Faithfulness Amidst Challenges: Lessons from Malachi

 

Summary

As we step into a new year, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to each of you for your resilience and faithfulness in the face of hardship. Your commitment to Jesus Christ and His church, even amidst challenging circumstances, is a testament to your genuine faith. As we embark on this new year, I want to offer encouragement to faithful believers, drawing from the book of Malachi, the last book of the Old Testament. This book speaks to us today, just as it did to the people of its time, offering insights into what faithful believers face and do.

In Malachi's time, God's people faced disappointment with leaders and disruption in worship, leading to a growing coldness of heart. This mirrors our current challenges, where disappointment with leaders and disrupted worship patterns can lead to spiritual coldness. Malachi describes a cold heart as one that is distant from God, formal in worship, careless in relationships, persistent in complaint, reluctant in prayer and giving, and disinterested in service. These are the signs of a heart growing cold, and they serve as a warning for us today.

However, amidst these challenges, there were those who remained faithful. They feared the Lord, which means they loved Him deeply, and they spoke with one another, drawing strength from their shared faith. They also spoke well of the Lord, esteeming His name even in difficult times. This is what faithful believers do—they draw close to one another and speak well of the Lord, finding strength and encouragement in their shared faith.

As we begin this new year, let us resolve to draw closer to one another, to speak well of the Lord, and to remain steadfast in our faith. In doing so, we will find the presence of Jesus among us, and we will be heard by the Lord, just as those who feared Him in Malachi's time were heard. Let us pray for the strength to remain faithful, knowing that our labor in the Lord is not in vain.

Key Takeaways:

- Enduring Hardship with Faith: In times of hardship, our faith is tested, and it is through enduring these challenges with courage and commitment that we reflect the beauty of Christ. Our perseverance in faith, even when circumstances are less than ideal, is a powerful testimony to the world. [00:59]

- Facing Disappointment and Disruption: Just as in Malachi's time, we face disappointment with leaders and disruption in worship. These challenges can lead to a coldness of heart, but they also present an opportunity for us to reaffirm our commitment to God and His promises. [11:14]

- Signs of a Cold Heart: Malachi warns of the signs of a cold heart, such as distance from God, formal worship, and persistent complaint. Recognizing these signs in ourselves is crucial to preventing spiritual decline and maintaining a vibrant faith. [15:22]

- The Power of Community: Faithful believers draw strength from one another, especially in challenging times. By speaking with one another and sharing our love for the Lord, we find encouragement and the presence of Jesus among us. [26:17]

- Speaking Well of the Lord: In times of trouble, how we speak about God matters. Faithful believers speak well of the Lord, even amidst suffering, recognizing His faithfulness and drawing strength from His promises. [31:26]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:13] - New Year Blessings
- [00:29] - Gratitude for Faithfulness
- [01:41] - Encouragement for Believers
- [02:09] - Introduction to Malachi
- [03:22] - Rebuilding Jerusalem
- [04:04] - Prophets Haggai and Zechariah
- [05:39] - Ezra and Nehemiah's Leadership
- [06:28] - Context of Malachi's Prophecy
- [07:58] - Faithfulness Amidst Discouragement
- [09:00] - Disappointment with Leaders
- [11:29] - Disruption of Worship
- [14:15] - Coldness of Heart
- [22:31] - What Faithful Believers Do
- [29:50] - Speaking Well of the Lord
- [35:04] - The Lord Hears the Faithful
- [38:29] - Closing Prayer

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
- Malachi 3:16
- Romans 5:5
- Psalm 141:3

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#### Observation Questions
1. What were the specific challenges faced by God's people during Malachi's time, as mentioned in the sermon? ([07:40])
2. According to Malachi 3:16, what actions did those who feared the Lord take, and how did God respond? ([23:02])
3. What are some signs of a cold heart as described in the sermon, and how do they manifest in one's life? ([15:22])
4. How did the sermon describe the role of community among faithful believers in times of spiritual coldness? ([26:17])

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#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the concept of fearing the Lord, as described in Malachi 3:16, contrast with having a cold heart? ([23:40])
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that disappointment with leaders can impact one's faith, and how can believers navigate this challenge? ([11:14])
3. How does the sermon interpret the disruption of worship in Malachi's time, and what parallels are drawn to today's context? ([11:29])
4. What does it mean to speak well of the Lord, especially during difficult times, and why is this significant for faithful believers? ([29:50])

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#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you faced disappointment with a leader. How did it affect your faith, and what steps can you take to prevent it from leading to spiritual coldness? ([11:14])
2. Identify any signs of a cold heart in your own life. What practical steps can you take to draw closer to God and rekindle your faith? ([15:22])
3. How can you actively participate in building a supportive community of believers, especially when facing spiritual challenges? ([26:17])
4. Consider how you speak about God during times of trouble. What changes can you make to ensure your words reflect faith and trust in His promises? ([29:50])
5. In what ways can you prioritize worship in your life, even when routines are disrupted? How can this strengthen your relationship with God? ([13:42])
6. Think of a specific person in your life who might be experiencing spiritual coldness. How can you encourage them and speak well of the Lord in your interactions? ([29:50])
7. What practical steps can you take this week to ensure your heart remains warm towards God and others, despite the challenges you face? ([22:13])

Devotional

Day 1: Reflecting Christ Through Perseverance
In times of hardship, our faith is tested, and it is through enduring these challenges with courage and commitment that we reflect the beauty of Christ. Our perseverance in faith, even when circumstances are less than ideal, is a powerful testimony to the world. When we face trials, it is an opportunity to demonstrate the strength and resilience that comes from a deep relationship with Jesus. This perseverance is not just about enduring but about growing and becoming more like Christ in the process. [00:59]

James 1:2-4 (ESV): "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."

Reflection: What is one specific challenge you are currently facing, and how can you choose to reflect Christ's perseverance in this situation today?


Day 2: Reaffirming Commitment Amidst Disappointment
Just as in Malachi's time, we face disappointment with leaders and disruption in worship. These challenges can lead to a coldness of heart, but they also present an opportunity for us to reaffirm our commitment to God and His promises. When we encounter disappointment, it is crucial to remember that our faith is not in human leaders but in God, who is unchanging and faithful. By focusing on His promises, we can navigate through disruptions without losing heart. [11:14]

Hebrews 10:23-25 (ESV): "Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."

Reflection: How can you actively reaffirm your commitment to God today, despite any disappointments you may be experiencing?


Day 3: Recognizing and Addressing a Cold Heart
Malachi warns of the signs of a cold heart, such as distance from God, formal worship, and persistent complaint. Recognizing these signs in ourselves is crucial to preventing spiritual decline and maintaining a vibrant faith. A cold heart can subtly develop when we become complacent in our spiritual practices or allow external circumstances to dictate our relationship with God. By being vigilant and intentional in our spiritual walk, we can keep our hearts warm and responsive to God's presence. [15:22]

Revelation 3:15-16 (ESV): "I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth."

Reflection: What is one sign of a cold heart you recognize in yourself, and what step can you take today to address it?


Day 4: Strength in Community
Faithful believers draw strength from one another, especially in challenging times. By speaking with one another and sharing our love for the Lord, we find encouragement and the presence of Jesus among us. Community is a vital aspect of our faith journey, providing support, accountability, and a sense of belonging. In times of difficulty, leaning on our community can help us stay grounded and focused on God's promises. [26:17]

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (ESV): "Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!"

Reflection: Who in your community can you reach out to today for mutual encouragement and support in your faith journey?


Day 5: Speaking Well of the Lord
In times of trouble, how we speak about God matters. Faithful believers speak well of the Lord, even amidst suffering, recognizing His faithfulness and drawing strength from His promises. Our words have the power to shape our perspective and influence those around us. By choosing to speak positively about God, we not only strengthen our own faith but also encourage others to trust in His goodness. [31:26]

Psalm 34:1-3 (ESV): "I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul makes its boast in the Lord; let the humble hear and be glad. Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together!"

Reflection: How can you intentionally speak well of the Lord today, especially in a situation where you might be tempted to complain or doubt?

Quotes

Your commitment to Jesus Christ and His church, even amidst challenging circumstances, is a testament to your genuine faith. As we embark on this new year, I want to offer encouragement to faithful believers, drawing from the book of Malachi, the last book of the Old Testament. This book speaks to us today, just as it did to the people of its time, offering insights into what faithful believers face and do. [00:29:31]

The scripture calls us to endure hardship as good soldiers of Jesus Christ, and in large measure, you have been doing this in an exemplary way over the last year. Many of you have endured hardship and loss with great fortitude and with great courage. You've shown the genuineness of your faith by your continuing commitment to Jesus Christ and to His church. [00:34:10]

Malachi shows us what a cold heart looks like, what it looked like in his day, and what it looks like today. Let me just run through so you get a sense of the overview of the book and I want you to ask yourself this question, as I've been asking it of myself in preparation: Are there any signs in my heart that I might be growing cold? [00:53:20]

A cold heart is distant from God. The beginning of the book, chapter 1 and verse 2, God says, "I have loved you," says the Lord. What a wonderful statement that is. God says, "I have loved you," but you notice the response of the people, "But you say, 'How have you loved us?'" Here are people who professed faith and yet they no longer believe that God loves them. [00:57:31]

A cold heart is formal in worship. Describing worship in chapter 1 and verse 13, God tells us this, that He says, "You say, 'What a weariness this is.'" Now think about it, here are people who profess faith and they come to worship, but it has all become a matter of duty. They say, "Well now, what a weariness this is. Do we have to do this?" [01:00:39]

Faithful believers speak with one another. Those who feared the Lord, those who had this blazing love for the Lord in their hearts, they spoke with one another. Now friends, this is very practical. I want to encourage you as we enter into this new year to move towards other believers. That's what faithful believers do. In tough times, they come closer together. [01:04:56]

Faithful believers speak well of the Lord. Now we've just read that faithful believers spoke with each other. What did they say? Well, if you look at the end of the verse, we get a wonderful description of their conversation. We're told that those who feared the Lord esteemed His name. In other words, when those who feared the Lord spoke with each other, they spoke in a way that honored the name of the Lord. [01:29:00]

How we speak about God matters. God hears what we say about Him. He takes note when people speak well of Him in time of trouble. The Lord paid attention. Do you know, friends, this is what believers do. As Karen and I have opened so many kind Christmas cards and letters that many in the congregation have sent to us, time and again a letter that describes difficulties in life, and time and again there's one thing in common: speaking well of the Lord. [01:31:52]

Others may doubt God's love; we will declare His faithfulness. Others may regard worship as a mere duty; we will regard it as a delight. Others may become careless in marriage; we will seek to love others well. Others may pour out their endless complaints about God, but we will rejoice with thanksgiving in His mercy towards us. [01:39:35]

Faithful believers, they speak with one another. Faithful believers, they speak well of the Lord. And then Malachi tells us that when those who feared the Lord spoke with one another, the Lord paid attention and heard them. They were heard. And that wonderful truth that they were heard drew my mind to a remarkable statement in the New Testament about our Lord Jesus Christ. [01:44:56]

When we come to the Father in the fear of the Lord and in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we too will be heard, and we too will share in the resurrection to everlasting life that is ours in Him. Let's pray together. Our Father in heaven, we bow before you today, deeply conscious that the world never changes, and the disappointments, the disruption, the coldness that faithful believers faced all these years ago are precisely what we face in the environment in which we find ourselves today. [01:54:46]

Grant, Father, we pray, that we may do what faithful believers do. Grant that we may draw close to one another, that we may build one another up in our most holy faith. Grant that we may speak well of you at all times, and thank you that in and through the Lord Jesus Christ, we are heard, and that His triumph one day will also be ours. Hear our prayers and grant that we will be sustained in faithfulness through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. [01:58:35]

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Transcript
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