Malachi 4:1-6; The Coming of Christ pt 1

Sermon in a sentence: Jesus’ first coming should prepare us for his second coming.

God’s Word of Punishment (v. 1)

God is a righteous judge that will bring judgement.

God’s Word of Promise (vs. 2-3)

While, we all deserve judgement, God promises to bless those who trust in him.

God’s Word through Prophets (vs. 4-6)

God has used prophets like Moses and Elijah to prepare his people.

God used John the Baptist as an Elijah figure to prepare the world for Jesus.

John 1:21 ESV

21 And they asked him, “What then? Are you Elijah?” He said, “I am not.” “Are you the Prophet?” And he answered, “No.”

Matthew 11:11–15 ESV

11 Truly, I say to you, among those born of women there has arisen no one greater than John the Baptist. Yet the one who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. 12 From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven has suffered violence, and the violent take it by force. 13 For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John, 14 and if you are willing to accept it, he is Elijah who is to come. 15 He who has ears to hear, let him hear.

Matthew 17:9–13 ESV

9 And as they were coming down the mountain, Jesus commanded them, “Tell no one the vision, until the Son of Man is raised from the dead.” 10 And the disciples asked him, “Then why do the scribes say that first Elijah must come?” 11 He answered, “Elijah does come, and he will restore all things. 12 But I tell you that Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him, but did to him whatever they pleased. So also the Son of Man will certainly suffer at their hands.” 13 Then the disciples understood that he was speaking to them of John the Baptist.

Revelation 11:3–4 ESV

3 And I will grant authority to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy for 1,260 days, clothed in sackcloth.” 4 These are the two olive trees and the two lampstands that stand before the Lord of the earth.