><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (Malachi) CHAPTER 1:1-2:9 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1) 1:1-5 The people of Judah, looking upon their condition and circumstances, were depressed and murmuring against God. What proof did the prophet adduce to show that God did love them as a nation? Cf PS 34:15,16;73:26-28 2) Of what particular sins were the priests guilty? With what will God punish them if they remain impenitent? What was the root of their failure? 3) What, by contrast, do we learn should be the quality and objectives of our service as messengers of the Lord of hosts? Cf 2:5-7, and cf 2Cor 6:3;2Tim 2:15; I Peter 4:10,11 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (Micah) Chapter 1:1-2:9 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) The example of Jacob loved, Esau hated is given. It is based entirely on election. It is God's sovereign will. Also see Rom 9:13 2) The priests were guilty of placing defiled food on the altar to God, bringing imperfect animals (blinded, crippled or diseased) for sacrifice. The Lord was displeased, would not accept any offering from them. They were cursed for doing these things. They even had the right offering but did not give it. 3) I think we can see the great responsibility of those who are in leadership, v7 "For the lips of a priest ought to preserve knowledge, and from his mouth men should seek instruction - because he is the messenger of the Lord Almighty." Likewise, I believe we ought to understand that what we do as a living is where God has placed us and we have a very great responsibility from the Lord Himself to do our very best, to represent Him in our lives. -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- Malachi 1:1 - 2:9 Love of God and Unfaithfulness of His People About 100 years after returning from exile to Babylon. The Temple and the wall were rebuilt. The people of Israel had become disillusioned and doubtful. They wondered what the benefits would be to serve the Lord?! Then, the priests had become lax and degenerated. Sacrifices were inferior. Tithes were neglected. The people had reverted to their old practice of intermarrying with idolatrous neighbors. In chapter 1:2-5, God reminded them of His love for Israel. "How have you loved us?" The answer to this question is that He loved them even rejected their twin brother's nation, Edom, and made her desolated and was destroyed. Discussion was given in the Book of Obadiah about Jacob and Esau. The discussion made there was elaborated from their family background recorded in Genesis 25 and on. In Romams 9:13, Paul quoted Mil 1:2 "Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated (rejected)." The quotation given by Paul to indicate that "I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion", Romams 9:15; Ex, 33:19, according to the mercy of God and His observation of each individual's heart and faith in God. In 1:6 - 14, Malachi charged Israelites dishonored their Lord; their blemished offering was not acceptable for its impurity. For that reason, the Lord will extend His love to other nations, from the rising to the setting of the sun, 1:11. In New Testament time, what did God tell us about our offerings? "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service." Romans12:1. 2:1-9 is an indictment of the priests. The duty of the priest is for the people to seek the law from his mouth; for the lips of a priest should keep knowledge. 2:7. Instead, they have departed from the way; they have caused many to stumble at the law. They have corrupted the covenant of Levi, 2:8. End up to be despised and humiliated before all the people, 2:9. It is an insult to God for His anointed priests, or preachers today, to be despised and humiliated before all the people. It is a very serious matter before the All Mighty God. -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 1:1-2:9 -------------------------------- Malachi"My Messenger" was a practicer of the Socratic method of induction. His book uses 23 questions to present answers. His message was given after the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem. 1) God loved the people of Judah. He called them for His purposes. The nation did not realize this and felt that God had forsaken them. Ps 34:15 says: The eyes of the LORD are toward the righteous And His ears are open to their cry. 2) The priests were guilty of cheating the sacrifice. Offering second rate animals in place of the promised first fruits. God says in Chp2 that He will bring a curse on the people if they remain impenitent. The root of the failure was not offering of a 'cheerful heart', a worthy attitude. This applies to all forms of worship. Worship through our tithes and offerings, as well as our singing of songs, hymns, spiritual songs, and our prayers and petitions to Him. We must learn to have the proper attitude in our worship to make our offering of worship acceptable to God. How often do we just go through the motions and offer a blind prayer or a crippled hymn to the Lord? Let us strive to give our best to the Lord and make sure we are doing all to the Praise of His Glorious Grace Eph 1:6. 3) We learn that we should give our best and be reverent to the Lord. We need to hold to 2 Tim 2:15 15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth. ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (Malachi) CHAPTER 2:10-3:6 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1) 2:10-16 Although the people wept before the Lord, they found He would not regard their offerings. Why not? What particular sin was coming between them and God, and what 'heart condition' unlay it?Cf Heb 3:12,13 2) How is 3:1-6 an answer to the people's complaint in 2:17? What similes are used to describe the day of the Lord's coming? What must be put away? And on what must my heart be set, if I am to be ready to welcome Him at His appearing? Cf I Thes 3:12,13;I Jn 3:2,3 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (Malachi) Chapter 2:10-3:6 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) The people married those who worshipped foreign gods, and also divorced. About the marrying of pagan women, it says..v12"..may the Lord cut him off from the tents of Jacob - even though he brings offerings to the Lord Almighty." It was a problem of breaking faith, and the instruction was "So guard yourself in spirit, and do not break faith."v16b 2) The people ask how they have wearied the Lord. M. replies that they have called evildoers "good in the eyes of the Lord and pleasing". The Lord's appearing is likened to a refiner's fire or a launderer's soap, purifying the Levites and refining them like gold silver. There will also be judgement. Purification is necessary to meet the Lord. -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- Malachi 2:10 - 3:6 The Love of God Despised by People 2:10 Inequality observed - Why do we deal treacherously with one another by profaning the covenant of the fathers? 2:11 Intermarriage - An abomination has been committed in Israel and in Jerusalem. For Judah has profaned the Lord's holy institution which He loves: They have married the daughters of a foreign god. 2:14-16 Immorality toward their wives of their youth - "For the Lord God of Israel says that He hates divorce." 2:16. 2:17 Insincerity - Where is the God of justice? 3:1 -6 The Coming of the Messiah: His first coming was introduced by John the Baptist, 3:1. He shall come to purify Israel, 3:2-4. He will come for judgment of those who trick the innocent, against adulterers and liars, against all those who cheat their hired hands, who oppress widows and orphans, or defraud strqngers, and do not fear the Lord, 3:5. At that time you will understand that it is not foolish to worship God and obey Him. At that time, you will question no more "What good does it do to obey His laws, and to sorrow and mourn for our sins. --------." 3:14.-15. -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) The Lord would not regard the people's offerings because they had intermarried with those of pagan beliefs, they had been involved in multiples divorces. The divorce itself was not the action which caused the separation, but the heart attitude towards the seriousness of that action. The Lord calls us to be equally yoked. To seek those who are of similar belief in The One and Only when we establish relationships on this earth. Without the presence of God in a marriage, the marriage is doomed. It is only through an equal partnership with God as the head of that partnering that marriage will be successful. 2) The Answer given to the people's problem is Christ. At His second coming He will be like Refiner's Fire AND Fuller's Soap. It is interesting to note the AND. This implies that the Lord will bring not only purification and refinement through judgment fire, but also cleansing and sanctification through washing of Fuller's soap. This is the only solution for our sinful nature and our old man desire to return to that original sin. We must set our hearts on the Lord that we may be presented as offerings of righteousness before the King. May we fix ourselves on Love that we may be holy and blameless before Him. I Thes 3:12,13 12 and may the Lord cause you to increase and abound in love for one another, and for all people, just as we also do for you; 13 so that He may establish your hearts without blame in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all His saints. ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (Malachi) CHAPTER 3:7-4:6 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1) Of what are the people accused in 3:7-15? What must we make our chief concern if we wish to obtain God's promised blessings? Cf PR 3:9,10; Mt 6:30-33;16:25 Lk 6:38. In what practical ways ought I to respond to this call? 2) Two different classes of people are described in 3:13-16. To which do you belong? The wicked may seem to have the best of it, but God says here that, in contrast to present circumstances, He is going to make a day(3:17 and 4:3) in which the righteous and the wicked shall be openly distinguished and justly recompensed. How will this be effected? Cf 4:1,2 with 2 Thes1:7-10 I Jn 2:28;3:2, Rev 6:15-17 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (Malachi) CHAPTER 3:7-4:6 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) The people have been accused of robbing God. (What a strange thought to me!) It seems that they withhold tithes and offerings, and they are challenged to "test the Lord in this" and see the resulting blessing. While tithing the correct amount cheerfully is important, I also think God calls us to give of our time sometimes too. Serving the needs of the church is one thing that seems to take spiritual growth to understand more, just as tithing Biblically may. 2) I find v 14 interesting. Today in my church service, the pastor (Carey) asked us a challenging question, "How much of what you believe is really Truth?" Can we give a percentage of what we believe that is completely from the Bible? Probably, the majority of us believe a lot that is not really Biblical when it comes down to it. Back to v14, I used to think a modified form of this myself, I feel. Although I would not call serving God "futile" at all, I did say how easy it is to become tired and feel defeated in doing good as Christians in this world. However, it is clear here where God says, "And you will again see the distinction between the righteous and the wicked, between those who serve God and those who do not." Hallelujah, let us never tire of doing good for the Lord! -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- Malachi 3:7 - 18 The Result of Robbing God 3:8-10: Robbing God, robbing the poor. The Old Testaments concluded with the topic on tithing. It is an action of love and a way to manifest loyalty to God in those days. Jesus told us that "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. FOR WHERE YOUR TREASURE IS, THERE YOUR HEART WILL BE ALSO." Matthew 6:19-21. As we discussed in chapter 1 about offering the living sacrifice cited in Romans 12. The reason Malachi did not talk about living sacrifice is because that at that time only the tribe of Levi was the ones who were allowed to serve God. The Encouragement Given by Malachi NOW we call the arrogant blessed. Certainly the evildoers prosper, and even those who challenge God escape. THEN those who feared the Lord talked with each other, and the Lord listened and heard. A scroll of remembrance was written in His presence concerning those who feared the Lord and honored his name. "They will be mine," says the Lord Almighty, "IN THE DAY when I make up my treasured possession. I will spare them, just as in compassion a man spares his son who serves him. And you will again see the distinction between the righteous and wicked, between those who serve God and those who do not. 3:15 - 18 Malachi 4 The Day of the Lord Christ's coming brings purification to all, 3:2-3. His second coming will expose and condemn those who are proud, insensitive, or unprepared. The second coming will be introduced by elijah the prophet, 4:5-6. Chapter 4 is a short one of six verses concerning the Day of the Lord: What will happen to the wicked ones when that day come? All the arrogant and every evildoer will be stubble, --- will set them on fire. 4:1 How the believer will be treated? Who revere the name of the Lord, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings for them. And they will go out and leap (expression of joy) ----. Then they will trample down the wicked; the wicked will be burned into ashes ---. 4:2-3 What do we do at this waiting time - Remember (practice, exercise) the law of my servant Moses, the decrees and laws I gave him ---. 4:4 When will the day come? When He sends the prophet Elijah first before the great and dreadful day of the Lord come, 4:5 Luke 1:17 - And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous - to make ready a people prepared for the Lord. Refer also to Matthew 11:14 about Elijah's coming. The prophecy of Malachi 4:5 will actually be fulfilled in the great tribulation, when Elijah will come to strengthen god's people, Rev. 11:3-12. -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) The people are accused of robbing God. The people had been holding back part of the tithe for serving the poor. Even for a 'good cause' we should not be the ones to decide how the Lord will use our tithe. We must give it freely to Him and let His work be done. The people's problem was also in v14 that they expected good things and prosperity as a result of serving God. We must seek first God's Kingdom and Righteousness as he tells us in Matthew. Then all(material blessings) will be added unto us. 2) The wicked and the arrogant are described in 13-16. The wicked and righteous will be exposed, much as He relates that the wheat will be separated from the tares in the NT. 4:1 says the wicked will be as chaff Psalms 1:4-5 tells us of the fate of the wicked. 4 ¶ The wicked are not so, But they are like chaff which the wind drives away. 5 Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, Nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous. This is also for those who are lukewarm. Rev 3:16 'So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of My mouth. 4:2 says that the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings. What a glorious picture of the sun bringing light to all that fear the name of Jesus. The fate of the wicked is to be burned in judgement then tread down like ashes under foot.