Preview: A study of how, why, and when we should witness for God. This is the sixth lesson in a thirteen-part series on this subject.
Pre-reading: Matthew 14:1-12 & Luke 3:1-20.
Note: Malachi means “my messenger”. This title, used both in the Hebrew and Greek texts for this book, suggests that this was the name of the prophet whose messages are recorded. There are no other known references to this individual. The content of this book suggests that the second half of the fifth century B.C. was the time of Malachi’s active ministry. The temple had already been rebuilt. The religious conditions- apostasy, intermarriage with foreign women, neglect of the tithe- are similar to those prevailing during the era of Nehemiah (444-432 B.C.).
Malachi’s chief concern is that the Israelites’ relationship with God is not as it should be. They have neglected and mistreated God. They do not respect God as they should, failing to observe that which God requires of them. Consequently, judgment awaits them, but the God-fearing people are assured that they are noted in God’s book and will enjoy God’s salvation forever. (Reference taken from The Amplified Bible Expanded Edition Malachi Book Notes.)
Scripture Reading: Malachi 2:7-17.
Memory Verse: Isaiah 42:25.
1. Discuss Israel’s spiritual condition in the foregoing Scriptures. How does it compare to us today?
Note: The priests, preachers, and teachers should have been teaching the Laws of God, but they had failed to do so.
They had showed favoritism, married strange women and been unfaithful to their first wives; they were separated from God and did not know it. Much of the church world today is in the same condition, having a form of religion, but no power to overcome sin.
2. What did God say the spiritual leaders should do? Isaiah 58:1.
3. Can those who preach and teach for money afford to do this? Micah 3:11-12.
4. What was God’s solution for Israel’s sick condition? Malachi 3:1-6 & Isaiah 40:1-5.
5. Did Jesus say that this prophecy was fulfilled in John the Baptist? Luke 7:24-28.
Note: We have the same salvation message today and it can have the same cleansing effect on our lives with the same saving results. We are not saved in our sins, but FROM our sins.
6. What was Malachi’s prophecy concerning Elijah’s message? Malachi 4:1-6.
7. How did John fulfill this prophecy? Luke 1:13-17.
Note: This is the same message that must be published by God’s witnesses today. If a Church is not doing so, it is not God’s Church. Just as John came in the same Holy Spirit that directed Elijah, so must we. It is vital that the Body of Christ understand and teach the healthy workings of the family unit. Otherwise, it cannot function as the family of God, which is the Church. Discuss what has happened to our family life and why.
8. Did Peter become a powerful witness when he was filled with the Holy Spirit? Acts 2:14-18.
9. Did the Church pray for boldness to witness? Acts 4:29-31.
10. Is it mandatory that a true witness be informed and obedient to God’s Word? I Timothy 4:15-16 & I Timothy 6:12-14.
Note: It takes Holy boldness to tell the truth to troubled people. It cost John his head.
To Be Continued…
Other Lessons* in this series:
Witnessing - Called to Witness: Part 1 of 13
Witnessing - Empowered to Witness: Part 2 of 13
Witnessing - Why Witness: Part 3 of 13
Witnessing - Qualified to Witness: Part 4 of 13
Witnessing - Qualified to Witness: Part 5 of 13
Witnessing - Method of Witnessing: Part 6 of 13
Witnessing - Paul's Call to Witness: Part 7 of 13
Witnessing - How to Witness: Part 8 of 13
Witnessing - How to Witness: Part 9 of 13
Witnessing - How to Witness: Part 10 of 13
Witnessing - How to Witness: Part 11 of 13
Witnessing - How to Witness: Part 12 of 13
Witnessing - Summing Up the Call: Part 13 of 13
*Lessons in a series may not necessarily be in the same category.