Malachi | A HOPE TO COME SERIES | 8.3.25

Follow Along with the Message

Do you ever get tired of seeing actions being taken by political, business, and even religious leaders that seem intent on moving as far away from God as possible?

We’ve studied Daniel, Habakkuk, and now Malachi. How have these ancient prophets given you perspective and spoken truth into your life right here, right now?

Malachi speaks to three categories of people: discouraged believers (going through the motions), those who have already turned away from God (and moved on), and future believers. crying out for God’s people to return to Him (modern Malachis). Which one of these are you closest to being, and why?

Carl broke Malachi into three sections—looking back, looking inward, and looking ahead.
Looking Back (1:1-5): Malachi begins by reminding Israel of God’s affirming and enduring love for them, “I have always loved you,” says the Lord. But the people replied in disbelief, “Really? How have you loved us?”
Can you share a time you felt that God intentionally moved away from you, left you behind, or even abandoned you? What, if anything, got you through that season? (Or maybe you’re still there.)

Looking Inward (1:6–3:15): The people, priests, and religious leaders had moved from being faithful in God to being arrogant in themselves. Carl said he counted 28 ways the post-exilic Israelites were ignoring/defying God.
It’s easy to count the rebellious and arrogant ways of today’s world and let ourselves off the hook, but how many ways can you count YOUR devotion to the Lord and spiritual practices slipping? (When Phil preached on Daniel 5, he called this being de-formed vs being formed.)

Looking Ahead (3:16-4:6): Malachi reminds his listeners that a better day is yet to come.
Read 3:16-18. How do these verses convict, encourage, challenge, or otherwise stir you?

Will you ever look at Scrapple the same way again?