Group Notes | July 26

Best Supporting Actor: Malachi
July 26, 2015
Pastor Doug Randlett

Open:

“Familiarity breeds contempt” is an old saying that has stood the test of being true more often than not. Can you list examples where you have lost the emotion of wonder that you experienced when a situation or relationship was at its beginning?

This week we continue to look at Biblical characters who had minor roles in the Scripture, but whose lives are as significant today as thousands of years ago. Malachi, the prophet, had such a life at a time when the Jews had been back in Israel, gotten comfortable and were apathetic toward God.

Discuss:

Going Through the Motions:

1. Before looking into Malachi, can you list some of the parallels between the history of the Jewish nation and the world as you know it in the 2000’s?

2. All the prophets from Samuel to Daniel had died. What was the condition of the hearts of the people? How does that compare to today’s churches?
God’s Love Shown:

3. Read Malachi 1:1-5. God declared His love. What was the people’s response? Can you give an example of doubting God’s love for you?

4. Did the people repent when God declared His love? What about today? Can you give an example?
God’s Love Scorned:

5. From Malachi 1:6 to 3:18 God lists the sins of Israel, and calls them to repent. He warned them a “wake-up call” would be coming. List some of the wake-up calls that our nation or world is experiencing.

6. Not only the ordinary people but also the priests (today’s preachers) were in deep or incredible sin. How did Israel differ from what you know is happening in churches today? Think of some examples.

7. Read Revelation 16:9 and 11. Were God’s warnings heeded?

God’s Love Shown Again:

8. Read Malachi 4:1-6. What was—and is—God’s final word, both to Israel and for today? Do you believe it? Give an illustration.

Lessons to Take Away:

Jesus loves you. He declares it to be so, and He does not lie.
He deserves your best, not leftovers from your time or your money.
He will never quit on you.
He wants you to be in awe of Him, not lukewarm.

Close:

As you go into small group time, consider the apathy of the people of Israel, and examine your own heart. Do you plan to get to your devotions, or prayer, or pay your tithe, but end up giving Him leftovers of your heart or your money? Read the four short chapters of Malachi this week, and let God’s warnings soak into your soul. As your group prays, let His words convict if you need it, but like Israel, if He convicts, then heed His warning. As you leave, be on fire in your spirit to do His will, treat Him with holiness, and love Him with abandonment!