This week’s passage is the conclusion of the second debate between God and the people of Israel in Malachi. Where last week’s passage focused on the offensive sacrifices of the people permitted by the priests, this passage focuses on the priests themselves and their failure to do the basic duties of the job – truthful teaching, a holy lifestyle, and leading the people away from sin.
Scripture Reference
Malachi 2: 1-9
Sermon Notes
- God Rejected the Priests of Israel
- They were supposed to teach truth, be holy, and guide people away from sin (vv 5-7)
- Instead they were false teachers, biased, and led people into sin (vv 8-9)
- The consequences – God’s curse and rejection of the priests (vv 2-3)
- Jesus is the Great High Priest
- The priests and priesthood failed, but the need for a priest to represent us before God did not go away
- Christ’s sacrifice made Him the great High Priest<Hebrews 5: 7-10)
- His sacrifice makes Him able to save all who approach God through Him (Hebrews 7:23-25)
- We are a Holy Priesthood and God Will Reward Our Faithful Ministry
- Every believer in Christ is a priest (1 Peter 2:5)
- Our responsibilities are similar, if less messy – represent God to people, teach truth, be holy, help steer people away from sin
- This is a privilege and joy with God’s Word our content, and His Spirit our power.
- If we are faithful, we will enjoy the companionship of God the priests ought to have experienced in the fruit of the Spirit