Introduction

• God used a question and answer rhetorical technique in Malachi to make His point with Israel.

“How have you loved us?” (Malachi 1:2)

• Malachi 1:1-5
• God punished Edom because of their disobedience but blessed Israel.
• Deuteronomy 4:7
• The audacity of even asking this question is amazing!
• I Peter 1:10 – God has done so much to love us for thousands of years!

“How have we despised Your name? … How have we defiled You?” (Malachi 1:6-7)

• Malachi 1:6-8 – Would you offer this level of sacrifice to even a human ruler?
• Do we offer sorry, insincere worship to God?

“For what reason?” (Malachi 2:14) [God no longer accepted their worship.]

• Malachi 2:13-16
• God is looking at the whole picture of our lives. What we do affects our fellowship with God.
• I Peter 3:7
• I John 4:20-21 – Love God and your neighbors all the time.

“How have we wearied Him? … What have we spoken against You?” (Malachi 2:17; 3:13)

• Malachi 2:17; 3:13-15
• They were not worshiping God well.
• They were looking at serving God as being transactional: If I do this for God, He will do this for me.
• Psalms 73:3, 24-26

“How shall we return? … How have we robbed you?” (Malachi 3:7-8)

• Malachi 3:7-12
• We must be aware of the power of self-deception.
  • Galatians 5:20 – Am I guilty of jealousy?
  • Romans 1:29 – Am I guilty of gossip?
• Notice the word “rob”:
  • Luke 17:7-10
  • God looked at offerings and tithes as things owed to Him. To not give them was robbing Him.