Preview: The mystery of Elijah’s identity and his coming are explored in this lesson.
Scripture Reading: Malachi 4:1-6.
Memory Verse: Malachi 3:6.
1. Did the disciples understand that Elijah was to come again? Matthew 17:10.
2. Did Jesus teach that Elijah shall come and restore all things? Matthew 17:11 & Mark 9:12.
3. Did John the Baptist come in the spirit of Elijah? Luke 1:17.
4. Was St. John the Baptist Elijah? John 1:21.
5. Who did St. John claim to be? John 1:22-23.
6. Was John the Baptist a true witness? John 5:33.
Note: John denied that he was Elijah, and Jesus declared John was a true messenger, therefore, John was not Elijah in person. Let us accept the testimony of John and Jesus lest we be a cast away.
7. Will Elijah come before the dreadful day of the Lord? Malachi 4:5.
Note: The dreadful day of the Lord is just before the wrath of God is poured out, before the plagues are poured out.
8. What will be Elijah’s mission? Malachi 4:6.
Note: It was the work of John the Baptist to prepare the hearts of the people, and to make the way of Christ’s coming; and it will be the work of Elijah before Christ’s coming. It reads, “Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord.” Let us rejoice and not condemn.
9. Will Elijah be a witness against sorcerers and adulterers? Malachi 3:5.
10. What is the dreadful day of the Lord? Malachi 4:1.
11. Did John and Peter see Elijah? Matthew 17:3-4.
Note: With these plain facts before us, no one can say that John the Baptist was Elijah, unless they make John and Jesus false witnesses.
12. Was Elijah a Commandment keeper? I Kings 18:7-18.
Note: Elijah was a man that caused the wicked nations to tremble when he was here the first time. A messenger prepared the way before the flood, and a messenger prepared the way for Christ’s first coming, why not for His second coming, in this confused and perverted age?