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Malachi 2:1-9 - The Failed Priests and The Flawless Priest
This section continues the message of Malachi 1:6–14, forming the second part of God’s dispute with the priests over the worship of His name. The priests had abandoned their sacred responsibilities, allowing the people to present blemished sacrifices while pretending they were unblemished. Furthermore, the priests failed to faithfully teach and guide God’s people according to His Word. In response, God directly confronts them for their failure to lead (Malachi 2:1).
Who were the priests? The priests were descendants of Levi, one of Jacob’s twelve sons. Under the Mosaic Covenant, they were responsible for overseeing the offerings and sacrifices of the people. Additionally, they were charged with teaching and instructing God’s people from His Word. However, in this passage, the priests are failing in both roles.
Their failure was not due to inactivity. They were busy performing sacrifices and teaching, yet their efforts were deeply flawed. They had become complicit in half-hearted worship, and their instruction was no longer rooted in God’s law. Their motivation was misplaced, driven not by a proper fear of the Lord but by lesser, self-serving motives.
Main Point of the Sermon – Our love for God’s Word falters when our fear of Him fails.
Outline
- God’s Loving Caution (vv. 1–3)
- God’s Longstanding Covenant (vv. 4–7)
- The Priests’ Dishonorable Corruption (vv. 8-9)
Study Questions
- Who were the priests? Use Scripture references to aid your response. Why are they held responsible for the worship and instruction of the people?
- What does this text suggest about God’s intention for His Word to be declared rightly? How should this shape our understanding of preaching and teaching?
- Why are the priests failing to rightly worship and instruct the people?
- Define the fear of the Lord. What Scriptures come to mind to help you understand this concept?
- How can you cultivate a heart posture of reverence and fear of the Lord daily? How can this posture be nurtured during corporate worship?
- How does Jesus perfectly fulfill Malachi’s picture of the ideal priest in vv. 5–7? Find passages from Hebrews to support your answer. How is this good news for us?
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By Redemption Hill ChurchThis section continues the message of Malachi 1:6–14, forming the second part of God’s dispute with the priests over the worship of His name. The priests had abandoned their sacred responsibilities, allowing the people to present blemished sacrifices while pretending they were unblemished. Furthermore, the priests failed to faithfully teach and guide God’s people according to His Word. In response, God directly confronts them for their failure to lead (Malachi 2:1).
Who were the priests? The priests were descendants of Levi, one of Jacob’s twelve sons. Under the Mosaic Covenant, they were responsible for overseeing the offerings and sacrifices of the people. Additionally, they were charged with teaching and instructing God’s people from His Word. However, in this passage, the priests are failing in both roles.
Their failure was not due to inactivity. They were busy performing sacrifices and teaching, yet their efforts were deeply flawed. They had become complicit in half-hearted worship, and their instruction was no longer rooted in God’s law. Their motivation was misplaced, driven not by a proper fear of the Lord but by lesser, self-serving motives.
Main Point of the Sermon – Our love for God’s Word falters when our fear of Him fails.
Outline
- God’s Loving Caution (vv. 1–3)
- God’s Longstanding Covenant (vv. 4–7)
- The Priests’ Dishonorable Corruption (vv. 8-9)
Study Questions
- Who were the priests? Use Scripture references to aid your response. Why are they held responsible for the worship and instruction of the people?
- What does this text suggest about God’s intention for His Word to be declared rightly? How should this shape our understanding of preaching and teaching?
- Why are the priests failing to rightly worship and instruct the people?
- Define the fear of the Lord. What Scriptures come to mind to help you understand this concept?
- How can you cultivate a heart posture of reverence and fear of the Lord daily? How can this posture be nurtured during corporate worship?
- How does Jesus perfectly fulfill Malachi’s picture of the ideal priest in vv. 5–7? Find passages from Hebrews to support your answer. How is this good news for us?