Malachi 1:1-5

Discovering God's Unfailing Love

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Main Idea: God’s covenant faithfulness to His people is manifested through sovereign love and demonstrated by His declaration, election, forgiveness and redemption.

1: His Declaration Proves His Love (1:1-2a)

Malachi 1:1–2 ESV

1 The oracle of the word of the Lord to Israel by Malachi. 2 “I have loved you,” says the Lord. But you say, “How have you loved us?” “Is not Esau Jacob’s brother?” declares the Lord. “Yet I have loved Jacob

Sub-point 1: The Assurance of His Love

Isaiah 43:4 “4 Because you are precious in my eyes, and honored, and I love you, I give men in return for you, peoples in exchange for your life.”

Jeremiah 31:2–3 “2 Thus says the Lord: “The people who survived the sword found grace in the wilderness; when Israel sought for rest, 3 the Lord appeared to him from far away. I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you.”

Quote: "God’s love is the unwavering anchor in a sea of uncertainty." - Charles Spurgeon

Illustration: Like a parent constantly affirming love to their child, God declares His love to reassure us.

Sub-point 2: Historical Faithfulness

Deuteronomy 7:7–8 “7 It was not because you were more in number than any other people that the Lord set his love on you and chose you, for you were the fewest of all peoples, 8 but it is because the Lord loves you and is keeping the oath that he swore to your fathers, that the Lord has brought you out with a mighty hand and redeemed you from the house of slavery, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt.”

John 3:16 “16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”

Quote: "The past acts of God assure us of His present love." - R.C. Sproul

Illustration: A photo album filled with memories reminds us of enduring relationships. God’s past actions affirm His love.

Sub-point 3: The Unchanging Nature of God’s Love

Lamentations 3:22–23“22 The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; 23 they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”

1 John 4:8 “8 Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.”

Quote: "God’s love is as constant as the rising sun." - A.W. Tozer

Illustration: Consider the consistent rhythm of the ocean waves. God’s love is steady and relentless.

Application: Reflect on God’s declarations of love in your life. Write down moments you’ve experienced His faithfulness and give thanks. Memorize His Word that speaks to who He is and what He has done for you!

2: His Election Proves His Love (1:2-3)

Malachi 1:2–3 ESV

2 “I have loved you,” says the Lord. But you say, “How have you loved us?” “Is not Esau Jacob’s brother?” declares the Lord. “Yet I have loved Jacob 3 but Esau I have hated. I have laid waste his hill country and left his heritage to jackals of the desert.”

Sub-point 1: The Choice of Jacob Over Esau

Romans 9:10–13“10 And not only so, but also when Rebekah had conceived children by one man, our forefather Isaac, 11 though they were not yet born and had done nothing either good or bad—in order that God’s purpose of election might continue, not because of works but because of him who calls— 12 she was told, “The older will serve the younger.” 13 As it is written, “Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.””

Romans 8:29–30 “29 For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. 30 And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.”

Ephesians 2:1–9 “1 And you were dead in the trespasses and sins 2 in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— 3 among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. 4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— 6 and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”

Quote: "Election is rooted in God’s grace, not human effort." - John Piper

Illustration: Like a coach choosing players based on potential, God’s election is purposeful and gracious.

Sub-point 2: Purpose in Election

Romans 5:8 “8 but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

Ephesians 1:4–5“4 even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love 5 he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will,”

Ephesians 2:10 “10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”

Quote: "God chose us in love to be holy and blameless." - J.I. Packer

Illustration: A teacher invests in a student’s potential, knowing they can achieve great things. God’s election is about transformation.

Sub-point 3: Assurance in Being Chosen

John 15:16 “16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you.”

Philippians 1:6 “6 And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”

John 6:39 “39 And this is the will of him who sent me, that I should lose nothing of all that he has given me, but raise it up on the last day.”

Quote: "Our security is found in being chosen by God." - Timothy Keller

Illustration: A child adopted into a loving family knows they are wanted. God’s election affirms our place in His family.

Application: Embrace your identity as God’s chosen. Let it empower you to live confidently and purposefully as a son or daughter of the Most High King.

3: His Forgiveness Proves His Love (1:4–5)

Malachi 1:3–5 ESV

3 but Esau I have hated. I have laid waste his hill country and left his heritage to jackals of the desert.” 4 If Edom says, “We are shattered but we will rebuild the ruins,” the Lord of hosts says, “They may build, but I will tear down, and they will be called ‘the wicked country,’ and ‘the people with whom the Lord is angry forever.’ ” 5 Your own eyes shall see this, and you shall say, “Great is the Lord beyond the border of Israel!”

Sub-point 1: The Rejection of Edom

Obadiah 1–4“1 The vision of Obadiah. Thus says the Lord God concerning Edom: We have heard a report from the Lord, and a messenger has been sent among the nations: “Rise up! Let us rise against her for battle!” 2 Behold, I will make you small among the nations; you shall be utterly despised. 3 The pride of your heart has deceived you, you who live in the clefts of the rock, in your lofty dwelling, who say in your heart, “Who will bring me down to the ground?” 4 Though you soar aloft like the eagle, though your nest is set among the stars, from there I will bring you down, declares the Lord.”

Romans 1:18–20 “18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. 19 For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. 20 For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.”

Quote: "God’s rejection is a demonstration of His justice." - Martin Luther

Illustration: A gardener removes weeds to protect the growth of flowers. God’s rejection preserves His covenant people.

Sub-point 2: The Justice of God’s Rejection

Romans 3:9–12 “9 What then? Are we Jews any better off? No, not at all. For we have already charged that all, both Jews and Greeks, are under sin, 10 as it is written: “None is righteous, no, not one; 11 no one understands; no one seeks for God. 12 All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one.””

Romans 1:24–25 “24 Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves, 25 because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen.”

Quote: "God’s justice and love are two sides of the same coin." - N.T. Wright

Illustration: A judge must uphold the law to maintain order. God’s rejection ensures the triumph of righteousness.

Sub-point 3: The Hope Beyond Rejection

Ezekiel 36:26–28“26 And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. 27 And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes and be careful to obey my rules. 28 You shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers, and you shall be my people, and I will be your God.”

Galatians 3:8 “8 And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel beforehand to Abraham, saying, “In you shall all the nations be blessed.””

Galatians 3:27–29 “27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to promise.”

Quote: "Even in rejection, God’s plan is redemptive." - D.A. Carson

Illustration: Pruning a tree seems harsh but promotes healthy growth. God’s rejection paves the way for restoration.

Application: Trust in God’s righteous judgments. Allow His forgiveness to deepen your reliance on His sovereign love and rejoice in His Mercy and Grace!

4: His Son Proves His Love

Christ is the Pinnacle of His Love!!

Romans 5:8 “8 but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

Quote: "In Christ, the love and justice of God meet perfectly." - John Stott

Illustration: A tapestry is woven with threads of different colors, creating a beautiful picture. Christ is the ultimate display of God’s love and justice intertwined.

Final Application: Recognize Christ as the ultimate expression of God’s love. Let His sacrifice inspire gratitude and transformation in your life.

Group Questions

In what ways do you see God’s declaration of love in your own life? How does this relate to the assurance of His love mentioned in this sermon (Main Point 1)? How would you respond as a parent if your child asked, “How have you loved me?”

Can you share a personal experience or a historical event that demonstrates God’s faithfulness? How does this encourage you in your faith today?

How does the unchanging nature of God’s love impact your understanding of His character? Are there scriptures that reinforce this idea? (Consider references like Hebrews 13:8.) What life situations might lead someone to the conclusion that God doesn’t love them?

Reflecting on Main Point 2, how does the choice of Jacob over Esau illustrate God’s purposes in election? What does this teach us about God’s sovereignty? How can you find encouragement in this truth?

How can understanding that we are chosen by God provide comfort in times of doubt or struggle? What scriptures come to mind that emphasize our identity in Christ (e.g., Ephesians 1:4-5)?

In Main Point 3, how does God’s rejection of Edom serve as a reminder of His justice? How do we reconcile God’s justice with His love in our everyday lives?

What does the concept of “hope beyond rejection” mean to you? How can we support those who feel rejected or marginalized in our communities? How does this passage in Malachi communicate hope? How can the realization that God loves you affect a hopeless situation in your life?

In what way does Christ exemplify God’s unfailing love? How does His sacrifice on the cross reinforce the themes of election and forgiveness?

How do other scriptures, such as Romans 8:37-39 or 1 John 4:9-10, deepen your understanding of God’s unfailing love as discussed in this sermon?

In light of the main points of todays sermon, how can you apply the truths about God’s love and faithfulness to your relationships with others? What steps can you take to mirror that love?