Always Faithful (Malachi 2:1-16)

Introduction

In Malachi 2:1–16 we see the importance of faithfulness to God and our fellow human beings. Specifically, Malachi dealt with the need for faithfulness on the part of religious leaders, faithfulness to others in the community, faithfulness to God, and faithfulness to family. If people were faithful in these areas, most of society’s problems today would be solved. Let us see how the message of a prophet who lived over twenty-four hundred years ago could make our modern world a better place.

MAIN IDEA: God demands faithfulness among religious leaders, to others in the community, to himself, and to our families.

1. The Faithfulness of Religious Leaders (2:1–9)

SUPPORTING IDEA: Religious leaders are to be faithful to their God-given responsibilities.

Malachi’s description of the spiritual leaders in his time sounds like some in our world today. In recent months newspapers have been filled with stories of priests accused of molesting children, and the escapades of certain well-known television evangelists are public knowledge. Some people have become disillusioned with the church because of such disappointments. However, we should remember two important facts. First, countless faithful ministers of the gospel serve selflessly and tirelessly throughout our world. Let us not condemn all because of some. Second, human beings (even spiritual leaders) may disappoint us, but Jesus never will. He is always faithful, and he is the object of our faith.

In summary, the priests in Malachi’s day were being judged because they were unfaithful to God in both their personal and professional lives. May spiritual leaders today heed the warning set forth by God’s faithful prophet twenty-four hundred years ago.

2. Faithfulness to Others (2:10)

SUPPORTING IDEA: We should deal faithfully and honestly with others in our society.

Mistreatment of others is a serious problem in our modern society. Dishonest dealings and selfish behavior are rampant. Examples of unscrupulous corporate executives who have become wealthy at the expense of company stockholders have been in the news lately. In July 1996 a woman from Albany, Georgia, was killed and her daughter was injured when a bomb exploded in Atlanta’s Centennial Olympic Park during the summer Olympics. Some heartless person, learning from the media coverage that the woman had been killed and the family was out of town, burglarized the home! How we treat others reveals much about our character and our relationship with God.

3. Faithfulness to God (2:11–12)

SUPPORTING IDEA: We should not compromise in our faithfulness to God.

Malachi and Nehemiah exhibited an uncompromising attitude toward the sin of marrying idolaters because they realized its dangers to fragile Judah. Baldwin explains, “Since apostasy had been responsible for the exile it was unthinkable that the whole community should be put at risk again” (Baldwin, 238).

4. Faithfulness to Family (2:13–16)

SUPPORTING IDEA: We should be faithful to our marriage partners.

Conclusion

In this section of the prophecy, Malachi reminded us that God wants people to be faithful. In 2:1–9, he warned those who serve in positions of spiritual leadership in local congregations, denominations, and other areas to take seriously their responsibilities. Some of the most severe denunciations in the Book of Malachi and in the Bible are directed toward unfaithful and hypocritical spiritual leaders. Malachi also reprimanded those who are unfaithful in dealing with others in the community (2:10, 16). Dishonest business dealings and other deceit destroy the very fabric of society. Faithfulness to others begins with faithfulness to a holy God (2:11–12). Some people in Malachi’s day were unfaithful to God because they married (and possibly worshiped with) pagans who venerated false gods. Finally, the prophet dealt with unfaithful spouses who were sending their wives packing and marrying others (2:13–16). Such actions break the heart of God because of the heartache and devastation they bring to his children.

Principles

• God expects us to be faithful.

• Religious leaders should be faithful to their God-given responsibilities.

• If religious leaders are not faithful, they will be disgraced and lose the respect of the people.

• We should deal faithfully and honestly with those in our community.

• Christians should not be “unequally yoked” with unbelievers.

• God wants us to be faithful to our marriage partners.

• God will reward us for our faithfulness.

Applications

• Resolve to be faithful to God and his kingdom’s work.

• If you are a religious leader, determine to be faithful to God’s calling on your life.

• We should respect, honor, and support religious leaders who are faithful to God.

• Are you honest in your dealings with others? Are there wrongs against others that you need to make right?

• If you are unmarried, determine to marry a believer who can help you to grow in your Christian faith. If you are already married to an unbeliever, live such a Christlike life that he or she will want to know your Savior.

• Renew your marriage vows to your spouse, pledging once more to be faithful until death do you part.