FALL SEMESTER BIBLE STUDY

Transcription

1 FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH 204 ODESSA AVE. PITTSBURG, CA REV. HENRY L. PERKINS, SENIOR PASTOR FALL SEMESTER BIBLE STUDY Adult Evening Class November 08, 2017 THE BOOK OF MALACHI INSTRUCTOR, MIN. GWEN ALDRIDGE OBJECTIVE: To embrace the concept of Christian Stewardship, placing our treasures in Christ Jesus in proper perspective. GOAL: 1. Students will learn the principles of giving through the study of scripture that emphasize faith, work, and treasure which expand beyond the concept of money. 2. Students will develop skills to better enhance their understanding and application of stewardship concepts. 3. Students will engage in exercises that transform learning into behavior for personal growth. NOTE: As we read and study the Book of Malachi, observe the life principles that are reflected in this book: You can never give more than God. (Malachi 3:8-12) No Christian has ever been called to journey alone in his or her walk of faith. (Malachi 3:16) If necessary, God will move heaven and earth to reveal to us his will. (Malachi 4:5) 1

2 Class Outline: 11/08/17 Malachi 2:17; 3:-5 (Breaking Covenant through Injustice) I. Meditation Five minute spiritual meditation (Pray of Examen) Self-Awareness: Look at yourself, your actions, behaviors, attitude etc. in reference to current biblical study/ The Book of Malachi II. Review: Malachi 2:10-16 (Breaking Covenant through Divorce/Sin in the Family) How would you explain the difference between the ethnic intermarriage that Ruth and Boaz shared (Ruth 4:9-10) which God blessed with the religious intermarriage Solomon had with so many of his wives (1Kings 11:1-6) which made God angry. God disapproves of sin.he dislikes actions and behaviors that turn our hearts away from Him, destroying our communion with Him. It is God s desire that we treat one another with love and respect. It is our submission unto God which defines our level of respect, honor, obedience, love and loyalty towards God. It is our actions/behaviors which demonstrate our commitment to God and covenant. III. Scripture Analysis: Malachi 2:17; 3:1-5 (Breaking Covenant through Injustice) Word Study: Wearied To toil, to grow weary, get tired, labored, worn Endure Maintain, sustain, provide sustenance, provision 2

3 Refiner Pure, goldsmith, silversmith, refining Purify To be clean or pure, cleansed Vs. 2:17a God grows weary/tired of the hypocrisy, immorality, spiritual blindness and complacency and complaining rhetoric of the Israelite people. Note: Reference Job 23: 1-7. Through Malachi, God informed the Israelites He was tired of their disrespectful speech and accusatory attitude. The Israelites accuse God of being indifferent concerning justice and condoning sinful behavior. Vs. 17b Instead of pleading for God s mercy as a result of their disobedience, the people once again fain ignorance to why God is weary of their behavior. The Israelites deny culpability (blame) for their behavior. Vs. 17c The Israelites charge God with injustice towards them. The Israelites clearly thought that God was not treating them fairly nor was he providing the blessings due to a chosen people. The Israelites perceived that everyone doing evil was good in God s eyes. The Israelites were questioning God.not for wisdom and understanding but Vs. 3:1-5 questioning His character and perfect nature as the Creator and Sustainer of all things. God in grace, reminds the people of His merciful plan for their future. Malachi announces the Lord s coming.god s fulfillment of His word in the accomplishments of the Messiah. Note: Reference Isaiah: 2:11, 17, and 20 My Messenger refers to John the Baptist, paving the way for the Messiah Note: Reference Matthew 11:10; Mark 1:2; Luke 1:76 3

4 God does not declare a state of doom on the people, but exercises compassion in assuring them of the coming Messiah. God enlightens the people, that instead of destruction, He instead would cleanse (purify) and restore them. Note: Reference Mark 9:3; Revelation 3:5 When the Lord comes he will cleanse the Levites so they would once again present righteous offerings. Note: Reference Exodus 7:11; Deuteronomy 18:10 God inflicts judgement upon evil and seeks justice on behalf of the oppressed Implication (Israel): Divine grace often masquerades as difficulty and discipline (Lisa Harper) God s discipline is always wrapped in mercy Note: Reference Numbers 14:18; Psalm 86:15 Discussion Questions: 1. What s the sweetest discipline you ve received from your Heavenly Father? 2. What recent personal example can you think of that reflects God s compassion and graciousness? 3. How long does it typically take you to get mad with people who has wronged you but won t admit it? 4. What benefits did God promise to the obedient in Deuteronomy 4:5-8? 5. Psalm 89:15 and Isaiah 30:18 very specifically includes happiness among the blessings God delivers. Think beyond material possessions.in what ways have you seen God s justice carried out against evildoers 6. Why do you think we tend to be more critical of the plank in other people s eyes when it s the same variety of wood clouding our own spiritual vision? Note: Reference Matthew 7:1-5 4

5 NEXT WEEK: November 15, 2017 MALACHI 3:6-12 (Breaking Covenant by Withholding Tithes) Practice Spiritual Disciplines: Spiritual Bible Reading, Meditation or Prayer of Examen Reflection: If you had to rate the cheerfulness of your heart on a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being resentful, 5 being resigned, 10 being rejoicing, when you write a check for the church and/or ministry, where would you be on the scale? 5