Malachi Seeking Right Belief and Right Practice A Six-week gospel-centered study of the book of Malachi
COPYRIGHT All content and design copyright 2013 Scarlet City Church. All rights reserved. Contributions from Jay O Brien, Gabe degarmeaux, and Tyler Yoder. No part of this material may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or any information storage or retrieval system, without prior permission in writing from Scarlet City Church. E-mail: info@scarletcitychurch.org! 2!
TABLE OF CONTENTS: 4 Context Background, Themes, & Setting by Tyler Yoder & Jay O Brien 6 Study 1 Foundation: God s Love Toward His People (1:1-5) 8 Study 2 Worship: Expressing Love Toward God (1:6-2:9) 11 Study 3 Social (pt 1): Expressing Love Toward Family & Friends (2:9-16) 14 Study 4 Social (pt 2): Expressing Love Toward Those in Need (2:17-3:5) 17 Study 5 Economic: Investing in God s Work (3:6-15) 20 Study 6 Future: God s Wrath & Mercy (3:16-4:6) 22 Apply Gospel Action Plan! 3!
CONTEXT BACKGROUND, THEMES, AND SETTINGS FOR MALACHI AUTHOR & DATE: The Hebrew name Malachi is translated my messenger, or messenger of the Lord. Talmudic legend places Malachi among the Jewish expatriates who returned to Jerusalem after the exile under the leadership of Joshua and Zerubbabel and dates his oracles to the second year of Darius I (520). Malachi would have been a contemporary of Ezra and Nehemiah. THEOLOGY: The primary theology of the book is one of Yahweh. The prophet's litany of divine attributes includes the nature and character of Yahweh as father of Israel (1.6; 2.5-7; 3.17), as well as master and king (1:6, 14). THEME: The last of the Hebrew Scripture prophets, Malachi is addressing the discrepancy between Israel s beliefs and practices. They had the right orthodoxy (beliefs) but it was dead because those beliefs were never manifested through life. For us today, this book is a prophetic reminder to ensure that our beliefs match up with how we live. Central to this theme are the subsequent themes of covenant, judgment and restoration. Covenant The covenant relationship between Yahweh and Israel is central to the prophecy. 1) Yahweh loves Jacob 2) He is Israel's God and father and desires honest worship not just words, because He is a just King. Judgment Like his predecessors, Malachi understood the conditional nature of Israel s covenant relationship with Yahweh and the urgency of the community's obligation to remain faithful and obedient to the stipulations of the divine treaty (3:16-21; Ezek. 16.59-63). His agonizing over the seriousness of a breach of the covenant (2:1-8) evinces a thorough acquaintance with the deuteronomistic blessing and curse formulae (Deut. 28:1-57). Restoration Malachi retains the divine prerogative of restoration for those who turn back to Yahweh in repentance (3:6-7; Hos. 6:1-3; Zeph. 3:11-13). More important is the prophet's concern for justice for the socially disadvantaged among the covenant community (3:5). He was keenly aware of the concept of individual and corporate responsibility within the covenant community and the attendant ethical duties incumbent upon those related to Yahweh and each other in this special relationship (2:7-9, 13-16).! 4!
He preached genuine repentance (3:2-4), personal piety that includes an agenda for social justice (3:5-7) and honesty in giving (3:8-12) indicating that the prophet prizes a vital and internal--not a hollow and external--religion. GENRE: The book of Malachi falls in the category of prophecy, but the form is out of character for Hebrew prophecy. The dominant genre is satire written in prose form rather than oracles of judgment and blessing. It is constructed in a disputational form (debate or argument). It is comprised of 6 disputations. This first section is the first of 6 prophetic disputations. The form of these disputations bears similarity with a judicial or trial speech. It pits the prophet against his audience in a type of "charge" versus "counter-charge" format. Protagonist (Malachi) vs. Antagonist (the particular recipients of the oracle). This argument is launched against the restoration community in general and its basic message is "Yahweh loves Jacob." SETTING: The setting for the book is post-exile, likely after the beginning of the 5th century (500-480), although it remains a scholarly debate. The temple had likely been built, but the walls had not been completed. The date is surely concurrent with the lives of Ezra and Nehemiah, who both likely came directly after Malachi s prophesies. They are back in Israel but it pales in comparison to its former glory. The temple looks nothing like it used to. The people, thus, are struggling to see Yahweh s presence in their lives.! 5!
STUDY 1 FOUNDATION: GOD S LOVE TOWARD HIS PEOPLE (1:1-5) INTRODUCTION How can God ask anything of his people? What is the motivation for godliness? These foundational questions are answered in the opening verses of Malachi. Before God speaks through his prophet about the need for his people to approach him rightly (worship), to love others (social), and to be faithful stewards of money (economic) we must understand the underlying truth our faithfulness and love is a response to God s faithfulness and love. READ Malachi 1:1-5 DISCUSSION (1) (1:2a) I have loved you, says the Lord. - Why do you think the author begins with this statement? - God s people seemed to be questioning God s love. Are you prone to not believe God loves you? Why/Why not? (2) (1:2-4) Contrast of Esau/Edom and Jacob/Israel. Read Deuteronomy 7:6-11 - According to Deu 7:6-11 how has the Lord loved Jacob? - Why did God choose Israel? (see Deu 7:7-8 it is rooted in God s love not their strength) - Who is Esau? (See Genesis 25:29-34; 26:34-35) Who is Edom? - Who does Esau and Edom represent? Who does Jacob/Israel represent? - In v. 4 we see God as judge. Is this quality of God unsettling? Why is this often difficult to embrace?! 6!
(3) (1:5) The scope of redemption - What is the scope of God s redemption (beyond the borders of Israel) - Why do you think God is reminding them of this here? (Based on God s election for Israel, they could become arrogant and indifferent to other nations.) - Why should God s love toward us in the gospel lead to humility rather than pride? (4) God s love and sovereignty. Read Romans 9:13-18 Romans 9 is an incredibly insightful and often disputed passage as it describes God s election for salvation. Respectfully discuss the passage knowing that disagreement is okay and to be expected. - Romans 9:13-18 roots salvation as a divine act of God s choosing. What character qualities of God does Paul appeal to? (God extends mercy to whom he wills. God s actions are not dependent on people) - How can God s sovereignty give you peace? How can God s sovereignty give you pause? The Heart of It Whether you buy-in to God s divine election in salvation or you believe we choose God on our own free choice (both positions are held by members at Scarlet City Church), one thing that is foundational is God s love. - Back to our first question, why do you think the author begins this book by reminding his readers of God s love? - Do you believe God loves you? Explain. - How is God s love the foundation for our lives?! 7!
STUDY 2 WORSHIP: EXPRESSING LOVE TOWARD GOD (1:6-2:9) INTRODUCTION In the opening verses, God s people were questioning God s love. After refuting such a charge, God turns the tables on them and offers the same charge. God s love for his people was demonstrated in their election, deliverance from slavery, his revelation to them in the Law, and through restoring them to fellowship with him. Through the gospel of Jesus Christ, God s love is manifested to us today. The question is not whether God loves us, but do we respond to God s love in worship? READ Malachi 1:6-2:9 DISCUSSION (1) (1:6a) A son honors his father, and a servant his master. If then I am a father, where is my honor? And if I am a master, where is my fear? - In our list of priorities, where should God be? - What competes with that spot in your life? - Why is relinquishing authority to God and others so difficult for us? (2) (1:6b-14) Unrighteous worship: not approaching God on his terms - Who does God specifically address? What practices does he label evil? (In addressing the lack of love for God, God addresses the priests and their polluted offerings.) - Why do you believe the priests were slacking in their worship responsibilities? - Does it surprise you that God doesn t just accept whatever they offer? Explain. - What s the big deal?! Why do you think God cares so much about their sacrifices? (It s a reflection of their view toward God.)! 8!
(3) (2:1-3) God s judgment Matthew Henry quote: Nothing profanes the name of God more than the misconduct of those whose business it is to do honor to it. - How does God respond to their unrighteous offerings? - Do you believe God is being harsh? - Does God have a right to pronounce judgment? How is God s justice both reassuring and terrifying? (4) (1:9-11; 2:4-9) Righteous worship: approaching God on his terms. Read Micah 6:8; Hosea 6:6; and Romans 12:1-2 - What were the responsibilities of the Levites? (See Deut. 33; Ezek. 43:22-27.) - According to Malachi 1:11 what is the purpose of the priesthood? (To make God famous and worshipped rightly among the nations) - How does God want us to respond to his love? (He wants all of us. Our affections. Our obedience. Our lives. Our entire life is a sacrifice for God. And ultimately, God wants us to have faith that His will for our lives offers the greatest outcome.) - What is keeping us back from responding in this manner? (5) Clarifying Contrast: Unrighteous vs. Righteous Worship - What were the contrasts between unrighteous and righteous worship? Unrighteous Questioned God s faithfulness Approached God on their terms Brought God damaged goods Polluted God s name Were rejected by God Righteous Embraced God s faithfulness Approached God on his terms Brought their best before God Made God s name great among nations Were accepted by God! 9!
The Heart of It When we are captivated by God s greatness his authority and glory over all creation; and we are captivated by God s love his willingness to send his son to die on our behalf, then we are able to see him rightly. If God is great and loving we should respond to him with our entire lives. - How does our perception of God affect our approach to him? - Should God determine how we approach him or ourselves? - Why can we rejoice in worshipping God rightly? (We were designed and created to fellowship with God. When we are living in harmony with God our soul finds lasting joy.) - Through the New Covenant and immediate access to Christ through His Spirit, we are no members of a royal priesthood (1 Peter 2:9; Revelation 5:10; 1 Cor. 4:1; Heb. 7:23-28). His standards, though, are like those of the former priesthood. Am I offering Him my best, or am I withholding things? Am I upholding my responsibilities as a member of the royal priesthood?! 10!
Study 3 Social (pt 1): Expressing Love Toward Family and Friends (2:9-16) INTRODUCTION Up to this point in Malachi we have seen God s love toward His people and the priests unfaithfulness to God by offering blemished sacrifices, thereby abandoning their covenant with God. However, the priests were not alone in their folly. Malachi goes on to rebuke the laity for their unfaithfulness. He uses marriage and divorce to point out their faithlessness toward one another as to say, If you can t be faithful to people you say you love, how can you possibly be faithful to God? READ Malachi 2:10-16 DISCUSSION (1) (2:10) God is identified as Father and Creator - What are the implications of God being both Father and Creator? What does this say about the relationship between people and God? - Why do you think it s important to remember the truth about who God is and who we are in relationship to God when considering the state of our hearts and our behavior? (2) (2:10-12) Charges brought against God s people. - In v. 11 Malachi is speaking to an explicit audience. Who is he speaking to? ( Judah is the tribe of Judah, Israel includes all the twelve tribes, and Jerusalem is the capital. God is talking about how His own people profane the covenant.) - What specific offenses are brought up against God s people? - Who are God s people being faithless to? (one another!)! 11!
- Whose holiness is profaned because of the people s sins? ( Judah has profaned the sanctuary (or holiness) of the Lord. That is, although they re committing their offenses against one another, their sin has an effect on their relationship with God.) - How does God view sin? (Read Gen 6:5-7; God hates/abhors/detests sin.) - How does your view of sin compare to God s? Why? What are the implications of your answer? (3) Faithlessness in marriage. - What was the major problem with intermarriage in ancient Israel? Was it simply a matter of ethnic purity? How did it affect the covenant relationship? - What is the connection between covenant relationship and marriage in the Old Testament? Read Is.54:6: Hos. 2:14- -23; and Rev. 19:5-8. What is portrayed about marriage? - Why is divorce, in light of 2:14, so destructive? What does the threefold description of the wife say about marriage and divorce? - Who is the One in 2:15-16? How does oneness connect with 2:10? What is the connection between oneness and fragmentation with regard to the covenant relationship?! 12!
The Heart of It Often times we have a high view of self and a low view of sin, thereby making ourselves equal with the truly righteous God, and minimizing the impact sin has on our relationship with God and with other people. As Malachi reveals, we re so self-absobed that we fail to see the ways we sin against the people we ve committed to love, so we certainly have blindspots in seeing the ways we sin against God. We need a much clearer understanding of the magnitude of God s righteousness and the magnitude of our sinfulness. - Based on our study of Malachi so far, how would you describe the type of love we re talking about? - Do you agree that if we can t treat our family and friends with sincere love that it s impossible to show sincere love toward God? - Read Matthew 22:36-39 and discuss what this can practically look like in your life.! 13!
Study 4 Social (pt 2): Expressing Love Toward Those in Need (2:17-3:5) INTRODUCTION Often times when we question God s ways we are assuming that God should be more like us - He should act like us, He should judge like us, outcomes should be favorable for us, etc. This tends to happen because we have a high view of ourselves and a low view of God. We are often ignorant of how significant our sinful behavior is, and how offensive it is to God. Do you ever question God s judgements? The people in Malachi s day did. In this section the Lord addresses their blind spots. READ Malachi 2:17-3:5 DISCUSSION (1) (2:17) Man is ignorant of his own sins. - What has caused the Lord s weariness? - What is wrong with what the people are complaining about: Everyone who does evil is good in the sight of the Lord, and he delights in them? Or by asking, Where is the God of justice? Compare it to Psalm 73:2-3. (The people are suggesting that God isn t fair because evil people prosper and there is no justice.) - Do you ever struggle with thinking God isn t fair or just? Or why doesn t God do anything about evil? - What is ironic about the people s claim? (God is temporarily withholding His judgment and wrath from them for their faithlessness and sinning.) - What is wrong with their perspective? (They are thinking of the present, rather than thinking in light of eternity. Because God does not always judge immediately, man interprets this as God will not judge at all.)! 14!
(2) (3:1-4) God answers the questions raised by the people of Israel. - Who is my messenger in v. 1? On the other hand, who is the messenger of the covenant and what is the evidence for his distinction with the former? See John 3:28 also. (The first messenger who is to go before and prepare the way is John the Baptist. The second is the messenger of the covenant, the Lord Jesus Christ.) - What does v. 3:2 say about the eschatological coming of the messenger of the covenant? (It s not referring to Jesus first coming - to save - but rather, it s referring to His second coming - as Judge.) - What is a refiner s fire and a launderer s soap? How do the ancient practices of smelting and washing connect with spiritual purification? - Can you identify with purification being a long process occurring over and over again? Explain your answer. (3) (3:5) God fortells of His coming to judge. - Who does the Lord say He will judge against? - What do these types of people all have in common? (Their sinful behavior was turning people away from God instead of toward God. In other words, the people were not witnessing for God.) - What does v. 5 reveal about God? (His values and character.)! 15!
The Heart of It We can see in the Bible from Genesis 12 on that God s mission for His people is to live and speak in such a way that others will want to know the Lord. We know that some people will follow God because of what they see and here from others. It s also true that people may, in fact, turn away from God because of the way they are treated by God s people - especially those with unmet physical and emotional needs. - What does God s concern for people in need say about His character? - As His followers should the same attributes be characterized in us? - Why is it difficult to help people with practical needs? Is it up to us to decide who deserves help? - Discuss practical ways that you and your City Group can display and declare the gospel to the last, the least, and the lost to the glory of God.! 16!
STUDY 5 ECONOMIC: INVESTMENT IN GOD S WORK (3:6-15) INTRODUCTION What does the Bible say about money? This is often the last question people want to ask. After addressing worship and love for others, Malachi turns to something that makes many uneasy money. It s important to be sensitive to the issue because many have, often valid, belief that the church is all about money. While it s important to be sensitive to the issue, to not address the spiritual implications for money management would be a disservice for all longing to follow the Lord. If we hope to be faithful followers of Jesus Christ, and if we want to be freed from the bondage of materialism then we must address this pivotal issue. READ Malachi 3:6-15 DISCUSSION (1) (3:6) For I the Lord do not change; therefore you, O children of Jacob, are not consumed. This is an incredible pass describing the immutability of God the belief that God does not change. The context speaks to God s steadfastness toward his covenant. - What does this reveal about God s character? - Why is this important to what is discussed in Malachi? - Immutability of God is the doctrine that God does not change. How can this give all of us comfort? How does this impact how we live? (2) (3:7) Fellowship with God is addressed - God does not change but his people do. What is the irony of verse 7? - How are the people to return to God? (The entire book is about how they can do this. They must seek the Lord in faith and respond to his love with obedience)! 17!
- Do you ever feel distant from God? If so, how can this be repaired? (Being reminded of the truth of God s presence, confession of sin, obedience, etc.) (3) (3:8-9) Robbing God is addressed Notice, the discussion of money falls under the broader discussion of God s covenant toward his people and their fellowship with him. How we handle money is a spiritual issue and evidences our fellowship with God! - How had the people robbed God? Do you think it s valid that God would care about their tithes and offerings? - Why would it be considered robbing God? - (Read Psalm 24:1) If everything is God s, then how does that change how we view our money? (4) (3:10) Am I required to give 10 percent? See Dr. Thomas Constable s response below: This verse has often been used to urge Christians to tithe. However, the New Covenant under which Christians live never specified the amount or percentage that we should give back to God of what He has given to us. Rather it teaches that we should give regularly, sacrificially, as the Lord has prospered us, and joyfully (cf. 1 Cor. 16:1-2; 2 Cor. 8 9; Phil. 4). In harmony with the principle of grace that marks the present dispensation, the Lord leaves the amount we give back to Him unspecified and up to us. Christians who sit under a steady diet of preaching that majors on God's grace often give far more than 10 percent. Since tithing preceded the giving of the Mosaic Covenant (Gen. 14:20; 28:22), many Christians regard giving 10 percent as our minimal responsibility. However, the examples of tithing that appear before the Mosaic Law are just that: examples, not commands (e.g., Gen. 14:20; 28:22). Examples are not binding on believers, but precepts (commands) are. Another example of this is the early Jerusalem Christians practicing communal living (Acts 2:44). Few people would say that this practice is binding on all Christians today.! 18!
- Do you believing giving a tenth of one s income is binding today? Why or why not? (There can be disagreement here. Scarlet City Church s official positon is that tithing is not a binding Law for Christians today.) - Assuming this Law of giving 10% is not binding, are we any less indebted to God today than the Israelites were then? (5) (3:13-15) What is the profit of our keeping his charge? Why we don t give. Also, read Matthew 6:24 & 1 Timothy 6:17-19. - In verse 14, what seems to be the reason God s people were unwilling to follow God? (Serving God was vain. There was no profit.) - Why does investing in God s work through financial giving and service seem unprofitable to you? - According to Matthew 6:24 we must have one master. How does our financial stewardship reveal our master? - In 1 Timothy 6:17-19 we see a future blessing for those who invest their temporary riches in eternal endeavors. Can we say that it is actually more profitable to invest in God s work than ourselves? How so? The Heart of It - What should be our motivator for investing in God s work? (The gospel. We respond to God s generosity by giving back with a joyful spirit.) - Why is it important to give to the local church and those in need? - What lies do you believe that keep you from living more generously? (Examples: This is my money. My identity is wrapped up in my car, home, clothing, etc. Giving to God s work is not profitable. When I have more money I will give. I give my time that s enough.)! 19!
STUDY 6 FUTURE: GOD S WRATH & MERCY (3:16-4:6) INTRODUCTION How are we to respond? Malachi closes with the responses of God s people and God himself. Upon hearing the charges leveled against them, there are some who respond in fear, faith, and obedience leading to healing and future salvation. On the other hand, there are those who will reject God s commands and will experience judgment. In the close of this letter we are reminded of the authority and power at God s disposal. We ultimately are left with the choice of bowing to him now as Savior or bowing to him later as Judge. READ Malachi 3:16-4:6 DISCUSSION (1) (3:16-18) The Lord s possession - Concerning those who embrace the Lord, how does God respond to them? (They shall be mine.my treasured possession speaks of them as children) - Do you believe that you are a treasured possession of God? How does this impact your view of yourself and others? - In verse 18, we see a contrast between those who respond rightly to God and those who do not. What are the distinctions and similarities between the two? (2) (4:1) Future judgment. Read Matthew 25:41-46. In these passages there is a strong undertone of future judgment for those who don t worship God rightly, and restoration for those who do respond rightly. - God plays a judicial role throughout the Bible as judge. Do you embrace God s judgment or does it give you pause? - In Malachi 4:1 who will experience this future judgment?! 20!
- According to Matthew 25:41-46, who does it seem will experience future judgment? (3) (4:2-3) Future deliverance. Read Romans 10:8-13 - In Malachi 4:2, who will experience God s mercy? - According Romans 10:8-13, what is at the heart of those who will experience God s salvation? - Do these passages give us hope? - How is this connected to the gospel? (The gospel is the good news of salvation from sin through faith in Jesus Christ) The Heart of It Wrapping up Malachi - How did the study of Malachi begin? How is the beginning connected to the end? (The foundation of God s love.) - Malachi closes the book by reminding the reader of the hope of salvation. How does that message give you hope? - How does the concept of future salvation color how we live today? - What has God taught your through this study?! 21!
GOSPEL ACTION PLAN The point of Bible study is not to simply learn some interesting facts about God, but to experience life-change through: learning, believing, meditating, and living. Learning What did you learn about God, yourself, and this world through this study? Believing What do you need to believe about God in order for this book to become real in your life? Meditating What truths are worth mediating on? Living What are some tangibles changes you hope to make in your life as a result of this study?! 22!