This study is part of our series of verse by verse studies of Malachi, the 39th book in the Bible. Taught by Sim Forder, one of our pastors, at our Sunday evening service on the 11th April 2021. You can listen to the audio on this web page or save it for later listening.

We started this study with a general overview of the book:

• 39th book in the Bible
• Last book in the Old Testament
• Written 433-424BC
• 4 chapters
• 55 verses
• Quoted by Paul in Romans chapter nine
• One of three post-exile prophets
• Name means “my messenger”
• Highest percentage of direct, first-person speaking from God
• Theme: Accusations from God and denials from Israel that He is rightfully accusing them of evil.

Looking more closely, the chapters can be summarised as:

1. Israel is loved by God, but has despised God
2. Corrupt priests, broken relationships
3. The coming messenger, we must not rob God
4. Justice will be done – the day is coming

While the summary of chapter one, which we looked at in this study is:

• God loves us; we must not forget what He has done for us!
• Be humble enough to recognise your sin
• Don’t give God your leftovers; give Him your best!
• Never pretend you are giving your all (when you are not)

The people weren’t being indicted for their lack. They were being indicted for their failure to give back to the Lord the best of what He had already given them. In any area of our walk, the Lord only asks of us that which He has already provided.

Jon Courson

Let’s put it on the line today: Do you have religion, or do you have Christ? Are you real, or are you just going through the form of it? Do you wear your Christianity like a garment that you can take off and put aside at any time, and do you generally put it aside when you are not in church? Perhaps you assume a certain pious attitude and can quote pious platitudes, but how real is Christ to you?

J Vernon McGee