The book of Malachi takes a radical turn as we come to the fourth debate between the people of Israel and God. Despite the bitter irony of the situation, following as it does God’s sharp rebuke for their injustice, the people of Israel accuse God of being unjust, uncaring, or absent because He permits evil people to prosper. In response, God essentially says, “Be careful what you wish for…”

Scripture Reference

Malachi 2: 17 – 3: 5

Sermon Notes

God describes the rest of time in three chapters centered around three people.

1. The Messenger, who is John the Baptist (Malachi 3: 1a)
   1. All 4 gospels quote this verse and say the messenger is John the Baptist
   2. He prepared the way for Jesus by calling for repentance as the Kingdom is at hand
2. The Refiner/Purifier, who is Jesus Christ (Malachi 3: 1b-4)
   1. Refiner’s Fire and Fuller’s Soap Explained
   2. Jesus Baptized with Fire – we forget how controversial and divisive Jesus was and is
   3. Jesus Refines/Purifies the Priesthood
      1. By His sacrifice on the cross
      2. Immediate fulfillment – priests came to faith – Acts 6:7
      3. Broader fulfillment – all believers are priests and we must be refined and purified, with trials being a primary means. He gives us strength in the trials as we rely on Him.
   4. The Judge, who is God Himself (Malachi 3:5)
      1. There will be a final judgment. The previous chapter is still going on because of Malachi 3: 6-7a, so people would have a chance to return to God.
      2. For genuine believers in Jesus Christ, we have the greatest defense attorney available, though not everyone who thinks they are a believer is a believer (Matthew 25)
      3. This is why it is so important and urgent to share the gospel with those who don’t know Jesus