Malachi 2:10-16

Sermon Title: "Faithfulness in a Broken World: God's Call to Covenant Loyalty (Malachi 2:10-16)"

Hashtags: #Faithfulness #Covenant #Malachi #Marriage #Divorce #ChristianLiving #BiblicalTeaching #ChurchCommunity #LoyaltyToGod #SpiritualRenewal

Sermon Outline: A Call to Be Faithful

Main Idea: The permanence of God’s covenant with his people is threatened by pervasive faithlessness, but renewal begins with faithfulness to the covenant of marriage.

I. We Must Be Loyal to the God of The Covenant (Mal 2.11-12)

II. We Must Be Loyal to the People of His Covenant (Mal 2.10)

III. We Must Be Loyal to our Partner in Our Covenant (Mal 2.13-16)

I. We Must Be Loyal to the God of the Covenant (Malachi 2:11-12)

Malachi 2:11–12 ESV

11 Judah has been faithless, and abomination has been committed in Israel and in Jerusalem. For Judah has profaned the sanctuary of the Lord, which he loves, and has married the daughter of a foreign god. 12 May the Lord cut off from the tents of Jacob any descendant of the man who does this, who brings an offering to the Lord of hosts!

Understanding Our Covenant Relationship

Exodus 19:5–6 “5 Now therefore, if you will indeed obey my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be my treasured possession among all peoples, for all the earth is mine; 6 and you shall be to me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words that you shall speak to the people of Israel.””

Jeremiah 31:33 “33 For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the Lord: I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they shall be my people.”

Ephesians 4:4–6 “4 There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.”

Quote: "God's covenant is not merely a contract, but a commitment that binds us to Him." — John Piper

The Consequences of Unfaithfulness

Deuteronomy 28:15 “15 “But if you will not obey the voice of the Lord your God or be careful to do all his commandments and his statutes that I command you today, then all these curses shall come upon you and overtake you.”

Romans 1:21–23 “21 For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Claiming to be wise, they became fools, 23 and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things.”

1 Peter 2:9 “9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.”

1 Peter 1:14–19 “14 As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, 15 but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, 16 since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” 17 And if you call on him as Father who judges impartially according to each one’s deeds, conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of your exile, 18 knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot.”

Quote: "When we stray from God's covenant, we invite chaos into our lives." — Charles Spurgeon

The Call to Return

Joel 2:12 “12 “Yet even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning;”

James 4:8 “8 Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.”

Quote: "Returning to God is the first step to renewal." — Timothy Keller

Illustration: A story of a prodigal son who wandered away but found his way back to a loving father, emphasizing the joy of restoration.

Application: Reflect on areas where you may have strayed from your commitment to God. Consider how you can renew your dedication through prayer and action. Fresh wind and fresh fire !!

II. We Must Be Loyal to the People of God (Malachi 2:10)

Malachi 2:10 ESV

10 Have we not all one Father? Has not one God created us? Why then are we faithless to one another, profaning the covenant of our fathers?

The Impact of Our Relationships

Hebrews 10:24–25 “24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”

Colossians 3:13 “13 bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.”

Quote: "The church is not a museum for saints, but a hospital for sinners." — Unknown

Illustration: the impact of a brother or sister in your life… Rebuke, encouragement, model, ??

The Danger of Division

1 Corinthians 1:10 “10 I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment.”

Ephesians 4:3 “3 eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”

Quote: "Unity is not uniformity, but a harmony that celebrates our differences." — N.T. Wright

Encouragement to Build Community

Acts 2:42 “42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.”

Galatians 6:2 “2 Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.”

Quote: "Community is where we learn to love, forgive, and grow." — C.S. Lewis

Illustration: A local church project where members came together to serve the community, showcasing the power of unity in action.

Application: Evaluate your relationships within the church body… Are you connected?? How can you contribute to a culture of loyalty and support among your brothers and sisters in Christ? How can YOU make this a church were LOVE ACTS!!??

III. We Must Be Loyal to the Partner of Our Marriage (Malachi 2:13–16)

Malachi 2:13–16 ESV

13 And this second thing you do. You cover the Lord’s altar with tears, with weeping and groaning because he no longer regards the offering or accepts it with favor from your hand. 14 But you say, “Why does he not?” Because the Lord was witness between you and the wife of your youth, to whom you have been faithless, though she is your companion and your wife by covenant. 15 Did he not make them one, with a portion of the Spirit in their union? And what was the one God seeking? Godly offspring. So guard yourselves in your spirit, and let none of you be faithless to the wife of your youth. 16 “For the man who does not love his wife but divorces her, says the Lord, the God of Israel, covers his garment with violence, says the Lord of hosts. So guard yourselves in your spirit, and do not be faithless.”

The Sacredness of Marriage

Genesis 2:24 “24 Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.”

Ephesians 5:31–32 “31 “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” 32 This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church.”

Quote: "Marriage is not just about finding the right person, but being the right person." — John Piper

The Consequences of Infidelity

Proverbs 6:32 “32 He who commits adultery lacks sense; he who does it destroys himself.”

Malachi 2:16 “16 “For the man who does not love his wife but divorces her, says the Lord, the God of Israel, covers his garment with violence, says the Lord of hosts. So guard yourselves in your spirit, and do not be faithless.””

Quote: "Infidelity is a betrayal of trust that can shatter lives." — Tim Keller

The Call to Faithfulness

1 Corinthians 7:3 “3 The husband should give to his wife her conjugal rights, and likewise the wife to her husband.”

Ephesians 5:25 “25 Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her,”

Colossians 3:19 “19 Husbands, love your wives, and do not be harsh with them.”

Quote: "Faithfulness in marriage is the foundation upon which intimacy is built." — Gary Chapman

Illustration: A couple shares their journey of overcoming challenges in their marriage through commitment and open communication, illustrating the power of faithfulness in building a strong relationship.

Application: If you are married, think about your marriage commitment. Consider practical steps you can take to strengthen your relationship, such as regular date nights, open conversations about feelings, and prayer together, ensuring you uphold the sacredness of your covenant. How can we as the church guard one another marriages?

Group Questions

Questions on the Main Text

In Malachi 2:10, the prophet speaks about the covenant made with God. How do you personally understand your relationship as a covenant with God? What implications does this have for how you live your life?

In Malachi 2:11, God rebukes Israel for marrying those outside their faith. How can this principle apply to our relationships today? What does it mean to be "unequally yoked" (2 Corinthians 6:14)?

Reflecting on Malachi 2:16, why do you think God hates divorce? What are some of the broader societal implications of divorce that we see today?

Questions on Main Points

This sermon emphasizes our loyalty to God (Mal 2:11-12). What are some practical ways we can show or grow our loyalty to God in our daily lives, especially when faced with challenges?

How can we foster a sense of loyalty and unity within our church community, as discussed in Malachi 2:10? What potential obstacles might we face in achieving this? What are practical ways you can help bring unity in the body?

How does/should the understanding of marriage as a sacred covenant (Matthew 19:4–6 & Genesis 2:24) impact our actions and attitudes towards our spouses? Toward others who are married and their spouses? What can we do to honor this sacredness?

Reflecting on the consequences of infidelity by reading (Proverbs 6:32), how can we protect our marriages and relationships from temptation? What accountability measures can we put in place?

In discussing the call to faithfulness in our marriages read (Eph 5.22-33 and 1 Cor 7:2-5), what does it mean to fulfill our marital duties? How can we cultivate love and respect in our marriages?

Closing Reflection

After reflecting on Malachi 2:10-16, what is one specific area in your life where you feel called to renew your commitment—whether to God, to others, or in your marriage? How can this group support you in that commitment?