I have Loved You, Says the Lord

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Discussion

Is there anything that speaks to you in this passage?

Why is context so important?

What is the context of this book and passage?

Minor Prophet

Set in the time after Babylon

Temple is rebuilt.

External Acts of religion, but no internal change.

Very easily during the time of Nehemiah

Why is it so important to be mindful of the covenant relationship between God and man? (The covenant is only as strong, as the people making the covenant)

What are some of the covenants that God makes with man? ( Noahic Covenant ; Abrahamic Covenant , ; Mosaic Covenant ) When God makes a covenant with man, it always starts with a promise of God, before a requirement of man.

When God enters into a covenant with his creature, it is a gesture of favor, of condescending goodness, of grace. Grace for the sinner is in fact inconceivable without the making of a covenant, simply because any basic relationship, any fundamental relationship between God and man itself depends on the covenant of works, which is why all sin has the character of a breach of covenant. Hence no restoration of the relationship is possible if another covenant does not take the place of the covenant that was violated and breached. - Abraham Kuyper

In light of covenant / discipline, why is it important that God reminds the children of Israel of his love for them? ()

How does God remind them of how he loves them? () Why is it important, that Malachi discuss Jacob and Esau? How is this relevant to us as Christians?

Scott stated, “Rebukes always lead to the road of renewal.” - Why is this important? How does this reflect .

Scott stated, “There is not condition for God to love us, but it does give us a responsibility.” There is a cost on our part () How have you thought about that cost in your own life?

Scott stated, “Spiritual renewal can only come from God, we cannot renew ourselves” how is this antithetical to the way that the world looks at our humanity?

How has praying for Spiritual Renewal changed your prayer life?

How can we encourage each other during this time of reading through Malachi, and praying for spiritual renewal?

Closing Thoughts:

“Love awakens love in return” - JI Packer (Knowing God)

He will give you what you need! To quote John Calvin, “ if we have an abundance of all things to the extent of our desires, but are uncertain of the love or hatred of God, our prosperity will be cursed, and therefore miserable. But if the paternal countenance of God shine on us, even our miseries will be blessed, because they will be converted into aids of our salvation.”