Malachi 3:16-4:6

INTRO:

A) (The coming judgement) The past few weeks we have been discussing the warning of Malachi, which is judgement is coming

But who will be able to stand against God’s judgement when He comes?

B) (The call to repentance) The Levites were not following the commands of God, in fact they were cheating God and teaching the people to do the same

**Tonight, we will look at two groups of people. The first group of people finds no value in following God and they out right reject Him with their actions.

The second group of people fear God, love Him, and seek to honor Him through their actions.

1.(V14-15) The first group finds no value in obeying God

A) Their thinking is, why obey God when we see people prosper for disobeying Him?

B) They don’t see God’s judgement and foolishly believe it’s not coming

2 Pet 3:9 “The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent.”

2.(V16-18) The second group of people fear God

A) They fear God and care about His honor

-God hears them

-Their names are recorded in the scroll

-They are His people and a special treasure

-They will be spared as obedient Children

3.(4:1) Judgement is coming

A) Described as burning furnace, where the wicked (The unbelieving) will be burned up

B) It’s a promise and what’s done is done and no turning back from that point forward

4.(4:2) For those who fear God, the Sun of Righteousness (Jesus Christ) will rise with healing in His wings

A) Those who fear God will be heeled, free, and leaping with joy

B) On the day of judgement, they will tread upon the wicked

5.(4:3) Reminder to obey the law (Because they were Jews still under the law)

A) There is value in obedience because it’s required by God