MALACHI COMMENTARY
By Bob W. Lovelace
Introduction:
As we begin to study Malachi we need to keep in mind that he was prophesying to a people who had already been warned, had already been punished (the Captivity and return), and who were facing more punishment from God. In other words we see the difference here between REMEMBERING something and LEARNING from that thing. Surely they remembered their past for the remembrances were written for them in Moses and the prophets. Had they LEARNED from their past? The answer is clearly, No.
*KEY POINT TO DEVELOP: The difference between REMEMBERING something and LEARNING from that thing. God’s people do not profit from history. The same mistakes are made over and over again. Paul’s lesson in I Co.10 is that we are just as apt to repeat apostasy if we, like Israel, do not learn from history.
*KEY POINT TO DEVELOP: We see a people with the same opportunity that had always been theirs. They could choose to serve God and be blessed; disobey and be lost.
NOTE: From the beginning I’ve interspersed some brief outlines for the reader to use and develop as he sees fit. These outlines were put where I felt they best belonged and that is in the midst of the text which suggested them to my mind. They should help to suggest to the readers own mind some questions that could be asked and points that could be made during a class study of Malachi.
Brief Sermon Outline To Use And Develop:
MALACHI, TO A PEOPLE:
I. Already Warned.
A. Warnings that preceded the Captivity.
II. Already Punished.
A. The Captivity.
B. The Return.
III. Facing More Punishment.
A. Did Not Learn From Their Past.
1. Difference between REMEMBERING and LEARNING from.
The TIME of Malachi's Prophecy.
Unlike Haggai and Zechariah, as Malachi tells of "the word of the Lord to Israel" he gives no date nor reference to any particular king's reign. There is no personal description with reference to his father, family, or a ruler in Israel to whom he prophesied specifically.
Most scholars agree that he lived and prophesied after the Captivity. The following scriptures would point to such:
1. The priests and temple service had been restored: 1:6ff; 3:10.
2. There is agreement with Nehemiah concerning their marriages with heathen wives. Compare 2:11ff with Ezra 9 and Nehemiah 13.
3. The tithes were being neglected: 3:9.
Introduction. Chapter 1: 1-5: God's Love; Man's Contempt.
The book starts with the love God has shown for Israel. God says, "I have loved you." The people ask, "Wherein hast thou loved us?" From the outset we see Malachi's unique DEBATING style: (a) God's statement, (b) Israel's question, (c) God's refutation and rebuke. There are seven examples of this method in his book. The proof of God's love is His attitude towards Jacob and Esau and the nations springing from them. God loved Jacob and hated Esau. Edom's complete destruction and desolation is proof of God's hatred. Israel would acknowledge God's power as they see Edom's failure to recover. Even before the birth of these twins God's love for Israel was seen for at that time it was said, "The elder shall serve the younger” (Ge. 25:23; Ro. 9:12-13).
There are natural divisions in the book beginning with the introductory exclamation of God's love. I’ve tried to utilize them to best interest of being able to study the book in the following brief sections:
1. Introduction. God’s Love: 1:1-5.
2. The Priests’ Contempt : Chapter 1:6-14.
3. A Threat Of Punishment: 2:1-9.
4. The Unlawful Marriages & Divorce Which God Hates: Chapter 2:10-16.
5. John the Baptizer & the Messiah: 2:17 through 3:1-6.
6. God Has Not Changed: 3:6-12.
7. Your Words Have Wearied Me: 3:13-15.
8. Those Who Feared The Lord: Mal. 3:16- 4:3.
9. Concluding Admonition & Promise: Mal. 4:4-6.
Introduction: God's Love; Man's Contempt.
Questions To Choose From For Discussion: 1:1-5.
1. What should we remember about the people when studying Malachi?
2. Is there a difference between remembering the past and learning from it?
3. Name some things we should remember and profit by with regards to the history of the church during the 20th century?
4. What two choices did Israel have that she had always had?
5. What things in Malachi would point to his prophecy being after the Captivity?
6. What style did Malachi use? Illustrate.
7. How did God prove His love for Israel?
8. What are the natural divisions in the book?
Part Two. The Priests' Contempt: Chapter 1:6-14.
Chapter 1:6-14: God as their Father and Master deserved honor and respect. Two questions are directed to the priests whom He says "despise my name." There is no justification in their replying, "Wherein have we...?" We see them BLAMING GOD. If you asked them if they had a problem they'd say, No. How often do we see this today in the church? Immorality is rampant in the congregation but when asked the reply is we have no problems here. Proof of their contempt is seen in their service and in the words they've spoken. Notice that this is not the kind of instruction that has such little weight that so many teachers and preachers are known for today. Nor is it the kind that comes from those who say I just preach and let them make the application. Would you call this NEGATIVE instruction? Yes! This is NEGATIVE instruction with APPLICATION. It is SPECIFIC as to who did what wrong.
They offered defiled food on God's altar and said "The table of the Lord is contemptible." Malachi invites them to offer the blind, lame, and sick to their governor, and see if he would be pleased and accept them favorably. They should know that God would not hear their prayers while they are doing such as this (verse 9). It would be better to shut the doors of the Temple for such vain worship is not received by God. However, among the Gentiles worship is being offered with a full understanding of their dependence upon God (verse 10). Perhaps deceit and dishonesty was seen in a pretence of not having the proper sacrifice to offer.
Brief Sermon Outline To Use And Develop.
PREACHING
I. Product God Desires.
A. Authority of His Word, 2 Ti. 4:1-2.
1. God’s word rather than story telling, entertaining, etc.
II. Product Man Desires.
A. That which pleases men, 2 Ti. 4:3-4.
1. "...if I still pleased men, I would not be the servant of Christ." (Ga.1:10)
2. Here we see the influence and power of man and wealth.
III. Must Be Both Positive & Negative.
A. 2 Ti. 4:2.
1. 2/3 negative; 1/3 positive.
2. Need to reprove, rebuke, and exhort.
IV. With Application.
A. Like Malachi.
1. Know & identify (name) the error.
a. Name specific doctrines.
b. Name both MEN and ORGANIZATIONS.
IV. Preach Repentance.
A. Not ACCEPTANCE of immorality.
B. Not IGNORE immorality.
C. Not say, We have no problems here.
Brief Sermon Outline To Use & Develop
OFFER IT TO YOUR GOVERNOR
Mal. 1:8
I. Man Above (More Important) God.
A. Governor.
1. Position.
2. Power.
3. Prestige.
4. Pride
B.
How Do You Treat Such A Man?
1. What kind of gifts?
2. How do you dress to meet him?
3. How do you act in his presence?
C. Question: If you offer him LESS what do you get in return?
II. Asked Blessings While Doing These Sinful Things.
A. Shows their folly.
B. Prayer without repentance.
C. "Let his prayer become sin ..." (Ps.109:7; Pr. 28:9)
III. Vain (Fruitless) Worship.
A. Man has the idea that God needs this.
1. Worship an honor and privilege.
B. "Behold, what a weariness is it!”
1. Attendance.
2. Bible class: Study, preparation, participation.
3. Sunday night worship, midweek.
4. Singing night.
C. Shut these doors?
D. Service Not Fit For Worship:
1. But it is your own product.
2. But you accept it.
3. But you detest it.
4. Like one of my uncles who knew that the things being done in worship where he attended were not scriptural, who detested them and complained about them, but stayed there and helped to produce them.
IV. Giving But Cheating God.
A. "Cursed be the deceiver."
1. Am I cheating in my giving?
2. Do I offer the LEFT OVERS to God? The LESS?
3. Where is God in my budget?
4. What pretences are made today to keep from giving as one should and could?
Part Two. The Priests' Contempt: Chapter 1:6-14.
Questions To Choose From For Discussion: 1:6-14.
1. What two questions does God ask and to whom are they asked?
2. What does God say they do with His name?
3. Is there any justification for their reply “wherein have we?”? Who are they really blaming?
4. What kind (positive or negative) of instruction does Malachi give?
5. What lessons do we learn about worship?
6. What lessons do we learn about giving?
7. What lessons do we learn about prayer?
8. What lessons do we learn about preaching?
9. Why is there such a lack of reproof and rebuke in preaching today?
Part Three. A Threat of Punishment: Chapter 2:1-9
Chapter 2: 1-9. A threat of punishment for the priests. Threats aren't out of the picture, but rather necessary and appropriate at times. "If" is still conditional. They could choose to repent (* See Key Point To Develop above) . If they did not repent then God would make their blessings they pronounced a curse. Just as God turned Balaam's curse into a blessing, He would curse their blessings and bring an evil effect. God had already! Their descendants would be rebuked and punished for their iniquity. By suffering the most ignominious treatment they would KNOW that God intended for His covenant with Levi to continue. The covenant with Levi was one of life and peace as an incentive for him to fear God. The tribe of Levi was given the priesthood. (De. 33:8-11). Their duties were attended with many blessings. (Nu. 18) When they feared God they walked WITH God and the instruction given was the "law of truth." Injustice or unrighteousness was not found on the lips and many were turned away from iniquity. Thi is followed by a graphic description of the priests' failures. We must be certain that we learn this graphic description of failure is necessary. The priests would see themselves now as they truly were! The contrast presented is that contrast between what they SHOULD have been and what they had done and were doing.
Five things stand out: 1. They have departed from the way; 2. They have caused many to stumble; 3. They have corrupted the covenant of Levi; 4.They have shown partiality in the law; 5. God's judgment has been brought upon them because of this iniquity.
Short Sermon Outline To Use And Develop:
THIS COMMANDMENT FOR YOU
Mal. 2:1
I. If YOU Will Not Hear.
A. So hear!
II. If YOU Will Not Take It To Heart.
A. So take it to heart!
III. Then YOU Will Know:
A. God Intends For His Command To Continue.
B. By God's Judgment Upon YOU.
C. Sadly, This Is Only Way Some Do Come To Know.
IV. Better Way For YOU.
A. Fear & Respect God.
B. Law Of Truth In One's Mouth.
C. Injustice Not On Lips.
D. To Turn Many From Iniquity.
E. Thus Walk With God In Peace.
Short Outline To Use & Develop:
IF A MAN DOES NOT REPENT
Text: Psalms 7:12-16
I. God Is Ready To Punish, Ps. 7:12-13.
II. He Travails In More Wickedness, Ps. 7:14-15.
III. He Falls Into The Pit He Has Made, Ps. 7:15-16.
Short Outline To Use & Develop:
LEVI'S SUCCESS
Mal. 2:4-6
I. Proper Response To God's Incentive.
II. Proper Instruction To The People.
A. Law Of Truth Was In Mouth.
III. Injustice Not Found On Lips.
IV. Turned Many Away From Iniquity.
Short Outline To Use & Develop:
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN "SHOULD" & "HAVE"
(A Great Difference)
Mal. 2:7-9
I. Lips SHOULD Keep Knowledge.
A. HAVE Departed From The Way.
II. People SHOULD Seek The Law.
A. HAVE Caused Many To Stumble.
III. Should Be Messenger Of The Lord.
HAVE Corrupted The Covenant.
B. HAVE Shown Partiality.
1. This is a grievous sin. See the book of James.
Part Three. A Threat of Punishment: Chapter 2:1-9.
Questions To Choose From For Discussion:
1. Are threats necessary and appropriate at times? Explain.
2. What will God do if they do not repent?
3. Spend some time discussing what happens to a child of God when they refuse to repent.
4. Present the contrast between what the priests SHOULD have been doing (Levi’s success from both the standpoint of incentive and productive work.) and what they HAD BEEN doing along with its evil effect?
Part Four. The Unlawful Marriages & Divorce Which God Hates: Chapter 2:10-16
This is the fourth natural division of the book. Their all having one Father (One God who created them.) implies one law for them all. God’s law! They had dealt treacherously with one another so as to profane the covenant of their fathers. Malachi charges them with two specific sins. First, the condemnation of marriages with pagan women who worshipped idols (verses. 10-12); secondly, the empty headed divorces (verses. 13-16). The men were divorcing the wife of their “youth” who was their
companion and wife by covenant. This too is part of the treachery and abomination described in verse 11.
This is the reason why their offerings were no longer accepted by Jehovah (verse 13). Such ungodliness and mistreatment of their wives had caused the altar of the Lord to be covered with tears, weeping and crying. In spite of this those guilty of such sins refused to recognize or accept their transgressions (verse 14).
When they ask why God will no longer accept their sacrifices Malachi tells them first that God had been a witness to their marriage; between them and the wife of their youth. That covenant had been for life! (Pr. 5:18) He then goes further in explaining God’s purpose in marriage between the two. Verse 15 in the New American Standard says, "But not one has done so who has a remnant of the Spirit. And what did that one do while he was seeking a godly offspring?” This is clearer and indicates that anyone seeking to please God and have a godly offspring would not have put away his wife in this fashion. This is a strong rebuke and the warning that follows is, “Take heed to your spirit, and let none deal treacherously against the wife of his youth.” What do we want for our children? God intends for fathers to bring up their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord (Ep. 6:4). We look forward to that time when our children will recognize their accountability before God and act on their own faith in obeying the Gospel of Christ. When both parents serve God faithfully a very high percentage of the children remain faithful. When one parent only serves God the percentage drops considerably. When both parents are slothful in their service most children are lost eternally. Brethren, we must not be lukewarm for the outcome of such is that our children are lost eternally! I have told all of my children repeatedly that I will hae been a great success in life if they are all faithful children of God at the time of my death.
Next, Malachi says the Lord says He hates divorce. I believe He does. That’s plain enough isn’t it? Why does God hate divorce? Because the one here who puts away his wife, ignoring her pleas and tears for fair treatment, has committed a malicious, violent act against both her and God. This hasn’t changed for Jesus taught in Mt. 19:4-6, “What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.”
Malachi’s pronouncement here is not a contradiction of the De. 24:1sq. where putting away a wife was permitted for Jesus said, “Moses, because of the hardness of your hearts, suffered you to put away your wives: but from the beginning it was not so.” (Mt. 19:8)
Some have explained De. 24:1-4 as “contingency legislation” i.e. IF a man does this THEN the following consequences will follow. In explaining it as such they say that this does not imply God’s approval but rather merely his toleration of something at that time.
This explanation has been around for a long time: Keil And Delitzsch, De., Vol. 1, pg. 1077, “In these verses, however, divorce is not established as a right; all that is done is, that in case of a divorce a reunion with the divorced wife is forbidden, if in the meantime she had married another man, even though the second husband had also put her away, or had died.” It is also pointed out here that “the divorced woman was defiled by her marriage with a second husband.” Albert Barnes noted in his commentary on De. 24:1-4 that “these four verses should be rendered “If a man hath taken a wife, &c., and given her a bill of divorcement; and (v.2) if she has departed out his house and becomes another man’s wife; and (v.3) if the latter husband hate her, then (v. 4) her former husband, &c.” (See NIV here.) He states “Moses neither institutes nor enjoins divorce.
The exact spirit of the passage is given in our Lord’s words to the Jews, ‘Moses because of the hardness of your hearts suffered you to put away your wves’ (Matt. 19:8).’ Not only does the original institution of marriage as recorded by Moses (Gen. 2:24) set forth the perpetuity of the bond, but the verses before us plainly intimate that divorce, whilst tolerated for the time, contravenes the order of nature and of God. The divorced woman who marries again is “defiled” (v. 4) , and is grouped in this particular with the adulteress (cp. Lev. Xviii. 20).” Barnes noted “Our Lord then was speaking according to the spirit of the Law of Moses when he declared, ‘Whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery’ (Matt. 19:9).”
Malachi’s strong statement shows that those addressed here who put away their wives in the manner he describes did not do so with impunity. All men should take seriously these lessons. Malachi tells them again “take heed to your spirit, that ye deal not treacherously.” Jesus goes on to say in Mt. 19:9, “And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery.” That was not just anyone who said that. Indeed it was the Son of God! We’d best listen to Him and apply it to ourselves and others as well. Jesus in Mt. 19:9 and Mt. 5:32 gave the innocent party (the one who had not committed fornication during the marriage) the right to put away the guilty party (the one who had committed fornication during the marriage) “for the cause of fornication” (Mt. 5:32). Having done that then they, the innocent party, could marry someone that they had a right to and it would be an accepable marriage. He did not allow divorce without “the cause of fornication” with the right for either to marry again. No one ever said Christ’s law on marriage and divorce could be easily or conveniently kept. We note that Malachi didn’t shrink back from having to deal with this problem in his day. Ezra and Nehemiah also had confronted this problem (Ezra 9, 10; Ne. 13:23-31).
Another view of Malachi chapter 2 besides the CONTINGENCY LEGISLATION mentioned above, is that God did not allow divorce for “any cause” in De. 24:1-4, but did permit the man to divorce his wife for “uncleanness.” This “uncleanness” was less than adultery for adulterers under the Law were stoned.
When the Bible says God hates divorce (Mal. 2) then it must not include divorce for “uncleanness” as permitted in De. 24:1-4, for that was permitted for the Jews because of their “hardness of heart.” In accord with this view Jesus asked the Pharisees, “What did Moses command you?” (Mark 10:3) If it wasa “command” then it could not be sin to follow the command. Again in Mark 10:5-6, “For the hardness of your heart he wrote you this precept, but from the beginning of the creation God made them male and female.” This would indicate that under Moses, when the divorce complied with the command in De. 24:1-4 it was not sin. How could what God commanded be sin? There are many instances where the divorced woman is mentioned in the Law: De. 21:14; Le. 21:14; Le. 22:13; Nu. 30:9. The prohibition against the divorced woman marrying again in De. 24 under the Law goes BACKWARDS to the preceding ( former ) husband not FORWARD to the next. God permitted this under the Law and that is why it was acceptable for those uner the Mosaic Law. Let’s remember that you and I are not under that law, the Mosaic, for it has been taken out of the way and nailed to the cross (Col. 2:14). The Hebrew writer says, “For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the law” (He. 7:12).
Neither of these explanations changes what Jesus said in Mt. 19:9. His word there is God’s law today on divorce! Furthermore God still hates divorce today under the New Covenant. He hates “unscriptural” divorce. He does not “hate” divorce “for the cause of fornication” for Jesus gave that “cause” to the innocent whose mate so sinned against them. Scriptural divorce is ONE SOLUTION for those mates who find themselves joined to an unfaithful mate intent on violating the marriage vow and that without a willingness to repent of their adultery. God gave the innocent this solution! At times it seems the only way for them to rid themselves of untold grief. Should they put away their mate because of their mate’s fornication they are in complete accord with the law Christ gave.
During my lifetime many within the brotherhood have gone to extravagant and unscriptural lengths to try and justify what cannot be justified. Jesus’ law on this is God’s law and must be accepted for man to remain in fellowship with Him.
Brief Sermon Outline To Use And Develop:
PATTERNS REPEAT THEMSELVES
I. Ezra Restored the Authority of God's Law, Ezra 7:14,25,26.
II. Improper Marriages Confessed And Wives Put Away, Ezra 9-10.
A. Grief & Necessity of Discipline.
III. Nehemiah's Condemnation of Same Sin Upon His Second Arrival, Ne. 13.
Grief & Necessity of Discipline.
B. What Kind of Man Is Worth Remembering? (Ne. 13:31)
IV. Malachi's Condemnation of The Same Sin.
A. Grief & Necessity of Discipline.
B. Perhaps Malachi & Nehemiah Worked Together
To Rid Israel of This Sin.
V. Men working together today on Marriage, Divorce, and Remarriage to rid the church of sin.
A. What kind of man is worth remembering today?
Part Four. The Unlawful Marriages & Divorce Which God Hates: Chapter 2:10-16.
Questions To Choose From For Discussion:
1. What are the two charges and what graphic words are used to describe them?
2. What had this done to their offerings?
3. Had they accepted responsibility for their sin?
4. Does ANY explanation of Mal. 2 along with De. 24 change in least the fact that what Christ said is God’s law on divorce today?
5. What promises do people generally make to each other and to God when they get married?
6. What attitude do people manifest towards those promises made for marriage when they tire and desire to divorce?
7. What other prophets worked to correct unlawful marriages? (Ezra 9-10; Ne.13) What kind of men were these?
8. Did GRIEF stop these men?
9. Did these men understand the importance of DISCIPLINE?
10. Do patterns repeat themselves?
11. How necessary is it that men work together today to correct unlawful
marriage? Name some things that should NOT stop these men?
Part Five. John the Baptizer & the Messiah: 2:17 through 3:1-6.
Going back to his debate style Malachi’s next charge is that they have wearied God with their words. (verse 17) Their reply: “Wherein have we wearied him?” Malachi’s answer is in that they say, “Every one that doeth evil is good in the sight of the Lord, and he delighteth in them,” or, “Where is the God of judgment?” Some have considered whether this is the same group with which Malachi has been debating, or is it another group who pleads that God had not acted in the face of such widespread disobedience? It is not unthinkable that those who offered and prayed to God while doing such wickedness (Ch.1) could reverse things so to have said that the good were evil, and then decried the good being accepted by the Lord. Compare Is. 5:20. These strong words spoken “against” (3:13) God were of themselves outright disobedience. Malachi deals with that here and again in chapter 3: 13-15.
Malachi 3:1 is the first prophesy in the book of John the Baptist as the forerunner of the Messiah (Lord). That the first reference “my messenger” is to John no one can dispute for Jesus quoted this passage in Matthew 11:10 as He taught the multitudes “concerning John.” This is the promise of Is. 40:3-5. The one whom Isaiah spoke of here whose “voice” would be heard is as clearly identified as John the Baptist as is the “messenger” of Mal. 3:1a. (Read Mt. 3:3; Mark 1:2-3; Luke 3:4-5) This is what John said about himself in John 1:23, “I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Esaias.” Esaias is Isaiah. John’s work would be to “prepare the way before Christ.” John’s father, Zecharais, had prophesied concerning him: “And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest...” (Luke 1:76). John’s message was one of repentance for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. (Mt. 3:2). John called upon them to repent for he knew that without repentace the Lord would destroy them (Mt. 3:9-12).
The second “Messenger” (capitalized in some translations) in this passage is the Lord Himself. This is the One they said they sought in verse 17 above. He is the Messenger of the covenant in whom they delight. He would suddenly come to His temple --- not the literal physical temple of Herod in Jerusalem, but come to “His” spiritual temple. The Lord’s throne and temple is in heaven. “But the Lord is in his holy temple: let all the earth keep silence before him.” (Hab. 2:20) The thought here is that of Ps. 11:4-6. Why keep silence before Him? Because “his eyes behold, his eyelids try, the children of men. The Lord trieth the righteous: but the wicked and him that loveth violence his soul hateth. Upon the wicked he shall rain snares, fire and brimstone, an horrible tempest: this shall be the portion of their cup.” The Lord tests or tries the righteous, but the wicked and the one who loves violence His soul hates. (Cp. Je. 50: 28; 51:11)
When the apostles preached the Gospel on the day of Pentecost recorded in Acts 2 they preached Christ as seated upon His throne in heaven (Acts 2:29-36). There He reigns today far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named. (Ep.1:20-23)
Those to whom Malachi spoke knew Him as their Lord while they served Him under their, the Mosaic, covenant. When He, the Christ, came He would be the Messenger of the New Covenant. A covenant separate and distinct from the old Mosaic covenant. The righteous among the Jews would not stay under the Mosaic covenant, for Jeremiah had prophesied of a “new covenant” to be made with the house of Israel and the house of Judah. (Je. 31:31-34) It would be through this new covenant that they would have the forgiveness of sins. (He. 8:8-12; Mt. 26:28; Acts 2:38) Christ was the one Isaiah had prophesied of who was given “for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles” as well as for the Jews. (Is. 42:6) One of the great failures in the denominational world today is the lack of understanding of the two covenants, the “old” (2 Co. 3:14; He. 8:9) and the “new” (Mt. 26:28; 2 Co. 3:6; He. 8:13), and the failure on the part of so many to accept the New Testament (covenant) as the will of Christ for “everyon” i.e. for all men until the end of time (Ro. 1:5,16). When He came Jesus said the words that He spoke would judge them in the last day. (Jn.12:48) The christians in the churches of Galatia were told that to go back to the Law, the old Mosaic covenant, for justification was to sever oneself from Christ and thus fall from grace (Ga. 5:1-4). Worship today must be patterned according to the new covenant and not the old (Acts 2:42; Col. 2:14-17).
As Malachi speaks of the time when He, the Christ, comes he says it will not be as they expected. He will be like a refiner’s fire and like a launderers’ soap. (verses 3-4) Such sinfulness among the sons of Levi as seen in chapters 1 and 2 will be no more. And the offering of Judah and Jerusalem will be acceptable as it was in the former days when Israel was faithfully serving the Lord. When metal is refined the raw metal is heated until it melts; impurities are separated by the heat and rising to the surface are skimmed off, leaving just pure metal (Zec. 13:9). Launderers’ soap was alkali used to clean dirt from clothes (Is. 4:4). We see here that the wicked who did not repent would be cut off just as John said (Mt. 3:9-12) . The righteous and those willing to repent and turn to the Lord would be saved and render acceptable worship to God (Jn. 4:24). The worship would not be the same as that under the Old Testament, “For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the law” (e. 7:11-12). With Christ as their eternal High Priest (He. 3:1; 4:14-16) worship and service rendered under the New Covenant would be pleasing and acceptable to God ( He. 13:15-16).
The Lord will come near for judgment and be a swift witness against the wicked!
Brief Outline To Use And Develop:
THE WICKED SAYS TO HIMSELF
Ps. 10:11-15
I. God Has Forgotten.
II. God Has Hidden.
III. He Will Never See It.
IV. God Will Not Require It.
The specific sins listed here are the result of the words “and fear not me” (verse 5). When God’s children do not fear Him they sin; they commit the kind of grievous sins listed here! We find examples of sorcery in Acts 8:9; 13:6-12. Sorcery is listed in the works of the flesh in Ga. 5:19-21. It will benefit your soul greatly if you’ll read from time to time the works of the flesh which are “manifest.” Paul says there “such things” indicating that he did not have to list each and every sin that will cause man to be lost. He warns the Galatians, “...of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.” Adultery is listed in Ga. 5:19-21 as well. Sin is the reason men go to hell! The perjurers or false witnesses are detestable before God (Ro. 13:9). Concerning exploitation James in his epistle dealt with that. Notice to whom the book of James is addressed. The stranger is dealt with in I Ti. 5:10; He. 13:2; 3 Jn. 5. We ee just how wrong the wicked mentioned above in Ps. 10:11-15 really are!
Part Five. John the Baptizer & the Messiah: 2:17 through 3:1-6.
Questions To Choose From For Discussion: 2:17-3:6.
1. Strong words such as in 2:17 are dealt with later in what chapter and verses?
2. Where is the first prophecy in the book concerning John the Baptist? Where did Jesus quote this passage?
3. What passage in Isaiah compares with Mal. 3:1?
4. Who is the second Messenger in Mal. 3:1?
5. Where is the Lord’s temple?
6. When He comes will it be as they expect? What happens?
7. What is the specific reason given in verse 5 for their sins?
8. What is man prone to think about God when he does not fear Him?
Part Six. God Has Not Changed: 3:6-12
God had always shown compassion for Israel, even during the Captivity in Babylon. God had not changed. When the people repented and turned to Him in obedience they would
be forgiven and blessed once again.
*KEY POINT TO DEVELOP: We see a people with the same opportunity that had always been theirs. They, as God’s children, could choose to serve God and be blessed; disobey and be lost. The same choice is ours when we are God’s children today.
Verse 7 is a reminder of their past. A past which was noted for stubborn rebellion and disobedience. Malachi’s statement is a lot like Stephen’s charge against his fellow countrymen recorded in Acts 7:51: “Ye stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye.” They had gone away from God but reacted to God’s charge by saying, “Wherein shall we return?” The point does not stop here. Good application is next made with regards to their “giving” to God.
Short Outline To Use And Develop:
RETURN UNTO ME, Mal. 3:7
I. God’s command: Return!
A. Implies much concerning state of one or one’s addressed.
B. Lesson: God does not return until one returns first to Him!
C. If needed to RETURN then must have been SEPARATED from God, therefore lost.
1. Must not turn back on forgiveness and restoration because we refuse to admit our sin!
II. Who Must Make The First Move?
A. Not God for He said “Return unto Me.”
B. Therefore, must be man.
III. Situation Misunderstood By Most Today.
A. Man erringly said to me concerning his lost daughter, “We’ve just turned it over to the Lord and we’re just trusting Him to keep His promise.”
B. Like The Prodigal Son, Lu. 15.
1. What did the Prodigal Son have to do?
a.. “Came to himself.”
b. “Said, I will arise and go to my father... and say....”
c. He went! He returned!
2. State Of Son Before He Returned:
a. “Was dead.”
b. “Was lost.”
3. State Of Son When He Returned:
a. “Is alive again.”
b. “Is found.”
IV. Conclusion: Must never conclude that God will force one to return unto Him.
Short Outline To Use And Develop:
DIFFERENT REACTIONS TO HEARING THE WORD
I. Some Deny And Debate: Malachi.
A. But Message Of The Bible Is Hear, Believe And Obey!
II. Concerning The Gospel Today:
A. A Contrast Between Hearers:
1. Some “pricked” and ask, “What shall we do?” Acts 2:37.
a. Then obey by being baptized for the remission of their sins, Acts 2:37-41.
2.Others mocked, Acts 2:13.
3. Some “cut to the heart” and want to kill, Acts 5:29-33.
III. The Word And Its Affect.
A. Mocked, sneered at.
B. Pricked, gladly received the word and obeyed by being baptized.
C. Cut but did not obey.
D. Wrong Attitude: Time will tell, Acts 5:38-39.
1. How much times does one need? have?
E. Slander, False Witnesses. (Acts 6)
F. Physically Assailed. (Acts 7:54, 57)
G. Certain Activities Opposed To God’s Word: Sorcery, Acts 13.
H. Blasphemed And Despised The Opportunity. (Acts 13:45-46)
I. Heard, Believed, Obeyed. (Acts 18:8)
J. Heard And Were Baptized. (Acts 19:5)
I. Become Hardened (Callused) And Disobedient. (Acts 19:8-9)
1. Illustrates Hearing ONLY Contrasted To Hearing, Believing and Obeying.
J. Become Frightened, Felix. (Acts 24)
K. Almost Persuaded, Agrippa. (Acts 26)
1. Believed, but his belief was NOT enough to save him!
IV. Conclusion: We see importance of Hearing, Believing and Obeying.
Malachi proves their sinfulness with reference to their robbing God. Will a man rob God? Yes! The whole nation has robbed God “in tithes and offerings.” Their sin was grievous and because of this they are “cursed with a curse.” The “devourer” has been sent to destroy the fruit of the ground and the vine will fail to bear fruit in the field. People should open their eyes, at times, and see the physical evidence of their rebellion
against God.
He tells them what they MUST do. The message of the Bible is hear, believe and obey. Do not just hear for hearing ONLY avails nothing. Do not JUST believe what you hear, for many throughout the Bible heard and believed but failed to obey. Hear, believe and obey! They must bring the tithes to the storehouse. (Compare Ne. 13:10-14.) God invites them to “prove” Him in this by thus obeying Him, and they will see Him open the windows of heaven, and pour out such blessing that there will not be room to receive it. God promises and does not lie! For man to so prove Him is His delight, and as He delights in blessing both them and their land the nations would see and called them blessed.
Short Outline To Use And Develop:
MAKE FRIENDS FOR YOURSELF, Luke 16:9
I. Notice Where Text Appears.
A. Helps to notice Lu. 16:14 first.
1. Those who are “lovers of money” (covetous) will not like what Jesus says here.
B. It Appears In Parable Of Unjust Steward.
1. Advances his OWN welfare.
2. Was commended for his ingenuity.
II. Jesus’ Application, Verse 9.
1. To His disciples.
2. Shows importance of one’s eternal or heavenly well being.
3. Must be commended by our Master.
III. Three Questions.
A. Where are those “friends”?
1. Answer: “everlasting habitations.”
B. How or with what do I make friends?
1. Answer: with my worldly wealth.
2. Advance your own well being in promoting the Gospel.
C. Why should I make such friends?
1. Answer: that they might “receive” me there.
IV. Those Unfaithful In Unrighteous Mammon.
A. Will not share in “true” riches.
Part Six. God Has Not Changed: 3:6-12.
Questions To Choose From For Discussion: 3:6-12.
1. What did Malachi say Israel was known for (their past) from the days of their fathers?
2. What opportunity did Israel have that they had always had?
3. State some things necessarily inferred in God’s command, “Return to me, and I will return to you, saith the Lord of hosts.”
4. Turning to the scriptures what are some of the different affects and reactions when man hears God’s word?
5. How were they guilty of robbing God?
6. What had happened to them because they had robbed God?
7. Where are the “friends” Jesus tells us to make in Luke 16:9? By what do we make them our friends? Why do we make them our friends?
8. When one of God’s own is covetous what must he do to be saved?
9. If a christian persists in their covetousness without repentance what should the church do?
Part Seven. Your Words Have Wearied Me: 3:13-15.
It appears that this section is parallel with chapter 2:17. The question there was whether those who wearied God were the same ones with whom Malachi has been debating all along? I stated there, “Some have considered whether this is the same group with which Malachi has been debating, or is it another group who pleads that God had not acted in the face of such widespread disobedience? It is not unthinkable that those who offered and prayed to God while doing such wickedness (Ch.1) could reverse things so to have said that the good were evil, and then decried the good being accepted by the Lord. Compare Is. 5:20. These strong words spoken “against” God were of themselves outright disobedience. Malachi deals with that here and again in chapter 3: 13-15.”
The KEY to understanding their sin is found in the word “stout” or “harsh,” which is Lit. “strong.” These “strong” words were spoken “against” the Lord Himself. Just how “strong” were these words? Write them down individually and notice what each says about God:
1. The evil are good in God’s sight. (2:17).
2. God delights in those who are evil. (2:17)
3. Where is the God of judgment (justice)? (2:17)
4. It is vain to serve God. (3:14)
5. What profit is it that we have kept His ordinance? have walked mournfully? (3:14)
6. We call the proud happy (blessed). (3:15)
7. Those who work wickedness are set up next page
(built up). (3:15)
8. They that tempt God are delivered (escape). (3:15)
Are these the words of the faithful who feared the Lord mentioned in the following verse? I don’t believe they are. What kind of words are these? These are the words of those who were envious of the prosperity of the wicked. Read Psalms 73 for a fuller understanding of what is going wrong when God’s children so think (Ps. 73:2-3) and so speak. Notice there his description of the wicked and admission that he’d had the wrong thoughts (Ps. 73:3-12). To have spoken such would have been a betrayal of the righteous (73:13-15). He found it painful to grope with such thoughts but came to an understanding of their “end” when he went into the sanctuary of God (Ps. 73:17-28). Here in Malachi they had both thought and spoken such words in their own judgments against God.
Brief Outline To Use And Develop:
DO NOT ENVY THE WICKED (PROUD)
Pr. 3:31-35
I. Do Not Choose Any Of His Ways.
A. Emphasis on “any” -- for to choose just one of his ways
for your own advantage is sin.
II. He Is An Abomination To God.
A. Emphasis on “is” -- what he truly is to God.
III. The Curse Of The Lord Is On His House.
IV. God Scoffs At The Scoffers.
V. He Is A Fool Who Displays Dishonor.
Short Outline To Use And Develop:
THE WICKED
Ps. 37
I. Shall Be Cut Off, Ps. 37:9.
II. The Lord Laughs At Him, Ps. 37:13.
III. His “Day” Is Coming, Ps. 37: 13.
A. Pr. 1:24-33.
Part Seven. Your Words Have Wearied Me: 3:13-15.
Questions To Choose From For Discussion: 3:13-15.
1. This section is parallel with what preceding verses?
2. What does the word “harsh” mean?
3. Consider who it is that the wicked often speak against.
4. Discuss Psalms 73 for a fuller understanding of what is wrong when God’s children so THINK and so SPEAK.
5. Why should we not fall prey to envying the wicked?
Part Eight. Those Who Feared The Lord: Malachi 3:16- 4:3.
Now for the bright side. Those who feared the Lord are described as having spoken often to one another. The thought is that of speaking among themselves in order to strengthen and edify each other. Notice that they did not commune with and speak with the ungodly. When we read about God’s response we see God’s eyes are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their prayers. (I Pe. 3:12)
Those who reverence God will belong to Him, and He will spare them as a father spares his own son. Psalm 103:13, “ Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him.” God’s mercy towards His children who fear Him, the Psalmist says, is so great as “the heaven is high above the earth.” What wonderful thoughts there are in Psalms 103. As God was for Israel He is towards the church Christ built today. He is merciful and gracious; slow to anger, abounding in mercy. He has been loving and forgiving, and His wrath has not abounded forever. He knows our frame is but dust and our days as the grass of the field. Today we are, and tomorrow we are no more. “But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear Him, and His righteousness to children’s children, to such as keep His covenant, and to those who remember His commandments to do them.” Amen!
Short Outline To Use And Develop:
THE RIGHTEOUS, Mal. 3:16
I. Feared God.
II. Meditate On His Name.
III. Spoke To One Another.
IV. Lord Listened And Heard Them.
V. Written In God’s Book Of Remembrance.
So much of what we’ve studied thus far has been centered upon the disobedience of the priests and the people. One of the points I’ve made in these brief lessons has been on the KIND of presentation Malachi makes in the book. If one is to be thought less of for a mostly NEGATIVE rather than POSITIVE presentation then Malachi would be at the bottom of most people’s list! Journals and publications today that demand articles and lessons that are ALL POSITIVE deny in their very demand the necessity of reproof and rebuke. Who would think that God’s children could so stand before him as they do in Malachi having despised His name, having offered in sacrifice that which was defiled while they, themselves, despise their own offerings, and that they would not need a strong rebuke and warning? The answer is only those as corrupt today as they were corrupt in Malachi’s day! And that is the kind among my brethren who decry applicable preaching. We have far too many today who despise the necessity of reproof and rebuke. Beware, my brethren, of those who wish to accentuate the positive and eliminate the negative.
It is a delight to read now about the righteous in the midst of such wickedness. There are but three things said in one brief verse concerning the righteous: (1) they fear the Lord; (2) they spoke often to one another; (3) they meditate upon His name.
We should think about what it means to “fear” God for the lesson is how God takes pleasure in those who fear Him. “Let not thine heart envy sinners: but be thou in the fear of the LORD all the day long.” (Pr. 23:17)
Some thoughts from Psalms: “Come, ye children, hearken unto me: I will teach you the fear of the LORD. [12] What man is he that desireth life, and loveth many days, that he may see good? [13] Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile. [14] Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it. [15] The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry. [16] The face of the LORD is against them that do evil, to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth.” (Psalm 34:11-16) “Come and hear, all ye that fear God, and I will declare what he hath done for my soul. [17] I cried unto him with my mouth, and he was extolled with my tongue. [18] If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me: [19] But verily God hath heard me; he hath attended to the voice of my prayer. [20] Blessed be God, which hath not turned away my prayer, nor his mercy from me.” (Ps. 66:16-20) “Give unto the LORD, O ye kindreds of the people, give unto the LORD gloryand strength. [8] Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name: bring an offering, and come into his courts. [9] O worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness: fear before him, all the earth. [10] Say among the heathen that the LORD reigneth: the world also shall be established that it shall not be moved: he shall judge the people righteously. [11] Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad; let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof. [12] Let the field be joyful, and all that is therein: then shall all the trees of the wood rejoice [13] Before the LORD: for he cometh, for he cometh to judge the earth: he shall judge the world with righteousness, and the people with his truth.” (Psalm 96:7-13)
“Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. [14] For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.” (Ec. 12:13-14) Let us always remember that the fear of the Lord is connected with obedience. Fear God AND keep His commandments!
Short Outline To Use And Develop:
BE ZEALOUS FOR THE FEAR OF THE LORD, Pr. 23:17
1. The Beginning Of Knowledge, Pr. 1:7.
2. Depart From Evil, Pr. 3:7; 14:27.
3. To Hate Evil, Pr. 8:13; 16:6.
4. Beginning of Wisdom, Pr. 9:10.
5. Prolong Days, Pr. 10:27.
6. Is Confidence, Pr. 14;26.
7. Better Than Riches Without It, Pr. 15:16.
8. Instruction Of Wisdom, Pr. 15:33.
a. What a man learns.
9. Contentment, Pr. 19:23.
10. Riches, Honor and Life, Pr. 22:4.
The righteous are written in a book of remembrance before God for God to “spare” them in the day of judgment in contrast to the punishment of the ungodly. When God brings His judgment to bear then it will be evident who is righteous and who is not; who is being rewarded for obedience and who is being punished for their iniquity. (Ps. 56:8) They would AGAIN see this difference, though they had manifold opportunities in the past to distinguish between rewards and punishments.
*KEY POINT TO DEVELOP: The difference between REMEMBERING something and LEARNING from that thing! How often are we guilty of the same? Have I forgotten the times I’ve been rewarded for my obedience? Punished for my disobedience?
This picture of the separation of the righteous and wicked continues through chapter 4:3. Passages such as 4:1 are often difficult to explain. Do they refer to the final Day of judgment or to some not too distant future judgment upon those to whom the author is writing (Mal. 2:2)? Or to any general judgment God brings? We do not always have to think in terms of the Judgment Day i.e. the “last day” (Jn. 12:48). No doubt though the turning of the wicked to “stubble” and leaving them neither “root nor branch” depicts how thorough God’s judgments are upon the wicked. (Obadiah 18; Amos 2:9) The figure is one of total destruction. When both root and branch are consumed there is no hope of life again. When man to goes to perdition his eternal judgment is set. There is no second chance. (He. 9:27)
Malachi’s description of the righteous and their future is based upon their fear of the Lord. While some translators have understood the “Sun of Righteousness” to refer to Christ the Lord (KJV), others do not capitalize and render the expression “sun of righteousness” (NAS) with the idea of the blessings of righteousness bestowed upon the faithful. “His wings” in verse 2 is translated “its wings” to convey this thought. There is no need to act the genius with such passages as these. It is best to simply give both renderings and let the reader study for himself. The righteous will go forth as fatted calves into a green pasture. The blessings will be abundant, and their
victory over the wicked will be apparent, just as Malachi has said, in the day the Lord is preparing.
We must not let the heart be over burdened for such is always the final outcome for those who fear the Lord. Such lesson are repeated over and over again throughout the Bible in order that we might read and understand! “Give” (ascribe) to God glory and strength. (Ps. 96:7-13)
Part Eight. Those Who Feared The Lord: Malachi 3:16- 4:3.
Question To Choose From For Discussion: 3:16-4:3.
1. Name and explain three things said about the righteous.
2. What did the Lord do for them?
3. Where are their names written?
4. Why are their names written there?
5. Name some things that become evident to all when God brings His judgment.
6. Make a list of things that come from properly “fearing” the Lord.
7. What opportunities have you had to distinguish between rewards for righteousness and punishment for wickedness? What should you have learned from such opportunities?
8. How thorough is God’s ultimate judgment upon the wicked?
9. In the struggle between the righteous and the wicked what is the final outcome for those who fear the Lord?
10. Why should we not let our hearts be overburdened with anxiety?
Part Nine. Concluding Admonition & Promise: Mal. 4:4-6.
Verse 4 begins the conclusion for the whole book. The admonition, “Remember ye the law of Moses” was that they keep the whole law. Moses was but a “servant” of Jehovah (He. 3:5) through whom the Law was given to all of Israel. That Law was not given to the Gentile nations (De. 4:8) but only to the nation Moses lead out of Egypt. Thus the folly of those who would teach that there has always been just “one covenant” is exposed.
The Law given at Mt. Sinai (Horeb) came with “statutes and judgments.” These words of Malachi echo those of Moses’ own admonition in De. 4:13-14, “And he declared unto you his covenant, which he commanded you to perform, even ten commandments; and he wrote them upon two tables of stone. [14] And the LORD commanded me at that time to teach you statutes and judgments, that ye might do them in the land whither ye go over to possess it.”
Brief Sermon Outline To Use And Develop:
WHAT THEN SERVES THE LAW? Ga. 3:9-22
I. Given Because Of Transgressions, Ga. 3:19; Ro. 7:7.
A. God wanted His people (the Jews) to be aware of His displeasure of sin, Ro. 7:13.
1. Romans 2 shows the Jews as guilty as the Gentiles in chapter 1.
II. Evidence Of Removal Of The Mosaic Law (Old Law) --- “till the Seed.”
A. We’ll look for evidence of removal now throughout our lesson.
1. Introduction To The New Testament, He. 10:1 (shadow)
a. Evidence shows the “shadow” is gone.
2. Distinct Group Of People, He. 9:19-20; Ga. 3:17; Ro. 9:4,5; 2:12.
a. Served to separate the Jews until promises fulfilled.
b. Evidence shown in the “middle wall” removed, Ep. 2:14.
3. Introduction To Christ, Ga. 3:23-24; Luke 24:44.
a. Moses, Ge. 3:15; 22:18; 26:4; De. 18:15.
b. Psalms 16:9-10; Acts 2.
c. Prophets: Is. 7:14; Is. 53; Je. 23:5.
d. Evidence of removal: Don’t need the schoolmaster for we are “complete” in Christ. (Col. 2:10)
III. For Our Instruction & Hope, Ro. 15:4; I Co. 10:11.
A. Still lessons learned from and applied, but this does not mean man is “under” that law.
1. “These things” -- read context of I Co. 10:1-10 and notice the “things.”
B. Picture Gallery of the faithful: Hebrews 11.
C. Many Wonderful Lessons:
1. For Patience: go to Job.
2. For Wickedness: go to Sodom.
3. On Looking back: go to Lot’s wife.
4. On Obedience: go to Naaman.
5. On Love: go to Ruth and Naomi.
6. On Happiness: go to Solomon’s wisdom.
“Behold!” (verse 5) gives emphasis to the prophecy concerning John the Baptist. This prophecy along with Is. 40:3 (see notes on Mal. 3:1), when studied in light of the New Testament’s explanation makes it unmistakably clear that John was its fulfillment as the forerunner of the Christ.
We stand on the precipice of the twenty first century. There is no sanity in the thought that Elijah is yet to come for “Elijah has come already” and John was that “Elijah” who prepared the way for the ministry of Jesus of Nazareth, the Son of God.
The following verses should be studied in depth:
1. Before John’s Birth: Lu.1:13-17.
The angel Gabriel identifies the son that will be born to Zacharias and Elizabeth. Verses 16-17 could not have been made more clear; he would be the forerunner of Christ. The son of Zacharias would “turn” many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. “And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.”
He would go before the Lord in the spirit and power of Elijah. Elijah was a fiery prophet in both word and miraculous deeds. John performed no miracle but came in the “spirit and power” of Elijah as one full of the Holy Spirit and preaching the power of God’s Word. When the people came to Jesus at the place where John was first baptizing they said, “John did no miracle: but all things that John spake of this man were true.” Many believed on Him there. (John 10:40-41).
2. John 1:21-23.
This is the answer that John the Baptist gave concerning himself when asked who he was. John was asked first if he was the Christ but confessed, “I am not.” Then they asked him “Art thou Elias?” He answered, “I am not.” They had looked for the resurrection and appearance of the prophet Elijah (a personal appearance) which John denies he was. Nor was John “the prophet” (De. 18:15,18) who also was Christ and through whom came the forgiveness of their sins (Acts 3:20-26).
In reply to their inquiry, “Who art thou? that we may give an answer to them that sent us. What sayest thou of thyself?” John quotes Is. 40:3 in order to identify himself fully: “He said, I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Esaias.” (John 1:23) Matthew confirms this in his Gospel in Mt. 3:1-3.
3. In his ministry John preached repentance and baptism for the remission of sins. (Mt. 3:1-12; Lu. 3:1-18) John’s call to repent, and the people’s willingness to hear, believe, repent and obey in baptism for the remission of sins (Mk.1:4) was their “preparation” to receive the Lord.
4. When John was imprisoned and in a moment of discouragement and doubt Jesus assured him that He was the Christ. Mt. 11:1-6; Luke 7:18-23.
5. Jesus assured the people John was the messenger of Malachi’s prophecy. Mt. 11:7-15; Luke 7:24-30. Mt. 11:14, “And if ye will receive it, this is Elias, which was for to come.”
6. Jesus met the answer of the Scribes who said that Elijah must come first. Mt. 17:10-13; Mk. 9:11-13.
There are not “two” Elijahs who come i.e. John and another to which Jesus refers to here. Jesus agrees with the Scribes that “Elijah is coming first and restores all things.” Having pointed them to Is. 53 ( He had told them that He must rise from the dead, verse 9-10.), he then states that “Elijah has also come, and they did to him whatever they wished, as it is written of him.”
Short Outline To Use And Develop:
THINGS JOHN SPOKE ABOUT JESUS
I. He Is Preferred Before Me, John 1:26-27.
A. “There cometh one mightier than I after me ... (Mk. 1:7)
II. “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” (John 1:29)
A. Again, John 1:36.
III. He Was Before Me, John 1:30.
IV. He Should Be Revealed To Israel, John 1:31.
A. “Therefore am I come baptizing with water.” (Jn. 1:31)
1. Purpose of John’s baptism. See Acts 19:1-5. Note Acts 19:4, “ Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.”
2. Pharisees & lawyers rejected the will of God for themselves, not having been baptized by him. (Lu. 7:30)
V. “And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God” John 1:34.
A. “And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him. [33] And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost.” (John 1:32-33)
VI. “... he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire.” (Mt. 3:11)
VII. “I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me?” (Mt. 3:14)
Jesus’ baptism was “to fulfil all righteousness” and was not
based upon repentance and the need for
forgiveness. Jesus had no sin.
VIII. “He must increase, but I must decrease.” (John 3:30)
A. Lesson: He who has the bride is the bridegroom.
The key word in Malachi 4:6 is “turn.” Some have explained this as a “turning” of the people’s hearts to their fathers i.e. to their ancestral fathers whose faith never waned. However, Mal. 4:6 does not appear to read that way to me. Compare Lu.1:16 again where John would turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. The “turning” would be of the people to their God. When “fathers” turn their hearts to the Lord and “children” likewise turn their hearts to the Lord, then their hearts are turned to one another in their willingness to serve and obey God. In this way the family unit is restored, and duties and obligations attended to as God would have them. Immorality in our society today is easiest seen in regards to fathers and their children.
Elijah would be sent “before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord.” (Mal. 4:5) John the Baptist came preaching “Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Jesus followed saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.” (Mark 1:15) That kingdom did come “with power” (Mark 9:1) on the Day of Pentecost as recorded in Acts 2. The church of Christ was established upon that day. On that day the apostles preached Christ crucified, resurrected and seated upon His throne (Acts 2:22-36). Those who gladly received the word were baptized on that day, and there were added to the apostles about 3000 souls. The church Christ promised to build (Mt. 16:18) continued to grow as the gospel was preached first in Jerusalem, then Judea, Samaria and unto the utter most parts of the earth. (Lu. 24:46-49; Acts 1:8) To the Colossians Paul wrote, “ Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: [4] In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:” (Col. 1:13-14).
Concerning the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ the apostle Paul wrote, “But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. [2] For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. [3] For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. [4] But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. [5] Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. [6] Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober. [7] For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night. [8] But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation. [9] For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, [10] Who did for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him. [11] Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.” (I Th. 5:1-11)
Malachi ends with God’s final word of warning to the wicked, urging them to repentance “lest I come and smite the earth with a curse.” This final warning will usher in that period often referred to as “The Silent 400 Years”.
Then, after so long a time, the angel Gabriel will appear to a certain priest named Zacharias, married to Elizabeth who was barren, and they were both well advanced in years. The angel said, “Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John. [14] And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth. [15] For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother's womb. [16] And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God. [17] And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.” (Luke 1:13-17)
That same angel who stands in the presence of God will then appear to a man named Joseph saying, “Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. [21] And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:20-22)
Part Nine. Concluding Admonition & Promise: Mal. 4:4-6.
Questions To Choose From For Discussion: Mal. 4:4-6.
1. To whom was the Mosaic Law given and why?
2. Where is the evidence in the New Testament of the removal of the Old Covenant, the Mosaic Law?
3. When the priesthood changed what did that necessitate?
4. Prove that John was “the Elijah” of Malachi’s prophecy.
5. What are some things John said about Jesus?
6. How would you explain the “turning” of Mal. 4:6?
7. Malachi ends his prophecy with a final word of warning to what kind of people?
8. For how long a period was God “silent” after the close of this prophecy?
9. As God speaks again after so long a period the angel Gabriel appears to what priest and for what purpose?
Bob W. Lovelace