Introduction: The book of Malachi is the last of the Old Testament prophets, written around 430 B.C. It addresses the spiritual and moral decline of the Israelites after their return from exile. Malachi 3 is a extremely important chapter that speaks of the coming of the Lord Jesus, and the purification of His people. In this outline, we will do a verse by verse analysis of Malachi 3, shedding light the main topics and messages of this chapter.
I. The Coming of the Lord Jesus (Malachi 3:1-5)
- Malachi 3:1 prophesies the coming of the Lord’s messenger to prepare the way before Him. This verse is referenced in Matthew 11:10 as John the Baptist is identified as this messenger.
- Malachi 3:2-3 describes the Lord’s coming as a refiner’s fire and a launderer’s soap, purifying the priests and the people. This imagery is also seen in 1 Peter 1:7, where the testing of faith is compared to the refining of gold.
- Malachi 3:4-5 speaks of the Lord’s judgment on those who practice sorcery, adultery, perjury, and oppression. The Lord will come to judge and purify His people, as seen in 2 Corinthians 5:10, where all must appear before the judgment seat of Christ.
II. The Call for Repentance (Malachi 3:6-12)
- Malachi 3:6-7 calls the people to return to the Lord, reminding them of His unchanging nature. This call to repentance is echoed in James 4:8, where the people are urged to draw near to God and He will draw near to them.
- Malachi 3:8-10 addresses the issue of tithing, with the Lord challenging the people to test Him by bringing their tithes to the storehouse. This principle of giving is also seen in 2 Corinthians 9:6-7, where cheerful giving is encouraged.
- Malachi 3:11-12 promises blessings for those who are faithful in their tithing, with the Lord rebuking the devourer and opening the windows of heaven. This promise of blessing is similar to the one found in Deuteronomy 28:1-14, where obedience to the Lord leads to blessings.
III. The Faithful Remnant (Malachi 3:13-18)
- Malachi 3:13-15 describes the complaints of the people, who see no benefit in serving the Lord. This attitude is contrasted with the faithful remnant in Malachi 3:16-18, who fear the Lord and are written in the book of remembrance. The concept of a faithful remnant is also seen in Romans 11:5, where a remnant is chosen by grace.
- Malachi 3:17-18 speaks of the Lord’s promise to spare and distinguish between the righteous and the wicked on the day of judgment. This distinction between the righteous and the wicked is also seen in Matthew 25:31-46, where the sheep and the goats are separated.
Conclusion: Malachi 3 speaks of the of the coming of the Lord Jesus and God’s messenger that will prepare the way for Him, who we know to be John the Baptist. It is also a call for repentance, and the distinction between the faithful and the unfaithful. This chapter challenges the people of Israel to examine their hearts and lives, to return to the Lord, and to be faithful in their worship and giving. The chapter ends with a promise of blessing for those who fear the Lord and a warning of judgment for those who do not. Malachi 3 speaks of the Lord Jesus coming to purify His people and to establish His kingdom on earth, we know it today as the New Testament church, but in the future, it will be known as the millennial reign.
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