The book of Malachi draws a poignant parallel for us between Israel’s cold-hearted response to God’s love and our own tendency to drift away from our first love. We’re reminded that God’s love for us isn’t based on our circumstances or performance, but on His unchanging covenant. The message urges us to guard our affections, give God our best rather than our leftovers, and return to Him with wholehearted devotion. The vivid imagery of God as a refiner’s fire both comforts and convicts us – He’s working to purify us, to see His reflection in our lives. This overview leaves us with a pressing question: How will we respond to God’s patient, pursuing love?
Main Points:
Trust God’s covenantal love, not your circumstances
Give God your honor, not your leftovers
Guard your affections and who influences your faith
God is patient, but a day of judgment is coming
Jesus satisfies God’s justice for those who believe in Him
We are called to return to God and be refined by His love
Scripture Referenced:
Malachi; 1 John 3:1; Ephesians 1:4-5; Zephaniah 3:17; Romans 12:2; Hebrews 12:29; Revelation 22:11; Revelation 6:8; Ecclesiastes 12:14; 2 Corinthians 5:21; 2 Peter 3:9
Discussion Questions:
The sermon mentions that Israel equated God’s love with success and provision. How do we sometimes fall into this same trap in our own lives?
How does viewing our relationship with God as covenantal rather than transactional change our perspective on faith and worship?
Drew Zeiler said, “Who you love will influence what you worship.” How have you seen this play out in your own life or in the lives of others?
In what ways do we sometimes give God our ‘leftovers’ instead of our best, and how can we change this?
How does the analogy of the courtroom and satisfying justice deepen your understanding of Christ’s sacrifice?
Practical Application:
Take time this week to examine your heart. Are there areas where you’ve hardened yourself toward God, become apathetic, or questioned His love for you?
Evaluate your closest relationships. Are they drawing you closer to God or pulling you away? If they are believers, how are you doing at encouraging one another (1 Thessalonians 5:11), confessing to and praying for one another (James 5:16), and spurring one another on in love and good deeds (Hebrews 10:24)?
Share the gospel: Remembering the urgency of the coming Day of the Lord, pray for an opportunity to share God’s love with someone who doesn’t know Him and be faithful to follow through when the opportunity comes.
Worship Setlist:
Ancient Gates; Come Thou Fount; Holy Forever; What a Beautiful Name; Jesus, We Love You
