231231 The Fear of Yahweh

Mark Organ

Sermon • Submitted a year ago • Presented a year ago

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30 Minutes

INTRODUCTION 1 Minute

Good morning everyone. Today we are going to be exploring, in Micah, the concept of the Fear of Yahweh. INTRODUCTION SLIDE Proverbs chapter 9 verse 10 summarizes the importance of the the fear of Yahweh when it says, Proverbs 9:10“The fear of Yahweh is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” The concept of the fear of Yahweh is fundamental, very basic, if we are to understand anything rightly we need to understand the Lord and that will lead us to a proper fear of Him.

But for many of us, we hear the words, “the fear of Yahweh” and we recoil a bit - fear is not something that appeals to us, but we need to be clear on what the fear is that is being referenced here. Biblically speaking the fear referred to is a reverence or honor, but it does certainly also contain an element of intimidation as well. Moreover, fear referenced in the Bible can also definitely include terror. MAINPOINT SLIDE 1

These two elements of reverence and terror are united in Exodus chapter 20 verse 20. Now you don’t have to turn there but just quickly the context of this passage is very interesting because there is both the element of terror and the element of reverence. Yahweh is giving the Ten Commandments, the Mount Sinai is enveloped with smoke, there is an ear splitting sound of a great trumpet and thunder and lightening… It is terrifying but then the text says something fascinating which has immediate application to us today and to how we look at the book of Micah MAINPOINT SLIDE 2

MAINPOINT 1 Minute

Exodus 20:20“And Moses said to the people, “Do not be afraid; for God has come in order to test you, and in order that the fear of Him may be with you, so that you may not sin.””

Having an appropriate fear of Yahweh keeps us from sinning. Whoa! That is something I need to hear. That is something that the church needs to hear. A proper reverence of God, that acknowledges not only His immense power, His dangerous holiness as well as His grace produces an aversion to sin.

I believe that this main point will resonate with us as we approach the book of Malachi. Today is the last day of 2023 and we are completing the second leg of our three year journey through the Bible with the last book of the Old Testament. Now today, is a bit different from our normal procedure. Typically, we look at one text primarily, but since the theme of the Fear of the Lord threads its way through all four chapters I think it makes sense to look at all of what is revealed about this particular topic especially as it relates to things we are concerned about, Giving, Divorce, the Future. The Lord has much to teach us in the book of Malachi. Here is a road map just briefly explaining what I am hoping to achieve in looking at this text ROADMAP SLIDE 1

ROADMAP 1 Minute

We saw the fundamental principle in Proverbs 9:10 - in that the Fear of Yahweh is the beginning of wisdom. ROADMAP SLIDE 2 Then we looked at the main point which ties together the twin elements of the fear of Yahweh, terror and reverence. We learned from Exodus that the fear of Yahweh keeps people from sinning - which is something of great interest to us. ROADMAP SLIDE Now we will be looking at how the Fear of Yahweh threads its way through the book of Malachi. ROADMAP SLIDE 3 We are going to look at three ‘to-do’s’ that impact us personally, relationally and socially. ROADMAP SLIDE 4 Then we will see two incredible blessings reserved for those that fear Yahweh. ROADMAP SLIDE 5 Lastly, we will come to grips with the coming reality of the day of Yahweh. ROADMAP SLIDE 6 Afterwards we will make a couple observations from the text and also look at three different ways we can foster the development of reverence for the Lord. ROADMAP SLIDE 7 Concluding with Ecclesiastes 12 to bring it all together. So that is our roadmap, we have our destination, the Fear of Yahweh, we know our route. Let’s start this journey by asking Yahweh’s blessing. BLANK SLIDE

PRAYER 1 Minute

Lord God, You are great and powerful and we look at Your Word and it is clear that You are to be feared and that that fear is desirable. Please give us the fear of You that keeps us from sinning. Please remove any inclination toward blind terror. We know that You are dangerous in Your goodness, fearsome in Your holiness and yet we also desire to know You better so that we might not sin. Please Holy Spirit, may reverence and understanding and greater sanctification be accomplished today through Your work, through Your Word. It is in Christ’s name we pray, amen. CONTEXT SLIDE 1

CONTEXT 1 Minute / 2:30 Minutes Used

Firstly, the Priesthood has become corrupted - they are actually inviting the pagan idolatrous enemies of God to use temple chambers Nehemiah 13:7 CONTEXT SLIDE 2 Secondly, tithing has abandoned - temple worship is no longer sustained by gifts and offerings and as a result some of the priests have gone home Nehemiah 13:10. CONTEXT SLIDE 3 Thirdly, the Sabbath has become profaned - Priests, nobles and the commoners alike have rejected worshipping God on the day He commanded Nehemiah 13:15. CONTEXT SLIDE 4 Lastly, Foreigners have been married - priests and commoners alike have been divorcing their Jewish wives and intermarrying with pagan foreigners Nehemiah 13:23. That is the setting, the year is 432BC and there is no honor for Yahweh.

Transition: Having learned the context we turn now to the book of Malachi, to focus on what Yahweh has to say regarding the fear of the Lord.

So, to start off in Malachi, Yahweh is going to reveal how the Fear of Yahweh relates to His requirements, the blessings reserved and the ultimate reality that we will one day face. Our first point addresses “What Reverence Requires.” SLIDE It requires Jealously Honoring the Name

SERMON 15 Minutes / 15 Minutes Used

I. What Reverence Requires (Malachi 1-3) 5 Minutes / 8:30 Minutes Used

A). Jealously Honoring the Name (Malachi 1:6) 1 Minute(s) Budgeted / 2:00 Minutes Used

Malachi 1:6 ““‘A son honors his father, and a slave his master. Then if I am a father, where is My honor? And if I am a master, where is the fear of Me?’ says Yahweh of hosts to you, O priests who despise My name. But you say, ‘How have we despised Your name?’”

Dishonor: The people’s representatives, the priests, had lost the fear of the Lord and as a result did not honor the name of the Lord. Yahweh declares the incongruity of this situation… this is against both natural and social order. Is it permissible for a slave to disobey his master? How about for a son to dishonor his father? Of course not! Yet the priests do both toward Yahweh. Malachi 1:8 presents the irrefutable evidence - they have disregarded proper worship and sacrifice. SLIDE

Transition: In chapter 2, the Lord reveals that the disobedience of the priests, as a class has not always been this degenerate. At one point in time He had been feared and because Yahweh was honored His covenant was kept; and not only His but also marriage covenants made with the priest’s wives. So relating to our outline “What does Reverence Require?” It requires diligently keeping covenant(s) - the first of which is Yahweh’s commands

B). Diligently Keeping Covenant(s) (Malachi 2) 2 Minute(s) Budgeted / 4:00 Minutes Used

1). Yahweh’s Commands 1 Minute(s) Budgeted / 2:00 Minutes Used

Malachi 2:5 ““My covenant with him (LEVI) was one of life and peace, and I gave them to him as something to be feared; so he feared Me and stood in awe of My name.”

Sanctified: The covenant with the tribe of Levi was that they were set apart to facilitate ordained worship (Numbers 18:6). They were dedicated to this by the Lord but Malachi 2:8 says that this is no longer happening, what do the priests do now? They not only turn aside from the good right way but also trip up others. The priests have corrupted their covenant and as a result they are brought under the curse (Malachi 2.2).

Transition: Not only is Levi’s covenant was broken… the priests had also broken their marriage vows - we saw this in the Context in Nehemiah. These priests have abandoned their wives and divorced them in order to marry pagan foreigners. Let’s go now to Malachi 2:14, SLIGHT PAUSE In response to Yahweh’s declaration that He would not hear from the priests, they respond… SLIDE

2). Marriage Vows 1 Minute(s) Budgeted / 2:00 Minutes Used

Malachi 2:14 ““But you say, ‘For what reason?’ Because Yahweh has been a witness between you and the wife of your youth, against whom you have dealt treacherously, though she is your companion and your wife by covenant.”

Illustration: Marriage, which was ordained by God in the very beginning, was intended to convey a picture of Christ and His Bride - the Church. The distortion of that picture through these priests marrying pagan wives is beyond belief. It is no wonder that Yahweh responded as He did. Can we make it any stronger than He did when He says in verse 16, “I hate divorce.”

Transition: The fear of Yahweh keeps us from doing things that He hates, seen here as breaking covenant with Him and others. Let’s look now to a third element that reverence requires… SLIDE Judging Righteously. Yahweh has an expectation that those who fear Him will judge as He judges, righteously and that is His threat in Malachi 3:5 as He produces a litany of infractions against this people

C). Judging Righteously (Malachi 3:5) 1 Minute(s) Budgeted / 2:30 Minutes Used

Malachi 3:5 ““Then I will draw near to you for judgment; and I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers and against the adulterers and against those who swear falsely and against those who oppress the wage earner in his wages, the widow and the orphan, and those who turn aside the sojourner and do not fear Me,” says Yahweh of hosts.”

Cause: Sorcery, adultery, faithlessness, oppression of widows, orphans and strangers…breaking covenants, dishonoring the name of the Lord - these are all a result of failing to fear Yahweh.

Do we see a parallel in our day? Are covenants kept or broken? Is Yahweh blasphemed or honored? Is there injustice or righteousness? What is the point of origin? There is no fear of God in their eyes (Romans 3:18). The threat is clear, Judgement will come and it will come from the Righteous Judge. Be that is it may there is requirement that the people of God judge righteously - we are not to be those who call what is evil good and good evil.

Transition: So that was our three to do’s… 1. Jealously honor the name of the Lord, 2. Keep covenants and 3. Judge righteously.

Let’s transition now away from what Reverence Requires to the Blessings Reserved for those who fear Yahweh. SLIDE The first blessing that we will look at is that those who fear Yahweh are remembered by Him - Malachi 3:16.

II. The Blessings Reserved (Malachi 3-4) 4 Minutes Budgeted / 5:00 Minutes Used

A). The Reverent Are Remembered (Malachi 3:16) 2 Minutes Budgeted / 1:45 Minutes Used

Malachi 3:16 “Then those who feared Yahweh spoke to one another, and Yahweh gave heed and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before Him for those who fear Yahweh and who think upon His name.”

The first blessing reserved is that the reverent are remembered.... Remembered, heard and heeded by the Lord. This remembrance is reserved for those who fear Yahweh. Verse 17 and 18 tells us that those who fear are not only remembered, they are claimed, “They will be Mine,” they will be spared, they are distinct to be treated differently than the wicked, which chapter 4 says will be burned up… SLIDE

Transition: What a blessing to be treated as a treasured possession, a son, to be remembered beloved… And that is not all, those that fear Yahweh will enjoy the blessing of healing. Malachi 4:2 says

B). Those Who Honor Are Healed (Malachi 4:2) 2 Minutes Budgeted / 3:00 Minutes Used

Malachi 4:2 ““But for you who fear My name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings; and you will go forth and skip about like calves from the stall.”

Not only will those who fear Yahweh be treated differently than those that forsake Him, but they will be healed by Yahweh’s own righteousness. Its a bit of an enigmatic expression, the “sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings,” but we can find clarity in Isaiah 53:5“But He (JESUS CHRIST) was pierced through for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; The chastening for our peace fell upon Him, And by His wounds we are healed.”

Transition: the blessing of healing is that which is related to righteousness, not simple physical healing. Clearly, the more important need we have is that of spiritual healing, being made righteous because of what Christ has done on Calvary. Those that respond in the fear of Yahweh, through repentance and faith in His Gospel enjoy that healing, they enjoy freedom from the power and penalty of sin, they enjoy, well joy(!) like that of a calf skipping about that has been penned in. PAUSE Let’s go now to our final point. In looking at the root word for “Fear” as in the “Fear of Yahweh” SLIDE I was surprised to see it make one final appearance in Chapter 4 verse 5. Regarding the Great and Fearsome day that we will all confront

III. The Fearsome Day to Come (Malachi 4) 1 Minute(s) Budgeted / 2:00 Minutes Used

Malachi 4:5 ““Behold, I am going to send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and awesome day of Yahweh.”

The great and awesome day of Yahweh is a terrible day of judgment, where the terror rather than the reverence of Yahweh will become the norm. Revelation 6:16 “and they SAID TO THE MOUNTAINS AND TO THE ROCKS, “FALL ON US AND HIDE US from the presence of Him who sits on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb,” There will be no escape from that day except the escape that is being offered right now. Come to Christ, ask God for Christ’s righteousness, His healing and His remembrance.

The fearsome day cannot be avoided apart from Him. SLIDE

Transition: At this point I would like to transition away from these verses highlighting the necessity of fearing the Lord, the blessings associated with doing so and the reality that we will all ultimately face and make two and half observations.

OBSERVATION 1 Minute(s) Budgeted / 5:30 Minutes Used

Fearlessness fosters faithlessness: Malachi 2.5-8 teach us that Fearlessness fosters faithlessness - those who breaks their word, those without the fear of Yahweh they are the ones who breaks their covenant with God and with their wife. They are faithless. PAUSE Friends - lets learn from this for ourselves that our “yes is to be yes and our no is to be no (Matthew 5:37).” CHANGE TONES Now, our culture tells us it is fine to make commitments and break them without notice but God’s word never says that. Commitments are in fact binding and even more so for the Christian because our testimony is inextricably tied to our trustworthiness - doing what we say we are going to do. Let us be those who fear God and keep our word.

Furthermore, We looked at the faithlessness of the priests and their abandonment of their wives for pagan foreign women. It is worth considering that we also have young ladies here that will soon enter the age for considering marriage. What does the fear of the Lord have to say about that? Well, not only should any prospective suitor need to be a good provider, not only does he need to be a good protector, not only does he need to be faithful to his commitments but he must possess a fear of Yahweh. The priests didn’t have it and their families suffered under the consequences. Ladies, I would encourage you, look for a man who has that special reverence that comes from reading and believing God’s Word. Oh if he has this fear of Yahweh it will drive him to obey the Lord in every regard - that is a man worth marrying, following and dare I say even submitting to. You, young men, strive to fear Yahweh, be not fearless according to the worlds standards, that is foolishness, be fearful of Yahweh and you will obey Him and He will bless you. SLIDE A second observation now…

The Irreverent Are Robbers: Malachi 3:7-12 teach us that the the Irreverent are robbers. Because of their failure to fear Yahweh they have no qualms about misusing what He has entrusted to them for the furtherance of His kingdom. God uses strong words, “will a man rob God?” The reality is that God needs nothing of what He has given to us, TONE the reality is that people get to participate in the privilege of furthering King Jesus’ kingdom. Christ has promised that if we seek first His kingdom and His righteousness that everything necessary will entrusted to us (Matthew 6:33). Truly, sacrificial giving to God is a non-negotiable for the believer, but let’s not be so base as to say that it is dependent upon a formulaic percentage. God loves a cheerful giver (2 Corinthians 9:6-7)! Have we been forgiven much? Then let’s let our gifts and offerings to God be indicative of our great reverential love for the One who forgave us. SLIDE

Transition: Obviously, we can take away from these observations that we need to be different than the fearless and irreverent people that are called out. So if we are to have a fear of the Lord how do we develop or foster it. I want to give us three practical ways that we can grow in this regard.

APPLICATION 1 Minute(s) Budgeted / 3.75 Minutes Used

How to foster a Biblical Fear of Yahweh SLIDE

Read Scripture consistently and literally. You just cannot imagine the good that will come from taking God at face value each day. When we read of God’s goodness and graciousness, His wrath against sin - just how serious it is and we do this every day, the incremental accumulation of that understanding will produce within us a special reverence for Him. I would highly suggest reading 4 chapters of Scripture every day - you will easily read through the whole Bible in 2024 but read it to know the Author and revere Him. Read a chapter of one of the Gospels, read a Psalm, a Proverb and an Epistle and you will come to know God and to revere Him. (Jeremiah 15:16) SLIDE

A second way to foster a fear of Yahweh, is to pray back to God what we read from God. Some of us here know the joy of doing this, and this praying back to God of what we read cultivates intense worship. Have we ever prayed over the words of the Psalms or Paul’s prayers in the Epistles? AWED TONES Romans 8:1 “Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Oh, I would invite us all to this delight... if our reverence for the Lord is to grow; we should consider praying back to Him what we read. PAUSE SLIDE

A third way and final way to foster a fear of Yahweh is to understand that we must all give an account to Him. We must give an account for our life. PAUSE Most of us push this off, “that is a problem for another time,” INFLECTION say next year - and it is quite possible there are some here who will... If we knew, knew without a shadow of doubt sometime within the next 365 days we would confront Yahweh - I dare say that our conduct would be different than 2023. The Master is coming and His reward is with Him Revelation 22:12““Behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to render to every man according to his work.”

Summary: 3 Minute(s) Budgeted / 3:15 Minutes Used

So here is a summary SUMMARY SLIDE 1 of what we have learned today from the book of Malachi regarding the fear of Yahweh. SUMMARY SLIDE 2 We looked at 3 to do’s that impacted us personally, relationally and socially. Specifically, the requirement to jealously honor the name of Yahweh through the keeping of His commandments and by establishing His justice. SUMMARY SLIDE 3 We looked at the blessings that are reserved for those who do fear the Lord, they are indeed remembered and treasured and healed from all unrighteousness. SUMMARY SLIDE 4 And lastly we considered the fearsome day of Yahweh - which all of us must confront. Those who fear will be rewarded, those who reject the fear of Yahweh will be destroyed. SUMMARY SLIDE 5

Then we made 2.5 observations. That a fearless person is also a faithless person and we looked at the effects not only in our testimony but also how that fearless/faithless connection plays out within the context of the family. The implications on those considering life long covenants is that they must choose wisely a spouse who fears the Lord. Our second observation was that those who do not revere the Lord rob not only Him but themselves. Our giving is not based upon a formula percentage but to be an extension of our relationship with God. SUMMARY SLIDE 6

We also looked at 3 practical ways we can foster a fear of the Lord. Firstly, through reading through all of God’s word, consistently and looking at it literally. Secondly through praying back God’s Word to Him and lastly, through understanding that ultimately we will confront Yahweh ourselves. He will render to every man according to his work. SUMMARY SLIDE 7

Now, in conclusion, I want to round out this sermon with these words taken from Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 regarding the Fear of the Lord. We heard during the introduction that it was the beginning of wisdom, we learned from the main point that it safeguards us from sinning… Now hear from Solomon as he concludes CONCLUSION SLIDE 1

CONCLUSION 1 Minute(s) Budgeted / 1:00 Minutes

Ecclesiastes 12:13–14“The end of the matter, all that has been heard: fear God and keep His commandments, because this is the end of the matter for all mankind. For God will bring every work to judgment, everything which is hidden, whether it is good or evil.” It is incumbent upon all of us to come to grips with a proper reverential fear of Yahweh and it has been my prayer that that will continue to be accomplished and will flourish in our lives in 2024.

Let’s stand and I will close in prayer SLIDE

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INTRODUCTION

Open your Bibles if you would to

Proverbs 9:10“The fear of Yahweh is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.”

MAINPOINT

Exodus 20:20“And Moses said to the people, “Do not be afraid; for God has come in order to test you, and in order that the fear of Him may be with you, so that you may not sin.””

Harold: Suggested Revision: Perhaps include a brief explanation of how this Old Testament principle is relevant to your audience today. Rating: 2

Revelation 11:18““And the nations were enraged, and Your rage came, and the time came for the dead to be judged, and to give reward to Your slaves—the prophets and the saints and those who fear Your name, the small and the great—and to destroy those who destroy the earth.””

Revelation 14:7“And he said with a loud voice, “Fear God, and give Him glory, because the hour of His judgment has come; worship Him who made the heaven and the earth and sea and springs of waters.””

Revelation 19:5“And a voice came from the throne, saying, “Give praise to our God, all you His slaves, you who fear Him, the small and the great.””

ROADMAP

PRAYER

CONTEXT

EBB:

Priestly Laxity: Just how bad was it? The priests had prepared a room that was reserved for Temple Worship for Tobiah, an Ammonite enemy of the Jews.

Priesthood corrupted

Nehemiah 13:4–9 | 4 Now prior to this, Eliashib the priest, who was put in charge over the chambers of the house of our God, being related to Tobiah, 5 had prepared a large room for him, where formerly they put the grain offerings, the frankincense, the utensils, and the tithes of grain, also new wine and oil commanded for the Levites, the singers, and the gatekeepers, as well as the contributions for the priests. 6 But during all this time I was not in Jerusalem, for in the thirty-second year of Artaxerxes king of Babylon I had gone to the king. After some time, however, I asked leave from the king, 7 and I came to Jerusalem and discerned the evil that Eliashib had done for Tobiah, by preparing a chamber for him in the courts of the house of God. 8 It was very evil to me, so I threw all of Tobiah’s household goods out of the chamber. 9 Then I said the word, and they cleansed the chambers; and I returned there the utensils of the house of God with the grain offerings and the frankincense.

Tithing abandoned

Nehemiah 13:10–13“I also came to know that the portions of the Levites had not been given them, so the Levites and the singers who did the work had fled, each to his own field. So I contended against the officials and said, “Why is the house of God forsaken?” Then I gathered them together and had them stand in their posts. All Judah then brought the tithe of the grain, new wine, and oil into the storehouses. In charge of the storehouses I appointed Shelemiah the priest, Zadok the scribe, and Pedaiah of the Levites, and in addition to them was Hanan the son of Zaccur, the son of Mattaniah; for they were counted as faithful, and it was their task to apportion everything to their relatives.”

Sabbath profaned

Nehemiah 13:15–18 | 15 In those days I saw in Judah some who were treading wine presses on the sabbath, and bringing in sacks of grain and loading them on donkeys, as well as wine, grapes, figs and all kinds of loads, and they brought them into Jerusalem on the sabbath day. So I testified against them on the day they sold food. 16 Also men of Tyre were living there who brought in fish and all kinds of merchandise, and sold them to the sons of Judah on the sabbath, even in Jerusalem. 17 Then I contended with the nobles of Judah and said to them, “What is this evil thing you are doing, even profaning the sabbath day? 18 “Did not your fathers do the same, so our God brought on us and on this city all this calamity? Yet you are adding to His anger on Israel by profaning the sabbath.”

Foreigners married

Nehemiah 13:23–28“In those days I also saw that the Jews had married women from Ashdod, Ammon, and Moab. As for their children, half spoke in the language of Ashdod, and none of them was able to speak the language of Judah, but only the tongue of his own people. So I contended with them and cursed them and struck some of them and pulled out their hair and made them swear by God, “You shall not give your daughters to their sons, nor take up their daughters for your sons or for yourselves. “Did not Solomon king of Israel sin regarding these things? Yet among the many nations there was no king like him, and he was loved by his God, and God gave him to be king over all Israel; nevertheless the foreign women caused even him to sin. “Do we then hear about you that you have done all this great evil by acting unfaithfully against our God by marrying foreign women?” And even one of the sons of Joiada, the son of Eliashib the high priest, was a son-in-law of Sanballat the Horonite, so I made him flee away from me…”

SERMON

I. What Reverence Requires (Malachi 1:6, 2:5, 3:5) Flows from personal, to interrelational to societal

A. Required Reverence (Malachi 1:6) HAROLD: CONSIDER BRIEFLY CONNECTING EACH SUB-POINT BACK TO THE MAIN POINT TO REINFORCE THE OVERALL THEME OF FEARING YAHWEH

Assertion: You have dishonored and despised Me

Malachi 1:6““‘A son honors his father, and a slave his master. Then if I am a father, where is My honor? And if I am a master, where is the fear of Me?’ says Yahweh of hosts to you, O priests who despise My name. But you say, ‘How have we despised Your name?’”

Anticipated Objection: We haven’t dishonored Yahweh

Malachi 1:7““You are presenting defiled food upon My altar. But you say, ‘How have we defiled You?’ In that you say, ‘The table of Yahweh is to be despised.’”

Refutation: You wouldn’t do this for your governor

Malachi 1:8““But when you present the blind for sacrifice, is it not evil? And when you present the lame and sick, is it not evil? Please, bring it near to your governor! Would he accept you? Or would he lift up your face?” says Yahweh of hosts.”

Command: Beg God for grace

Malachi 1:9““But now, entreat God’s favor, that He may be gracious to us! With this thing which is from your hand, will He lift up any of your faces?” says Yahweh of hosts.”

Furthering the Original Assertion

Malachi 1:11““For from the rising of the sun even to its setting, My name will be great among the nations, and in every place incense is going to be presented to My name, as well as a grain offering that is clean; for My name will be great among the nations,” says Yahweh of hosts.”

Malachi 1:14““But cursed be the swindler who has a male in his flock and vows it, but sacrifices a blemished animal to the Lord, for I am a great King,” says Yahweh of hosts, “and My name is feared among the nations.””

B. Keeping Covenant(s) Malachi 2:5

Need to segue to v10-16 on divorce

Assertion: Fear The Covenant(s)

Malachi 2:5““My covenant with him was one of life and peace, and I gave them to him as something to be feared; so he feared Me and stood in awe of My name.”

Response: Not sinful to break faith WRONG

Malachi 2:8““But as for you, you have turned aside from the way; you have caused many to stumble by the instruction; you have corrupted the covenant of Levi,” says Yahweh of hosts.”

Malachi 2:10““Do we not all have one father? Has not one God created us? Why do we deal treacherously each against his brother so as to profane the covenant of our fathers?”

Refutation: You have even done this with your wife

Malachi 2:14““But you say, ‘For what reason?’ Because Yahweh has been a witness between you and the wife of your youth, against whom you have dealt treacherously, though she is your companion and your wife by covenant.”

Return to Original Assertion: Keep the Covenant

Malachi 2:16““For I hate divorce,” says Yahweh, the God of Israel, “and him who covers his garment with wrong,” says Yahweh of hosts. “Be careful then to keep your spirit, that you do not deal treacherously.””

C. Judge Justly Malachi 3:5

Assertion

Malachi 3:5““Then I will draw near to you for judgment; and I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers and against the adulterers and against those who swear falsely and against those who oppress the wage earner in his wages, the widow and the orphan, and those who turn aside the sojourner and do not fear Me,” says Yahweh of hosts.”

Anticipated Objection

Refutation

Defense of Original Assertion

II. The Blessings For Those Who Fear (Malachi 3:16, 4:5) HAROLD: Suggested Revision: It may be beneficial to highlight how these blessings (remembering and healing) contrast with the consequences of not fearing God, as seen in earlier parts of Malachi. Rating: 2

A. The Reverent Are Remembered Malachi 3:16

Malachi 3:16“Then those who feared Yahweh spoke to one another, and Yahweh gave heed and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before Him for those who fear Yahweh and who think upon His name.”

Anticipated Objection

Refutation

Defense of Original Assertion

B. Those Who Honor Are Healed | The Inheritance of Those Who Fear Malachi 4:2

Malachi 4:2““But for you who fear My name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings; and you will go forth and skip about like calves from the stall.”

Assertion

Anticipated Objection

Refutation

Defense of Original Assertion

III. The Fearsome Day to Come Malachi 4:5

Malachi 4:5““Behold, I am going to send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and awesome day of Yahweh.”

Assertion

Anticipated Objection

Refutation

Defense of Original Assertion

OBSERVATION 1 Minute(s) Budgeted / . Minutes Used

Yahweh does not change (Malachi 3:6). He is not like us (Psalm 50.21)

A barometer of our reverence for Yahweh is how we treat His name

Reverence Results in Obedience

Disregard Drives Dishonor: Malachi 1 teaches us that disregard drives dishonor. These priests do not regard the Lord and they dishonor His name.

DRAFT Furthermore, We looked at the faithlessness of the priests and their abandonment of their wives for pagan foreign women… We have young ladies here soon to enter the age for considering marriage, consider this beforehand. Not only does any perspective suitor need to be a good provider, not only does he need to be a good protector, not only does he need to be faithful to his commitments but he must possess a fear of Yahweh. Young ladies, look for that special reverence that comes from a man who reads and believes his Bible. Oh if he has this fear of Yahweh it will drive him to obey the Lord in every regard - that is a man worth marrying, following, submitting to. You, young men, strive to fear Yahweh so that you might be found worthy of the wife He provides you. Your culture will tell you pornography is a small thing… A legitimate fear of Yahweh will allow no such disillusions. A person who fears Yahweh will abhor what Yahweh hates and love what God is.

The Irreverent Are Robbers: Malachi 3:7-12 teach us that the the Irreverent are robbers. Because of their failure to fear Yahweh they have no qualms about misusing what He has entrusted to for the furtherance of His kingdom. God uses strong words, “will a man rob God?” The reality is that God needs nothing of what He has given to us, TONE the reality is that people get to participate in the privilege of furthering King Jesus’ kingdom. Christ has promised that if we seek first His kingdom and His righteousness that everything necessary will entrusted to us (Matthew 6:33). Truly sacrificial giving to God is a non-negotiable for the believer but let’s not be so base as to say that it is dependent upon a formulaic percentage. God loves a cheerful giver (2 Corinthians 9:6-7)! Have we been forgiven much? Then let’s let our gifts and offerings to God be indicative of our great reverential love for the One who forgave us.

WARNING

Romans 3:18““THERE IS NO FEAR OF GOD BEFORE THEIR EYES.””

Psalm 36:1“Transgression declares to the ungodly within his heart; There is no dread of God before his eyes.”

APPLICATION

Fear is a funny thing, it can drive us to fidelity or it can force us toward idolatry

APPLICATION 1 Minute(s) Budgeted / 3.24 Minutes Used

THIS IS NOT AN APPLICATION In our giving we need to understand the importance of Fear with

The Fear of Yahweh produces a faithful giver.

deep reverence ought to inform our giving, an understanding of what Christ did for us on Calvary two thousand years ago (2 Corinthians 9:6–7). We love because He first loved us (1 John 4.19). So in our giving of our time, in our giving of our treasure and in our giving of our talents we ought to understand we are not giving more than what He gave to us.

We are a culture that makes commitments and does not honor them, it is because we do not fear Yahweh - our yes is to be yes and our no is to be no because Christ has said said yes to us and we are representatives of Christ, our testimony becomes muddled and confusing when we are people who profess Christ and are as faithless as unbelievers. We need to have a reverence for the commitment that Christ has made to us and mirror that in every instance where we make a commitment.

We looked at the faithlessness of the priests and their abandonment of their wives for pagan foreign women… We have young ladies here soon to enter the age for considering marriage, consider this beforehand. Not only does any perspective suitor need to be a good provider, not only does he need to be a good protector, not only does he need to be faithful to his commitments but he must possess a fear of Yahweh. Look for that special reverence that comes from a man who reads and believes his Bible. Oh if he has this fear of Yahweh it will drive him to obey the Lord in every regard - that is a man worth marrying. Young men, strive to fear Yahweh so that you might be found worthy of the wife He provides you. Your culture will tell you pornography is a small thing… A legitimate fear of Yahweh will allow no such disillusions.

CONCLUSION Ecclesiastes 12:13–14“The end of the matter, all that has been heard: fear God and keep His commandments, because this is the end of the matter for all mankind. For God will bring every work to judgment, everything which is hidden, whether it is good or evil.”

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ADAM:

The Book of Malachi, the last book of the Old Testament, makes a significant contribution to the theology of "the fear of Yahweh." This concept is a central theme in the Hebrew Bible, often associated with wisdom, obedience, and a deep respect for God's power and holiness. In Malachi, this theme is addressed particularly in the context of Israel's social and religious malpractices. Key contributions from Malachi to the theology of the fear of Yahweh include:

1. **Call for Sincere Worship and Reverence (Malachi 1:6-14)**: Malachi rebukes the priests for offering blemished sacrifices, indicating a lack of reverence for God. He emphasizes that God is a great king deserving of proper fear and honor. This passage underscores that the fear of Yahweh involves sincere and respectful worship.

Reverence and Respect

Malachi 1:6–14 | 6 “‘A son honors his father, and a slave his master. Then if I am a father, where is My honor? And if I am a master, where is the fear of Me?’ says Yahweh of hosts to you, O priests who despise My name. But you say, ‘How have we despised Your name?’ 7 “You are presenting defiled food upon My altar. But you say, ‘How have we defiled You?’ In that you say, ‘The table of Yahweh is to be despised.’ 8 “But when you present the blind for sacrifice, is it not evil? And when you present the lame and sick, is it not evil? Please, bring it near to your governor! Would he accept you? Or would he lift up your face?” says Yahweh of hosts. 9 “But now, entreat God’s favor, that He may be gracious to us! With this thing which is from your hand, will He lift up any of your faces?” says Yahweh of hosts. 10 “Oh that there were one among you who would shut the gates, that you might not light a fire on My altar in vain! I have no delight in you,” says Yahweh of hosts, “nor will I accept an offering from your hand. 11 “For from the rising of the sun even to its setting, My name will be great among the nations, and in every place incense is going to be presented to My name, as well as a grain offering that is clean; for My name will be great among the nations,” says Yahweh of hosts. 12 “But you are profaning it, in that you say, ‘The table of the Lord is defiled, and as for its fruit, its food is to be despised.’ 13 “You also say, ‘Behold, how tiresome it is!’ And you disdainfully sniff at it,” says Yahweh of hosts, “and you bring what was taken by robbery and what is lame or sick; so you bring the offering! Should I accept that from your hand?” says Yahweh. 14 “But cursed be the swindler who has a male in his flock and vows it, but sacrifices a blemished animal to the Lord, for I am a great King,” says Yahweh of hosts, “and My name is feared among the nations.”

Practical Manifestation

Benefits

Malachi 2:5““My covenant with him was one of life and peace, and I gave them to him as something to be feared; so he feared Me and stood in awe of My name.”

2. **Condemnation of Social Injustice (Malachi 2:17-3:5)**: The prophet criticizes the people for wearying God with their words, questioning His justice. The coming of the Lord is depicted as a refining and purifying process. The fear of Yahweh here is linked with living justly and righteously, reflecting God's character in social interactions.

Righteous Regard

Malachi 2:17–3:5 | 17 You have wearied Yahweh with your words. But you say, “How have we wearied Him?” In that you say, “Everyone who does evil is good in the sight of Yahweh, and He delights in them,” or, “Where is the God of justice?” 1 “Behold, I am going to send My messenger, and he will prepare the way before Me. And the Lord, whom you seek, will suddenly come to His temple; and the messenger of the covenant, in whom you delight, behold, He is coming,” says Yahweh of hosts. 2 “But who can endure the day of His coming? And who can stand when He appears? For He is like a smelter’s fire and like fullers’ soap. 3 “And He will sit as a smelter and purifier of silver, and He will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, so that they may present to Yahweh offerings in righteousness. 4 “Then the offering of Judah and Jerusalem will be pleasing to Yahweh as in the ancient days and as in former years. 5 “Then I will draw near to you for judgment; and I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers and against the adulterers and against those who swear falsely and against those who oppress the wage earner in his wages, the widow and the orphan, and those who turn aside the sojourner and do not fear Me,” says Yahweh of hosts.

3. **Tithing and Obedience (Malachi 3:6-12)**: Malachi challenges the people on their failure to bring the full tithe into the storehouse. The fear of the Lord is connected with trust and obedience in practical matters, like finances, as a sign of reliance on and reverence for God.

Reliance on God

Malachi 3:6–12 | 6 “For I, Yahweh, do not change; therefore you, O sons of Jacob, are not consumed. 7 “From the days of your fathers you have turned aside from My statutes and have not kept them. Return to Me, and I will return to you,” says Yahweh of hosts. “But you say, ‘How shall we return?’ 8 “Will a man rob God? Yet you are robbing Me! But you say, ‘How have we robbed You?’ In tithes and contributions. 9 “You are cursed with a curse, for you are robbing Me, the whole nation of you! 10 “Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in My house, and test Me now in this,” says Yahweh of hosts, “if I will not open for you the windows of heaven and empty out for you a blessing until it is beyond enough. 11 “Then I will rebuke the devourer for you so that it will not corrupt the fruits of the ground; nor will your vine in the field fail to bear,” says Yahweh of hosts. 12 “So all the nations will call you blessed, for you shall be a delightful land,” says Yahweh of hosts.

4. **Promise for Those Who Fear Yahweh (Malachi 3:16-18)**: This section provides a contrast between those who fear the Lord and those who do not. It promises that those who fear Yahweh will be spared, likening them to treasured possessions. The fear of Yahweh is associated with being in a relationship with Him, marked by reverence and awe.

Reverential Awe

Malachi 3:16–18“Then those who feared Yahweh spoke to one another, and Yahweh gave heed and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before Him for those who fear Yahweh and who think upon His name. “And they will be Mine,” says Yahweh of hosts, “on the day that I prepare My own treasured possession, and I will spare them as a man spares his own son who serves him.” So you will return and see the distinction between the righteous and the wicked, between one who serves God and one who does not serve Him.”

5. **The Coming Day of Judgment (Malachi 4:1-6)**: The book concludes with a prophecy about the Day of the Lord, a day of both judgment and healing. The fear of Yahweh is presented as essential for facing this day, with a call to remember the Law of Moses, which encapsulates the covenant relationship and the expected reverence for God.

Risen

Malachi 4:1–6 | 1 “For behold, the day is coming, burning like a furnace; and all the arrogant and every worker of wickedness will be chaff; and the day that is coming will set them aflame,” says Yahweh of hosts, “so that it will leave them neither root nor branch.” 2 “But for you who fear My name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings; and you will go forth and skip about like calves from the stall. 3 “And you will tread down the wicked, for they will be ashes under the soles of your feet on the day which I am preparing,” says Yahweh of hosts. 4 “Remember the law of Moses My servant, even the statutes and judgments which I commanded him in Horeb for all Israel. 5 “Behold, I am going to send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and awesome day of Yahweh. 6 “And he will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children and the hearts of the children to their fathers, lest I come and strike the land, devoting it to destruction.”

In summary, Malachi contributes to the theology of the fear of Yahweh by emphasizing sincere worship, social justice, obedience in practical matters, the distinction between the righteous and the wicked, and the preparation for the coming day of judgment. These aspects highlight the multifaceted nature of fearing God, which encompasses reverence, obedience, and a deep respect for His justice and holiness.

Problem: Malachi 1:6–8““‘A son honors his father, and a slave his master. Then if I am a father, where is My honor? And if I am a master, where is the fear of Me?’ says Yahweh of hosts to you, O priests who despise My name. But you say, ‘How have we despised Your name?’ “You are presenting defiled food upon My altar. But you say, ‘How have we defiled You?’ In that you say, ‘The table of Yahweh is to be despised.’ “But when you present the blind for sacrifice, is it not evil? And when you present the lame and sick, is it not evil? Please, bring it near to your governor! Would he accept you? Or would he lift up your face?” says Yahweh of hosts.”

Solution: Malachi 1:9““But now, entreat God’s favor, that He may be gracious to us! With this thing which is from your hand, will He lift up any of your faces?” says Yahweh of hosts.”

Desirable Malachi 2:5–7““My covenant with him was one of life and peace, and I gave them to him as something to be feared; so he feared Me and stood in awe of My name. “Instruction of truth was in his mouth, and unrighteousness was not found on his lips; he walked with Me in peace and uprightness, and he turned many back from iniquity. “For the lips of a priest should keep knowledge, and men should seek instruction from his mouth; for he is the messenger of Yahweh of hosts.”

Justice: Malachi 3:5““Then I will draw near to you for judgment; and I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers and against the adulterers and against those who swear falsely and against those who oppress the wage earner in his wages, the widow and the orphan, and those who turn aside the sojourner and do not fear Me,” says Yahweh of hosts.”

Fellowship: Malachi 3:16“Then those who feared Yahweh spoke to one another, and Yahweh gave heed and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before Him for those who fear Yahweh and who think upon His name.”

Hope: Malachi 4:2““But for you who fear My name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings; and you will go forth and skip about like calves from the stall.”

Psalm 119:38“Cause Your word to be established for Your slave, As that which produces fear for You.”

Exodus 20:20“And Moses said to the people, “Do not be afraid; for God has come in order to test you, and in order that the fear of Him may be with you, so that you may not sin.””

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