This Bible study is part of our of verse by verse study of Malachi, the 39th book in the Bible. Taught by Sim Forder, one of our pastors, at our Sunday evening service on the 2nd May 2021. You can listen to the audio on this web page or save it for later listening, and notes are also available to download.

Chapter overview (chapters 3 and 4)

• God will send two messengers – John and Jesus
• Jesus will return a second time – as judge
• But we should be living right, now – giving God what he is due
• Wrong will be put right, justice will be done
• How will you approach God on that day?

Summary

As we begin chapter 3, God answers Israel’s question from the last verse of chapter 2 – that is, “Where is the God of justice?”. The answer; the same place as always – on His throne. Being patient. We must not, however, take this patience as licence to sin, for he will both send Jesus to earth as Saviour (v1) and then He will return again as judge (v2-5). Therefore, we must live right, now. Giving God what He is due -remembering that all things come from Him anyway.

Application questions

• In what areas does God still need to refine you? Are you willing?
• How might you turn your heart toward God?
• Are you robbing God by hoarding that which He has given you?
• Will you face God as your Saviour, or your judge? You need to know.