Malachi 3:13 - 4:6

Theme: The Israelites complain that serving God is pointless because the wicked prosper, but God warns them that he will come in judgement and destroy the wicked.

Aim: Fear God, for he will save the righteous from the destruction of his wrath.

Study

1. What are the similarities and differences with this complaint compared with others in Malachi?
   1. Similarities
      • Similar to 2:17, the Lord is wearied by the Israelites’ words
      • Complaints about serving God
   2. Differences
      • Answer is not words from God but rather a prophecy about the future, it is not vain to serve God because those who do will be spared his judgement
      • 2:17 the Israelites complain that God prospers evildoers but here they complain that serving him is pointless.
2. What are the different responses the people take and what are their outcomes?
   • Some feared God and esteemed his name. They are God’s treasured possession, spared judgement and are made distinct.
   • Those who don’t will be caught up in God’s wrath and judgement, “burning like an oven”, a consuming fire in contrast with the refining fire in chapter 3
3. What are the assurances God gives the Israelites and how do they answer their complaint?
   • 3:17 the righteous will be spared, judgement day will be good for them (4:2-3)
   • 4:3 they will tread down the wicked, God will have the ultimate victory.
   • 3:17 the righteous are God’s treasured possession, deeply loved
   • The complaint is answered because these assurances come only to those who serve God and obey him, it is far from pointless and vain
4. To what extent have the prophecies here been fulfilled?
   • John the Baptist has come (Elijah, see Matt. 11:14)
     • He prophesied about Jesus coming, prepared the way
     • Jesus straight up confirms that this prophecy is about John the Baptist (Matt. 11:14)
     • Wore and ate the same as Elijah
     • Elijah was to call Israel back to repentance and John the Baptist did the same, calling people to repent and be baptised.
     • In Luke 1:16-17 the prophecy is confirmed, the same words are used.
5. How does this passage both challenge and encourage us?
   1. Challenges
      • We can have the same attitude as the Israelites, i.e. we think God has forgotten us, don’t see the point in serving God, especially when we see no changes, or are struggling.
      • God’s judgement is real - one day he will come and judge the world, make sure you are on the right side. Also a challenge to evangelism.
   2. Encouragements
      • We inherit Jesus’ righteousness, so we can be confident God will spare us
      • Jesus took the curse for us
      • Because of Jesus’ death an resurrection, we can be fully confident that we are saved
      • God’s promises are certain, so we can be certain that this is the future
6. Why is it worth serving God today?
   • We deserve this judgement but those who serve the Lord will be spared
   • There is a distinction between us and those who don’t serve God (3:18)
   • If we love Jesus, then we will obey his commands
7. [Review of Malachi as a whole]What are your main takeaways from Malachi?
8. [Review of Malachi as a whole]How has Malachi grown your appreciation for Jesus?