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TRUTH that Malachi teaches |
ACTION that Malachi invites |
1. Steps toward knowing GOD and His ways
GOD sees and recompenses, not according to our calculations, but according to his. We mustn't think that conducts, good or bad, go unnoticed by Him or aren't judged by Him. GOD will honor the faithful. |
2:17
Don't forget that GOD never honors improper conduct. Don't speak against GOD's righteousness.
3:17,18
Believe that GOD distinguishes between good and evil in the conduct of human beings. |
2. Steps toward a harmonious life within the marriage covenant
The marriage covenant is something very important to the Spirit of GOD, who urges believers to seek another believer as a partner to thus assure the holiness of the marriage. The LORD also demands faithfulness and just treatment in the heart of the marriage. GOD repudiates unyielding and cruel attitudes that destroy this sacred covenant and lead to divorce. |
2:11-16
Obey GOD; contract marriage only in the LORD and before the LORD. Be loving and faithful with your partner. Don't consider divorce as a satisfactory response to any marital problem. Trust in GOD to recover hope in a marriage which doesn't appear to have hope. Remain always prepared to learn again what love, understanding and forgiveness are. |
3. Keys for personal purity
Christ comes as the purifier and Redeemer of his people, so that believers, having been cleansed of sin, may offer a worship and service agreeable to GOD. Giving the LORD less than we can isn't worthy of his holy name. |
1:12,13; 3:2-5
Give the best that you have to the LORD. Submit to the purifying and refining work of the LORD. Worship GOD with a purified heart and serve Him with pure motives. Get involved in true worship, and avoid mere formalism. |
4. Lessons for leaders
The personal conduct of leaders chosen by the LORD, and the example of their ministries, makes it so GOD is either received or rejected by the world. If the leadership denies the law of GOD, the people won't be instructed in righteousness and, therefore, can't live in peace. |
2:1-9
Leaders, be assured that your life and ministry cause people to give glory and honor to the LORD. |
5. Keys for a generous life
Tithing, although something prescribed in the law, formed part of the life of the believer in Abraham's times and still forms part of life in the faith. Tithing promptly constitutes an expression of our faith that GOD is the true source of life. Not doing so is to not know his kindness. |
3:8-10
Tithe! Understand that the tenth part still belongs to GOD (Lev. 27:30). Expect recompense when you do so. Understand that tithing is not only a precept of the Mosaic Law, but a privilege to be practiced joyfully in the faith; it's not an annoying legal requisite (II Cor. 9:7). |
