Bible Study - Apathy - What is Your Decision? - Malachi 3 - June 24, 2012

Bible Study - Apathy – What is Your Decision? – June 24, 2012

This is our final lesson in our series entitled “Apathy – Who Cares?”

Our scripture is Malachi 3:13-4:6.

GOD has used Malachi in an effort to get the attention of the Israelites. HIS desire is for them to wake up Spiritually and restore their relationship with HIM. This is an example of the love of GOD for HIS children, even when they go astray and could care less about having a healthy relationship with HIM, HE continues to pursue them. When HIS children stray from HIM today, HE pursues them because of HIS love for them. HE never moves or changes but we do. HE always remains at the point we leave HIM waiting for us to return to HIM. Our part is to confess our sins, repent and ask HIM to forgive us. HIS part is to forgive and restore our relationship. HIS love for us is never-ending.

When Christians fully comprehend the never-ending love that GOD has for them, it should result in them standing in awe of HIM. HE loved them even when they did not love or care for HIM. CHRIST gave HIS life for them out of HIS love for them. The result is that all who accepts HIM as their Savior will have eternal life and become HIS Sons or Daughters through the miracle of rebirth for eternity.

As we have studied Malachi, we have seen the apathy that both the priests and the people had toward GOD. In our final lesson, GOD will have additional statements and answers for them to ponder. Notice that GOD makes a statement and then proposes the question the priests and people would ask. GOD knows their hearts and by stating the question they would ask, HE prevents them from making excuses. HE goes to the heart of their hearts and HE does not give them any leeway to play dumb such as “Gee, we did not know that we were supposed to do so-and-so.” GOD knew their hearts and HE knew that they knew what they were supposed to do.  Let’s explore.

Let’s read Malachi 3:13-15:

The Righteous and the Wicked 

13 “Your words against Me are harsh,” says the Lord. Yet you ask: “What have we spoken against You?” 14 You have said: “It is useless to serve God. What have we gained by keeping His requirements and walking mournfully before the Lord of Hosts? 15 So now we consider the arrogant to be fortunate. Not only do those who commit wickedness prosper, they even test God and escape.”

In our previous scripture, GOD promised the Israelites if they would give a tenth, HE would bless them and protect them from the devourer. GOD challenged them to test HIM. We see the attitude of the Israelites in Malachi 3:15 - the wicked tested GOD by not honoring HIM and even cursing HIM. GOD seemingly let them get away with such behavior because nothing bad happened to them. They believed GOD had gotten confused about who HE should be helping and those HE should be punishing. This was a warped indictment about GOD.

Let’s look back at Malachi 3:10-12: (GOD’S promise to them, if they would take a step toward HIM in obedience seeking to restore their relationship with HIM.)

10 Bring the full tenth into the storehouse so that there may be food in My house. Test Me in this way,” says the Lord of Hosts. “See if I will not open the floodgates of heaven and pour out a blessing for you without measure. 11 I will rebuke the devourer for you, so that it will not ruin the produce of your land and your vine in your field will not fail to produce fruit,” says the Lord of Hosts. 12 “Then all the nations will consider you fortunate, for you will be a delightful land,” says the Lord of Hosts.

The Israelites had the attitude that the wicked were getting away with their actions toward GOD and their fellow men because GOD did nothing about it. They focused on the prosperity of the wicked. GOD challenged them to test HIM by being obedient to some simple steps of obedience in giving. Giving and gaining was something that they could measure and relate to GOD. If they followed GOD’S instructions, HE knew that this test could be the beginning of their restoration process.

So what do you think GOD was trying to do? Was GOD trying to bribe them or was HE trying to get them to take action by taking a step toward HIM. When they would take this step of obedience, HE would honor HIS promise. This would reveal to them that obedience was the key to worshiping HIM and that HE had not abandoned them. They needed to realize that HE was both their provider and their protector from the devourer.

In essence, GOD was saying, when you take a step of faith to build a personal relationship with HIM, HE would respond. GOD gave them specific instructions because HE wanted them to be obedient to HIM. When they responded and they saw that GOD honored their step of faith, it would build their confidence and trust in HIM. This, in turn, would lead to other steps of obedience. After a period of walking with GOD, HE knew that they would develop the right relationship with HIM. It was a matter of rebuilding trust and confidence. See the extent GOD will go to restore right relationships.

Do not think that you can give a tenth to GOD with the wrong attitude and receive HIS blessings. We cannot buy GOD’S favor by giving our money. HIS desire is for us to give ourselves to HIM in obedient service as HE leads and directs our lives through the indwelling Holy Spirit. GOD still leads HIS children to give with a promise. HE works in many different ways to challenge HIS children to build an obedient relationship with HIM. Just be careful that the Holy Spirit leads you in all steps of faith. Such promises are for HIS children to claim but for HIM to give. HE will never give HIS children something that will harm them unless they need to learn a lesson. HE is sovereign in all things.

The people in Malachi’s day had said some harsh words about GOD when they were talking to each other. In essence, some of their words likely went like this, “You know I tried to worship GOD but things in my life did not get any better. In fact they got worse. I looked around and noticed old so-and-so, who has never gone to the temple to worship GOD. He is about as wicked as it gets and GOD has blessed him with cattle, sheep, children, bountiful crops, health and life for him is good. So why should we honor GOD? HE does not care about those who worship HIM. Some of the wicked people even test GOD by refusing to obey HIS laws. They treat others badly and curse GOD. GOD does nothing to them. They seem to prosper even more. Therefore, GOD must not care, because if HE did, bad things would happen to these ungodly people.” So often, Christians look at the physical prosperity of non-Christian people and question why. We are so wired to equate prosperity to GOD. HE does provide to all. JESUS said it best in Matthew 5:43-46a:

43 “You have heard that it was said, Love your neighbor and hate your enemy. 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 so that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. For He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 For if you love those who love you, what reward will you have ---.

GOD’S greatest concern is for HIS children, those who know HIM, to grow and prosper Spiritually, as well as, to prosper materially. HIS desire is for them to seek HIM first.

For the non-Christian, HIS desire is for them to seek HIM. Keep in mind that GOD allows the rain to fall upon both the just and the unjust. Good decisions most often equal good results.

Christians seek the fullness of CHRIST in them. Non-Christians seek contentment often through the things the world offers – drugs, alcohol, sex and the list goes on.

Many Christians seek material prosperity but JESUS stated in Matthew 6:33:

33 But seek first the kingdom of Godn Other mss omit of Godo Mk 1:15; Ac 20:25 and His righteousness,p Mt 27:19; Lk 7:29; 23:41,47; Jn 5:30; 17:25; Ac 3:14 and all these things will be provided for you.q 1Kg 3:13; Mt 19:28; Mk 10:29; Lk 18:29; 1Tm 4:8

JESUS said in Matthew 7:7-11:

Keep Asking, Searching, Knocking 

7 “Keep asking, and it will be given to you. Keep searching, and you will find. Keep knocking, and the door will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives, and the one who searches finds, and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. 9 What man among you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? 10 Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? 11 If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!

GOD will never give HIS children something that will harm them.

GOD will provide our needs. But our Spiritual needs far outweigh our physical needs. HE uses physical needs to develop Spiritual growth and maturity.

Let’s read Malachi 3:16-4:3: (Keep in mind that when scripture was written it was not written with chapters and verses. This scripture runs from chapter 3 into chapter 4.)

16 At that time those who feared the Lord spoke to one another. The Lord took notice and listened. So a book of remembranceg Ex 32:32; Est 6:1; Dn 12:1 was written before Him for those who feared Yahweh and had high regard for His name.
17 “They will be Mine,” says the Lord of Hosts,h Ex 19:5; Dt 7:6; 14:2; 26:18; Ps 135:4 “a special possession on the day I am preparing. I will have compassion on them as a man has compassion on his son who serves him.i Ps 103:13; Jl 2:18; Zch 11:5-6
18 So you will again see the difference between the righteous and the wicked, between one who serves God and one who does not serve Him.

Chapter 4

The Day of the Lord

1 a Mal 3:19 in Hb“For indeed, the day is coming, burning like a furnace, when all the arrogant and everyone who commits wickedness will become stubble. The coming day will consume them,” says the Lord of •Hosts, “not leaving them root or branches.
2 But for you who •fear My name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings,b Ps 37:6; Isa 58:8 and you will go out and playfully jump like calves from the stall.c Or like stall-fed calves
3 You will trample the wicked, for they will be ashes under the soles of your feet on the day I am preparing,” says the Lord of Hosts.

It is clear in the previous verses (Malachi 3:14-15) there was a group of Israelites who were arrogant skeptics. This group spoke against the LORD with each other. In verses 16-18, GOD revealed that there were those who feared/reverenced HIM. This must have been a ray of hope for Malachi. This group of GOD fearers also spoke with each other and GOD took notice. HE revealed to Malachi that there was a book of remembrance.

The book of remembrance was another name for the book of life where the names and lives of GOD’S people are recorded. Some believe that the Book of Life contains all the names of every human ever conceived. At the instant those who accept CHRIST as their Savior, their names are written permanently in the book of life. Those who reject CHRIST, upon their death their names are blotted out. Bottom line, GOD was revealing that nothing escapes HIM. HE was still sovereign and would have the final word regarding the eternal destiny of all people. Those who honor HIM and respect HIM, HE will have compassion on them.

The book of remembrance was used by ancient kings to have a record of activities of their loyal subjects. Such a book was key to the events recorded in the Book of Esther regarding Mordecai. (Esther 2:21-23 and 6:1-3)

In verse 18, HE made it clear that in the end all will see the difference between those who obediently serve HIM and those who do not.

HE continued in verse 1 to reveal that judgment day was coming. In that day the wicked will be judged. They will be burned to ashes, whereas the GOD-fearers will rejoice. Do you remember the moment you received CHRIST as your Savior? It was such an overwhelming joy that you could not contain it. JESUS brought Spiritual light into your life and dispelled darkness. You might have felt like leaping for joy. When Christians fully realize what CHRIST has done for them, they will leap for joy.

Those who thought that the wicked got away with their evil deeds will see that GOD is their final judge and their punishment will be eternal. A very sad picture but it is the reality of rejecting GOD then and CHRIST since HIS death on the cross. The resurrection of CHRIST is the proof that CHRIST conquered sin and the results of sin which is eternal death.

If you have not asked CHRIST to forgive you for your sins, I urge you to ask HIM to forgive you and ask HIM to come into your life now. This life is only a small nano dot compared to eternity. GOD loves you and allowed HIS Son, JESUS, to come to earth and give HIS life for you. Accept HIS passion and in turn HE will give you eternal life and you will become a child of GOD through the miracle of rebirth. When you ask HIM into your life, thank HIM for HIS salvation far exceeds the vast riches of all earth. Leap for joy!!!

Let’s read Malachi 4:4-6:

A Final Warning

4 “Remember the instruction of Moses My servant, the statutes and ordinances I commanded him at Horebd Dt 4:10,15; 5:2 for all Israel.
5 Look, I am going to send you Elijah the prophete Mt 11:13-14 before the great and awesome Day of the Lord comes.f Jl 2:31; Ac 2:20
6 g Mal 3:24 in HbAnd he will turn the hearts of fathers to their children and the hearts of children to their fathers.h Lk 1:17 Otherwise, I will come and strike the landi Or earth with a curse.”

GOD urges the priests and people to remember HIS Word. HIS Word has been recorded through the ages. John 1:1 reveals “In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with GOD and the Word was GOD.” The Word was JESUS. That was HIS name in heaven before time began. When HE came to earth to be born as a human, HIS name was JESUS. HE retains the name “Word” because in Revelation 19:13 it is written, “HE is dressed in a robe dipped in blood and HIS name is the Word of GOD.”

GOD referred to Moses and Elijah. Both Moses and Elijah had gone to be with the LORD when Malachi wrote this. GOD instructed the priests and the people to remember the instruction of Moses and to look for Elijah. This was written over 400 years before the birth of CHRIST. It was prophesy which was fulfilled during the life of CHRIST.  There are several references recorded in the New Testament:

Luke 9:28-31: (JESUS was in the last days of HIS earthly ministry before being crucified. Moses represented the law and Elijah represented the prophets. They were evaluating JESUS as well as the law and prophesy regarding HIM. Had JESUS fulfilled the law and all of the prophecy? Did HE pass the final test as the sinless Lamb of GOD? YES, HE passed the test and was deemed the perfect sacrifice to pay in full for all sin for all who will believe in HIM!!!)

The Transfiguration 

28 About eight days after these words, He took along Peter, John, and James and went up on the mountain to pray. 29 As He was praying, the appearance of His face changed, and His clothes became dazzling white. 30 Suddenly, two men were talking with Him—Moses and Elijah. 31 They appeared in glory and were speaking of His death, which He was about to accomplish in Jerusalem.

Matthew 17:10-13:

10 So the disciples questioned Him, “Why then do the •scribes say that Elijah must come first?”n Mal 4:5; Mt 11:14

11 “Elijah is comingo Other mss add first and will restore everything,” He replied.p Other mss read Jesus said to themq Mal 4:6; Lk 1:16-17
12 “But I tell you: Elijah has already come, and they didn’t recognize him. On the contrary, they did whatever they pleased to him. In the same way the Son of Man is going to suffer at their hands.”r Lit suffer by thems Mt 14:3,10; 16:21
13 Then the disciples understood that He spoke to them about John the Baptist.

Luke 1:17: (This is when the angel Gabriel told the Priest Zechariah that his wife Elizabeth would conceive a child who they were to name John. This is John the Baptist.)

17 And he will go before the LORD, in the spirit and power of Elijah,

Verse 6 is our final scripture. When people accept CHRIST as their Savior, HE restores relationships. They are first reconciled to HIM, which can open the opportunity for them to reach out to others around them in love.

This is our final study in the book of Malachi but the Words GOD spoke through Malachi are just as relevant today as the day they were revealed. Every human has a choice to accept CHRIST or reject HIM. What is your decision? No one can make that decision for you.  Accept CHRIST as your Savior now. The benefits are eternal!!!