The people are robbing God of tithes and offerings, so God’s rebuke of Israel (through the prophet Malachi) continues. Join us as Malachi focuses on the uncomfortable subject of giving, and hear more about tithing under the Mosaic legal system and how it relates to us today. The answers may surprise you.

Malachi has spoken in depth about Israel’s social sins; next he addresses their idolatry, fascination with the occult, lying, and idol worship. Dr. McGee calls these “religious sins.” As the story unfolds, God attempts to detour Israel from destruction while the people continue to ask Him sarcastic questions and avoid repentance.

The people of Israel are bored with their ritualistic worship and God is tired of their hypocrisy. As many begin to ask, “Where is the God of justice?” God tells them about two messengers to come. (Hint: Look ahead to 400 years later—the answers are found in all four Gospels.)

In our continuing study of divorce and marriage in Malachi chapter 2, Dr. McGee reminds us that marriage itself is sanctioned by God and is a picture of Christ’s love for us and our response to it. We’ll also hear more about how Israel’s social sins (and that of any nation) are closely linked to their destruction.

What reasons for divorce were permitted under the Mosaic Law? What are the grounds for a Christian to divorce today? The answers are clear as the prophet Malachi speaks directly to Israel and addresses their sin.

The divorce rate continues to run rampant. But according to Dr. J. Vernon McGee, divorce is not the problem, it’s merely a symptom. The real issue is marriage! Israel had the same problems. Malachi addresses the feigned innocence and pretend ignorance of those who defiled their marriages by telling them God no longer received their offerings. Find out how that relates to us as Dr. McGee takes us through an extended look at Malachi 2:10-15.

One of the most frequent and controversial topics pastors and Bible teachers have to address is divorce. The prophet Malachi did, too. Find out what he says to the Israelites who were leaving their wives for foreign girls who worshipped idols and how His message applies to us today.

Whether we are pastors, deacons, or church members, there is certainly a message for each of us in Malachi 2. As we study the life of Levi (and his descendants) we’re reminded that no one can serve God without a reverence for His name.

“I’d rather be the worst sinner on this earth—even a gangster or murderer—than to be the minister who goes into the pulpit with an unbelieving heart and gives pious platitudes.” That’s what our teacher, Dr. J. Vernon McGee, tells us as we examine the three sins pastors must avoid and hear how God requires our sincerity and reverence in worship.

The little book of Malachi can be uncomfortable to study. Instead of pointing fingers at others, it helps us take a serious look at our own lives and ask tough questions like, “Am I giving my best to God?” Learn to recognize the warnings the Israelites ignored (the insincerity and hypocrisy in their hearts and worship) and see how the same things are a concern for us.