Sermon Overview

This sermon explores the book of Malachi, the final book of the Old Testament, which addresses how God desires to be worshiped. Through six disputations (arguments), God challenges His people about the quality and sincerity of their worship across three main areas:

1. How we treat other people
2. What we do with ourselves (our holiness and dedication)
3. How we approach God Himself

Discussion Questions

Section 1: Treating Others (Disputations 3 & 4)

• Malachi 2:10-16 and 1 John 4:20-21
  • Why does God connect worship of Him with how we treat other people? How does this challenge our typical understanding of "personal faith"?
  • The sermon mentioned that God warns against being "unequally yoked" with unbelievers (2 Corinthians 6). How do we balance building relationships with non-believers for evangelism while protecting the depth of our most intimate relationships?

Section 2: Our Holiness & Dedication (Disputations 2 & 5)

• Malachi 1:6-14 and Malachi 3:6-12
  • The Israelites were offering blind, lame, and sick animals instead of their best. What are modern equivalents of offering God our "leftovers" instead of our best?
  • The sermon asked: "Does the amount you give matter to your budget and to your family? Are you making sacrifices because you are giving to the Lord?" How would you honestly answer this question? What might need to change?

Section 3: Approaching God (Disputations 1 & 6)

• Malachi 1:2-5 and Malachi 3:13-18
  • The Israelites questioned, "How have you loved us?" despite God's clear demonstration of love. When have you questioned God's love or goodness in your life? What helped you return to trust?
  • What does it mean to "fear the Lord" in a healthy, biblical way? How is this different from being scared of God?

Connecting to Christ

• Malachi 3:1 and 4:2-6
  • How does the book of Malachi point forward to Jesus Christ? What hope does the "messenger of the covenant" and the "sun of righteousness" bring?
  • The sermon emphasized that our hope for meeting God's standards is found in Christ's death and resurrection. How does the gospel free us from legalism while still calling us to wholehearted devotion?