulness; He celebrates them.

Seeds for Thought

Point 1: "You have said terrible things about me," says the Lord. "But you ask, 'What do you mean? What have we said against you?'" (Malachi 3:13 NLT)

Comment: Sometimes our complaints reveal attitudes we didn't realize we had. The people didn't think they were speaking against God, but their questioning of whether faithfulness was worthwhile was actually questioning God's character. When we wonder if serving God is worth it, we might be forgetting His goodness and justice.

Point 2: "You have said, 'What's the use of serving God? What have we gained by obeying his commands?'" (Malachi 3:14 NLT)

Comment: This attitude treats faith like a business transaction - we serve God and expect immediate, visible returns. But God's rewards often come in ways we don't expect and on timelines we don't understand. True faithfulness serves God because of who He is, not just because of what He gives us.

Point 3: "What good is it to show sorrow for our sins? Now we call the arrogant blessed." (Malachi 3:14-15 NLT)

Comment: When we focus only on what we can see, it's easy to think that proud, selfish people have it better than humble, faithful people. But God sees the bigger picture. What looks like blessing to us might actually be emptiness, while what looks like struggle to us might be preparation for greater blessing.

Point 4: "Then those who feared the Lord spoke with each other" (Malachi 3:16 NLT)

Comment: Notice that faithful people found each other and encouraged one another. When the culture around us questions whether faithfulness matters, we need fellowship with others who share our commitment to honoring God. These conversations strengthen our resolve and remind us we're not alone.

Point 5: "And the Lord listened and heard. A scroll of remembrance was written in his presence" (Malachi 3:16b NLT)

Comment: God doesn't just notice our faithfulness - He actively listens to our conversations about Him and records our devotion. The image of a "scroll of remembrance" suggests that God treasures and preserves every expression of faith and reverence. Nothing is forgotten or overlooked.

Point 6: "On the day when I act, they will be my treasured possession" (Malachi 3:17 NLT)

Comment: The word "treasured possession" is the same term used to describe Israel as God's chosen people. Faithful individuals become God's special treasure, not because of their achievements but because of their heart toward Him. This is incredibly encouraging for those who feel overlooked or unimportant.

Point 7: "I will spare them as a father spares an obedient child" (Malachi 3:17b NLT)

Comment: God's relationship with faithful people is deeply personal and parental. Just as loving parents have special tenderness for children who honor them, God has special care for those who reverence Him. This doesn't mean favoritism, but it does mean a unique, loving relationship.

Point 8: "Then you will again see the difference between the righteous and the wicked" (Malachi 3:18 NLT)

Comment: God promises that ultimately, the distinction between faithful and unfaithful will be clear. Right now it might seem like faithfulness doesn't matter, but God's justice will eventually make the difference obvious. This encourages us to keep being faithful even when it's hard to see the point.

Take-Home Thought

After decades of life, it's natural to sometimes wonder if your faithfulness has mattered. You've tried to live with integrity, serve others, and honor God, but the world often seems to reward people who cut corners or ignore God altogether. You might feel like your quiet faithfulness has gone unnoticed.

But this passage reveals something beautiful about God's heart: He sees everything, He treasures faithfulness above achievement, and He keeps careful records of every act of reverence toward Him. Your faithful prayers, your acts of kindness, your choices to do right when no one was watching, your perseverance through difficult times - all of it is written in His book of remembrance.

God doesn't measure success the way the world does. He's not impressed by wealth, power, or fame. He's moved by hearts that reverence Him, minds that think about His goodness, and lives that reflect His character. The grandmother who prays faithfully, the church member who serves quietly, the neighbor who shows consistent kindness - these are God's treasured possessions.

The promise isn't that faithful people will never face difficulties in this life. It's that God sees their faithfulness, treasures their devotion, and will ultimately vindicate their commitment to Him. When God "acts" - whether in this life or the next - the value of faithfulness will be clear to everyone.

This doesn't mean we serve God just for rewards. We serve Him because He's worthy of our devotion. But it's encouraging to know that our faithfulness matters deeply to Him. Every prayer, every act of service, every choice to honor Him when it would be easier not to - all of it is seen, treasured, and remembered by the God who loves us.

Quotes

Charles Spurgeon: "God keeps a book, and in that book He writes not our names merely, but our acts, our words, our thoughts. The humblest saint who fears the Lord has his name inscribed there, and his smallest act of faith is recorded with divine precision."

Amy Carmichael: "We are not called to be successful, but to be faithful. And faithfulness is never wasted, never forgotten, never unrewarded, for it is treasured in the heart of God Himself."

Biblical Connections

Book of remembrance: Similar to other biblical references to God's record-keeping (Exodus 32:32, Psalm 56:8, Daniel 12:1, Revelation 20:12)

God's treasured possession: Echoes God's description of Israel (Exodus 19:5, Deuteronomy 7:6) and Peter's description of believers (1 Peter 2:9)

Those who fear the Lord: Connects throughout Scripture with God's special care for the reverent (Psalm 25:14, Psalm 103:11, Proverbs 14:26)

God distinguishing between righteous and wicked: Links to Jesus' teaching about separation of sheep and goats (Matthew 25:31-46) and Paul's teaching about God's judgment (2 Thessalonians 1:6-10)

Fellowship of believers: Echoes the early church's encouragement (Hebrews 10:24-25) and Paul's teaching about strengthening one another (1 Thessalonians 5:11)

How Does This Help Me Trust God Today?

When you feel discouraged about whether your faithfulness matters, remember that God sees every act of devotion and treasures every expression of reverence toward Him. Your quiet faithfulness is not invisible or worthless - it's precious to God and recorded in His book of remembrance.

If you're tempted to think that serving God isn't worth the effort because others seem to get ahead by ignoring Him, trust that God's perspective is different from the world's. What looks like success to human eyes might be emptiness to God, while what looks ordinary to others might be treasured by Him.

Find encouragement in fellowship with other believers who share your commitment to faithfulness. When you speak together about God's goodness and encourage each other's faith, remember that God is listening and delighting in your conversations about Him.

Trust that God's justice will ultimately vindicate faithfulness. You may not see the full picture in this life, but God promises that eventually the difference between living for Him and living for yourself will be clear to everyone. Until then, your job is simply to remain faithful, knowing that God sees, remembers, and treasures your devotion to Him.

Culture Connection

In our world today, faithfulness often goes unnoticed and unrewarded. We see people who cut corners getting ahead while those who do the right thing seem to get overlooked. Good employees watch dishonest coworkers get promotions, honest taxpayers see others cheat the system without consequences, and faithful church members wonder if anyone notices their quiet service behind the scenes. Social media celebrates the flashy and dramatic while everyday faithfulness gets ignored. Like the people in Malachi's day who said "What's the use of serving God?" many believers today wonder if living righteously really makes any difference. Our culture rewards those who promote themselves loudly while the humble and faithful often feel invisible and forgotten.

Changed Life

This passage transforms how we view our quiet, everyday faithfulness to God. Instead of serving only when we get recognition or feel appreciated, we can find peace in knowing that God sees and remembers every act of obedience, every prayer offered in secret, and every time we choose to do right when no one else notices. When we're tempted to complain that faithfulness doesn't pay, we remember that God is keeping a record of those who fear Him. This changes our motivation from seeking human approval to pleasing God, knowing that He treasures our devotion even when others don't see it. It also helps us encourage other faithful believers around us, reminding them that their steady service matters to God even if the world doesn't notice. We can stop comparing ourselves to those who seem to prosper through shortcuts and instead focus on being the kind of people God calls His "treasured possession."

Session 9: The Great Day of the Lord — Malachi 4:1-6

Study Notes — Discussion Handout — Audio Essay

Purpose: To live in hopeful anticipation of God's final restoration, clinging to His promises with awe and expectation

What to Look For

As you read this passage, notice the contrast between destruction and healing that God's coming brings. Watch for the beautiful image of the "Sun of Righteousness" rising with healing in His wings. Pay attention to how this final chapter looks both backward to the Law of Moses and forward to the coming of Elijah.

Personal Reflection Questions

When you think about Jesus' return, do you feel more anticipation or anxiety? What does that reveal about your relationship with Him?

What are some things in this world that you long to see made right when God establishes His perfect kingdom?

Overview

Have you ever watched a sunrise after a long, difficult night? There's something almost magical about the way the sun's first rays chase away the darkness and bring warmth to everything they touch. After hours of cold and shadow, that rising sun feels like hope itself breaking over the horizon.

That's the beautiful image Malachi uses to describe God's final intervention in human history. He calls it "the Sun of Righteousness rising with healing in his wings." For those who have been faithful to God through the long night of this world's brokenness, God's coming will be like a healing sunrise - bringing warmth, light, and restoration to everything that has been damaged by sin.

In our world today, we see so much that needs healing - broken relationships, injustice, suffering, disease, and death. Sometimes it feels like the darkness will never end. But this passage reminds us that God has promised a great day of restoration when He will make all things right. For those who love Him, that day will be the most wonderful sunrise they've ever seen.

Scripture: Malachi 4:1-6

This May Surprise You

Here's something that might surprise you about this passage: the "great and dreadful day of the Lord" (verse 5) is the same event that brings terror to some and healing to others. It's not that God has a "good day" for believers and a "bad day" for everyone else. It's one day when God's perfect justice and perfect love are both fully revealed.

Think about it like a sunrise. The same sun that brings warmth and life to a healthy plant will wither a plant that's diseased or rooted in bad soil. The sun doesn't change - but its effect depends on what it shines upon. Similarly, when God's perfect righteousness is fully revealed, it will be wonderful healing for those who have trusted in Him, but devastating judgment for those who have rejected Him.

This isn't because God plays favorites, but because our response to God during this life determines how we'll experience His perfect presence in the next. Those who have hidden their lives in Christ will experience His coming as pure healing and joy. Those who have rejected Him will find His perfect holiness unbearable.

Seeds for Thought

Point 1: "The Lord of Heaven's Armies says, 'The day of judgment is coming, burning like a furnace.'" (Malachi 4:1 NLT)

Comment: God's justice isn't optional or negotiable. There will be a final day when all accounts are settled and all wrongs are made right. This isn't vindictive anger but righteous justice. Just as fire purifies precious metals, God's judgment will burn away everything that opposes His goodness and truth.

Point 2: "On that day the arrogant and the wicked will be burned up like straw." (Malachi 4:1b NLT)

Comment: Arrogance and wickedness have no defense against God's perfect righteousness. Like dry straw in a fire, they will be consumed completely. This reminds us that all human pride and rebellion against God is ultimately temporary and powerless against His authority.

Point 3: "But for you who fear my name, the Sun of Righteousness will rise with healing in his wings." (Malachi 4:2 NLT)

Comment: What a beautiful contrast! The same event that brings judgment to the wicked brings healing to the faithful. The image of the "Sun of Righteousness" points to Jesus Christ, whose coming brings light, warmth, and healing to all who trust in Him. His "wings" suggest protection and tender care.

Point 4: "And you will go free, leaping with joy like calves let out to pasture." (Malachi 4:2b NLT)

Comment: This joyful image captures the exuberant freedom that God's people will experience when He makes all things right. Like young animals released into green pastures, believers will experience complete liberation from everything that has held them back or caused them pain.

Point 5: "On the day when I act, you will tread upon the wicked as if they were dust under your feet." (Malachi 4:3 NLT)

Comment: This doesn't mean believers will personally take revenge, but that God's justice will be so complete that evil will have no power left. The faithful will witness the total victory of good over evil, righteousness over wickedness. Justice will finally and fully prevail.

Point 6: "Remember to obey the Law of Moses, my servant - all the decrees and regulations." (Malachi 4:4 NLT)

Comment: While we wait for God's final intervention, we're called to faithfulness based on what He has already revealed. The Law of Moses represents God's standards of righteousness and justice. Living by God's principles now prepares us for His coming kingdom.

Point 7: "Look, I am sending you the prophet Elijah before the great and dreadful day of the Lord arrives." (Malachi 4:5 NLT)

Comment: God graciously provides warning and preparation before judgment comes. While John the Baptist fulfilled this prophecy in preparing for Jesus' first coming, the principle remains: God always provides opportunity for repentance before justice falls.

Point 8: "His preaching will turn the hearts of fathers to their children, and the hearts of children to their fathers." (Malachi 4:6 NLT)

Comment: One sign of God's restoration work is the healing of broken relationships, especially in families. When God's kingdom comes fully, the divisions and hurts that separate people will be healed. Even now, God's work in hearts can begin this process of reconciliation.

Take-Home Thought

As we get older, the reality of eternity becomes more present in our minds. We've lost friends and family members, we face our own mortality, and we wonder what lies ahead. This passage gives us a beautiful picture of what awaits those who have trusted in God throughout their lives.

The "great day of the Lord" isn't something to fear if we belong to Jesus - it's something to anticipate with joy. Yes, it will be a day of judgment, but for those whose sins are covered by Christ's sacrifice, it will be a day of ultimate healing. Every hurt will be mended, every injustice will be corrected, every tear will be wiped away, and every broken relationship will be restored.

The image of "leaping with joy like calves let out to pasture" captures the exuberant freedom we'll experience. Think about everything that weighs you down now - physical pain, family worries, financial concerns, grief over lost loved ones, frustration with injustice in the world. In God's kingdom, all of that will be gone, replaced by perfect health, perfect relationships, perfect justice, and perfect joy.

This hope doesn't make our present struggles unimportant, but it does put them in perspective. Paul reminds us that "our present troubles are small and won't last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever" (2 Corinthians 4:17). The healing that's coming is so complete and so wonderful that it will make all our present difficulties seem like nothing by comparison.

Until that great day comes, we live in hope, knowing that every sunrise is a reminder of the ultimate Sunrise that's coming. We practice forgiveness because we know relationships will be perfectly restored. We pursue justice because we know perfect justice is coming. We care for others because we know perfect healing is on the way.

Quotes

C.S. Lewis: "If we find ourselves with a desire that nothing in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that we were made for another world. The ache in our hearts for perfect justice, perfect relationships, and perfect healing points to God's coming kingdom."

Jonathan Edwards: "The end of the wicked shall be dreadful, but the end of the righteous shall be peaceful and glorious. They shall shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. What a morning that will be when the Sun of Righteousness shall arise upon them!"

Biblical Connections

The Sun of Righteousness: Points directly to Jesus Christ as the light of the world (John 8:12) and the one who brings salvation (Luke 1:78-79)

Day of the Lord: Echoes throughout the Old Testament (Joel 2:31, Zephaniah 1:14) and New Testament (2 Peter 3:10, 1 Thessalonians 5:2) as God's final intervention

Healing in His wings: Connects to Jesus' healing ministry (Matthew 4:23) and the ultimate healing in God's kingdom (Revelation 21:4)

Elijah's return: Fulfilled by John the Baptist (Matthew 11:14, Luke 1:17) and possibly pointing to future restoration work

Reconciliation of families: Links to Jesus' teaching about the divisive nature of the gospel (Matthew 10:34-37) being ultimately resolved in God's kingdom

Fire of judgment: Echoes Jesus' teaching about final judgment (Matthew 13:40-42) and Peter's description of the day of the Lord (2 Peter 3:7)

How Does This Help Me Trust God Today?

When you're discouraged by the brokenness in the world or in your own life, remember that God has promised a day of complete restoration. Every injustice you see, every relationship that's broken, every physical or emotional pain you experience - all of it will be made right when the Sun of Righteousness rises.

This hope changes how you live today. You can endure present difficulties because you know they're temporary. You can work for justice and healing now because you know God's perfect justice and healing are coming. You can invest in relationships because you know they'll be perfectly restored in God's kingdom.

If you're facing your own mortality or grieving the loss of loved ones, take comfort in the promise of resurrection and reunion. Death is not the end for those who trust in Christ - it's the doorway to the most glorious sunrise they'll ever experience.

Let this passage fill you with anticipation rather than anxiety about the future. For those who belong to Jesus, the best is yet to come. The Sun of Righteousness is rising, and He brings healing in His wings.

Culture Connection

We live in a time when many people either dismiss the idea of final judgment as outdated or become consumed with fear about the end times. Some folks obsess over prophecy charts and dates, while others act like this life is all there is and avoid thinking about eternity altogether. Our culture promotes living for today without considering tomorrow, encouraging people to pursue immediate pleasure without thinking about long-term consequences. At the same time, we're surrounded by anxiety about the future—climate change, economic uncertainty, political upheaval—but without the hope that God will ultimately set everything right. Many people, including believers, feel overwhelmed by the darkness they see in the world and wonder if things will ever get better. We struggle to balance living responsibly in the present while maintaining hope in God's future justice and restoration.

Changed Life

This passage gives us a balanced perspective on both the present and the future that changes how we live today. Instead of living in fear about judgment day, we can find comfort knowing that God's justice will prevail and that those who are faithful to Him have nothing to fear from His coming. This frees us from the need to see immediate justice in every situation because we trust that God will ultimately make all things right. It also motivates us to share the gospel with urgency, knowing that people need to be prepared for that great day. Rather than ignoring our responsibilities to the next generation or becoming pessimistic about the future, we're encouraged to invest in our children and grandchildren's faith, teaching them to reverence God just as Elijah will turn hearts back to the fathers. We can face uncertain times with hope, knowing that for those who fear God's name, the sun of righteousness will bring healing, not destruction.

Session 10: The Consistency of God — Malachi 3:6; 4:2; James 1:17

Study Notes — Discussion Handout — Audio Essay

Purpose: To reflect on God's unchanging nature — His justice, love, and faithfulness — and how that shapes our daily trust and long-term hope

What to Look For

As you read these verses, notice how God's unchanging nature is presented as the foundation for everything else. Watch for the connection between God's consistency and our security. Pay attention to how James describes God as the source of all good gifts without any variation or shadow.

Personal Reflection Questions

What are some of the biggest changes you've experienced in your lifetime, and how has God's faithfulness remained constant through those changes?

When everything around you feels uncertain or unstable, what truths about God's character bring you the most comfort?

Overview

Think about all the changes you've witnessed in your lifetime. Technology has transformed how we communicate, work, and live. Social values have shifted dramatically. Family structures have changed. The world your grandchildren are growing up in looks very different from the one you knew as a child. Sometimes the pace of change can feel overwhelming.

But in the midst of all this change, there's one constant that has remained the same throughout every generation, every cultural shift, and every historical upheaval: God Himself. His character, His promises, His love, and His faithfulness are exactly the same today as they were when Malachi wrote these words over 2,400 years ago.

This isn't just a nice theological concept - it's the bedrock of our faith and hope. In a world where everything else seems unstable, God's unchanging nature provides the security and peace our hearts desperately need. When we truly understand that God doesn't change, it transforms how we face uncertainty, how we handle life's challenges, and how we look toward the future.

Scripture: Malachi 3:6; 4:2; James 1:17

This May Surprise You

Here's something that might surprise you about God's unchanging nature: it doesn't mean God is static or emotionless. When the Bible says God doesn't change, it means His character, His promises, and His purposes remain constant. He can still respond to our prayers, feel joy over our faithfulness, and grieve over our sin - but He does so from a character that never varies.

Think of it like a rock-solid foundation under a beautiful, active home. The foundation never changes, but lots of life happens in the house built on it. God's unchanging nature is like that foundation - it provides stability for all the dynamic relationship and activity that happens between God and His people.

This is incredibly comforting when we think about our own inconsistencies. We have good days and bad days, strong faith and weak faith, times when we feel close to God and times when we feel distant. But God's love for us, His commitment to us, and His plans for our good never waver based on our performance or feelings.

Seeds for Thought

Point 1: "I am the Lord, and I do not change." (Malachi 3:6 NLT)

Comment: This simple statement is one of the most profound truths in all of Scripture. In a world where everything else shifts and changes, God remains exactly the same. His character, His promises, His love, and His plans are as reliable today as they were thousands of years ago. This gives us an anchor of stability in life's storms.

Point 2: "So you descendants of Jacob are not destroyed." (Malachi 3:6b NLT)

Comment: God's unchanging nature is directly connected to His people's security. If God changed His mind about His promises or grew tired of His covenant, we would be in trouble. But because He doesn't change, His commitment to us remains rock-solid, regardless of our failures or the world's chaos.

Point 3: "But for you who fear my name, the Sun of Righteousness will rise with healing in his wings." (Malachi 4:2 NLT)

Comment: God's unchanging character guarantees His future promises. Just as surely as the sun rises each morning, God's salvation and healing will come for those who reverence Him. His consistency in the past assures us of His faithfulness in the future. The same God who has always been faithful will continue to be faithful.

Point 4: "Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father." (James 1:17a NLT)

Comment: Every good thing in our lives - health, relationships, provision, joy, peace - all come from our unchanging God. This means we can be grateful for today's blessings while being confident that God's goodness toward us will continue. His generosity isn't dependent on our circumstances or performance.

Point 5: "who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow." (James 1:17b NLT)

Comment: James uses the imagery of heavenly lights to illustrate God's consistency. Unlike the sun, moon, and stars that appear to move across the sky and cast changing shadows, God has no variation at all. His love, His truth, and His faithfulness are the same at all times and in all circumstances.

Take-Home Thought

As we conclude our study of Malachi, it's fitting that we end with this profound truth: our God never changes. Throughout this book, we've seen God's people struggle with doubt, unfaithfulness, empty worship, broken relationships, and questions about justice. But through it all, God's character has remained constant - loving, faithful, just, and committed to His covenant promises.

This unchanging nature of God is what makes everything else in Scripture meaningful. His promises are reliable because He doesn't change His mind. His love is secure because He doesn't fall out of love with us. His salvation is certain because He doesn't abandon His plans. His justice is sure because He doesn't compromise His standards. His mercy is available because He doesn't grow weary of forgiveness.

For seniors who have lived through decades of change - watching children grow up, experiencing losses, adapting to new technologies, navigating health challenges - this truth is especially precious. While everything around us changes, the God who was with us in our youth is the same God who is with us now. The God who will walk with us through whatever lies ahead is the same God who has been faithful to us all our lives.

This doesn't mean life will be predictable or easy. It means that whatever comes, we can face it with confidence because our God is unchanging. His love won't fail, His promises won't be broken, His strength won't diminish, and His plans for our good won't be thwarted. In a world full of uncertainty, we serve a God who is absolutely certain.

The consistency of God's character also calls us to consistency in our response to Him. While we may have seasons of strong faith and seasons of struggle, while our emotions and circumstances may vary, our commitment to honor and trust God can remain steady because He remains steady. We can build our lives on the rock-solid foundation of His unchanging character.

As you face whatever changes lie ahead - in health, family, living situations, or circumstances - remember that the most important thing in your life never changes: God's love for you, His commitment to you, and His plans for your ultimate good. This is the anchor that holds firm in every storm and the hope that shines bright in every season.

Quotes

A.W. Tozer: "God never hurries. There are no deadlines against which he must work. Only to know this is to quiet our spirits and relax our nerves. For the man or woman who knows that God's strength is never depleted, God's attention never diverted, God's purposes never frustrated, rest becomes not just possible, but inevitable."

Charles Spurgeon: "God is always the same. He changes not. What comfort is here! I have changed a thousand times; He has changed never! I have shifted my trust from one thing to another; He has remained faithful to His covenant. What a blessed truth is this - 'I am the Lord, I change not.'"

Biblical Connections

God's unchanging nature throughout Scripture: Connects to Numbers 23:19 ("God is not human, that he should lie"), Psalm 102:27 ("But you are always the same"), and Hebrews 13:8 ("Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever")

Stability in God's character: Links to Psalm 90:2 about God's eternal nature and Isaiah 40:8 about God's word enduring forever

God as our refuge: Echoes Psalm 46:1-3 about God being our refuge when everything else shakes and changes

Perfect gifts from God: Connects to Jesus as God's ultimate gift (John 3:16) and Paul's teaching about God's generous provision (Romans 8:32)

Light imagery: Links to John 1:4-5 about Jesus as the light that darkness cannot overcome and 1 John 1:5 about God being light with no darkness at all

How Does This Help Me Trust God Today?

When you're facing changes in your health, family, finances, or living situation, remember that the most important thing never changes - God's character and His love for you. His faithfulness in the past guarantees His faithfulness in the future. You can trust Him with whatever transitions lie ahead because He is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

If you're struggling with doubts about God's goodness because of difficult circumstances, let His unchanging nature remind you that His love for you hasn't diminished, His plans for you haven't been abandoned, and His power to help you hasn't weakened. What you're experiencing today doesn't change who God is or how He feels about you.

Use this truth as an anchor for your soul. When everything else feels uncertain or unstable, you can rest in the absolute certainty of God's unchanging character. Build your prayers, your decisions, and your hopes on the solid foundation of who God is, not on the shifting circumstances of what life brings.

Remember that just as God has been faithful through all the changes of your past, He will be faithful through all the changes of your future. The same God who was with you as a young person is with you now. The same God who has provided, protected, and guided you through decades of life will continue to be your constant companion until you see Him face to face.

Culture Connection

We live in a world where change happens at breakneck speed and nothing seems stable anymore. Technology that was cutting-edge last year is outdated today. Social values that were accepted for generations are now questioned or completely reversed. Even within families, each generation seems to speak a different language and hold different beliefs. Many of us feel like strangers in a world that has changed dramatically from the one we grew up in. Political leaders change their positions, friends move away or pass on, and even our own bodies change in ways we didn't expect. In this swirling sea of constant change, people desperately search for something solid to hold onto. Some try to find security in money, health, or family, but even these can be taken away. Our culture promises progress and improvement, but often leaves people feeling more anxious and uncertain than ever before.

Changed Life

Understanding God's unchanging nature becomes an anchor for our souls in turbulent times. Instead of being shaken by every cultural shift or personal disappointment, we can rest in the knowledge that God's love, character, and promises remain the same yesterday, today, and forever. This doesn't mean we ignore the world around us or resist all change, but it means our identity and security aren't dependent on circumstances that shift like sand. When we face health scares, financial worries, or family conflicts, we can remember that the same God who sustained us through past difficulties is still with us today. Rather than becoming bitter about how much the world has changed, we can be grateful that God's faithfulness never changes. This consistency allows us to adapt to new situations without losing our spiritual footing, knowing that while everything around us may be temporary, our relationship with God is permanent and secure.

Session 1: God Speaks Again — Malachi 1:1

Session 2: Loved by God — Malachi 1:2-5

Session 3: Revering God's Name — Malachi 1:6-14

Session 4: God's Covenant and Our Calling — Malachi 2:1-9

Session 5: Faithfulness in Relationships — Malachi 2:10-16

Session 6: The God Who Judges and Refines — Malachi 2:17-3:5

Session 7: Returning with Open Hands — Malachi 3:6-1

Session 8: God Remembers the Faithful — Malachi 3:13-18

Session 9: The Great Day of the Lord — Malachi 4:1-6

Session 10: The Consistency of God — Malachi 3:6; 4:2; James 1:17

Bible Study Class — Malachi: A Faithful God in a Forgetful World

learning to praising God with our renewed love

Book Overview

The book of Malachi, the final voice of prophecy before the New Testament, speaks with clarity and conviction to a people who had grown spiritually complacent. Written around 430 B.C., Malachi addresses the Israelites after their return from exile, when the temple had been rebuilt but hearts had grown cold. Through a series of rhetorical questions and divine declarations, God reminds His people of His unwavering love and calls them back to sincere worship and covenant faithfulness.

As Charles Swindoll notes, “Malachi is a wake-up call to a nation that had forgotten the greatness of their God and the seriousness of their calling.” It’s not just a historical document—it’s a mirror for our own spiritual lives.

Five Subjects of Interest

God’s Unchanging Love: “I the LORD do not change. So you, the descendants of Jacob, are not destroyed” (Malachi 3:6).

Reverence in Worship: The people offered blemished sacrifices, revealing a heart problem more than a ritual one.

Faithfulness in Relationships: Malachi speaks against broken covenants, especially in marriage and community.

Stewardship and Generosity: “Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse... and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven” (Malachi 3:10).

Hope in God’s Justice: A coming day of the Lord is promised, when righteousness will be vindicated.

Timeless Wisdom for Today

Though written centuries ago, Malachi’s message is strikingly modern. It speaks to a world that often forgets God amid routine and distraction. As preacher Chuck Smith observed, “Malachi reminds us that religion without relationship is empty—and God desires our hearts, not just our habits.” The book challenges us to examine our motives, renew our reverence, and rekindle our hope.

Practical Applications in Christian Living

Malachi invites us to live with integrity, generosity, and expectation. It encourages believers to:

Honor God in everyday choices

Cultivate faithfulness in family and fellowship

Give joyfully and trust God’s provision

Speak often of the Lord and encourage one another (Malachi 3:16)

Live with anticipation of Christ’s return

These principles are not burdens—they are blessings that shape a life of purpose and peace.

Why This Book Matters

Malachi is more than a bridge to the New Testament—it’s a bold reminder that God is faithful even when we forget. It calls us to return, to remember, and to rejoice. For senior believers, it offers a rich opportunity to reflect on God’s enduring promises and to pass on a legacy of faith to the next generation.

As historian J. Alec Motyer wrote, “Malachi’s message is not about condemnation—it’s about invitation. God invites His people to come back to Him, and He promises to meet them with grace.”

SESSION 1 - Malachi, "Following God with consistency" or "How to keep things fresh" or "What to do when the shine wears off"

Printable Download

Note from teacher - Our class works on two levels: One, a detailed presentation of bible content found here online, and a relational, general discussion that focuses more on fellowship than serious bible study.

🔎 OVERVIEW

The rebuilding of the temple under Zerubbabel and Joshua, inspired by the prophecies of Haggai and Zechariah, was completed in 516 BC. The new temple was meant to be the centerpiece of a community in which there was true justice and genuine worship. In this way Israel could fulfill its calling and be a light, revealing God to the nations.

Unfortunately, as the years went by, the people fell further and further away from this ideal. By the middle of the next century, their worship had become corrupt, and their society was plagued with injustice. Malachi (“my messenger”) challenges the people to honor God properly in their worship and in their dealings with one another. The world could then come to know the Lord as the great king.

Malachi brings his challenges in a distinctive style. He first offers an abrupt charge, voices the anticipated objections, and finally answers those objections. The book records that some of the people repent in response to these challenges, and that God says he will spare them when he comes to judge the earth. The book ends with God’s promise to send the prophet Elijah back before that great and dreadful day of the Lord.

One interesting aspect of the ancient order of the Hebrew Bible is that the 12 prophetic works of Hosea through Malachi, sometimes referred to as the Minor Prophets, were designed as a single book called The Twelve. Malachi is the final book of The Twelve.

🔎 TEXT

KEY VERSES -  Malachi 3:7 "Ever since the days of your ancestors, you have scorned my decrees and failed to obey them. Now return to me, and I will return to you," says the Lord of Heaven's Armies”. 

Malachi 3:1 "I will send my messenger, who will prepare the way before me. Then suddenly the Lord you are seeking will come to his temple; the messenger of the covenant, whom you desire, will come," says the LORD Almighty.

Malachi 4:22 “But for you who fear my name, the Sun of Righteousness will rise with healing in his wings. And you will go free, leaping with joy like calves let out to pasture”.

Why is Malachi so important?

Malachi’s unique position as the final book of the Old Testament offers a glimpse into the hearts of Israelite men and women, members of a nation that had been specially chosen by God, descendants of Abraham, and inheritors of the rich tradition of the Jewish people. Their history told of glories like the exodus from Egypt and the faithfulness of God to King David. But they had also experienced the judgment of wandering in the desert and the shame of exile from the Promised Land.

At the time of Malachi, well over a thousand years after Abraham’s era, the Israelites had the advantage and weight of history on their side; they could see the shining rewards of faithfulness and the punishments associated with judgment, even to the point of being uprooted from their land. But even then, with all that perspective, the book of Malachi teaches us that they still strayed from the Lord’s path. They needed God’s intervention as much as ever, so this book, as a final statement of judgment in the Old Testament, anticipates God’s saving work through the Messiah, Jesus Christ. 

What's the big idea?

The people of Judah began to be exiled from the Promised Land in 605 BC, returning from Babylon seventy years later. By the time of Malachi, they had been back in the land for more than a hundred years and were looking for the blessings they expected to receive when they returned. Though the temple had been rebuilt, the fervor of those early returning Israelites gave way to a thorough apathy for the things of God. This led to rampant corruption among the priesthood and a spiritual lethargy among the people.

Malachi came along at a time when the people were struggling to believe that God loved them (Malachi 1:2). The people focused on their unfortunate circumstances and refused to account for their own sinful deeds. So God pointed the finger back at them, and through Malachi, God told the people where they had fallen short of their covenant with Him. If they hoped to see changes, they needed to take responsibility for their own actions and serve God faithfully according to the promise their fathers had made to God on Mount Sinai all those years before. 

How do I apply this?

Throughout Israel’s history, the nation failed and God called His people back to Himself. Each time, Israel would fail again, prompting the cycle to begin again. God’s final word of the Old Testament concerns judgment for sin and testifies to our inability to love Him without the help of His grace.

This is a good book to read if you struggle to follow God consistently. Malachi call prompts us to live faithfully before God and offers hope that God is not yet through with extending mercy to His people (Malachi 3:1; 4:2, 5–6).

🔎 CONSIDER

The book of Malachi contains six oracles (or disputations) that each begin with a saying of the people, to which the Lord responds through his prophet. Most of these oracles are searching rebukes. It is striking, however, that before the Lord rebukes the people, he begins by affirming his electing love for them, which is the reason they continue to exist after the judgment of the exile (1:2). He didn’t choose their forefather Jacob to be the ancestor of his people because of his good works but in spite of his sin. So too, their sin cannot make God cease loving them. The non-elect, however, will be judged for their sin without hope, as the fate of the descendants of Esau (Edom) makes clear.

We too were chosen to belong to God, not based on our works but simply out of God’s electing grace in Christ (Eph. 1:4–6). We therefore cannot sin our way out of God’s love. Yet at the same time, we were chosen to be holy and blameless (Eph. 1:4), not only positionally but also practically. So God rebukes our sin through his Word, and calls us to repent sincerely and turn to him for forgiveness.

And yet the ultimate remedy for our sin is not our repentant obedience, but the Lord’s coming to his temple (Mal. 3:1). Our own righteousness cannot stand the exposure that that day will bring any more than dross could survive the refiner’s fire or dirt could endure the launderer’s soap (Mal. 3:2). We need the righteousness of another, if we are going to stand on that day— which is precisely what God gives us in the gospel. As a result, the day of the Lord’s coming for believers is not a fiery, destructive furnace that we need to fear but rather a warming sun of righteousness that rises on us for our healing (Mal. 4:1–2). For in Jesus, God does come to his temple—not the temple building, but the temple of Christ’s own body—which we are. There, humans can once more meet with God.

🔎 THINK

Malachi lived about 100 years after the Israelites had returned from Babylonian exile, and his message was directed to the people who had been living in Jerusalem for some time. The temple had been rebuilt a while ago, but recall the stories in Ezra-Nehemiah­—things were not going well. When the first Israelites had returned from exile, hopes were high. They would rebuild their lives and the temple, and all the great promises of the prophets would come true. The messiah would come and set up God’s Kingdom over a unified Israel and over the other nations, bringing peace and justice.

Unfortunately, none of that had happened, and the Israelites who repopulated the city proved to be just as unfaithful to God as their ancestors. Jerusalem became a place of poverty and injustice once again, and in the book of Malachi, we find out just how corrupt this new generation had become.

The book is designed as a series of disputes or arguments. Most sections begin with God saying something or making a claim or an accusation. This is followed by Israel disagreeing or questioning God’s statement. Finally, God will respond and offer the last word. This pattern repeats itself six times. In the first three disputes (Malachi 1-2), God exposes Israel’s corruption, while in the final three (Malachi 3), he confronts their corruption. The overall impression you get from reading these disputes is that the exile didn’t fundamentally change anything in the people. Their hearts are as hard as ever.

How to Read and better understand

Malachi is interesting because of its tone and the unique issues it addresses. It is a series, for lack of better terms, of ironic and sarcastic dialogues between God and primarily the priests of Malachi’s day. Jewish writers have always been famous for dark irony and sarcasm about the powers over them (listen to any Jewish comedian talk about their mother!). It is sarcastic in its approach of asking and answering questions to get its truths across.

Most of the dialogues focus on the Levitical priests and their attitudes in leading Israel in its worship and performing their tasks in the sacrificial system. The “Law of Diminishing Returns” is in full force, for, however exciting it was to rebuild their Temple and reestablish their worship after the seven decades in Babylon, the daily repetition of their duties over the last century caused those duties to grow old and stale.

There is a clear “cycle” to these dialogues:

1. God declares a principle or truth, or charges them with some negligence or bad attitude.

2. The audience questions God’s declaration: “How?” How could he say this or charge them with this?

3. God gives the evidentiary proof, what they are doing or saying, sometimes even whispering to each other, that validates the truth of the principle or the charge he made.

4. God concludes by stating different ways his greatness will be magnified despite their failure.

5. Often a “hinge verse,” where the last verse of the cycle becomes the introduction to the next cycle.

Who Wrote the Book of Malachi?

The book of Malachi is seen as a collection of messages given by Malachi throughout his prophetic life. However, the author is not explicitly stated within the book.

Written to the Jews who returned to Jerusalem from exile in Babylon (ca, 420 BC)

Overview of the Book-

Many of God’s attributes are on full and graphic display: His love (1:2-5), his power and authority (1:6-14), his faithfulness (2:1-16), his justice (2:17-3:5), his immutability (3:6), his generosity (3:7-18), and his ultimate return to judge the nations (4:1-6). These are usually portrayed against the backdrop of Israel’s failure to recognize or honor him appropriately.

MALACHI - My Messenger

THE PAST

>GOD CONFRONTS ALL 1:1-5 

"I have loved you

"How have you...?"  

THE PRESENT

>GOD CONFRONTS THE PRIESTS   1:6-2:9

but you despise My Name   

"How have we?"  

>MALACHI CONFRONTS ALL- 2:10-3:15

• You are marrying unbelievers

• You are divorcing your wires

• You are questioning God's justice

• You are robbing God

• You are cynical about serving God

"How have we...?" (is used 3 times)

THE FUTURE

WARNINGS & PROMISES - 3:16-4:6

• The Book of Remembrance

• The Day of the Lord

• The Law of Moses

• The Return of Elijah

Key Words:

"Lord of Hosts"

"My Name”

"Fear"

"Messenger"

There are 26 Confrontational Questions in the book.

Malachi foresees the 1st and 2nd coming of the Christ who will fulfill God's covenant with Jewish people (3:1), refine the sinful nation (3:2-5), and bring healing to all who fear Him (4:2)

After Malachi there is 400 Years of Silence.

CLASS NOTES

Malachi came along at a time when the people were struggling to believe that God loved them (Malachi 1:2). The people focused on their unfortunate circumstances and refused to account for their own sinful deeds.

​To look at biblical history and the timeline of events, Malachi is not telling of a big transition, it's more of a check-in. We are not living in a time of Biblical transition.​W​hat is the next transition for the people of Malachi's time, for our time?​ Jesus appearance

try again... Scott suggests that we try again if things don't go as planned. Consider how long God has been trying again with us. 

Point One, understand the timeline

To help us understand time a little better: 

1. What is your earliest memory?  

2. Do you remember your grandparents or even great grandparents? 

3. When were they born?

4. What were some things important to you when you were young? 

5. What do you remember about life 50 years ago? 

MASH debuts, More Color TV then B&W, Equal Rights Goes to States, First Pocket Calculator goes to market, 

​Big transitions in the Bible- Creation, Adam & Eve, Noah, Tower, Abraham, Joseph in Egypt, Moses, Wilderness, Ten Commandments, Promise Land, Judges, Saul, David, Solman, Mostly bad Kings (345 Years), Prophets, Exile, Return to rebuild the temple,​.

2166 BC — The birth of Abram -0
1526 BC — The birth of Moses - from Abraham to 640
1446 BC — Israel’s exodus from Egypt  - from Abraham 720
1406 BC — Israel’s entrance to the Promised Land  - from Abraham 760
1011–971 BC — The reign of King David  - from Abraham 1100
515 BC — The second temple finished  - from Abraham 1600
5 BC — The birth of Jesus Christ

Point Two - Be sure we know what God Wants from us.

God gave Israel the Law so that they would live a life according to God's plan. Israel was to be the showcase so the world could see God's love and goodness. But the people of Israel would rather live for themselves. Malachi shows up around 100 years after the rebuilding of the temple after the exile. 

Malachi 3:7 "Ever since the days of your ancestors, you have scorned my decrees and failed to obey them. Now return to me, and I will return to you," says the Lord of Heaven's Armies”. 

Point Three - How to understand Malachi

Malachi is a sarcastic dialogue between God and primarily the priests of Malachi’s day. Listen to any Jewish comedian talk about their mother and you can see the sarcasm. 

Malachi’s offers a glimpse into the hearts of Israelite men and women. They were a nation that failed often and God would call them back to Himself. Each time, Israel would fail again, prompting the cycle to begin again. God’s final word of the Old Testament concerns judgment for sin and testifies to our inability to love Him without the help of His grace.

As I read, I am hoping  to transpose the conversation from their time to our time and see if God is talking to me from the Old Testament. It is often easy to see God talking to others, but more difficult to see that he is really talking to me. 

This is a good book to read if you struggle to follow God consistently. Malachi's call prompts us to live faithfully before God and offers hope that God is not yet through with extending mercy to His people (Malachi 3:1; 4:2, 5–6).

TEXT

Malachi 3:7 "Ever since the days of your ancestors, you have scorned my decrees and failed to obey them. Now return to me, and I will return to you," says the Lord of Heaven's Armies”. 

Malachi 3:1"I will send my messenger, who will prepare the way before me. Then suddenly the Lord you are seeking will come to his temple; the messenger of the covenant, whom you desire, will come," says the LORD Almighty”.

Malachi 4:22 “But for you who fear my name, the Sun of Righteousness will rise with healing in his wings. And you will go free, leaping with joy like calves let out to pasture”.

How to Read and better understand

Malachi is interesting because of its tone and the unique issues it addresses.  It is socratic in its approach of asking and answering questions to get its truths across.

Most of the dialogues focus on the Levitical priests and their attitudes in leading Israel in its worship and performing their tasks in the sacrificial system. The “Law of Diminishing Returns” is in full force, for, however exciting it was to rebuild their Temple and reestablish their worship after the seven decades in Babylon, the daily repetition of their duties over the last century caused those duties to grow old and stale.

There is a clear “cycle” to these dialogues:

1. God declares a principle or truth, or charges them with some negligence or bad attitude.

2. The audience questions God’s declaration: “How?” How could he say this or charge them with this?

3. God gives the evidentiary proof, what they are doing or saying, sometimes even whispering to each other, that validates the truth of the principle or the charge he made.

4. God concludes by stating different ways his greatness will be magnified despite their failure.

5. Often a “hinge verse,” where the last verse of the cycle becomes the introduction to the next cycle.

Overview of the Book-

Many of God’s attributes are on full and graphic display: His love (1:2-5), his power and authority (1:6-14), his faithfulness (2:1-16), his justice (2:17-3:5), his immutability (3:6), his generosity (3:7-18), and his ultimate return to judge the nations (4:1-6). These are usually portrayed against the backdrop of Israel’s failure to recognize or honor him appropriately.

MALACHI means My Messenger

Books of the Law - Introduction to the Pentateuch

• Genesis - answers two big questions: “How did God’s relationship with the world begin?” and “Where did the nation of Israel come from?” Author: Traditionally Moses, but the stories are much older.

• Exodus - God saves Israel from slavery in Egypt, and then enters into a special relationship with them. Author: Traditionally Moses

• Leviticus - God gives Israel instructions for how to worship Him. Author: traditionally Moses

• Numbers - Israel fails to trust and obey God, and wanders in the wilderness for 40 years. Author: Traditionally Moses

• Deuteronomy - Moses gives Israel instructions (in some ways, a recap of the laws in Exodus–Numbers) for how to love and obey God in the Promised Land.Author: Traditionally Moses

Historical Books - Introduction to Historical Books

• Joshua - Joshua (Israel’s new leader) leads Israel to conquer the Promised land, then parcels out territories to the twelve tribes of Israel. Author: Nobody knows

• Judges - Israel enters a cycle of turning from God, falling captive to oppressive nations, calling out to God, and being rescued by leaders God sends their way (called “judges”). Author: Nobody knows

• Ruth - Two widows lose everything, and find hope in Israel—which leads to the birth of the future King David. Author: Nobody knows

• I Samuel - Israel demands a king, who turns out to be quite a disappointment. Author: Nobody knows

• II Samuel - David, a man after God’s own heart, becomes king of Israel. Author: Nobody knows

• I Kings - The kingdom of Israel has a time of peace and prosperity under King Solomon, but afterward splits, and the two lines of kings turn away from God. Author: Nobody knows

• II Kings - Both kingdoms ignore God and his prophets until they both fall captive to other world empires. Author: Nobody knows

• I Chronicles - This is a brief history of Israel from Adam to David, culminating with David commissioning the temple of God in Jerusalem. Author: Traditionally Ezra

• II Chronicles - David’s son Solomon builds the temple, but after centuries of rejecting God, the Babylonians take the southern Israelites captive and destroy the temple. Author: Traditionally Ezra

2166 BC — The birth of Abram -0
2066 BC — The birth of Isaac - from Abraham to Isaac 100
1526 BC — The birth of Moses - from Abraham to 640
1446 BC — Israel’s exodus from Egypt  - from Abraham 720
1406 BC — Israel’s entrance to the Promised Land  - from Abraham 760
1383 BC — The death of Joshua  - from Abraham
1052 BC — The coronation of King Saul  - from Abraham
1011–971 BC — The reign of King David  - from Abraham
959 BC — Solomon’s temple completed  - from Abraham
931 BC — The dividing of the kingdom  - from Abraham
875–797 BC — The ministries of Elijah and Elisha in Israel  - from Abraham
739–686 BC — The ministry of Isaiah in Judah  - from Abraham
722 BC — The fall of the northern kingdom to Assyria  - from Abraham
586 BC — The fall of the southern kingdom to Babylon  - from Abraham
538–445 BC — The Jews’ return to Jerusalem after exile
515 BC — The second temple finished  - from Abraham
5 BC — The birth of Jesus Christ
AD 29–33 — Christ’s ministry, ending in His death and resurrection
AD 34–35 — The conversion of Saul of Tarsus
AD 48–49 — Paul’s first missionary journey
AD 49 — The Jerusalem Council
AD 60 — The imprisonment of Paul in Rome
AD 95 — John’s vision on Patmos and the writing of Revelation

Genesis: 1445-1405 BC
Exodus: 1445-1405 BC
Leviticus: 1445-1405 BC
Numbers: 1445-1405 BC
Deuteronomy: 1445-1405 BC
Psalms: 1410-450 BC
Joshua: 1405-1385 BC
Judges: 1043 BC
Ruth: 1030-1010 BC
Song of Songs: 971-965 BC
Proverbs: 971-686 BC
Ecclesiastes: 940-931 BC
1 Samuel: 931-722 BC
2 Samuel: 931-722 BC
Obadiah: 850-840 BC
Joel: 835-796 BC
Jonah: 775 BC
Amos: 750 BC
Hosea: 750-710 BC
Micah: 735-710 BC
Isaiah: 700-681 BC
Nahum: 650 BC
Zephaniah: 635-625 BC
Habakkuk: 615-605 BC
Ezekiel: 590-570 BC
Lamentations: 586 BC
Jeremiah: 586-570 BC
1 Kings: 561-538 BC
2 Kings: 561-538 BC
Judith*: Uncertain (538 BC-AD 70)
Daniel: 536-530 BC
Haggai: 520 BC
Baruch*: 500-100 BC
Zechariah: 480-470 BC
Ezra: 457-444 BC
1 Chronicles: 450-430 BC
2 Chronicles: 450-430 BC
Esther: 450-331 BC
Malachi: 433-424 BC

At some point I would like to share my personal belief about God creating the earth and man. God does things in "his own time." I think He took millions of years to create and perfect the earth. I think there were human species walking around long before Adam. But, Adam was the transition from just a regular humanoid to man. Look at Genesis, it says God breathed into him the breath of life and that he was created in God's own image. I think Adam was the first human to receive that breath of life like Abraham was the first Israelite to be "called by God." Throughout the bible God uses transitions to introduce new things. From Abraham to Issac to Jacob to Joseph. Moses to Joshua, Saul to David to Samuel. Old Testament Law to New Testament Grace. Why would he not use a transition (over time) to create man? I know the bible spells out day one, day two, day three, but what if we, (the translators) misunderstand the meaning of the days. I know, none of this really matters; what really matters is believing that God created the heavens and earth. On that I am fully convinced. 

What is our task in His plan? It has to do with God's anger, patients and love. We are to love Him enough to live an obedient life so that other nations (people) will come to respect and love God. 

In the time of Noah, the Lord said in Gen 6:5,6 "5 The Lord observed the extent of human wickedness on the earth, and he saw that everything they thought or imagined was consistently and totally evil. 6 So the Lord was sorry he had ever made them and put them on the earth. It broke his heart.

Then in Numbers 14:11 And the Lord said to Moses, “How long will these people treat me with contempt? Will they never believe me, even after all the miraculous signs I have done among them?

There is a reason why God set aside certain people, to be an example (priest) to all nations. Exodus 19:4-6 - 4 ‘You have seen what I did to the Egyptians. You know how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself. 5 Now if you will obey me and keep my covenant, you will be my own special treasure from among all the peoples on earth; for all the earth belongs to me. 6 And you will be my kingdom of priests, my holy nation.’ This is the message you must give to the people of Israel.”

Obey and keep, then you will be God's treasured possessions, a kingdom of priests. (our concept of a priest is to minister to others) To bring it forward to today see what 1 Peter 2:9 says "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light". God intends to prepare His followers, through obedience, to be examples/priests to the world, the people we meet every day.

Now notice what it says in Luke 13:34 “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones God’s messengers! How often I have wanted to gather your children together as a hen protects her chicks beneath her wings, but you wouldn’t let me. 35 And now, look, your house is abandoned. His heart breaks when we fail.

🔎 SIMILAR SCRIPTURE

• Habakkuk 1:1 The oracle that Habakkuk the prophet saw.

• Isaiah 13:1 The oracle concerning Babylon which Isaiah the son of Amoz saw.

• Zechariah 12:1 The oracle of the word of the Lord concerning Israel: Thus declares the Lord, who stretched out the heavens and founded the earth and formed the spirit of man within him:

• Zechariah 9:1 The oracle of the word of the Lord is against the land of Hadrach and Damascus is its resting place. For the Lord has an eye on mankind and on all the tribes of Israel,

• Haggai 2:1 In the seventh month, on the twenty-first day of the month, the word of the Lord came by the hand of Haggai the prophet:

• Haggai 1:1 In the second year of Darius the king, in the sixth month, on the first day of the month, the word of the Lord came by the hand of Haggai the prophet to Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua the son of Jehozadak, the high priest:

• Nahum 1:1 An oracle concerning Nineveh. The book of the vision of Nahum of Elkosh.

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SESSION 2 - Israel is Exposed as Suspicious - Malachi 1:1-5 - Wakeup Call #1

Printable Download

🔎 OVERVIEW

The first dispute (Malachi 1:1-5) starts as God says that he still loves his covenant people Israel despite their failures. Israel rudely says, “How have you shown us love?” God reminds them of how he graciously chose the family of Jacob, their ancestor, to become the carrier of God’s covenant promises instead of his brother Esau and his family, who eventually came to ruin (Genesis 25-27; Obadiah). Right from the start in this first dispute, Israel is exposed as suspicious, doubting God’s faithfulness and love. They were dishonoring God by their worthless offerings and the hypocritical formalism of their worship.

🔎 TEXT

Malachi 1:1-5 (NLT)

The Lord’s Love for Israel

1 This is the message that the Lord gave to Israel through the prophet Malachi.  

2 “I have always loved you,” says the Lord.

But you retort, “Really? How have you loved us?”

And the Lord replies, “This is how I showed my love for you: I loved your ancestor Jacob, 3 but I rejected his brother, Esau, and devastated his hill country. I turned Esau’s inheritance into a desert for jackals.”

4 Esau’s descendants in Edom may say, “We have been shattered, but we will rebuild the ruins.”

But the Lord of Heaven’s Armies replies, “They may try to rebuild, but I will demolish them again. Their country will be known as ‘The Land of Wickedness,’ and their people will be called ‘The People with Whom the Lord Is Forever Angry.’ 5 When you see the destruction for yourselves, you will say, ‘Truly, the Lord’s greatness reaches far beyond Israel’s borders!’”

🔎 CONSIDER

Comfort often breeds complacency. When the church is persecuted and threatened, it often grows in strength and number. But when believers are safe and secure, the result is often lukewarm Christianity. In North America, a majority of people claim to be spiritual. But a shrinking number of people are connected with a church, and fewer hold to their convictions.

Israel had become complacent. A generation after returning to the promised land, Israel had fallen into old habits. Their cities had been repaired and the temple rebuilt, but now Israel’s hearts were growing hard again. They were satisfied with going through the motions of religion. They brought defiled and diseased animals to the altar— offerings that they would not even consider bringing to human dignitaries!

Israel was complacent because they had lost sight of God’s character. They believed that a holy God could be satisfied with half-hearted devotion. Malachi warned the people that God was not pleased with lukewarm devotion and imperfect sacrifices.

Thankfully we have a priest who offers the perfect sacrifice on our behalf! Jesus offers himself as the complete, full sacrifice as payment for our sins. And in response we offer ourselves as offerings of gratitude to him. How are you offering your life in thanks for what God has done?

🔎 THINK

Malachi is an excellent example of how sophisticated Old Testament poetry can be. Modern chapter and verse divisions don't accurately capture the structure used in this book.

The first accusation given to Israel is simply that God has "loved" them (Malachi 1:2). For perspective, Malachi refers to the fate of the nation of Edom. Jacob, the father of the nation of Israel, and Esau, the father of the nation of Edom, were brothers. As prophesied in Obadiah, Edom was destroyed for their many sins (Malachi 1:3–4). Even though Israel has been persecuted and scattered, God has kept them alive and intact. The same was not true of Israel's national "brother." This is given as proof that God has shown more favor to Israel than other people.

Two observations: 1. God Loves Someone and 2. God Hates Someone. This concept of hate may be hard to understand. Romans 9, starting in verse 10, addresses this subject. The thing to remember is that since we believe Jesus to be God’s son and if we continue coming back to God or better yet never fall away, He continues to love us. See- John 14:15 If you love Me, you will keep My commandments. 1 John 1:9 But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.

How does God show his love for us today?

(Beyond the general blessing given to everyone like air and water there are many given specifically to believers. See if you can think of more.)

• Creation: The beauty and complexity of the world is reflection of God's love and care for humanity.
• Compassion and Mercy: God's willingness to forgive and show mercy, highlights a deep love for people, even in their flaws.
• Guidance: God provides direction and support through scriptures, prayer, and spiritual experiences.
• Community: Fellowship and support among believers is a manifestation of God's love, fostering relationships that nurture and uplift.
• Sacrifice: The willing sacrifice of Jesus is the ultimate expression of God’s love for humanity.
• Presence: We feel God’s love through a sense of peace, comfort, and presence in times of need.

A big wake-up call for this scripture could be to know that God loves me and for me to allow the Holy Spirit to work on my thoughts and actions so that I can be worthy of that love.

SERIOUSLY THINKING- Growing Traits in the Person Who Learns from- Malachi 1:1-5

→Trait →Description →Scripture Reference

→Honest Self-Examination →Willingly faces personal and communal shortcomings without defensiveness. →Malachi 1:2-3

→Recognition of God’s Sovereignty →Acknowledges God’s authority and His right to judge and bless His people. →Malachi 1:4

→Gratitude for God’s Choice →Appreciates God’s special love and selection despite human unfaithfulness. →Malachi 1:2

→Repentance from Lukewarm Faith →Moves away from indifferent or superficial worship towards sincere devotion. →Malachi 1:6

→Faithful Worship →Offers God the best in worship, honoring Him with reverence and purity. →Malachi 1:7-8

→Confidence in God’s Justice →Trusts that God will ultimately uphold His righteousness and vindicate His people. →Malachi 1:5

🔎 SIMILAR SCRIPTURE

Romans 5:8 - But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

John 3:16 - “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

1 John 4:16 - So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.

Romans 8:37-39 - No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

1 John 3:1 - See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him.

Zephaniah 3:17 - The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.

Ephesians 2:4-5 - But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved

1 John 4:19 - We love because he first loved us.

John 15:13 - Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.

Jeremiah 31:3 - The Lord appeared to him from far away. I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you.

ACTIONS THAT GOD LOVES

1. Justice and Righteousness

Isaiah 61:8: "For I, the Lord, love justice; I hate robbery and wrongdoing."

Psalm 33:5: "The Lord loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of his unfailing love."

God values fairness, equity, and moral integrity. When we pursue justice and righteousness, it aligns with His character.

2. Mercy and Compassion

Micah 6:8: "He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God."

God calls His people to show mercy and compassion toward others. Loving mercy means seeking to forgive and help others rather than seeking revenge.

3. Cheerful Giving

2 Corinthians 9:7: "Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."

God loves it when giving comes from a willing and joyful heart rather than out of obligation.

4. Obedience to His Word

Psalm 119:47-48: "For I delight in your commands because I love them. I reach out for your commands, which I love, that I may meditate on your decrees."

Obeying God's commands is a way to show love for Him, and this act is reciprocated by His love. He desires people to follow His ways out of devotion.

5. Loving Others as He Loves Us

John 13:34-35: "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another."

God loves when we emulate His love by caring for others. This love is to be marked by kindness, humility, and sacrifice, mirroring Christ’s love.

6. Truthfulness and Integrity

Proverbs 12:22: "The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are trustworthy."

Truthfulness and integrity in all interactions reflect God’s nature, and He loves when people uphold these virtues.

7. Humility and Reverence

Psalm 147:11: "The Lord delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love."

Humility before God and a healthy respect for His holiness are actions that He loves. It shows dependence on His wisdom and sovereignty.

In these actions, God finds joy because they reflect His nature and values. They embody love, justice, mercy, and humility, inviting His presence and blessings.

ACTIONS THAT GOD HATES

The Bible does mention things that God hates or detests, usually related to actions and attitudes that go against His nature, which is holy, just, and loving. Here are several passages that address what God hates:

1. Proverbs 6:16-19 "There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies, and a person who stirs up conflict in the community."

These verses list specific behaviors that God finds detestable, including pride, dishonesty, violence, and causing division among people.

2. Zechariah 8:17 "Do not plot evil against each other, and do not love to swear falsely. I hate all this,” declares the Lord."

God hates when people scheme against one another or bear false witness, as these actions undermine trust, community, and justice.

3. Malachi 2:16 "The man who hates and divorces his wife,” says the Lord, the God of Israel, “does violence to the one he should protect."

In this context, God is expressing His disdain for the harm caused by broken commitments and betrayal within marriage.

4. Isaiah 61:8 "For I, the Lord, love justice; I hate robbery and wrongdoing."

God’s love for justice means He hates injustices like robbery, dishonesty, and unfair practices.

5. Psalm 5:4-6 "For you are not a God who is pleased with wickedness; with you, evil people are not welcome. The arrogant cannot stand in your presence. You hate all who do wrong; you destroy those who tell lies. The bloodthirsty and deceitful you, Lord, detest."

This passage emphasizes God’s rejection of wickedness, lying, and violence, aligning with His character of truth, peace, and justice.

6. Amos 5:21-24 "I hate, I despise your religious festivals; your assemblies are a stench to me. Even though you bring me burnt offerings and grain offerings, I will not accept them... But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!"

Through Amos, God expresses anger toward hollow religious practices, particularly when they ignore justice and righteousness. God detests insincere worship that overlooks the call to treat others fairly and compassionately.

7. Revelation 2:6 "But you have this in your favor: You hate the practices of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate."

This verse references a specific group whose practices were morally corrupt or idolatrous, indicating that God’s hate is directed at practices that lead people astray.

MORE ABOUT LOVE AND HATE - Does God Love Some People and Hate Others?

Jesus tells us that “God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him may never perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).  Peter tells us that God is “not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance” (2 Pet. 3:9).  And Paul tells us that God “desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Tim. 2:4).   It sounds to me like God loves everyone.  However, to be clear, He hates all evil deeds and actions of people.  In other words, God always loves the person (because He wants him or her to be saved and not destroyed) but hates the sin that person commits.  God does not delight in the death of anyone: “For I have no pleasure in the death of one who dies,” says the Lord God (Ezek. 18:32).

So then, what about the passage about God “hating” Esau? We know that Esau despised his birthright and had no regard for God while his brother Jacob responded to God’s voice and desired to follow Him.  Paul tells us that before Esau and Jacob were born that God chose Jacob and rejected Esau.

10 This son was our ancestor Isaac. When he married Rebekah, she gave birth to twins.[a] 11 But before they were born, before they had done anything good or bad, she received a message from God. (This message shows that God chooses people according to his own purposes; 12 he calls people, but not according to their good or bad works.) She was told, “Your older son will serve your younger son.”[b] 13 In the words of the Scriptures, “I loved Jacob, but I rejected Esau.”[c](Rom. 9:10-13)

Some feel bad for Esau and say “that isn’t fair,” as if Paul is somehow saying that God predetermined one for evil and one for good and they had no free choice in the matter.  This may help us understand a difference between law and grace, because the context of that passage is concerning Israel and the Gentiles and God’s willingness to save anyone who comes to Him by faith in Jesus Christ.  The very lesson there is that God calls us based on our faith and obedience to the gospel and not based on our lineage or the works of the law.  Here is how the chapter ends:

“God warned them of this in the Scriptures when he said, “I am placing a stone in Jerusalem[p] that makes people stumble, a rock that makes them fall. But anyone who trusts in him will never be disgraced.”[q]” (Rom. 9:33).

Like Esau, everyone has the choice to stumble over the truth and reject God or like Jacob, to choose to put their faith in God and His promises.  Let’s understand that God is love and as such He desires to demonstrate His love and kindness to everyone.  He did not desire that Esau would be godless and reject Him, but since God has perfect foreknowledge of the future, He knew the choices that both Jacob and Esau would make.  He knew that Esau would choose to reject Him and that Jacob would choose to accept and follow Him.  So, since Esau chose, by free will to reject God, God then rejected Esau.  If we deny him, he also will deny us (2 Tim. 2:12).  But if Esau would have repented and chosen to follow God, he would have then been accepted by God.  “Return to Me,” declares the LORD of hosts, “that I may return to you” (Zech. 1:3).  So, God favored Jacob over Esau not by some arbitrary, random choice, but because Jacob responded to God’s grace and Esau did not.  The best way to understand this passage then, is to say that God chose Jacob and rejected Esau.  He favored Jacob.  He loved the fact that Jacob chose to follow Him and bring Him glory but hated the fact that Esau rejected Him and treated the things of God so cheaply.

14 Work at living in peace with everyone, and work at living a holy life, for those who are not holy will not see the Lord. 15 Look after each other so that none of you fails to receive the grace of God. Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many. 16 Make sure that no one is immoral or godless like Esau, who traded his birthright as the firstborn son for a single meal. 17 You know that afterward, when he wanted his father’s blessing, he was rejected. It was too late for repentance, even though he begged with bitter tears. (Heb. 12:14-17)

How can I verify or confirm this interpretation? Well, Jesus says that unless we “hate” our mother, father, wife, and children we cannot be His disciples (see Luke 14:26).  Yet, Jesus tells us to love one another and that to treat each other as we want to be treated sums up all the Law and the Prophets.  Loving God and loving others are the greatest commandments.  We are never to hate anyone.  In fact, we are even to love our enemies because God does too!

35 “Love your enemies! Do good to them. Lend to them without expecting to be repaid. Then your reward from heaven will be very great, and you will truly be acting as children of the Most High, for he is kind to those who are unthankful and wicked. 36 You must be compassionate, just as your Father is compassionate. (Luke 6:35-36)

So, what does Jesus mean by “hate”?  Simply, we are to love Jesus more than anyone else.  We are to obey Him and follow Him, even if that means that family members or friends will leave, reject, mistreat, or not respect us because of our faith in Christ.

“Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword. 35 For I have come to ‘set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law’; 36 and ‘a man’s enemies will be those of his own household.’  37 He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. 38 And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me. 39 He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it. (Matt. 10:34-40)

But that doesn’t mean Jesus is asking us to stop loving our families!  It means to love Jesus first and put Him above everyone else.  We can then conclude that God favored Jacob above Esau, as we should favor Jesus above all others.

So, does God love some and hate others? No. He loves everyone.  But He favors those who love Him and follow Him and even calls them His own children!

See how great a love the Father has bestowed on us, that we would be called children of God; and such we are. (1 John 3:2)

Those that do not know God and have rejected Him are not favored by Him, but if they repent and believe in Christ and follow Him as their Lord and Savior, they too can become favored. Praise God for His kindness!

Jesus replied, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them.” (John 14:23) Dr. Paul Burno

CLASS NOTES

Occasionally we have an opportunity to say or do something that can show God's love to others. Consider this selection from Tending Roses by Lisa Wingate

Setting - Rural Missouri,  A poor neighbor girl about 8 named Del was visiting. 

"What was your brother's name?" Grandma pressed, sounding curious and slightly suspicious.

"Angelo." Dell played patty- cake with Josh's feet, seeming uninterested in the conversation. "He didn't look like me. He looked kinda like Josh here. He didn't have a ugly no-good daddy like me."

A sickening lump rose in my throat. She had said the words as if they were the most natural thing in the world, just a fact of life, something simple and of no consequence, barely worthy of conversation.

Grandma was silent for a long time. She dropped her hands to her sides and her shoulders sagged. Finally, she said, "Where is your brother now?"

"Mama took him and give him to his daddy," Dell answered nonchalantly. "She was afraid he'd fall in the river and get drowned. Granny says she didn't hear no more about him after Mama died." 

They sat silent for a while, Dell seemingly engrossed in playing with Josh and Grandma with her chin tilted back, looking toward the ceiling, dabbing her eyes with her hankie.

Dell looked up finally, watching Grandma with an intense expression. "Do you think I have a ugly no-good daddy?"

Grandma cleared her throat and looked at Dell. When she spoke, her voice was trembling. "I think that's not a very nice thing to say," she said quietly. "You are a child of God and a beautiful gift to this world."

Dell sighed and tipped her head to one side, frowning, obviously not satisfied with the answer. She watched Grandma Rose, the question still in her face. "God don't know me. We didn't ever go to church."

My eyes filled with tears as Grandma reached out, her aged hands trembling, and combed back the dark strands of Dell's hair. 

Dell didn't move away, and she met Grandma's gaze. "God knows you, child... (there is much more not shared here)

Being ready to show God's love should always be in our tool box. 2 Timothy 4:2

The path of God's organized plan to tell mankind of his Love started with one man, Abraham, and continued through thousands of Israelites and came back to one man, Jesus. In this family God invested much by giving the law and training people to live so that the whole world could see His love living in a community. And you will be my kingdom of priests, my holy nation.’ This is the message you must give to the people of Israel.” Exodus 19:6, and “I, the LORD, have called you to demonstrate my righteousness. I will take you by the hand and guard you, and I will give you to my people, Israel, as a symbol of my covenant with them. And you will be a light to guide the nations. Isaiah 42:6

The people of Malachi's day were just another generation of people who put themselves first. They were suspicious of God's love and lived as if it meant nothing to them. They were part of a 500 year span of time between the exile's return and the coming of Jesus. They were part of the last few generations living at peace in the 'promised land" and should have been the nation that God envisioned, but they were not willing. Matthew 23:37 “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing!

People today, who follow Jesus have an opportunity to get it right and demonstrate a proper lifestyle so that others can see God's love and fulfill his plan of showing his love to the world.

Sourcelinks: https://www.preachingtoday.com/sermons/; https://www.preachtheword.com/; https://www.biblegateway.com/; https://www.bibleref.com/

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SESSION 3 - The Problem, Not Honoring God Properly - Malachi 1:6-2:9 - Wakeup Call #2

Printable Download

🔎 OVERVIEW

The second dispute (Malachi 1:6-2:9) exposes a problem with Israel’s second temple. God accuses the people of despising him and defiling the temple (Malachi 1:6-7), while the people fire back, “How have we despised you?” God responds by focusing on how the people are bringing shameful offerings of sick, blemished animals. It shows that they don’t value or honor their God. And the priests are part of the problem too, because they not only tolerate but also participate in these corrupt forms of worship. From top to bottom, God’s people have proven themselves totally faithless.

🔎 TEXT

Malachi 1:6-2:9 (NLT)

Unworthy Sacrifices

6 The Lord of Heaven’s Armies says to the priests: “A son honors his father, and a servant respects his master. If I am your father and master, where are the honor and respect I deserve? You have shown contempt for my name!

“But you ask, ‘How have we ever shown contempt for your name?’

7 “You have shown contempt by offering defiled sacrifices on my altar.

“Then you ask, ‘How have we defiled the sacrifices?’

“You defile them by saying the altar of the Lord deserves no respect. 8 When you give blind animals as sacrifices, isn’t that wrong? And isn’t it wrong to offer animals that are crippled and diseased? Try giving gifts like that to your governor, and see how pleased he is!” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.

9 “Go ahead, beg God to be merciful to you! But when you bring that kind of offering, why should he show you any favor at all?” asks the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.

10 “How I wish one of you would shut the Temple doors so that these worthless sacrifices could not be offered! I am not pleased with you,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, “and I will not accept your offerings. 11 But my name is honored* by people of other nations from morning till night. All around the world they offer sweet incense and pure offerings in honor of my name. For my name is great among the nations,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.  *(most other translations use "shall be honored" instead of "is honored")

12 “But you dishonor my name with your actions. By bringing contemptible food, you are saying it’s all right to defile the Lord’s table. 13 You say, ‘It’s too hard to serve the Lord,’ and you turn up your noses at my commands,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. “Think of it! Animals that are stolen and crippled and sick are being presented as offerings! Should I accept from you such offerings as these?” asks the Lord.

14 “Cursed is the cheat who promises to give a fine ram from his flock but then sacrifices a defective one to the Lord. For I am a great king,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, “and my name is feared among the nations!

Chapter 2 - A Warning to the Priests

1 “Listen, you priests—this command is for you! 2 Listen to me and make up your minds to honor my name,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, “or I will bring a terrible curse against you. I will curse even the blessings you receive. Indeed, I have already cursed them, because you have not taken my warning to heart. 3 I will punish your descendants and splatter your faces with the manure from your festival sacrifices, and I will throw you on the manure pile. 4 Then at last you will know it was I who sent you this warning so that my covenant with the Levites can continue,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.

5 “The purpose of my covenant with the Levites was to bring life and peace, and that is what I gave them. This required reverence from them, and they greatly revered me and stood in awe of my name. 6 They passed on to the people the truth of the instructions they received from me. They did not lie or cheat; they walked with me, living good and righteous lives, and they turned many from lives of sin.

7 “The words of a priest’s lips should preserve knowledge of God, and people should go to him for instruction, for the priest is the messenger of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. 8 But you priests have left God’s paths. Your instructions have caused many to stumble into sin. You have corrupted the covenant I made with the Levites,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. 9 “So I have made you despised and humiliated in the eyes of all the people. For you have not obeyed me but have shown favoritism in the way you carry out my instructions.”

🔎 CONSIDER

Names are interesting. They can sound funny to us, as when I first heard of a Filipino whose nickname was "Bing Bong." But then my name sounded even funnier to him, since "Tim" often sounded like "Dim."

Names are also powerful. Just think how much it can hurt to be called nasty names, or how you can build people up by giving them names of encouragement.

When God formed Israel to be his own people, his own name became associated them. The same is true for every one of us who is known as a Christian.

In Malachi's day the people of Israel hadn't done very well representing the name of their God. By tossing him blind animals for sacrifice and perpetrating injustice in their communities, the people had dragged God's name in the dirt.

Malachi's message comes as a rebuke but also as a promise. In spite of the people's disobedience, God promises, "My name will be great among the nations ... For I am a great King."

Look around your church and home today. How well is God's name honored there? How are you contributing to God's reputation? The day will come when every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus is Lord and King (Philippians 2:10-11). How can you lift up his name in your life today?

🔎 THINK

The Priest have been offering diseased, flawed, or unclean animals as sacrifices (Malachi 1:7–8). This is not only against the Old Testament Law, it is profoundly insulting to God. Israel's spiritual leaders know what to do, but they find it too much trouble (Malachi 1:13). As a result, God warns them that He will be honored properly, even by the—supposedly—unclean Gentiles (Malachi 1:11). If the priests continue to do as they have done, God will humiliate them in the eyes of the people (Malachi 2:9). He will remove them from office and allow them to be completely defiled by their own attitudes. This is phrased in rather graphic terms, with the metaphor of God smearing animal wastes on their faces (Malachi 2:3).

While this may seem harsh, the true penalty for "profaning" the name of God was supposed to be death (Numbers 18:32). So, even in judgment, God is showing mercy to those who abuse Him. The Old Testament priests were supposed to teach the people about God, as His messengers (Malachi 2:7). So, what Malachi—literally, "My messenger"— warns them about is very serious, indeed. It is obvious the priests were out for themselves rather than God. 

🔎 CLASS NOTES

OT vs NT things are different because of the differing covenants

Point One-

vs 2:2 "Listen to me and make up your minds to honor my name" NLT 

"If you do not listen, and if you do not resolve to honor my name, NIV

from Tending Roses by Lisa Wingate   

...tell us the secret to a long life.

"I need more time to figure it out" She laughed at her own joke and everyone chuckled with her. "I don't know about a long life, but I can tell you the secret to a happy one, and it isn't what you young people think."  She raised her lecture finger and we all fell silent. "The secret to a happy life is not in getting what you want. It is in learning to want what you get. Don't waste your time crying over what you're not given. When you have tears in your eyes, you can't see all the beautiful things around you."

Point Two- 

11 But my name is honored * by people of other nations from morning till night. All around the world they offer sweet incense and pure offerings in honor of my name. For my name is great among the nations,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.  *(most other translations use "shall be honored" instead of "is honored") The point- God is reminding Israel that He will be properly worshiped, even if that worship comes from those outside of Israel. 12 “But you dishonor my name with your actions.

The point is - God is reminding Israel that He will be properly worshiped, even if that worship comes from those outside of Israel. He will be given honor, even if that happens in spite of Israel (Romans 3:1–8). Someday, those outside of God's chosen people will recognize God for who He is, and give Him the worship He is due (Zechariah 14:9).

Scripture Related to “make up your minds”

Romans 12:2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Philippians 4:8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

2 Timothy 1:7 For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.

Jeremiah 33:3 ‘Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.’

Proverbs 28:26 Those who trust in themselves are fools, but those who walk in wisdom are kept safe.

Proverbs 4:23 Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.

1 John 1:8 If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.

Matthew 21:22 If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.”

Matthew 15:11 What goes into someone’s mouth does not defile them, but what comes out of their mouth, that is what defiles them.”

2 Corinthians 10:5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

Romans 7:25 Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself in my mind am a slave to God’s law, but in my sinful nature a slave to the law of sin.

Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;

Romans 1:28 Furthermore, just as they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, so God gave them over to a depraved mind, so that they do what ought not to be done.

Colossians 3:2-5

2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.

3 For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.

4 When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

5 Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry.

Isaiah 11:3-4

3 and he will delight in the fear of the LORD. He will not judge by what he sees with his eyes, or decide by what he hears with his ears;

4 but with righteousness he will judge the needy, with justice he will give decisions for the poor of the earth. He will strike the earth with the rod of his mouth; with the breath of his lips he will slay the wicked.

Matthew 12:43-45

43 “When an impure spirit comes out of a person, it goes through arid places seeking rest and does not find it.

44 Then it says, ‘I will return to the house I left.’ When it arrives, it finds the house unoccupied, swept clean and put in order.

45 Then it goes and takes with it seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and live there. And the final condition of that person is worse than the first. That is how it will be with this wicked generation.”

Ephesians 4:22-32

22 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires;

23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds;

24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

25 Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body.

26 “In your anger do not sin” : Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry,

27 and do not give the devil a foothold.

28 Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need.

29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.

31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.

32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

🔎 DIFFERENT COVENANTS

When studying the Old Testament consider that it is speaking to people of a different time. In both the Old and New Testaments, honoring God is central to the faith of believers, yet the approach and emphasis differ because of the differing covenants in each.

1. Honoring God in the Old Testament

In the Old Testament, honoring God is strongly tied to obedience to the Law, ritual purity, and communal worship. Key aspects include:

• Obedience to the Law: Following the Mosaic Law (Ten Commandments, ceremonial laws, and moral laws) was a primary way to honor God. The Israelites were expected to keep these laws as part of their covenant with God, which established their relationship with Him as His chosen people (Deuteronomy 6:5-6, 28:1-2).

• Sacrifices and Rituals: Honoring God often involved animal sacrifices and rituals at the Tabernacle and later the Temple. These acts atoned for sin, symbolizing repentance and reverence. Festivals like Passover, the Day of Atonement, and the Feast of Tabernacles were observed to remember and honor God’s salvation, provision, and holiness (Leviticus 16, Exodus 12).

• Prophets and Kings: Honoring God also included listening to His prophets and kings, who acted as His representatives. The prophets often called the people to repentance and emphasized justice, mercy, and humility as integral to honoring God (Micah 6:8, 1 Samuel 15:22).

2. Honoring God in the New Testament

In the New Testament, honoring God is centered on faith in Jesus Christ and living by the Spirit. Key distinctions include:

• Faith in Christ: The New Testament emphasizes that honoring God begins with faith in Jesus as the Messiah. Jesus fulfilled the Old Testament Law, and believers honor God through faith in His life, death, and resurrection. Honoring God is not about following ritualistic laws but accepting salvation by grace through faith (John 14:6, Ephesians 2:8-9).

• Spiritual Worship and Transformation: Jesus taught that worship is not limited to location or ritual but is done in “spirit and truth” (John 4:23-24). Honoring God in the New Testament means being transformed by the Holy Spirit, exhibiting the “fruits of the Spirit” like love, joy, peace, and patience (Galatians 5:22-23), and embodying God’s love and holiness.

• Living out Christ’s Teachings: Jesus summarized the commandments into loving God with all one’s heart, soul, and mind and loving one’s neighbor as oneself (Matthew 22:37-40). Thus, honoring God involves a commitment to love and serve others, reflecting God’s love to the world.

3. Comparison

• Old Testament: Focused on the Law, sacrifices, and physical acts of obedience as expressions of honor.

• New Testament: Emphasizes faith in Jesus, spiritual transformation, and honoring God through love, grace, and relational service to others.

While the Old Testament way of honoring God centered on external acts under the Law, the New Testament approach focuses on internal transformation through faith in Jesus Christ and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

SERIOUSLY THINKING- Growing Traits in the Person Who Learns from- 2:1-16

→Trait →Description →Scripture Reference

→Faithfulness to Covenant →Commits to honoring God’s covenant wholeheartedly, avoiding betrayal in relationships and faith. →Malachi 2:10

→Integrity in Relationships →Lives honestly and sincerely, especially in marriage and community, reflecting God’s character. →Malachi 2:11-14

→Respect for Marriage →Upholds marriage as sacred, rejecting divorce and infidelity as breaches of God’s covenant. →Malachi 2:14-16

→Repentance from Sin →Turns away from actions that break trust and dishonor God’s law, seeking restoration. →Malachi 2:1-3

→Obedience to God’s Commands →Listens and responds obediently to God’s warnings and guidance through His messengers. →Malachi 2:1-2

→Guarding Holiness →Protects personal and communal purity by rejecting evil and practicing righteousness. →Malachi 2:11-15

🔎 HONOR GOD PROPERLY

Honoring God is a deeply personal journey, rooted in love, reverence, and devotion. It involves aligning your life, values, and actions with principles that reflect God’s teachings. Here are some meaningful ways to honor God:

1. Live a Life of Love and Compassion

• Kindness and Empathy: Show kindness to others, recognizing everyone as a creation of God. Treating others with love, especially those who are vulnerable or in need, honors God's heart for all humanity. (Hebrews 4:15-16)

• Forgiveness: Forgiving others, even when it’s difficult, is a powerful way to honor God’s forgiveness toward us. (Ephesians 4:31-32)

2. Seek to Know God’s Word

• Study Scripture: Spending time in the Bible allows you to understand God’s teachings and wisdom. Reflecting on His Word helps you live in a way that aligns with His will. (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

• Meditate and Pray: Regular communication with God through prayer nurtures your relationship with Him. This keeps you connected and receptive to His guidance. (Philippians 4:6-7)

3. Live with Integrity and Righteousness

• Moral Character: Make choices that reflect integrity, honesty, and righteousness. Upholding these values in your daily life brings honor to God. (Proverbs 11:5)

• Purity of Intentions: Let your intentions be rooted in goodness, focusing not just on what you do, but why you do it. This reflects a genuine love for God and others. (Matthew 5:8)

4. Serve Others Selflessly

• Acts of Service: Serving others with a humble and loving spirit is a way to live out God’s commandment to love your neighbor as yourself. (1 Peter 4:10-11)

• Generosity: Sharing your resources, time, or talents with those in need reflects God’s generosity to us. (Psalm 112:5)

5. Express Gratitude and Praise

• Thankfulness: Regularly expressing gratitude for your blessings, even during challenging times, shows a deep trust in God’s providence. (Ephesians 5:20)

• Worship and Praise: Worship is a form of honoring God, whether through song, prayer, or moments of reflection on His greatness and love. (Psalms 100)

6. Use Your Talents and Gifts

• Faithful Stewardship: Honor God by using the gifts and talents He’s given you to contribute to the world and uplift others. Embrace your unique purpose and follow the path God has for you. (1 Peter 4:10)

• Diligence: Approach your work, studies, or responsibilities with excellence, as though you are doing it for God. (Romans 12:11)

7. Reflect Humility

• Dependence on God: Recognize that every good thing in life comes from Him. Trusting in His strength rather than your own reflects humility and honors His sovereignty. (Romans 8:32)

• Give Glory to God: When others notice your achievements, remember to give credit to God. This humility brings honor to Him and shows that you acknowledge His hand in your life. (Psalm 115:1)

8. Be a Light in the World

• Faith in Action: Live in a way that reflects God’s love and truth so that others may see His light in you. (Ephesians 3:19, Ephesians 5:2)

• Positive Influence: Aim to bring positivity, encouragement, and hope to those around you. (Isaiah 40:31, Micah 7:7)

Honoring God ultimately comes down to a heart that seeks to love Him and love others. It’s a journey that requires sincerity, and God sees each small step you take.

🔎 SCRIPTURE RELATED TO HONORING GOD

Loving God Wholeheartedly - Matthew 22:37: "Jesus replied: 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.'”

Living with Integrity - Proverbs 3:9-10: "Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine."

Trusting in God’s Plan - 1 Samuel 2:30: "Therefore the Lord, the God of Israel, declares: ‘I promised that members of your family would minister before me forever.’ But now the Lord declares: ‘Far be it from me! Those who honor me I will honor, but those who despise me will be disdained.’"

Living a Pure and Righteous Life - 1 Corinthians 6:20: "You were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies."

Speaking and Acting for God’s Glory - Colossians 3:17: "And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."

Serving and Humbling Ourselves - John 12:26: "Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me."

Displaying Holiness and Obedience - 1 Peter 1:15-16: "But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy.’"

Offering Praise and Worship - Psalm 96:8-9: "Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; bring an offering and come into his courts. Worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness; tremble before him, all the earth."

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SESSION 4 - Broken Covenant, No Integrity - Malachi 2:8-16 - Wakeup Call #3
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🔎 OVERVIEW

In the third dispute (Malachi 2:8-16), God accuses the Israelite men of treachery against him and their wives. Of course they deny this, so God exposes the toxic combination of idolatry and divorce that was taking place. Israelite men were marrying non-Israelites and adop­ting the worship of their wives’ ancestral gods in their homes (Nehemiah 13). Malachi then connects this to a wave of men divorcing their wives without any good reason. The worst part is that the people seem fine with all of this. Malachi says no! This is a betrayal of their covenant with God.

🔎 TEXT

 Malachi 2:8-16 (NLT) 

8 But you have turned aside from the way. You have caused many to stumble by your instruction. You have corrupted the covenant of Levi, says the Lord of hosts, 9 and so I make you despised and abased before all the people, inasmuch as you do not keep my ways but show partiality in your instruction.”

A Call to Faithfulness

10 Are we not all children of the same Father? Are we not all created by the same God? Then why do we betray each other, violating the covenant of our ancestors?

11 Judah has been unfaithful, and a detestable thing has been done in Israel and in Jerusalem. The men of Judah have defiled the Lord’s beloved sanctuary by marrying women who worship idols. 12 May the Lord cut off from the nation of Israel every last man who has done this and yet brings an offering to the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.

13 Here is another thing you do. You cover the Lord’s altar with tears, weeping and groaning because he pays no attention to your offerings and doesn’t accept them with pleasure. 14 You cry out, “Why doesn’t the Lord accept my worship?” I’ll tell you why! Because the Lord witnessed the vows you and your wife made when you were young. But you have been unfaithful to her, though she remained your faithful partner, the wife of your marriage vows.

15 Didn’t the Lord make you one with your wife? In body and spirit you are his. And what does he want? Godly children from your union. So guard your heart; remain loyal to the wife of your youth. 16 “For I hate divorce!” says the Lord, the God of Israel. “To divorce your wife is to overwhelm her with cruelty,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. “So guard your heart; do not be unfaithful to your wife.”

🔎 CONSIDER

These words about the tribe of Levi tell us what an influence we can have when we have integrity. Integrity is when everything about us is in alignment. Levi’s actions were both righteous and peaceful, and they matched Levi’s words. The Levites not only avoided being dishonest; they sought to help others understand the truth.

Because the Levites’ words and actions were aligned, people were drawn away from sin. Integrity is powerfully attractive. A lack of integrity turns people away. In Malachi’s day, the priests—that is, the Levites—needed this reminder. God was saying that if they wanted to see God’s blessings again, they needed to live with integrity. Integrity would draw other people to be like them. And, more important, teaching the ways of God with integrity would ­realign them with God’s will and God’s favor.

Christians today struggle with integrity just as God’s people did in Malachi’s time. Sometimes we say the right things, but the way we live or the attitude we carry is not aligned with our words. Other times our be­havior is good, but our words might be cruel or vulgar.

Integrity would be impossible except for four little words in the example of Levi, “He walked with me.” Walking with the Lord is our only hope for aligning our words and actions.

🔎 THINK

As with Malachi's other lessons, this one begins with an accusation. Unlike the other charges, however, Israel gives no particular answer to this claim. Malachi's criticism here is that Israel is being unfaithful, to each other. Israelite men are divorcing their Jewish wives and marrying pagan women (Malachi 2:11,14).

Marrying those who reject God is blasphemy in and of itself. Adding to this national epidemic is the fact that the men of Israel are not only marrying those who worship false gods, they are breaking their commitments to Israelite women in order to do so. In this passage, God expresses absolute hatred for divorce (Malachi 2:16). The Bible is clear that God's laws regarding divorce are in no way a sign of acceptance. Rather, they are a necessity brought on by our own hard hearts (Matthew 19:8).

Sadly, the people of Israel are numb to their own sin. Worse, they blame God for the consequences of their own actions. They break God's laws, then complain that God has not blessed them (Malachi 2:17). They ignore His warnings, and grumble when He does not protect them from their own mistakes. This takes the form of a very arrogant, very dangerous question: "Where is the God of justice?" As Malachi will explain in chapters 3 and 4, God's justice is certainly coming, so Israel ought to be careful what they wish for.

This brings us back to the subject of integrity we personally have before God and those around us. What are some ways we can live a life of integrity? Here are a few to stimulate your thinking: 

• Be truthful: Truthfulness is the foundation of integrity.

• Keep promises: Follow through on your commitments.

• Take responsibility: Accept responsibility for your actions and decisions.

• Be consistent: Live consistently blameless and upright in regards to your motives.

• Treat others with respect: Don't act one way in church and another way at work.

• Be transparent: Keep everything you do and say out in the open.

• Seek feedback: Consider who in your life can ask you hard questions about your integrity.

• Pray: Ask God for help when you're tempted to choose the wrong path.

 🔎 CLASS NOTES

Lead-in – Occasionally I find myself around people who make me want to be a better person. It is hard to pinpoint what is, but you just see something in them that lights a spark. Who has made you want to be a better person?

I want to be the kind of person my dog thinks I am. 

A person with integrity has the ability to display God's love to others. So, let's talk about how one's life should be lived to influence others for God.

The offenses to God in this scripture are caused by our interaction with other people. 

Discuss – Influences versus peer pressure!

People of Malachi's day did not act right toward God. Mistakes were made by how husbands treated their wives (one person) and how the Priest treated the nation (groups of people) and how they did not honor God (follow His rule). They probably even kicked the cat. 

Verses 10-11 talk about wives and husbands. Consider: Leviticus 19:18  “You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against any of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the LORD.” Jesus repeats this in Matthew 22:37–39 so the principle of treating individual people is to treat them with love and respect. Don't cause them to have hardships. 

Point One: Verse 11 says Judah has been unfaithful, and a detestable thing has been done in Israel and in Jerusalem.

Unfaithful is a term that describes someone who is disloyal or unreliable. However, a person with integrity is honest, does the right thing, and has a moral compass that doesn't waver. Many men don't realize the profound effects infidelity can have on the emotional life of a trusting wife. In the same way Christians who do not have integrity introduce doubt among other believers.

• Proverbs 11:3 "The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity."

• Proverbs 10:9 "Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out."

• Psalm 25:21 "May integrity and uprightness protect me, because my hope, Lord, is in you."

• Proverbs 20:7 "The righteous lead blameless lives; blessed are their children after them."

• 1 Kings 9:4 "As for you, if you walk before me faithfully with integrity of heart and uprightness, as David your father did, and do all I command and observe my decrees and laws..."

The above verses convey that integrity is not only about moral uprightness but also a source of protection, guidance, and blessing. Living with integrity is portrayed as a way to live in alignment with God’s will and to build a strong foundation for one's life and future.

In the New Testament, integrity is emphasized as a core quality of a life that honors God, reflecting truthfulness, consistency, and honesty in one's actions and words.

• 2 Corinthians 8:21 "For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of man."

• Philippians 4:8 "Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things."

• 1 Peter 3:16 "Keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander."

• Titus 2:7-8 "In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us."

• Matthew 5:37 "All you need to say is simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one."

These passages emphasize the importance of living consistently and honestly, with integrity before both God and people. Integrity in the New Testament is shown to be foundational to a life of faith, shaping one’s thoughts, actions, and reputation.

Point Two: Verse 10 has the phrase...Then why do we betray each other, violating the covenant of our ancestors? A contrast to betrayal is working together as a unit to emphasize the importance of community, encouragement, and mutual support, reminding us that we are stronger when we stand together. Some verses that focus on supporting and uplifting each other:

• Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 "Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up."

• Galatians 6:2 "Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ."

• 1 Thessalonians 5:11 "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing."

• Romans 15:1-2 "We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up."

• Hebrews 10:24-25 "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching."

• Proverbs 27:17 "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another."

Caring for each other in the body of Christ is each member's responsibility. It isn't just to be put on the church leadership. We are all responsible to see and meet the needs of the body of Christ. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.

Sourcelinks: https://www.preachingtoday.com/sermons/; https://www.preachtheword.com/; https://www.biblegateway.com/; https://www.bibleref.com/

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SESSION 5 - Injustice and Corruption - Malachi 2:17-3:5 - Wakeup Call #4
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🔎 OVERVIEW

The fourth dispute (Malachi 2:17-3:5) begins with the Israelites accusing God of neglect, saying, “Where is the God of justice?” They see injustice and corruption abound, but God seems to do nothing. God responds by telling of two events to come. 1. He will send a messenger 2.There will be a day of judgment. The messenger will offer mercy and refinement, but a day of judgment will come, God says when "I will put you on trial. I am eager to witness against..."

🔎 TEXT

Malachi 2:17-3:5 (NLT)

 17 You have wearied the Lord with your words.

“How have we wearied him?” you ask.

You have wearied him by saying that all who do evil are good in the Lord’s sight, and he is pleased with them. You have wearied him by asking, “Where is the God of justice?”

Chapter 3 - The Coming Day of Judgment

1 “Look! I am sending my messenger, and he will prepare the way before me. Then the Lord you are seeking will suddenly come to his Temple. The messenger of the covenant, whom you look for so eagerly, is surely coming,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.

2 “But who will be able to endure it when he comes? Who will be able to stand and face him when he appears? For he will be like a blazing fire that refines metal, or like a strong soap that bleaches clothes. 3 He will sit like a refiner of silver, burning away the dross. He will purify the Levites, refining them like gold and silver, so that they may once again offer acceptable sacrifices to the Lord. 4 Then once more the Lord will accept the offerings brought to him by the people of Judah and Jerusalem, as he did in the past.

5 “At that time I will put you on trial. I am eager to witness against all sorcerers and adulterers and liars. I will speak against those who cheat employees of their wages, who oppress widows and orphans, or who deprive the foreigners living among you of justice, for these people do not fear me,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.

🔎 CONSIDER

Fire is a common image in the minor prophets. It provides a fitting analogy to the judgment that the prophets say God will bring. Jesus echoed this message when he said, “I have come to bring fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled!” (Luke 12:49).

This description of fiery judgment might seem to be at odds with the message of love and grace often associated with Jesus. Didn’t Jesus say that “God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him” (John 3:17)?

Yes, Jesus did say that. But the sweetness of God’s love and grace and the severity of God’s judgment are not opposed to each other. In fact, they are two sides of the same coin. The only reason we are forgiven is because Jesus experienced the fire of God’s judgment in our place.

This is why the fire Jesus brought is the refiner’s fire that Malachi spoke about. This is a fire that does not destroy us but purifies us. Malachi indicates that God’s people will offer acceptable worship as a result of their refinement. Because of what Jesus has done for us, this result will take place in our lives too. Refined by God’s grace, we are “being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 2:5).

🔎 THINK

In Malachi 2:17, Israel throws an arrogant, ignorant accusation at God. This claim is so common, and so vapid, that God Himself is described as "wearied" by it. Specifically, Israel has complained that those who do evil seem to be blessed by God, and then asked "Where is the God of justice?" Israel is comparing themselves to the world, and criticizing God for not dealing more harshly with those they see as sinners. These are common accusations made by unbelievers against God, even today.

The priests of Israel have been disobedient (Malachi 1:6–7). The people have been unfaithful (Malachi 2:10–11). And yet, they have the nerve to ask—sarcastically, it seems—where the "God of justice" is. The upcoming verses will show God's response: brace yourselves, because you're going to get what you wished for. Asking God to judge means asking to be judged, as His judgment applies to all people at all times.

Malachi 3:1 predicts the return of the Lord to His temple (Jesus) then predicts the final judgment. This prediction echoes passages such as Ezekiel 43:1–5 and Zechariah 8:3. As such, it is a prediction of the end times.

Verses 2 and 3 of this chapter explained that God's plan is to "refine" the priests of Israel. Refiners used fire to melt silver and gold; the heat would burn out the undesirable contaminants. In this way, God's judgment will "burn out" the impure and inappropriate from His people, and leave offerings truly worthy of Him. As verse 5 will show, however, this will not merely be limited to the priests, but will also "refine" all of Israel.

God's judgment will not be somewhere far away, or aimed at other nations, leaving Israel untouched. On the contrary, His judgment will begin with Israel: He will "draw near" for judgment. The sins listed in this verse can all be found condemned in the Law of Moses.

Though this book, and these words, are specifically directed at the nation of Israel, there are principles which can be applied to modern Christians. First, we need to consider our own sins before we demand that God judge the sins of others (Matthew 7:3–5). Likewise, before God's people can expect to honor Him, and serve Him, we need to experience purification. Suffering and persecution may be God's ways of "refining" His church in preparation for what lies ahead.

Each person should recognize their own sin and wickedness (Romans 3:10). Asking God to judge means asking to be judged.

It’s obvious that God has a plan for those who practice wickedness. How good are we today at recognizing our own sin and wickedness? Do we recognize cautions in our life that show us how we are doing at that task?

A Wicked & Evil Heart:

> Does Not Fear God - Psalm 10:4, Proverbs 10:27

> Is Deceitful - Psalms 7:14, Proverbs 11:18

> Promotes Chaos, Division & Confusion - Romans 16:17-18, Proverbs 12:5

> Has A Seared Conscience - Proverbs 4:19, Jeremiah 17:9

> Is full of Pride & Narcissism - Psalm 10:2-3

> Enjoys Inflicting Pain on Others - Psalm 37:12, Psalm 37:14

> Is Quick to Run to Evil Solutions - Proverbs 21:10, John 3:19-20

🔎 RESEARCH SCRIPTURE

Part One: The Bible condemns injustice and corruption while affirming God’s ultimate authority to bring justice. Believers are called to embody righteousness and advocate for fairness in a world marked by sin and oppression.

1. God Hates Injustice and Corruption

-God denounces systems and individuals who exploit the vulnerable through unfair practices.

Isaiah 10:1-2 - "Woe to those who make unjust laws, to those who issue oppressive decrees, to deprive the poor of their rights and withhold justice from the oppressed of my people."

-Bribery and corruption undermine fairness and are detestable in God's sight.

Proverbs 17:23 "The wicked accept bribes in secret to pervert the course of justice."

2. Injustice Distorts Society and Hurts the Vulnerable

-Injustice often targets the weak, such as the poor, widows, and orphans, whom God commands His people to protect.

Amos 5:12 "For I know how many are your offenses and how great your sins. There are those who oppress the innocent and take bribes and deprive the poor of justice in the courts."

-The Bible recognizes the reality of systemic oppression and the lack of earthly recourse for many.

Ecclesiastes 4:1 "Again I looked and saw all the oppression that was taking place under the sun: I saw the tears of the oppressed—and they have no comforter; power was on the side of their oppressors."

3. God Will Bring Justice Against Corruption

-Those who establish power or wealth through injustice face God's judgment.

Habakkuk 2:12 "Woe to him who builds a city with bloodshed and establishes a town by injustice!"

-God's justice ensures the eventual downfall of those who engage in wrongdoing.

Psalm 37:28 "For the Lord loves the just and will not forsake his faithful ones. Wrongdoers will be completely destroyed; the offspring of the wicked will perish."

4. God Calls His People to Oppose Injustice

-Believers are called to model justice, mercy, and humility.

Micah 6:8 "He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God."

-Advocacy for the oppressed is a central part of living faithfully.

Proverbs 31:8-9 "Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy."

5. True Justice Comes Through God

-While human systems often fail, God’s justice is perfect and final.

Isaiah 33:22 "For the Lord is our judge, the Lord is our lawgiver, the Lord is our king; it is he who will save us."

-God promises a future where injustice and suffering will cease.

Revelation 21:4 "He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."

Part Two: The Bible provides clear guidance on how a person can recognize their sin and wickedness. It emphasizes self-examination, the role of God’s Word, the work of the Holy Spirit, and the moral law.

1. The Law as a Mirror -The Bible teaches that God's law reveals sin by providing a standard of righteousness.

• Romans 3:20: "Through the law we become conscious of our sin."
  When we measure ourselves against God’s commandments, we realize our shortcomings (e.g., the Ten Commandments in Exodus 20).

2. The Word of God as a Light - Scripture exposes areas of sin and calls us to repentance.

• Hebrews 4:12: "For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart."
  Reading and reflecting on Scripture allows God’s truth to reveal our sinful attitudes and actions.

3. The Role of the Holy Spirit - The Holy Spirit convicts individuals of sin, leading them to recognize their need for God’s grace.

• John 16:8: "When he [the Holy Spirit] comes, he will prove the world to be in the wrong about sin and righteousness and judgment."
  This inner conviction often brings a sense of guilt or sorrow over sin.

4. The Example of Christ - Jesus’ life and teachings show what true righteousness looks like, revealing how far we fall short.

• Matthew 5:21–48 (Sermon on the Mount): Jesus expands on the law, showing that sin is not just about actions but also attitudes (e.g., anger equated with murder, lust equated with adultery).
  Seeing Christ’s holiness and perfection helps us recognize our sinfulness.

5. Self-Examination - The Bible encourages believers to examine their lives and hearts.

• Lamentations 3:40: "Let us examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the Lord."

• 2 Corinthians 13:5: "Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves."

6. Through Repentance and Godly Sorrow - The Bible distinguishes between worldly regret and godly sorrow, which leads to repentance.

• 2 Corinthians 7:10: "Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death."
  Acknowledging sin and feeling genuine sorrow for offending God is a key step in recognizing sin.

7. Confession and Acknowledgment - Admitting sin to God is a sign of recognition and a step toward forgiveness.

• 1 John 1:9: "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness."

• Psalm 32:5: "Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, ‘I will confess my transgressions to the Lord.’ And you forgave the guilt of my sin."

8. Realizing Our Need for Grace - The Bible teaches that recognizing sin leads to dependence on God’s grace and mercy through Jesus Christ.

• Romans 3:23-24: "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus."
  Recognition of sin helps us turn to Jesus for forgiveness and salvation.

SERIOUSLY THINKING- Growing Traits in the Person Who Learns from- Malachi 2:17-3:5

→Trait →Description →Scripture Reference

→Sincerity in Faith →Rejects hypocrisy and half-hearted worship, embracing genuine devotion to God. →Malachi 2:17

→Justice and Fairness →Actively opposes injustice and corruption, seeking to live and promote fairness in community. →Malachi 3:5

→Fear of the Lord →Respects and reveres God’s authority, acknowledging His role as righteous judge. →Malachi 3:5

→Repentance and Accountability →Owns up to wrongdoing and commits to turning away from corrupt behaviors. →Malachi 3:1-4

→Hope in God’s Refining Work →Trusts that God will purify His people and restore righteousness through His judgment. →Malachi 3:2-3

→Generosity and Faithfulness →Practices faithful giving and honors God with offerings as a sign of trust and obedience. →Malachi 3:8-10

🔎 CLASS NOTES

Possible lead-in questions

1. Do you like to play cards or board games? It's amazing how many ups and downs can occur in just one game. We never know what is going on until the end of the game. The important thing is to enjoy the entire process. That may be good advice for our mental state as we live our life. We look at the events around us and see unfairness, people who cheat, lie, hoard wealth and power. We call it "unfair" and it makes us miserable and question if God is even watching. But then we come to or senses and realize that in the end, He is going to make all things work out.  “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” Romans 12:19 “Retribution ties you back to the person you're trying to get payback from, instead of turning on your heel and walking away,” Meryl Streep  (scientific study on revenge)  

2. Kids often say "that's not fair." They often are correct, yet most of the time they are not given all the information.

3. How should we feel about the injustice in the world? Should we take revenge? God says I am "eager to witness against all sorcerers and adulterers and liars" Francis Bacon said, “A man that studieth revenge, keeps his own wounds green, which otherwise would heal, and do well.” 

Possible Bible Reference

> How does Jesus refine a persons life? He refines by transforming our character, mindset, and actions through His teachings, His Spirit, and His example. This process, often referred to as sanctification, is likened in Scripture to refining metal, where impurities are removed to create something pure and valuable. Here’s how Jesus refines a person’s life:

1. Through His Word

Jesus' teachings in the Bible provide guidance for living a holy and fulfilling life:

• John 15:3: "You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you."

• Reading and applying Scripture helps individuals recognize areas of sin, align with God's will, and grow in wisdom and righteousness.

2. Through His Spirit

The Holy Spirit, which Jesus promises to His followers, works within believers to transform and refine them from the inside out:

• John 14:26: "But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you."

• Galatians 5:22-23: The Spirit produces fruits such as love, joy, peace, patience, and self-control, reshaping a person's character.

3. Through Trials and Challenges

Jesus often uses difficulties to refine and strengthen faith:

• 1 Peter 1:6-7: "These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed."

• Challenges teach dependence on God, endurance, and humility, shaping individuals into His likeness.

4. Through Forgiveness and Grace

Jesus refines lives by offering forgiveness and empowering believers to live free from sin:

• 2 Corinthians 5:17: "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come:  The old has gone, the new is here!

> Several Bible verses that discuss actions and behaviors that God will judge. These verses emphasize the comprehensive nature of God's judgment, encompassing deeds, thoughts, words, and attitudes. They serve as both warnings and reminders of God's justice and holiness.

1. Judging Sinful Behavior

• Ecclesiastes 12:14
  "For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil."

• Romans 2:6-8
  "He will repay each one according to his works: eternal life to those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor, and immortality; but wrath and anger to those who are self-seeking and disobey the truth while obeying unrighteousness."

• Galatians 5:19-21
  "Now the works of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, moral impurity, promiscuity, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambitions, dissensions, factions, envy, drunkenness, carousing, and anything similar. I am warning you about these things—as I warned you before—that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God."

2. Judging Unbelief and Rejection of God

• John 3:18
  "Anyone who believes in him is not condemned, but anyone who does not believe is already condemned, because he has not believed in the name of the one and only Son of God."

• Revelation 21:8
  "But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters, and all liars—they will be consigned to the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death."

3. Judging Words and Speech

• Matthew 12:36-37
  "But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned."

• James 3:1
  "Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly."

4. Judging Actions of Injustice

• Micah 6:8
  "He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God."

• Amos 5:12
  "For I know how many are your offenses and how great your sins. There are those who oppress the innocent and take bribes and deprive the poor of justice in the courts."

5. Judging Neglect of the Needy

• Matthew 25:41-46
  "Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.’"

6. Judging Hypocrisy

• Romans 2:1-3
  "You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge another, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things."

> Are all sins "equal" in terms of consequences or severity? While all sin is serious because it separates us from God, the Bible recognizes differences in the gravity and consequences of certain sins. Ultimately, forgiveness is available for all sin through faith in Jesus Christ. Here are some principles that can guide understanding of this topic:

1. All Sin Separates Us from God

The Bible teaches that any sin, regardless of its perceived severity, separates humanity from God. For example:

• Romans 3:23: "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."

• James 2:10: "For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become guilty of all of it."

This suggests that breaking even one part of God’s law makes a person guilty before God, emphasizing the seriousness of sin in general.

2. Different Sins Have Different Consequences

While all sin separates us from God, the Bible acknowledges that some sins carry heavier earthly and spiritual consequences. For example:

• John 19:11: Jesus tells Pilate, "The one who handed me over to you is guilty of a greater sin." This indicates a hierarchy of sin severity.

• 1 Corinthians 6:18: "Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body." This highlights that some sins affect us in unique ways.

3. God's Grace Covers All Sin

Regardless of the type or severity, the Bible is clear that God’s grace is sufficient to forgive any sin when one repents and believes:

• 1 John 1:9: "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

• Isaiah 1:18: "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool."

BOTTOM LINE – Since we do not have all the information like God does, we should live our lives in such a way as to honor Him and allow Him to balance the scales. See Romans 12:9-21

Love in Action

9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13 Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.

14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.

17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. 20 On the contrary:

“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
    if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”

21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Romans 12:1 I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.

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SESSION 6 - God Confronts Selfishness - Malachi 3:6-12 - December 1, 2024 - God Confronts Selfishness - Malachi 3:6-12 - Wakeup Call #5

Printable Download

 🔎 OVERVIEW

The phrase “I am the Lord, and I do not change” reveals much about God. He expects a lifestyle of obedience from the actions of man. In this fifth dispute, God calls his people to turn back to him. He confronts their selfishness of not offering a tithe to the temple. Neglecting the tithe underscoring a lack of dependence on God as the ultimate provider. A tithe in the Old Testament was central to maintaining the social, spiritual, and economic well-being of Israel.

This scripture emphasizes a wake-up that says, “you have scorned my decrees and failed to obey them. Now return to me, and I will return to you,”. The issues for us to consider: 1. God is worthy of honor because he does not change. 2. Examine our actions to find ways in which we have "turned aside from His statutes" and failed to properly follow Him.

🔎 TEXT - Malachi 3:6-12 (NLT)

A Call to Repentance

6 “I am the Lord, and I do not change. That is why you descendants of Jacob are not already destroyed. 7 Ever since the days of your ancestors, you have scorned my decrees and failed to obey them. Now return to me, and I will return to you,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.

“But you ask, ‘How can we return when we have never gone away?’

8 “Should people cheat God? Yet you have cheated me!

“But you ask, ‘What do you mean? When did we ever cheat you?’

“You have cheated me of the tithes and offerings due to me. 9 You are under a curse, for your whole nation has been cheating me. 10 Bring all the tithes into the storehouse so there will be enough food in my Temple. If you do,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, “I will open the windows of heaven for you. I will pour out a blessing so great you won’t have enough room to take it in! Try it! Put me to the test! 11 Your crops will be abundant, for I will guard them from insects and disease. Your grapes will not fall from the vine before they are ripe,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. 12 “Then all nations will call you blessed, for your land will be such a delight,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.

Part One: The Unchanging God is worthy of honor. 

🔎 CONSIDER how God does not change and for us to allow that attribute to influence our actions.

[[Trying to understand God is like swimming underwater to the deepest part of the ocean and back to the surface with one deep breath. “It is a subject so vast, that all our thoughts are lost in its immensity,” said Charles Spurgeon in The Immutability of God. “[It’s] so deep, that our pride is drowned in its infinity. But while the subject humbles the mind, it also expands it.”

When talking about and studying God, I have found one of his characteristics more comforting than all of the others: God does not change. We call this attribute immutability. This means he doesn’t change his character, his plan, or his mind. Frankly, with the instability of life, this is the security we all long for—consistent unconditional love.

One of the most famous passages about God’s immutability is Malachi 3:6: “I am the Lord, and I do not change. That is why you descendants of Jacob are not already destroyed” (New Living Translation). Malachi was affirming that God’s people should find great comfort because he would honor his covenant with Jacob. Despite the fact that Israel deserved to be destroyed for reneging on their end of the deal, it was important for the people to understand that God cannot lie and he cannot change.

Take note that we serve this same God who extends grace and mercy to us, especially during our shortcomings. This is good news for his followers. But an unchanging God is bad news for those living in sin. God will not overlook those sins.]] (by Megan Rawlings | 1 March, 2021 Christian Standard)

The Bible contains multiple verses that affirm the unchanging nature of God.

Numbers 23:19
"God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should repent. Has He said, and will He not do? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?"

Psalm 102:25-27
"Of old You laid the foundation of the earth, and the heavens are the work of Your hands. They will perish, but You will endure; yes, they will all grow old like a garment; like a cloak You will change them, and they will be changed. But You are the same, and Your years will have no end."

Hebrews 13:8
"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever."

James 1:17
"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning."

SERIOUSLY THINKING- Growing Traits in the Person Who Learns from- Malachi 3:6-12

→Trait →Description →Scripture Reference

→Faithfulness in Giving →Trusts God by bringing tithes and offerings faithfully as an act of worship and obedience. →Malachi 3:10

→Generosity →Lives with an open hand, willing to share resources generously with others. →Malachi 3:10

→Confidence in God’s Provision →Believes God will provide abundantly when He is honored through faithful stewardship. →Malachi 3:10-11

→Repentance from Selfishness →Turns away from withholding what belongs to God and others, embracing a giving heart. →Malachi 3:8

→Obedience to God’s Commands →Honors God’s instructions by living in accordance with His laws about stewardship and justice. →Malachi 3:7

→Blessing through Faithfulness →Experiences God’s promised blessings and protection as a result of obedience and trust. →Malachi 3:11-12

🔎 THINK about how understanding more about God’s nature can impact our lives.

The unchanging nature of God, often referred to as God's immutability, means that God’s essence, character, will, and promises do not change over time. This theological concept highlights His eternal consistency and faithfulness, affirming that He is reliable and trustworthy in every situation.

Key Aspects of God's Unchanging Nature:

1. His Character is Constant
   God's attributes—such as love, holiness, justice, mercy, and wisdom—remain the same. For example, God is always loving and just; He does not evolve, improve, or diminish in these qualities. “The Lord is righteous in all His ways, gracious in all His works.” (Psalm 145:17)

2. His Promises are Reliable
   Because God does not change, His promises are guaranteed. What He has spoken in the past holds true forever.“ God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should repent.” (Numbers 23:19)

3. His Purposes are Unshakable
   God’s plans are not subject to revision due to external circumstances. His will is eternal and perfect. “The counsel of the Lord stands forever, the plans of His heart to all generations.” (Psalm 33:11)

4. His Nature Transcends Time
   Unlike humans, who grow, learn, and adapt, God exists outside of time and does not undergo any process of change.“ Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever You had formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, You are God.” (Psalm 90:2)

IMPLICATIONS FOR BELIEVERS: 1. Trustworthiness: God's unchanging nature assures believers that they can fully trust Him and His Word. His promises, such as salvation through Christ, are secure. 2. Consistency: Believers can rely on God to remain steadfast even when life feels uncertain or chaotic. 3. Hope: God’s faithfulness and immutability provide hope and assurance that His plans for redemption and eternal life will be fulfilled.

In short, the unchanging nature of God is a cornerstone of faith, offering believers a foundation of stability and confidence in a constantly changing world.

🔎 OUR RESPONSE: A Christian's response to the unchanging nature of God is rooted in gratitude, trust, reverence, and alignment with His will with actions like these:

1. Worship and Gratitude

• Why? God's immutability means His love, mercy, and faithfulness are constant. Christians can worship Him with confidence, knowing His character and promises never fail.

• How? Through prayer, songs of praise, and a life that reflects thanksgiving for His steadfastness.

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8)

2. Trust and Dependence

• Why? In a changing and uncertain world, Christians can fully rely on God because His purposes and plans are unshakable.

• How? Trust in His guidance through prayer and by leaning on His Word for direction, knowing that His promises are reliable.

“The Lord is trustworthy in all he promises and faithful in all he does.” (Psalm 145:13)

3. Faithful Obedience

• Why? If God’s nature and standards never change, Christians are called to live in obedience to His Word, which reflects His unchanging will.

• How? By aligning their actions with Biblical teachings, even when societal norms shift, and striving for holiness.

“Be holy, because I am holy.” (1 Peter 1:16)

4. Peace and Confidence

• Why? Christians can live with peace and courage, knowing that God's plans are good and His love is enduring.

• How? By casting their worries on Him and finding security in His promises, even in difficult times.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11)

5. Commitment to Share His Truth

• Why? Since God’s truth and salvation remain constant, Christians are motivated to share the Gospel with others.

• How? By evangelizing and living as examples of God’s unwavering love and grace.

“Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” (Matthew 28:19)

6. Patience and Perseverance

• Why? Because God's promises are unchanging, Christians can patiently endure trials, knowing that His ultimate purpose will prevail.

• How? By holding onto hope and faith during difficult times, trusting that God's timing and plans are perfect.

“Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.” (Hebrews 10:23)

Christians are called to respond to God's unchanging nature with hearts full of trust, worship, obedience, and a willingness to live in alignment with His eternal truth. This response is both a recognition of who God is and a commitment to live in the light of His constancy.

Part 2. Examine our actions to find ways in which we have "turned aside from His statutes" and failed to properly follow God.

🔎 CONTEMPLATE – Do Christians today cheat God?

In these New Testament times "cheating God" can take various forms, often tied to neglecting God’s commands or failing to live in ways that honor Him. Below are some ways this concept might be understood:

1. Neglecting Stewardship and Generosity - "Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." (2 Corinthians 9:7)

• Not Giving Back to God: Christians might "cheat God" when they fail to support the church, ministries, or those in need, despite being blessed materially. This isn't limited to tithing but includes an overall lack of generosity.

• Misusing Resources: Failing to use time, talents, and money for God’s purposes—spending extravagantly on self while neglecting others—can be seen as unfaithful stewardship.

2. Lip Service Instead of True Worship - "These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me." (Matthew 15:8)

• Empty Worship: Attending church or performing religious acts without a sincere heart for God can be a form of cheating Him of the true worship He deserves.

• Hypocrisy: Living a double life—professing faith but not practicing it—robs God of the testimony Christians are called to live out.

3. Not Using Spiritual Gifts

• Burying Talents: Christians might fail to use the gifts, abilities, and opportunities God has given them for His kingdom (as illustrated in the Parable of the Talents, Matthew 25:14-30).

• Neglecting Service: Avoiding involvement in the church or community denies God the chance to work through them to bless others.

4. Disobedience to God’s Commands - "If you love me, keep my commands." (John 14:15)

• Ignoring Moral Teachings: Living in unrepentant sin or ignoring God’s principles cheats Him of obedience and holiness.

• Failing to Evangelize: Christians are called to share the gospel (Matthew 28:19-20). Failing to do so cheats God of His desire for all to hear the truth.

5. Lack of Faith and Trust - "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." (Matthew 6:33)

• Doubting God’s Provision: Hoarding resources out of fear rather than trusting God to provide can indicate a lack of faith.

• Prioritizing Self Over God: Pursuing worldly goals, wealth, or success at the expense of spiritual priorities cheats God of the central place He deserves in a believer’s life.

How to Avoid "Cheating God"

• Cultivate Generosity: Be faithful in giving time, resources, and talents to God.

• Pursue Genuine Worship: Serve and honor God with a sincere and humble heart.

• Obey His Word: Live according to His teachings and strive for holiness.

• Trust Him Fully: Rely on God for provision and guidance, surrendering control to Him.

Ultimately, the antidote to "cheating God" is a life of gratitude, faithfulness, and love for Him, recognizing that everything we have comes from Him.

🔎 CLASS NOTES - Printable Notes

Question 1: When you were growing up, what was it about a parent that told you to watch out, either you were in trouble or they were in a bad mood and should not be messed with? 

These actions of your parents tell something of their character/personality. A child soon learns how to act and get along with them (in most cases). 

In the same way our knowledge of God and his expectations should tell us how to live inside his love. So, here is what the Bible says about some of the characters of God..

God is Holy

-"Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory." (Isaiah 6:3)

-"But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do." (1 Peter 1:15)

God is Love

-"God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them." (1 John 4:16)

-"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." (John 3:16)

God is Eternal

-"Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the whole world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God." (Psalm 90:2)

-"I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God, "who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty." (Revelation 1:8)

God is Omnipotent (All-Powerful)

-"Ah, Sovereign Lord, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you." (Jeremiah 32:17)

-"Our God is in heaven; he does whatever pleases him." (Psalm 115:3)

God is Omniscient (All-Knowing)

-"Great is our Lord and mighty in power; his understanding has no limit." (Psalm 147:5)

-"Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O Lord, you know it altogether." (Psalm 139:4)

God is Omnipresent (Everywhere)

-"Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?" (Psalm 139:7-10)

-"‘Am I only a God nearby,’ declares the Lord, ‘and not a God far away?’" (Jeremiah 23:23)

God is Faithful

-"The Lord is faithful to all his promises and loving toward all he has made." (Psalm 145:13)

-"If we are faithless, he remains faithful, for he cannot disown himself." (2 Timothy 2:13)

God is Just

-"He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he." (Deuteronomy 32:4)

-"But the Lord Almighty will be exalted by his justice, and the holy God will be proved holy by his righteous acts." (Isaiah 5:16)

God is Merciful

-"The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love." (Psalm 103:8)

"-Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning." (Lamentations 3:22-23)

God is Unchanging (Immutable)

-"I the Lord do not change. So you, the descendants of Jacob, are not destroyed." (Malachi 3:6)

-"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." (Hebrews 13:8)

God is Righteous

-"The Lord is righteous in all his ways and faithful in all he does." (Psalm 145:17)

-"God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God." (2 Corinthians 5:21)

God is Sovereign

-"The Lord has established his throne in heaven, and his kingdom rules over all." (Psalm 103:19)

-"All the peoples of the earth are regarded as nothing. He does as he pleases with the powers of heaven and the peoples of the earth." (Daniel 4:35)

God is Patient

-"The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead, he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." (2 Peter 3:9)

-"But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience." (1 Timothy 1:16)

Question 2: It is important to know God and about his character God. It is also important to respond to what we know pleases Him. How many things can you list that identify how God wants us to act and live our life?

The Bible provides clear guidance on how God wants us to act, emphasizing love, humility, obedience, and righteousness. Below is a list of key references:

Love Others

"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself." (Matthew 22:37-39)

"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another." (John 13:34)

Act Justly and Walk Humbly

"He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." (Micah 6:8)

Be Humble and Serve

"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves." (Philippians 2:3)

"For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." (Mark 10:45)

Seek Peace

"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God." (Matthew 5:9)

"If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone." (Romans 12:18)

Practice Forgiveness

"Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." (Ephesians 4:32)

"For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you." (Matthew 6:14)

Show Mercy

"Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful." (Luke 6:36)

"Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy." (Matthew 5:7)

Obey God's Commands

"If you love me, keep my commands." (John 14:15)

"Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind." (Ecclesiastes 12:13)

Live a Holy Life

"But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: 'Be holy, because I am holy.'” (1 Peter 1:15-16)

"Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship." (Romans 12:1)

Be Generous and Kind

"Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap." (Luke 6:38)

"Do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased." (Hebrews 13:16)

Guard Your Words

"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs." (Ephesians 4:29)

"Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry." (James 1:19)

Trust God

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." (Proverbs 3:5-6)

"Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." (1 Peter 5:7)

Do Everything with Love

"And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." (Colossians 3:17)

"Do everything in love." (1 Corinthians 16:14)

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SESSION 7 - Thinking it's Pointless to Serve God - Malachi 3:13-18 - Wakeup Call #6

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 🔎 OVERVIEW

In the final dispute (Malachi 3:13-18), the people accuse God, saying that it is pointless to serve him. They observe wicked, prideful people succeeding in life all the time, but God seems to do nothing about it. The response, for the first time in the book, is not a speech from God, but a short story (Malachi 3:16-18). It’s about the faithful remnant in Israel, who still fear the Lord and love to talk together about how to honor and serve him. God orders that a “scroll of remembrance” be written for them, so that they can read the scroll to better remember God’s character and promises. Malachi is reflecting here on the divine gift of the Scriptures. They point us to the past to remember what God has done, in order to inspire faithfulness and hope for the future.

🔎 TEXT

Malachi 3:13-18 (NLT)

13 “You have said terrible things about me,” says the Lord.

“But you say, ‘What do you mean? What have we said against you?’

14 “You have said, ‘What’s the use of serving God? What have we gained by obeying his commands or by trying to show the Lord of Heaven’s Armies that we are sorry for our sins? 15 From now on we will call the arrogant blessed. For those who do evil get rich, and those who dare God to punish them suffer no harm.’”

The Lord’s Promise of Mercy

16 Then those who feared the Lord spoke with each other, and the Lord listened to what they said. In his presence, a scroll of remembrance was written to record the names of those who feared him and always thought about the honor of his name.

17 “They will be my people,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. “On the day when I act in judgment, they will be my own special treasure. I will spare them as a father spares an obedient child. 18 Then you will again see the difference between the righteous and the wicked, between those who serve God and those who do not.”

 🔎 CONSIDER

We learn that this conversation is being shaped by some really bad theology that’s at work in their own hearts. Notice that in verse fourteen there’s this working assumption that God owes me. They remind God how they’ve walked around in mourning. They’ve walked around with this show of grief and repentance for their sin with the expectation that God had better reward us for that. They are not approaching God as worshipers nor are they walking by faith and hanging onto his promises.

They are basically approaching God as consumers. They’ve done their duty; they’ve held up their end of the bargain but, as they judge it, God isn’t holding up his end of the things. Together this combination of uncritical evaluation of their experience, together with faulty theology at work in their hearts, creates this lethal concoction of bitterness and cynicism that fuels the conversation taking place within the covenant community. As you can imagine this is a spiritually toxic combination of ingredients, in a spiritually poisonous environment to be living in.

Think about this for a moment. Think about what’s likely to happen when a group of people who are equally hardened towards God and equally blind towards their sin, as it seems the people in Malachi’s day are, come together and talk to one another. Well they begin to feed each other’s assumptions in a kind of self-reinforcing feedback loop.

In our theology, our opinions about God and ourselves that feed into our conversations are a matter of life and death. We cannot rely on our misinformed thoughts and opinions. We cannot simply surround ourselves with people who tickle our ears with what we want to hear. When the only voices that we are listening to make sense of God or our experiences, are the voices in our own head or the voices that tell us what we want to hear because that’s what they want to hear too, then we can convince ourselves of virtually everything together as a community, but it won’t be truth and it may even cost us our souls.

7 - Thinking it's Pointless to Serve God - Malachi 3:13-18

→Trait →Description →Scripture Reference

→Perseverance in Service →Continues faithfully serving God even when results seem delayed or discouraging. →Malachi 3:14-15

→Trust in God’s Justice →Believes God sees and will reward those who remain faithful and punish the wicked. →Malachi 3:15

→Hope in God’s Vindication →Holds hope that God will ultimately vindicate His people and uphold His promises. →Malachi 3:16

→Delight in God’s Word →Finds joy and satisfaction in living according to God’s commands and teachings. →Malachi 3:16-17

→Community of Faith →Values being part of a faithful community that encourages and supports each other in service. →Malachi 3:16

→Gratitude for God’s Protection →Appreciates God’s protection and care over those who fear Him. →Malachi 3:17-18

🔎 THINK

A key problem facing Israel was a lack of respect for the Mosaic covenant. The promises between God and Israel, made through Moses, included both positive and negative consequences (Deuteronomy 28). If the people obeyed, they would experience blessings. If they were defiant, they would be cursed. Verse 14 shows the same error Israel has demonstrated previously in Malachi: they disobey God, then blame Him when bad things happen.

This is not a problem unique to ancient Israel. Modern believers, as well as non-believers, often attack God when they suffer for their own choices. We have a habit, as sinful people, of refusing to follow God, suffering as a result, then hypocritically claiming that there is no benefit to following God. In both cases, the people actually make one valid point. That is, the way they are worshiping God is, in fact, "in vain," since God won't respond to selfish, bitter, insulting forms of worship (Malachi 1:10). The fact that God has ignored their pleas is evidence that their approach to God is, in fact, impure! So should we even ask the question about our own thoughts and actions?

🔎 SCRIPTURE SEARCH

>Receive encouragement from the benefit to following God

Psalm 23:1-3 "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake."

Deuteronomy 28:1-2 "And if you faithfully obey the voice of the Lord your God, being careful to do all his commandments that I command you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations of the earth. And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, if you obey the voice of the Lord your God."

Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."

Isaiah 40:31 "But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint."

Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope."

Matthew 6:33 "But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."

John 10:10 "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly."

Romans 8:28 "And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose."

Philippians 4:6-7 "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Revelation 21:4 "He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away."

>how to succeed in life

Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."

Matthew 6:33 "But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."

Proverbs 10:4 "A slack hand causes poverty, but the hand of the diligent makes rich."

Colossians 3:23-24 "Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ."

Joshua 1:8 "This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success."

Psalm 1:1-3 "Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked...but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers."

Proverbs 16:3 "Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established."

James 1:5 "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him."

Galatians 6:9 "And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up."

Philippians 4:13 "I can do all things through him who strengthens me."

Matthew 23:11-12 "The greatest among you shall be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted."

Acts 20:35 "In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’"

>Remember God’s mighty works

Psalm 19:1 "The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork."

Genesis 1:31 "And God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good."

Exodus 13:3 "Then Moses said to the people, 'Remember this day in which you came out from Egypt, out of the house of slavery, for by a strong hand the Lord brought you out from this place.'"

Psalm 77:11-12 "I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your wonders of old. I will ponder all your work, and meditate on your mighty deeds."

Deuteronomy 7:9 "Know therefore that the Lord your God is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, to a thousand generations."

Lamentations 3:22-23 "The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."

Psalm 103:2-5 "Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s."

James 1:17 "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change."

Joshua 4:21-24 "When your children ask their fathers in times to come, ‘What do these stones mean?’ then you shall let your children know, ‘Israel passed over this Jordan on dry ground.’ For the Lord your God dried up the waters of the Jordan for you until you passed over, as the Lord your God did to the Red Sea, which he dried up for us until we passed over."

Psalm 105:8-10 "He remembers his covenant forever, the word that he commanded, for a thousand generations, the covenant that he made with Abraham, his sworn promise to Isaac."

Luke 22:19 "And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, 'This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.'”

John 3:16 "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life."

Isaiah 46:9 "Remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me."

1 Chronicles 16:12 "Remember the wondrous works that he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he uttered."

FOLLOW-UP NOTES

how our mindset and words help us stay close to Him

What event, statement, action gives you the most uplifting feeling? What is it that gives you the most encouragement? 

Those who "feared the LORD" may be some of the same who were just accused of blasphemy or they may be a completely separate group of people, who never fell into the sins ascribed to the priests and the people. Either way, even in this season of spiritual darkness, there are those in Israel who are committed to honoring God.
This makes verse 16 a tremendous encouragement during times where faithfulness is scarce. God promises, here, to remember the loyalty of those who respond to Him. In context, this is specific to the nation of Israel, but indicates an important aspect of God's character. Whether the people repent and turn back, or stay faithful throughout, God vows to keep a record of their faith.

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SESSION 8 - Learning to deal with Silence - Malachi 4 & Psalm 46:10

Time Between the Old and New Testament (ca. 440-4 BC)

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A Historical Look at Christians

The history of Christianity is not only a story of how Christians were treated but also a testimony to their transformational impact on the world. From the earliest days of the church, Christians have endured persecution, misunderstanding, and marginalization, as Jesus Himself foretold in John 15:18-20: “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own.” Yet, despite these challenges, Christians have profoundly influenced the societies they inhabited, embodying a faith that transformed cultures, shaped laws, and inspired countless acts of compassion and justice. Their response to suffering and their commitment to living out Christ’s teachings have left an indelible mark on history. The focus here is to consider different generations of Christians, observe the obstacles they face and examine how they were able to have a positive impact on the communities in which they lived while we learn from their example.

Malachi 4 -  The Coming Day of Judgment

1 The Lord of Heaven’s Armies says, “The day of judgment is coming, burning like a furnace. On that day the arrogant and the wicked will be burned up like straw. They will be consumed—roots, branches, and all.

2 “But for you who fear my name, the Sun of Righteousness will rise with healing in his wings. And you will go free, leaping with joy like calves let out to pasture. 3 On the day when I act, you will tread upon the wicked as if they were dust under your feet,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.

4 “Remember to obey the Law of Moses, my servant—all the decrees and regulations that I gave him on Mount Sinai for all Israel.

5 “Look, I am sending you the prophet Elijah before the great and dreadful day of the Lord arrives. 6 His preaching will turn the hearts of fathers to their children, and the hearts of children to their fathers. Otherwise I will come and strike the land with a curse.”

Psalm 46:10 

He says, “Be still, and know that I am God;
    I will be exalted among the nations,
    I will be exalted in the earth.”

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Malachi chapter 4 describes an impending judgment from God. This will occur on "the day" of ultimate reckoning. Both Christian and Jewish scholars frequently debate the specifics of this passage. The phrase in verse 5 ”I am sending you the prophet Elijah” Could refer to John the Baptist and Malachi 3:1 could refer to Jesus. Either way God is telling them one day He will act and bring about an answer. After that an ultimate reckoning will occur. Malachi 4:1 says ”On that day the arrogant and the wicked will be burned up like straw.” This could indicates that God is the one who will make all things right. Man is explicitly told not to take revenge. (Deuteronomy 32:35” Romans 12:19)

SERIOUSLY THINKING- Growing Traits in the Person Who Learns from- Malachi 4

→Trait →Description →Scripture Reference

→Patience in Waiting →Learns to wait faithfully during times when God seems silent or distant. →Malachi 4:5-6

→Hope for God’s Promise →Holds onto the confident hope of God’s coming judgment and restoration. →Malachi 4:1-3

→Obedience to God’s Law →Lives in reverent obedience to God’s commands, especially regarding honoring parents and legacy. →Malachi 4:6

→Anticipation of Renewal →Looks forward to spiritual renewal and transformation in self and community. →Malachi 4:5-6

→Trust in God’s Timing →Accepts God’s timing as perfect, even when it does not align with personal expectations. →Malachi 4:1

→Faithful Preparation →Prepares heart and life to meet God by practicing righteousness and repentance. →Malachi 4:5-6

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God was silent for 400 years after Malachi. This period of silence is nothing new. It actually follows a pattern God has repeated throughout the Old Testament. First, God generally designed or allowed a desperate situation to arise before presenting His deliverance. Secondly, He always called upon a faithful servant to “stand in the gap,” making intercession to Him on behalf of the people (Ezek 22:30), and to be His agent through whom He performed His work.

Most of the Patriarchs and prophets (including Noah, Abraham, Joseph, the Judges, Esther and Nehemiah) filled this gap created by humanity’s desire to do things their way. The recorded history of the Intertestamental Period points to a similar experience. It seems that God allowed His people to exhaust their resources and reduce themselves to another desperate situation before He brought to the scene His most faithful and only perfect Servant, His Son Jesus Christ.

God's silence, both in history and modern times, can be challenging for believers to understand, yet it often serves a divine purpose. Throughout Scripture, there are periods when God's voice seems absent, such as the 400 years between Malachi and the birth of Jesus. These times of silence are not signs of His inactivity but rather opportunities for faith, reflection, and preparation.

One reason for God's silence may be to encourage trust and spiritual growth. When God seems silent, believers are often driven to seek Him more earnestly, relying not on signs or immediate answers but on His promises and character. This deepens faith and builds perseverance, as seen in figures like Job, who trusted God despite prolonged silence and suffering. God's silence can also serve as a test of obedience, prompting believers to remain faithful even when His presence feels distant.

In some cases, God's silence allows human free will and history to unfold. He may choose not to intervene overtly to respect the autonomy He has granted humanity, allowing people to make choices that shape their own stories. Additionally, His silence can be a way of revealing deeper truths over time, as His ultimate plans often become clear only in hindsight.

Silence does not mean absence. God's ways are higher than ours (Isaiah 55:8-9), and He often works behind the scenes, orchestrating events and preparing hearts for future revelations. For example, the silence before Christ's birth was a time of cultural and spiritual preparation that made the message of the Gospel resonate powerfully when the time was right (Galatians 4:4).

In modern times, God's perceived silence can remind believers to listen for Him in subtler ways—through Scripture, prayer, the counsel of others, or the beauty of creation. It invites a deeper relationship, one not based solely on external signs but on a confident trust in His unfailing presence and promises.

The Intertestamental Period

The book of Malachi was completed in 397 BC, starting this period of silence until the angel’s announcement of the birth of John the Baptist in 4 BC (Luke 1:11-17).

The Bible itself does not explicitly explain why there was this in-between time. Here are some theories, perspectives and insights:

Preparation for the Messiah: Many theologians suggest that this time was a period of preparation for the coming of Jesus Christ. During these years, historical and cultural developments, such as the rise of the Roman Empire, the spread of Greek language and culture (Hellenization), and the establishment of the synagogue system, set the stage for the rapid spread of the gospel.

Fulfillment of Prophecies: Some interpret the silence as part of God's plan to fulfill prophecies made in the Old Testament. For instance, Daniel's visions (e.g., Daniel 9:24-27) outline a timeline leading up to the coming of the Messiah, suggesting that God was working behind the scenes even if direct communication was paused.

Spiritual Decline and Expectation: The period was marked by significant challenges and changes in Israel, including the rise of sects like the Pharisees and Sadducees, and the influence of foreign powers. This created a longing for a deliverer, heightening the expectation for the Messiah.

Divine Sovereignty: God's timing is perfect, even if it's not fully understood by humans. As Galatians 4:4 says, "But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law." This implies that God acted at the right time according to His sovereign plan.

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MALACHI REVIEW

Something happened with Adam and Eve that changed​ a major part of us. Genesis 3:14 “Because you have done this,​ “Cursed are you above all livestock and all wild animals!​ It's like mankind lost something we can never get back. But, God's love is so great, he has planned, over the years, to allow redemption to take place. He offered Law and Covenant in the Old Testament and Jesus with the Holy Spirit in the New Testament times. So, we have an opportunity to reconnect to God even though something has been lost. It, however, requires constant action on our part. It's like watching the continual search of a bird for food, we must continually search for that thing that was lost. That's where God's grace and the Holy Spirit come in, by being there to point us to the blood of Jesus Christ. But, we only reconnect and bypass that curse by continually searching, watching, acting and applying remembering the blood.  

The book of Malachi sums up the Old Testament by showing that God's people have failed to be faithful to the covenant. ​In Short they did not follow God with consistency​. So, He sends Malachi, 100 years after the exile, to tell all Israel​ "Ever since the days of your ancestors, you have scorned my decrees and failed to obey them. Now return to me”...​​​ ​(Malachi 3:7​)  He then gives them another 400 years of silence.​ ​However, God promises to redeem a remnant and send a Messiah to fulfill his covenant promises.

​Today, when we are together with other believers who honor Him and talk about Jesus, it is like a pleasant fragrance to him, he listens. "Then those who feared the Lord talked with each other, and the Lord listened and heard.​" Malachi 3:16

So, to review our study: The Book of Malachi is ​like a summary of the Old Testament and is written as a series of disputes between God and Israel. In it, God rebukes the people of Israel for their sins and failures. Below is a list of the key accusations God makes against Israel, along with their corresponding verse numbers:

1. Lack of Reverence for God

Verse: Malachi 1:6 “A son honors his father, and a servant his master. If I am a father, where is the honor due me? If I am a master, where is the respect due me?” says the Lord Almighty.

Summary: The priests and people dishonor God by failing to show Him proper respect, treating Him with contempt.

2. Defiling the Altar with Contemptible Offerings

Verses: Malachi 1:7-8 “You place defiled food on my altar. But you ask, ‘How have we defiled you?’ By saying that the Lord’s table is contemptible.”

Summary: They offer blemished, sick, or lame animals as sacrifices, disrespecting God's holiness.

3. Failing to Keep God’s Covenant as Priests

Verses: Malachi 2:1-8 “For the lips of a priest ought to preserve knowledge, because he is the messenger of the Lord Almighty, and people seek instruction from his mouth. But you have turned from the way and by your teaching have caused many to stumble.” (Malachi 2:7-8)

Summary: The priests fail to teach the law properly and lead people into sin.

4. Breaking the Covenant of Marriage

Verses: Malachi 2:10-16 “You flood the Lord’s altar with tears. You weep and wail because he no longer looks with favor on your offerings or accepts them with pleasure from your hands.” (Malachi 2:13)

Summary: The people commit treachery by divorcing their wives and marrying pagan women, profaning the covenant.

5. Accusing God of Injustice

Verses: Malachi 2:17 “You have wearied the Lord with your words. ‘How have we wearied him?’ you ask. By saying, ‘All who do evil are good in the eyes of the Lord, and he is pleased with them,’ or ‘Where is the God of justice?’”

Summary: They accuse God of delighting in evildoers and question His justice.

6. Robbing God by Withholding Tithes and Offerings

Verses: Malachi 3:8-10 “Will a mere mortal rob God? Yet you rob me. But you ask, ‘How are we robbing you?’ In tithes and offerings.”

Summary: They fail to bring the full tithes and offerings to the temple, robbing God of what is due to Him.

7. Speaking Arrogantly Against God

Verses: Malachi 3:13-15 “You have spoken arrogantly against me,” says the Lord. “Yet you ask, ‘What have we said against you?’”

Summary: They speak harshly against God, claiming that serving Him is futile.

It is so hard to look at the errors listed here and not ask "what am I doing wrong".

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CLASS NOTES

How do you fill the silence in your life? When do you find silence most valuable in your daily life? What are your go-to activities that allow you to embrace quiet moments? How do you use silence to promote self-reflection or introspection? What are some situations where you deliberately seek out silence? 

POINT ONE: Navigating Silence

A big part of living the Christian life is tied to how we think about our living circumstances and mental well being. Are we encouraged, optimistic, hopeful, joyful and finding peace? It may be difficult for a person who is surrounded by silence to have such an attitude. Finding joy and peace amidst the silence can be challenging, but the Bible and Christian writers offer profound insights for navigating such circumstances. Silence, while initially daunting, can become a source of spiritual renewal and deeper connection with God.

Embracing Silence as a Sacred Space

In the Bible, silence often serves as a medium for encountering God. Psalm 46:10 declares, “Be still, and know that I am God.” This verse encourages believers to embrace stillness not as emptiness but as a space where God’s presence becomes more tangible. Silence can be transformed from a source of loneliness into a sacred opportunity to commune with the Creator.

Christian writer Henri Nouwen emphasizes that solitude is not about being alone, but about being alone with God. In his book The Way of the Heart, he describes silence as the “furnace of transformation,” where one learns to listen to God’s voice. For an older person, leaning into silence as a divine appointment can bring comfort and meaning.

Finding Purpose in Prayer

Silence can be a powerful setting for prayer. Philippians 4:6-7 encourages believers to “not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” Prayer in the quiet moments can transform oppressive silence into a time of intercession, gratitude, and spiritual intimacy.

Thomas Merton, a Christian mystic, saw silence as essential for deep prayer. He wrote, “Silence is God’s first language.” By embracing prayer, an older person can fill the silence with God’s peace, experiencing the promise of His presence even in solitude.

Drawing Strength from Biblical Promises

The Bible offers numerous assurances of God’s nearness. Isaiah 41:10 states, “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God.” Reminding oneself of these promises can combat feelings of isolation, replacing them with hope and trust in God’s unfailing presence.

Additionally, the Apostle Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 12:9, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness,” offer encouragement. In moments of loneliness, these truths can become anchors for the soul.

Living Out the Call to Serve

Christian writers such as Dietrich Bonhoeffer emphasize that solitude must be balanced with community and service. While silence provides a time for personal reflection, finding ways to serve others—through phone calls, writing letters, or volunteering—can bring joy and purpose. Galatians 6:2 encourages believers to “carry each other’s burdens,” reminding them that even small acts of kindness reflect Christ’s love.

Rejoicing in Eternal Hope

Silence can also be a time to meditate on the eternal promises of God. Revelation 21:4 assures believers that a day is coming when “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain.” Reflecting on the hope of heaven can provide comfort, turning silence into a reminder of the joy that awaits.

Transforming Silence into a Gift

Silence, when approached with faith, can shift from being oppressive to life changing. By embracing it as a space to encounter God, praying intentionally, meditating on His promises, and seeking opportunities for service, an older person can navigate the challenges of living alone. As Christian writer C.S. Lewis remarked, “God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our pains: it is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world.” In the silence, God’s voice may become clearer, offering peace, purpose, and profound joy.

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POINT TWO: Hearing God's Word

Many people say they have heard from God. How are ways we can hear from God today?

As the Holy Spirit guides Christian, modern people often report hearing from God in ways that align with their personal faith journeys, experiences, and spiritual practices.  While these experiences vary, they commonly fall into a few categories:

Through Scripture

Many believers testify that they hear from God by reading the Bible. A particular verse or passage may resonate deeply with their situation, providing clarity, conviction, or encouragement. This is often described as God speaking through His Word, illuminating truths that apply directly to their lives.

In Prayer

People frequently sense God’s guidance or presence during prayer. This can come as a deep inner peace, a sense of conviction, or a thought or idea that seems divinely inspired. Others may describe feeling God's presence as they pour out their hearts, finding direction or reassurance in the stillness.

Through Circumstances

Some individuals believe God speaks through the unfolding of events in their lives. For example, an unexpected opportunity, a closed door, or a "coincidence" might be interpreted as God’s way of directing their path. These experiences often align with prayers or desires they have previously brought to God.

Through Other People

Believers often describe hearing from God through the words of others—whether it’s a sermon, a word of encouragement, or advice from a friend. They feel that God uses others as instruments to convey His message.

In Nature or Creation

Some report hearing from God through the beauty and majesty of nature. A sunrise, the intricacy of a flower, or the vastness of the night sky might inspire awe and a sense of God’s voice reminding them of His power, creativity, and presence.

Through Dreams and Visions

In certain cases, people claim to hear from God through dreams or visions. This is often described as a vivid experience that brings specific guidance, encouragement, or insight. While less common in some traditions, it remains a significant way that individuals, particularly in certain cultural or religious contexts, report divine communication.

In Times of Worship or Stillness

Many hear from God during worship—through music, meditation, or moments of stillness. These experiences are often marked by an overwhelming sense of peace, love, or clarity about a decision or situation.

Inner Promptings or Conscience

Believers often describe an inner voice or prompting they attribute to the Holy Spirit. This might be a nudge to act in a certain way, a warning against a wrong choice, or a strong sense of comfort in difficult times.

In Times of Crisis

In moments of desperation, some report profound encounters with God. These experiences often come when they cry out for help or guidance, and they describe feeling an unmistakable sense of God’s presence or receiving a clear answer.

Through Miraculous Experiences

In rare instances, people describe hearing from God through events they interpret as miraculous—a healing, an escape from danger, or a moment of divine intervention that strengthens their faith.

A Common Thread: Discernment

Regardless of how people claim to hear from God, they often emphasize the importance of discernment. Many seek confirmation through Scripture, prayer, and wise counsel to ensure their experience aligns with God’s character and truth. These stories reflect the diverse ways people perceive God's voice, demonstrating His ability to connect with individuals uniquely and personally.

(End of Discussion Content)

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Printable Download - History - from Malachi to John the Baptist

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Between the Old and New Testament?

In contrast to what we might think the Jewish people had a positive influence on the broader public despite their internal struggles and the challenges posed by oppressive governments. The Jewish commitment to their covenant with God, even amidst periods of spiritual laxity and external pressure, served as a testament to their enduring faith. Although the book of Malachi reflects God’s dissatisfaction with the priests and people for neglecting true worship and justice, the Jewish nation’s continued adherence to the Law and its moral principles provided a countercultural example in a world often marked by corruption and moral decay. Their practices, such as regular worship, community solidarity, and care for the vulnerable, served as a model for ethical living that transcended their immediate context.

One of the most significant ways the Jewish people influenced the public during this time was through their preservation and promotion of monotheism and ethical teachings. Their synagogues became centers for education and spiritual guidance, emphasizing justice, mercy, and humility as core values, echoing the prophetic calls found in texts like Micah 6:8. Additionally, the Jewish festivals and sabbath observances offered a rhythm of life that emphasized rest, reflection, and gratitude to God, which stood in stark contrast to the ceaseless toil and idolatry of surrounding cultures. Their unique identity and traditions also played a role in inspiring admiration and curiosity among their neighbors, especially in the Hellenistic world following the spread of Greek culture.

Amos 8:11-12 "‘The days are coming,’ declares the Sovereign Lord, ‘when I will send a famine through the land—not a famine of food or a thirst for water, but a famine of hearing the words of the Lord. People will stagger from sea to sea and wander from north to east, searching for the word of the Lord, but they will not find it.’" This passage is often associated with the lack of prophetic voice during the intertestamental period.

Malachi 4:5-6 "See, I will send the prophet Elijah to you before that great and dreadful day of the Lord comes. He will turn the hearts of the parents to their children, and the hearts of the children to their parents; or else I will come and strike the land with total destruction." This is the last prophecy in the Old Testament, foretelling the coming of John the Baptist and leaving an anticipation that remains unfulfilled until the New Testament.

Galatians 4:4 "But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law." While not directly about the 400 years, this verse highlights that the silence was a preparation for the coming of Christ at the appointed time.

Daniel 8:23-25 and Daniel 11:2-35 These passages include prophecies that outline events leading up to the New Testament period, including the rise of empires like Greece and Rome and the actions of Antiochus IV Epiphanes. They set the stage for the historical events that took place during the "silent years."

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The period between Malachi and the birth of Jesus, often referred to as the Intertestamental Period, spans approximately 400 years and is marked by significant historical, cultural, and religious developments that set the stage for the New Testament. Though the Bible is silent during this time, historical records, including those from the Apocrypha and Jewish historians like Josephus, provide valuable insights into these centuries.

After Malachi's prophetic ministry, the Jewish people remained under Persian rule until Alexander the Great conquered the region in 332 BCE. His conquests ushered in the Hellend, where Greek culture, language, and philosophy began to influence Jewish society. While some Jews embraced Hellenism, some resisted, leading to cultural and religious tensions. This period also saw the translation of the Hebrew Scriptures into Greek, known as the Septuagint, making God's Word accessible to the Greek-speaking world.

Following Alexander's death, his empire was divided among his generals, and Judea became a contested region between the Ptolemies of Egypt and the Seleucids of Syria. In 167 BCE, under Seleucid rule, King Antiochus IV Epiphanes desecrated the Jewish Temple by sacrificing pigs on the altar and banning Jewish religious practices. This sparked the Maccabean Revolt, a Jewish uprising led by the priestly family of the Maccabees, which resulted in the rededication of the Temple in 164 BCE—a victory commemorated by the festival of Hanukkah.

In 63 BCE, Roman forces under Pompey conquered Jerusalem, and Judea became a Roman province. The Romans installed puppet rulers, including Herod the Great, who ruled with cruelty and cunning. During this time, Jewish religious life evolved significantly, with the rise of sects like the Pharisees, Sadducees, and Essenes, each interpreting the Law differently and responding uniquely to Roman oppression and Hellenistic influences.

These centuries of political upheaval, cultural shifts, and spiritual longing created a sense of expectation for the Messiah. The Jews, oppressed by foreign rulers and divided internally, awaited the fulfillment of God's promises for a Deliverer who would restore Israel and bring peace. This longing set the stage for the arrival of Jesus Christ, whose birth marked the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy and the beginning of a new covenant.

During the 400 years between the last book of the Old Testament, Malachi and first book of the New Testament, Matthew, the people didn’t hear a direct revelation from God or any prophetic writing. However, God was still present and working to prepare the world for the Messiah's arrival.

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The period divides into Six historical divisions:

The Persian Era (397-336 BC)

The Persians were the dominating power in the Middle East as far back as 536 BC. God used the Persians to deliver Israel from Babylonian captivity (Dan 5:30-31). Persia’s attitude was tolerant toward the Jewish remnant in Palestine, until internal rivalry over the politically powerful office of high priest resulted in partial destruction of Jerusalem by the Persian governor.

The Babylonian captivity was used by God to purge idolatry from His people, who returned to Jerusalem with a new reverence for the Scriptures and a firm grasp on the theological concept of monotheism. These two influences carried over through the Intertestamental Period. The rise of the synagogue as the local center of worship happened in the Persian Era. Scribes became very important for the interpretation of Scriptures in the synagogue services. Towards the end of this era, a temple rose up in Samaria, establishing a form of worship that rivaled Judaism. That event encouraged the ultimate social and religious separation between Jew and Samaritan.

The Greek Era (336-323 BC)

Alexander the Great, in many respects the greatest conqueror of all time, was the central figure of this brief period. He conquered Persia, Babylon, Palestine, Syria, Egypt, and western India. Although he died at thirty-three, having reigned over Greece only thirteen years, his influence lived long after him.

Alexander’s desire was to found a worldwide empire united by language, custom, and civilization. Under his influence, the world began to speak and study the Greek language. This process, called Hellenization, included the adoption of Greek culture and religion in all parts of the world. Hellenism became so popular that it persisted even into New Testament times. The struggle that developed between the Jews and Hellenistic influence was long and bitter. Although faithful Jews staunchly resisted polytheism, Greek was common enough to need a Greek translation of the Old Testament.

The Egyptian Era (323-198 BC)

With the death of Alexander in 323 BC, the Greek empire became divided into four segments, which were Daniel’s “four kingdoms” that took the place of the “large horn” (Dan 8:21-22). Ptolemy Soter received Egypt and soon dominated nearby Israel. He dealt severely with the Jews at first, but toward the end of his reign and on into the rule of Ptolemy Philadephus, his successor, the Jews were treated favorably. During this time, the Septuagint (Greek Old Testament) became authorized.

The policy of toleration followed by the Ptolemies, by which Judaism and Hellenism coexisted peacefully, was very dangerous for the Jewish faith. A gradual infiltration of Greek influence and assimilation of the Greek way of life took place. Hellenism’s emphasis on beauty, shape, and movement encouraged Jews to neglect Jewish religious rites, warping worship to become more external than internal, which had a lasting impact upon Judaism. Two religious parties emerged: the Hellenizing party, which was pro-Syrian, and the orthodox Jews, in particular the Hasidim or “Pious Ones” (predecessors of the Pharisees). A struggle for power between these two groups resulted in a polarization of the Jews along political, cultural, and religious lines.

The Syrian Era (198-166 BC)

When the Syrians defeated Egypt in the battle of Panion in 198 BC, Judea annexed to Syria. Under the rule of Antiochus the Great and his successor Seleucus Philopater, the Jews, though treated harshly, were nonetheless allowed to maintain local rule under their high priest. All went well until the Hellenizing party replaced the high priest and set off a political conflict that brought Antiochus to Jerusalem. In 168 BC, Antiochus set about destroying every distinctive characteristic of the Jewish faith, forbidding sacrifices, circumcision, and observance of the Sabbath and feasts. He also desecrated the Most Holy Place by offering a sacrifice to Zeus.

During this era, the Jewish religion became divided over the issue of Hellenism. The groundwork was laid for an orthodox party, generally led by the scribes and later called the Pharisees, and for what we may call a more pragmatic faction of Jews which became more or less associated with the office of high priest. The pattern of thinking upon which the latter group was based fostered the rise of the Sadducees at a later date.

The Maccabean Era (165-63 BC)

An elderly priest names Mattathias, of the house of Hasmon, lived with his sons in the village of Modein, northwest of Jerusalem. When a Syrian official tried to enforce heathen sacrifice in Modein, Mattathias revolted, slew the Syrian official, and fled to the mountains with his family. Thousands of faithful Jews joined him. After the death of Mattathias, three of his sons carried on the revolt in succession: Judas Maccabaeus (166-160 BC), Jonathan (160-142 BC), and Simon (143-134 BC). These men had such success that by 165 BC, they had retaken Jerusalem, cleansed the temple, and restored worship. Jews commemorate this event as the Feast of Hanukkah. Finally, under the leadership of Simon, the Jews received their independence (142 BC). They experienced almost seventy years of freedom under the Hasmonaean dynasty.

The most significant religious development resulted from a strong difference of opinion concerning the kingship and high priesthood of Judea. For hundreds of years the position of high priest had taken on obvious political overtones. Emphasis had not been on the line of Aaron but political strength, which Orthodox Jews resisted. When John Hyrcanus became governor and high priest of Israel, he conquered Transjordan and Idumaea and destroyed the Samaritan temple. His power and popularity led him to refer to himself as a king. This flew in the face of the orthodox Jews, who by this time were called Pharisees. They recognized no king unless he was of the lineage of David, and the Hasmonaeans were not. Those who opposed the Pharisees and supported the Hasmonaeans were called Sadducees.

The Roman Era (63-4 BC)

The independence of the Jews ended in 63 BC, when Pompey of Rome took Syria and entered Israel. Aristobulus II, claiming to be the king of Israel, locked Pompey out of Jerusalem. The Roman leader in anger took the city by force and reduced the size of Judea. In 47 BC, Julius Caesar appointed Antipater the Idumaean procurator of Judea. Herod, the son of Antipater, eventually became the king of the Jews around 40 BC.

Although Herod the Great, as he was called, planned and carried out the building of the new temple in Jerusalem, he was a devoted Hellenist and hated the Hasmonaean family. He killed every descendant of the Hasmonaeans, even his own wife Marianne, the granddaughter of John Hyrcanus. Then he proceeded to murder his own two sons. This is the man on the throne when Jesus was born in Bethlehem!

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Five notable groups from this era:

The Pharisees

Depended heavily upon the scribes and were loyal to the law and religion of God. Their emphasis upon the strict adherence to the Scriptures sought to apply the written law to everyday life.

During the ministry of Jesus, this law was so rigid with legalistic expansions that it usually had little to do with the original intent of Scripture. What started out as a wholesome and needed dependance on the Word of God deteriorated to a formalism and legalism that denied the spirit of the Word.

Key Beliefs of the Pharisees

The Written and Oral Torah:

The Pharisees believed that God gave Moses both a Written Torah (the first five books of the Hebrew Bible) and an Oral Torah (a body of traditions that explained and expanded upon the written law).

The Oral Torah was considered essential for interpreting and applying the laws to daily life, addressing situations not explicitly covered in the written text.

Resurrection of the Dead:

The Pharisees believed in the resurrection of the dead and the existence of an afterlife. They taught that the righteous would be rewarded, and the wicked punished, in the world to come.

Angels and Spirits:

They accepted the existence of spiritual beings like angels and demons, which were active in the world and served as messengers or adversaries of God.

Free Will and Divine Providence:

The Pharisees held a balanced view of human free will and divine providence. They believed that while people had the ability to make choices, God’s will ultimately guided the course of history.

Purity Laws:

They emphasized the importance of ritual purity, not only for priests in the Temple but also for laypeople in everyday life. They adapted many purity practices for use outside the Temple, such as washing hands before meals.

The Synagogue and Study of the Law:

Pharisees emphasized the synagogue as a center for worship, prayer, and study of the Torah, making Jewish practices more accessible to ordinary people, especially those living far from the Temple in Jerusalem.

They encouraged regular study of the Torah and participation in communal worship.

Messianic Hope:

Many Pharisees anticipated the coming of a Messiah, a descendant of King David, who would restore the Jewish kingdom, bring justice, and establish God’s rule on earth.

The Sadducees

While the Pharisees were connected with the scribes, the Sadducees were related to the high priest. The priests seem to have tended toward the more social, political, and earthly aspects of their position, which was more attractive to many of the more socially-minded Jewish leaders.

Belonged mostly to the wealthy influential priestly families who formed the social aristocracy of the Jewish nation. They felt that God’s law and a nation’s politics were totally separate. They were therefore skeptical of the Pharisees and thought of them as old-fashioned, irrelevant, and fanatical.

Key Beliefs of the Sadducees

Focus on the Written Torah:

The Sadducees adhered strictly to the Written Torah (the first five books of the Hebrew Bible) as the sole source of divine law. They rejected the Oral Torah upheld by the Pharisees and did not accept later interpretations or traditions.

Denial of the Resurrection:

The Sadducees did not believe in the resurrection of the dead or an afterlife. They taught that reward and punishment occurred in this life, not in the world to come.

No Belief in Angels or Spirits:

They rejected the existence of supernatural beings like angels and spirits, a belief that set them apart from the Pharisees and Essenes.

Temple Centrality:

The Sadducees were closely associated with the Temple in Jerusalem and the priestly class (particularly the high priesthood). They emphasized Temple rituals, sacrifices, and the centrality of the Temple in Jewish worship.

Free Will:

The Sadducees believed in human free will and denied divine providence in determining human actions. They maintained that individuals were fully responsible for their choices and their consequences.

Political Alliances:

The Sadducees were politically aligned with the ruling elites, including the Romans, to maintain their power and influence. This pragmatism sometimes caused tension with other Jewish groups that resisted Roman rule.

The Herodians

Emerged during the Roman Era (Matt 22:16).

A political party whose major aim was to further the cause of Herod’s government. They were perhaps motivated by a fear of the Roman government and the possibility of total destruction that could result from an act of rebellion by the Jews.

Strongly inclined toward Hellenism and were opposed to the Pharisees and their constant emphasis on separation.

Key Beliefs of the Herodians

Support for the Herodian Dynasty:

The Herodians supported the family of Herod the Great and his successors, who ruled as client kings under Roman supervision.

They favored Roman governance and sought to maintain political stability in Judea by cooperating with the Roman authorities.

Pro-Roman Stance:

Unlike the Zealots, who vehemently opposed Roman rule, the Herodians aligned themselves with Rome, seeing Roman support as essential for maintaining Herodian power.

They likely endorsed paying taxes to Rome and collaborating with the imperial system, which put them at odds with groups like the Pharisees (on some occasions) and the Zealots.

Cultural Adaptation:

The Herodians likely adopted some Hellenistic and Roman cultural practices, given their political allegiance. This would have distanced them from more traditional Jewish groups, such as the Pharisees and Essenes.

Political Pragmatism:

They prioritized political expediency over strict adherence to Jewish law, believing that cooperation with Rome was the best way to secure the region's stability and Herodian rule.

This pragmatic approach may have caused friction with religious groups that viewed such collaboration as a betrayal of Jewish independence and faith.

The Zealots

A political party directly opposed to the Herodians. They would not conform to Roman rule and did not believe in waiting submissively like the Pharisees until Israel’s Messiah would come and overthrow the Romans. In their opinion, God only helped those who helped themselves, so the Jews had to be ready to fight for independence.

The Zealots had a fiery nationalistic spirit. The teachings of this group stressed a type of man-made, military deliverance rather than divine intervention.

Key Beliefs of the Zealots

Opposition to Roman Rule:

The Zealots believed that Roman occupation of Judea was an affront to God’s sovereignty. They viewed Rome as a pagan oppressor and sought to overthrow its control through rebellion.

They rejected the legitimacy of paying taxes to Rome or recognizing Roman authority, as they saw it as incompatible with their allegiance to God.

Zeal for Jewish Law and Sovereignty:

The name "Zealot" reflects their zealous dedication to defending Jewish religious and political freedom.

They believed it was their duty to uphold Jewish law and resisted any compromise with Hellenistic or Roman practices.

Apocalyptic Expectations:

Many Zealots held apocalyptic beliefs, anticipating divine intervention to help liberate Judea from foreign rule. They saw their rebellion as part of God’s plan to restore Israel.

Messianic Hopes:

The Zealots often believed in a coming Messiah, a divinely chosen leader who would restore the Kingdom of Israel and bring about justice.

Militant Resistance:

Unlike the Essenes’ pacifism or Pharisees’ engagement with Roman authorities, the Zealots advocated for violent resistance. They were willing to use force to achieve their goals, including assassinations and revolts.

A subgroup known as the Sicarii (Latin for "dagger-men") carried out targeted killings of Roman officials and Jews they considered collaborators.

Rejection of Compromise:

The Zealots opposed any cooperation with Roman authorities, including alliances with Jewish leaders (such as the Sadducees) who worked with Rome to maintain political stability.

The Essenes

Also a product of the Roman Era. Not mentioned in the New Testament but have received considerable attention since the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls.

A religious group – not political.

A type of pseudo-spiritual cult which felt that they must withdraw from ordinary human society and practice a monastic kind of life and a mystical kind of Judaism.

With a passion for the spirit of the law and a separation to God, the Essenes lost all consciousness of the evangelistic mission of Israel. They were content to lock out the world, ignore its problems, and let it die without hope.

Key Beliefs of the Essenes

Strict Observance of the Torah:

The Essenes followed the Torah with extreme precision, emphasizing ritual purity and strict adherence to the commandments.

They developed additional laws to ensure purity, such as rigorous washing rituals and dietary restrictions.

Apocalyptic Worldview:

The Essenes believed in an impending cosmic battle between the forces of good and evil, often referred to as the "Sons of Light" versus the "Sons of Darkness."

They expected a Messiah or two Messianic figures—a priestly and a kingly leader—who would usher in a new age of divine justice and restore Israel.

Communal Living:

They lived in isolated, self-sufficient communities, sharing all property and resources. Members took vows of poverty and obedience, rejecting personal wealth and ownership.

The community was governed by strict rules, including communal meals and collective decision-making.

Focus on Purity:

The Essenes saw the Jerusalem Temple and priesthood as corrupt, so they withdrew from mainstream Jewish society to maintain their spiritual and ritual purity.

They practiced frequent ritual immersions in water (mikveh) to achieve and maintain purity.

Dualism:

They believed in a dualistic worldview, where the universe was divided between the forces of light (God’s side) and darkness (Satan or evil). This battle was central to their apocalyptic expectations.

Rejection of the Temple and Priesthood:

The Essenes rejected the legitimacy of the Temple in Jerusalem, which they viewed as defiled by corrupt Sadducean leadership and Roman interference.

They awaited the establishment of a purified Temple led by righteous priests.

Pacifism and Celibacy:

Many Essenes were pacifists, avoiding violence and conflict. Some sects also practiced celibacy, believing it was essential for maintaining purity.

Sacred Writings and Study:

The Essenes devoted significant time to studying and copying sacred texts. They are often associated with the Dead Sea Scrolls, discovered near Qumran, which include Biblical manuscripts, community rules, and apocalyptic writings.

They revered their own writings, which expanded upon or interpreted the Torah and other sacred texts.

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OTHER PARTS OF THE WORLD

The above content focuses on the middle east. The period from 400 BCE to 2 AD spans several major historical and cultural developments across different regions of the world. Here's an overview:

Europe:

400 BCE: The Celtic tribes spread across much of Europe. Their influence reaches as far as the British Isles, France (then Gaul), and parts of Spain and Italy.

4th Century BCE: Greek city-states, particularly Athens and Sparta, experience their Golden Age, including advancements in philosophy (Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle) and art.

338 BCE: Philip II of Macedon conquers most of Greece, setting the stage for his son Alexander the Great's conquests.

336–323 BCE: Alexander the Great builds an empire stretching from Greece to India, spreading Hellenistic culture.

3rd–1st Centuries BCE: The Roman Republic expands aggressively, including victories in the Punic Wars (264–146 BCE) against Carthage, which establishes Roman dominance in the Mediterranean.

31 BCE: Octavian (later Augustus) defeats Mark Antony and Cleopatra at the Battle of Actium, marking the end of the Roman Republic and the beginning of the Roman Empire.

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Asia:

400 BCE: The Warring States period intensifies in China as feudal states compete for dominance.

221 BCE: Qin Shi Huang unifies China, establishing the Qin Dynasty, building much of the Great Wall, and creating the Terracotta Army.

202 BCE: The Han Dynasty is established in China, marking a golden age of culture, science, and governance.

Mauryan Empire in India (4th–2nd centuries BCE): Under leaders like Chandragupta Maurya and Ashoka, the empire unifies much of the Indian subcontinent. Ashoka adopts and promotes Buddhism after the Kalinga War.

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Africa:

4th Century BCE: The decline of the Egyptian pharaohs' power, as the region falls under the influence of foreign powers, including the Persian Empire and later Alexander the Great.

3rd Century BCE: The rise of the Kingdom of Kush in Nubia and the continuation of trade and cultural exchange between Africa, the Mediterranean, and the Middle East.

1st Century BCE: Egypt becomes a Roman province after the defeat of Cleopatra and Mark Antony.

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Americas:

The Olmec civilization (influencing Mesoamerica) declines around 400 BCE, but their cultural legacy continues in the Maya and other emerging civilizations.

Maya Civilization: Early city-states develop advanced knowledge in astronomy, mathematics, and writing.

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Middle East:

Persian Empire: The Achaemenid Empire (550–330 BCE) reaches its zenith before being conquered by Alexander the Great.

Post-Alexander: Successor states like the Seleucid Empire and the Ptolemaic Kingdom dominate.

63 BCE: Rome conquers Judea, influencing the region's politics and religion.

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1 BCE - 2 AD

Roman Empire: Augustus consolidates his rule, ushering in the Pax Romana (Roman Peace), a period of stability and prosperity.

East Asia: The Han Dynasty thrives, with significant advances in silk production, paper-making, and trade along the Silk Road.

Religion: Around 4–6 BCE, Jesus of Nazareth is believed to have been born, an event marking the basis for the Gregorian calendar and influencing future world history.

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This period was marked by the rise and fall of empires, advancements in philosophy, art, and science, and the beginnings of religious and cultural traditions that continue to shape the modern world.

The Stage Was Set…

Mankind’s futile attempts to deal with the shifting tide of political power and religious belief had produced very little. Israel was in a kind of spiritual bondage that was even worse than her political bondage. The rise of various parties and movements discussed above was evidence of a sincere search for some final solution to her problem. All seemed to have failed. The stage of history was dark. The situation was indeed desperate.

Amid this setting God broke four hundred years of silence with the announcement of the coming of Christ, the faithful Servant of the Lord.

Matthew 1:22-23 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel”

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What were the living conditions of a Jewish person who lived between the time of Malachi and John the Baptist?

The period between Malachi and John the Baptist (circa 400–4 BC), was a time of significant change and turbulence for the Jewish people. Living conditions during this era were shaped by political upheavals, foreign rule, and evolving religious practices, but also by a deep cultural and spiritual identity that bound Jewish communities together.

Daily Life and Community

For a typical Jewish person, daily life centered around family, community, and religious practice. Most lived in small villages or towns in Judea, Galilee, or surrounding regions, with homes constructed of stone or mud bricks. These homes were modest, often with a single large room for cooking, sleeping, and daily activities, and a flat roof that could be used for drying produce or as a workspace. Agriculture was the main livelihood for many, with crops like wheat, barley, olives, and grapes being staples. Others worked as artisans, shepherds, or tradespeople, with some engaging in small-scale commerce in village markets or larger cities.

The Sabbath and Jewish festivals were central to communal life, offering a respite from labor and an opportunity to worship together. Synagogues began to emerge during this period as important centers for teaching and communal prayer, complementing the Temple in Jerusalem, which remained the focal point of religious identity. Regular pilgrimage to the Temple for feasts such as Passover, Pentecost, and Sukkot was an important spiritual duty for those who could afford to travel.

Political and Social Challenges

This era was marked by successive foreign dominations, including the Persian, Greek, and Roman empires, which significantly influenced Jewish life. Under Persian rule, Jews enjoyed a degree of autonomy and were allowed to rebuild the Temple. However, the arrival of Alexander the Great and subsequent Hellenistic rulers introduced Greek culture and practices, leading to tensions within the Jewish community. The imposition of Hellenistic norms under rulers like Antiochus IV Epiphanes—who desecrated the Temple and forbade Jewish practices—sparked the Maccabean Revolt, leading to a brief period of independence under the Hasmonean dynasty.

By the time of John the Baptist, the Roman Empire had established control over Judea. Heavy taxation and Roman interference in Jewish affairs caused economic strain and political unrest. Many Jews longed for a Messiah who would deliver them from foreign oppression and restore Israel's sovereignty, a hope that deeply influenced religious thought and expectation.

Religious and Cultural Life

Despite external pressures, Jewish religious and cultural identity remained strong. The Law (Torah) and the Prophets continued to guide daily life, ethics, and worship. During this period, the Pharisees, Sadducees, and Essenes emerged as distinct groups within Judaism, each interpreting the Scriptures and traditions in different ways. The Pharisees emphasized strict adherence to the Law and oral traditions, while the Sadducees were more focused on Temple worship and collaboration with ruling powers. The Essenes, by contrast, withdrew from mainstream society, seeking purity and awaiting divine intervention.

Scripture reading, prayer, and the teaching of the Torah were central to religious life, and literacy was highly valued for engaging with sacred texts. Jewish homes often reflected this devotion, with traditions such as reciting the Shema ("Hear, O Israel") morning and evening and maintaining dietary laws. The hope for divine intervention, renewal, and the coming of a prophesied deliverer sustained many through the hardships of foreign domination and economic difficulties.

Living as a Jewish person during this time meant navigating a complex world of cultural integration, resistance, and spiritual anticipation. Despite external challenges, their identity and faith remained deeply rooted in their covenant with God and the promises of restoration found in their Scriptures.

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For more on history from this time see -https://seekthegospeltruth.com/2022/05/21/between-malachi-and-matthew-400-years-when-god-was-silent/

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The Actions of Christian People in History

The history of Christianity is not only a story of how Christians were treated but also a testimony to their transformational impact on the world. From the earliest days of the church, Christians have endured persecution, misunderstanding, and marginalization, as Jesus Himself foretold in John 15:18-20: “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own.” Yet, despite these challenges, Christians have profoundly influenced the societies they inhabited, embodying a faith that transformed cultures, shaped laws, and inspired countless acts of compassion and justice. Their response to suffering and their commitment to living out Christ’s teachings have left an indelible mark on history. The focus here is to consider different generations of Christians, observe the obstacles they face and examine how they were able to have a positive impact on the communities in which they lived while we learn from their example. 

Early Christians, often treated as subversive or traitorous by Roman authorities, responded to oppression with steadfast faith and remarkable acts of love and service. Their care for the sick during plagues, their protection of abandoned infants, and their dedication to the poor and marginalized stood in stark contrast to the societal norms of the Roman world. Influential Christian thinkers like Francis Schaeffer have highlighted how this distinct ethical vision, rooted in Christ’s commands to “love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:39) and care for the “least of these” (Matthew 25:40), reshaped the moral landscape of Western civilization. As a result, the early Christian community not only endured persecution but also became a beacon of hope and a catalyst for social change.

Over time, as Christianity gained acceptance and later dominance within the Roman Empire, the faith continued to influence the world in profound ways. The establishment of hospitals, schools, and charitable institutions by Christian leaders and monastic communities provided tangible expressions of the gospel’s transforming power. Theologians like Philip Schaff have observed that Christianity’s emphasis on human dignity, derived from the belief that all people are made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27), laid the foundation for modern concepts of human rights and justice. While Christians themselves were often victims of injustice, they also became advocates for the oppressed, exemplified by the abolitionist movements led by figures like William Wilberforce centuries later.

Thus, the story of Christian people in history is a dual narrative: one of enduring suffering for the sake of their faith and one of profound influence on the world around them. This interplay of persecution and transformation highlights the dynamic power of the Christian message to not only endure but also to bring light and hope to the darkest corners of human history. As Christians today reflect on this legacy, they are reminded of their calling to be both faithful witnesses and agents of Christ’s love in a world still in need of redemption.

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That future hope is what Malachi, the Torah, and the Prophets are all about.  https://bibleproject.com/guides/book-of-malachi/