Malach 4

Malachi Chapter 4

*We have come to the end of a perfect day...

Title: "The Day of the Lord: A Message from Malachi 4"

1“For behold, the day is coming, burning like an oven, when all the arrogant and all evildoers will be stubble. The day that is coming shall set them ablaze, says the Lord of hosts, so that it will leave them neither root nor branch.

2 But for you who fear my name, the sun of righteousness shall rise with healing in its wings. You shall go out leaping like calves from the stall.

3 And you shall tread down the wicked, for they will be ashes under the soles of your feet, on the day when I act, says the Lord of hosts.

4 “Remember the law of my servant Moses, the statutes and rules that I commanded him at Horeb for all Israel.

5 “Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the great and awesome day of the Lord comes.

6 And he will turn the hearts of fathers to their children and the hearts of children to their fathers, lest I come and strike the land with a decree of utter destruction.”

PRAY

Illustration:

LANDING AN AIRPLANE:

An airplane can’t land just anywhere it wants. It needs a long, smooth surface for landing.

Often, a plane will circle for a long period before landing.

The same is true for the revival of God.

He’s circling and wanting to bring us something wonderful, but there’s no place for Him to land, so He keeps circling.

God is constantly circling in our lives and our situations, but we often refuse to give Him anywhere sufficient to land the plane.

Our lives need to have a suitable place that is prepared for the landing of God’s goodness.

-Tony Evans

Introduction:

Tonight, we come to study and reflect on the final chapter of the book of Malachi.

This prophetic book contains powerful messages from God, and in chapter 4, we find a message of hope and warning regarding the coming Day of the Lord.

As Bible-believing, conservative Christians, it is crucial for us to understand this message and its relevance to our lives today.

Verse 1: "For behold, the day is coming, burning like an oven, when all the arrogant and all evildoers will be stubble. The day that is coming shall set them ablaze, says the Lord of hosts, so that it will leave them neither root nor branch."

In this verse, we are reminded that there is a day coming, a day of judgment. The metaphor of an oven emphasizes the intensity of God's wrath against the arrogant and evildoers.

It is a day when they will be consumed completely, leaving no trace behind. This underscores the importance of repentance and turning away from sin, for God's judgment is certain.

Verse 2: "But for you who fear my name, the sun of righteousness shall rise with healing in its wings. You shall go out leaping like calves from the stall."

In contrast to the judgment on the wicked, there is hope and blessing for those who fear the name of the Lord.

The "sun of righteousness" refers to the Messiah, Jesus Christ, who brings healing and restoration.

Those who trust in Him will experience freedom and joy, like calves leaping from their stalls.

This verse reminds us of the importance of faith and trust in the Lord, who offers salvation and deliverance.

Verse 3: "And you shall tread down the wicked, for they will be ashes under the soles of your feet, on the day when I act, says the Lord of hosts."

God promises that those who remain faithful to Him will ultimately triumph over the wicked.

The imagery of ashes under the soles of their feet symbolizes the complete defeat and subjugation of evil.

This verse encourages us to trust in God's justice and sovereignty, knowing that He will ultimately vindicate His people.

Verse 4: "Remember the law of my servant Moses, the statutes and rules that I commanded him at Horeb for all Israel."

God calls His people to remember His commandments and statutes given through Moses.

As conservative believers, we understand the enduring significance of God's moral law.

It is a reminder that obedience to God's Word is a vital aspect of our relationship with Him. We must strive to live in accordance with His commands.

Verse 5: "Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the great and awesome day of the Lord comes."

This verse alludes to the coming of a prophet like Elijah before the Day of the Lord.

Many Christians believe that this prophecy was fulfilled in the ministry of John the Baptist, who prepared the way for the coming of Jesus Christ.

It serves as a reminder that God sends messengers to prepare His people for significant events, and we should heed their message.

Verse 6: "And he will turn the hearts of fathers to their children and the hearts of children to their fathers, lest I come and strike the land with a decree of utter destruction."

The reconciliation of families is a crucial theme in this verse.

It highlights the importance of relationships and the need for restoration and unity within families and communities.

God's desire is for reconciliation and harmony, but the consequences of disobedience are severe.

This verse emphasizes the urgency of repentance and reconciliation before the Day of the Lord arrives.

Closing:

BEING SET ON FIRE:

If you’re on fire, you’ll know it without a doubt.

Not only will you be able to feel it, you’re probably going to be doing something different if you’re on fire.

You would be acting differently than normal. Perhaps you would be running, screaming, or waving your arms, crying, but certainly not just standing still.

People who have spiritual experiences and just act differently are one thing.

They may jump and holler, but it may not be true and may not last.

If the true fire of the Holy Spirit is upon you, it may cause you to become emotional and act differently. But that fire will also change you for good and for the long-term. That’s what happens when you’ve been lit up by the Holy Spirit.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, Malachi chapter 4 provides us with a glimpse into the coming Day of the Lord, a day of judgment and blessing.

As Bible-believing, conservative Christians, we must heed the message of hope and warning found in this chapter.

Let us remember the importance of faith, obedience to God's Word, and reconciliation with one another as we anticipate the return of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

May we live our lives in a manner pleasing to Him, knowing that He is faithful to His promises.

-PRAY