The Book of Malachi presents God speaking back in answer to the proud cries of the self righteous. Despite all of their rebellion and unfaithfulness and smugness in their confidence in religious externals, God in His compassion still professes His love for His elect people and lays out for them the choice between blessing and cursing as He calls them to repentance.
Context: Charles Ryrie: "About 100 years had passed since the return of the Jews to Palestine. The city of Jerusalem and the second Temple had been built, but initial enthusiasm had worn off. Following a period of revival under Nehemiah (Neh. 10:28-39), the people and priests had backslidden and become mechanical in their observance of the Law. Though lax in their worship (1:7) and delinquent in their tithing (3:8), they could not understand why God was dissatisfied with them."
GOD REBUKES THE PROUD CRIES OF THE SELF RIGHTEOUS AND CALLS THEM TO REPENTANCE
Your words have been arrogant against Me, says the Lord. Yet you say, What have we spoken against Thee? (3:13)
OUTLINE: GOD ANSWERS 7 KEY QUESTIONS OF THE SELF RIGHTEOUS
I. (1:1-5) HOW HAS GOD LOVED US? HOLD TIGHT TO GOD’S LOVE
THE LORD’S COMPASSION GIVES HOPE AND SOFTENS THE BLOW OF HIS REBUKE OF THE PROUD CRIES OF THE SELF RIGHTEOUS
II. (1:6 – 2:9) HOW HAVE WE DISREPECTED THE NAME OF THE LORD? HONOR GOD
THE LORD REBUKES THE SELF RIGHTEOUS PRIESTS FOR OFFERING SUB-STANDARD WORSHIP
III. (2:10-16) WHY HAVE WE BEEN DENIED THE FAVOR OF OUR GOD? HEED THE COVENANT
THE LORD REBUKES THE SELF RIGHTEOUS PEOPLE FOR PROFANING THE SACRED COVENANT OF MARRIAGE
IV. (2:17 – 3:6) HOW HAVE WE QUESTIONED THE INTEGRITY OF GOD’S JUSTICE? HOPE IN GOD’S JUSTICE
GOD PROMISES TO DEMONSTRATE HIS JUSTICE AND PURIFY HIS PEOPLE WHEN HE SENDS HIS SPECIAL MESSENGER OF THE COVENANT TO ESTABLISH RIGHTEOUS WORSHIP
V. (3:7-12) HOW CAN WE REPENT IF WE DON’T KNOW WHERE WE HAVE GONE WRONG? HALT ALL DISOBEDIENCE
GOD REBUKES THE SELF RIGHTEOUS PEOPLE FOR ROBBING HIM OF HIS DUE TITHES AND OFFERINGS
VI. (3:13-15) HOW HAVE WE SPOKEN ARROGANTLY AGAINST GOD? HUMBLE YOURSELVES BEFORE GOD
GOD REBUKES THE SELF RIGHTEOUS PEOPLE FOR DENYING THE VALUE OF OBEYING AND SERVING GOD
VII. (3:16 – 4:6) HOW WILL THE RIGHTEOUS BE CLEARLY DISTINGUISHED FROM THE WICKED? HELP ONE ANOTHER FEAR THE LORD
GOD WILL REMOVE THE BLURRING OF THE DISTINCTION BETWEEN THE RIGHTEOUS AND THE WICKED
Followed by THE SILENCE OF GOD until the coming of John the Baptist and the Messiah
Related posts:
- Overview of Habakkuk: In Wrath Remember Mercy – The Just Shall Live by Faith
- Overview of Micah: From Gloom to Glory – Present Judgment… Future Deliverance
- Overview of Joel: Repentance and Restoration Contrasted with the Devastation of the Terrible Day of the Lord
- Overview of Jonah: Mercy Triumphs Over Judgment
- Overview of Nahum: When God is Your Enemy
