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Malachi 1:1-5 - Sovereign Love For Skeptical Hearts
The people of God have grown weary of waiting. It has been over 60 years since the temple was rebuilt, and the words of Zechariah, the last prophet to speak promises of hope, now feel distant and fading. For this discouraged remnant, life is marked by economic hardship, ongoing drought, and the continued reign of a foreign king. In their despair, they begin to question God’s faithfulness. Their doubts lead them down a path of complacency and compromise.
In response, the Lord sends Malachi, a prophet with a message designed to confront and restore. Through a series of disputes, Malachi delivers God’s truth, each one following a pattern: a divine assertion, a question that the people are asking, and a gracious but convicting response. The first dispute focuses on the Lord’s unwavering love. Despite Israel’s doubts, God’s love has never wavered—it remains steadfast, set upon His people despite of their circumstances.
Main Point of the Sermon: God has shown His love to us by sparing us from judgment.
Outline: Four aspects of God’s sovereign love that address our skeptical hearts:
- The Claim of God’s Love (vv. 1–2a)
- The Question of God’s Love (v. 2b)
- The Evidence of God’s Love (vv. 2c–4)
- The Aim of God’s Love (v. 5)
Study Questions for Groups:
- Why do you think God begins by reminding Israel of His love? How does this truth encourage a life of repentance and obedience?
- What circumstances in Israel’s history or present might have led them to question God’s love? How do you tend to evaluate God’s love through your own circumstances?
- God’s love for Israel is evident in His sovereign grace, choosing them as His people rather than the Edomites. How does the doctrine of election highlight God’s grace? What other Scriptures reveal the beauty of this doctrine?
- How does the doctrine of election bring comfort to those struggling with assurance of salvation?
- Who were the Edomites? Knowing we are spared from God’s judgment, how should this deepen our rest in His love? How does it compel us to share the truth of His love with others?
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By Redemption Hill ChurchThe people of God have grown weary of waiting. It has been over 60 years since the temple was rebuilt, and the words of Zechariah, the last prophet to speak promises of hope, now feel distant and fading. For this discouraged remnant, life is marked by economic hardship, ongoing drought, and the continued reign of a foreign king. In their despair, they begin to question God’s faithfulness. Their doubts lead them down a path of complacency and compromise.
In response, the Lord sends Malachi, a prophet with a message designed to confront and restore. Through a series of disputes, Malachi delivers God’s truth, each one following a pattern: a divine assertion, a question that the people are asking, and a gracious but convicting response. The first dispute focuses on the Lord’s unwavering love. Despite Israel’s doubts, God’s love has never wavered—it remains steadfast, set upon His people despite of their circumstances.
Main Point of the Sermon: God has shown His love to us by sparing us from judgment.
Outline: Four aspects of God’s sovereign love that address our skeptical hearts:
- The Claim of God’s Love (vv. 1–2a)
- The Question of God’s Love (v. 2b)
- The Evidence of God’s Love (vv. 2c–4)
- The Aim of God’s Love (v. 5)
Study Questions for Groups:
- Why do you think God begins by reminding Israel of His love? How does this truth encourage a life of repentance and obedience?
- What circumstances in Israel’s history or present might have led them to question God’s love? How do you tend to evaluate God’s love through your own circumstances?
- God’s love for Israel is evident in His sovereign grace, choosing them as His people rather than the Edomites. How does the doctrine of election highlight God’s grace? What other Scriptures reveal the beauty of this doctrine?
- How does the doctrine of election bring comfort to those struggling with assurance of salvation?
- Who were the Edomites? Knowing we are spared from God’s judgment, how should this deepen our rest in His love? How does it compel us to share the truth of His love with others?