Malachi's Burden: "Jesus is Coming"

Malachi 2:17-3:12 Primarily the book of Malachi is about bringing glory to God. Review past weeks. Now He is saying guess what? I am coming

Vrs. 17 “wearied” God is upset when we challenge His goodness

The accusation against God is that He is not just and did not take care of evil and He is not faithful to take care of those who love Him.

This is the age old question that continually comes up “if God is good why does He not stop evil”?

God’s Answer through Malachi is twofold

1. Jesus is coming and He is Just
Vrs 1-2a
1. I am coming Vrs 1 John the Baptist then Jesus (twofold 1st and 2nd coming Mountains ill)
2. You are accusing others of evil but really no one can stand in their sinful condition. Vrs 2a Look at yourself

Side note discussion, as Christians many times we are too concerned with the actions of others and not concerned enough with our own actions
God is saying guess what “you stink too” My kids illustration (soccer kids fighting illustration)
-if you are constantly going around pointing the finger at everyone else, it probably means you are trying to cover up your own guilt and sin.

-It is always easy to know what to do when we are on the outside looking in. Everyone is an expert. What the president should do… what less fortunate people should do…

-This does not mean that we don’t hold others accountable it just means that don’t be so quick to point out the faults of others and impose what we think they should do.

Application: we are not just and because of that we have no right to questions God’s justice.

So can anyone stand under God’s Judgment? Not without Jesus
GOSPEL
1. Purifies us. Vrs 2b-3 Jesus wants to purify. Silver smith ill
2. Makes us pleasing to Himself. Vrs. 4 Being pure pleases the Lord and then He accepts our glory and praise of Himself
3. Judges sinners Vrs 5 those who do not know the Lord will face the full effect of God’s Judgment
. Sins of Omission and commission,

Because they do not fear me..
Jesus enables us to escape the judgment

Jesus is coming and He is Faithful
Vrs. 6 God does not change and He keeps His promises.
Therefore… eternal security
Vrs 7 Unfortunately we do change and there are times in our lives that we turn from the Lord.

“In what way shall we return”? 2 ways to look at this response
1. Defiance, they don’t feel like they did anything wrong.
Need to Repent
2. Hopelessness, don’t know how to get back on track.
I am hanging out with these people, I am a slave to a certain sin.
Need to Trust His faithfulness, whatever you are dealing with God can help you with. Do some research on verses





Vrs 8-10
This is not God saying I am only faithful when you are faithful, He is saying trust that I am faithful and show Me you trust Me by trusting Me with everything. When you give it all to Me I will show you that I will take care of you and bless you.

Vrs 9 “Curse” Deut 28:47 They did not serve with joy and gladness.
I believe as Christians we realize that we can never be fulfilled in life if the Lord is not first.

Their ingratitude shows their unfaithfulness to God

Vrs 10 God is saying trust me on this one put me first in every area and I will show you the blessings you will receive.

What areas do you need to be faithful in?
Worship and service, Finances, relationships, school, work

If you are not willing to give God your time, talents and treasure, you are not trusting that He will take care of you no matter what happens. You are saying that your time, talents and treasure are what takes care of you and are more important then the Lord.

Vrs 11 God takes care and protects and this brings Himself glory

Vrs 12 as a Christian you will spur on curiosity of others and people will say

When you trust in God’s Justice and His faithfulness people will look and say. “I want what that person has”