Hope and Distinction: God's Promise to the Righteous

 

Summary

In the final chapter of our series on Malachi, we delve into the profound message of hope and distinction between the righteous and the wicked. Malachi addresses a time when God's people felt disillusioned, questioning the value of serving the Lord as the wicked seemed to prosper without consequence. Yet, amidst this doubt, a faithful remnant remained, and God took notice, promising a future where the distinction between the righteous and the wicked would be unmistakably clear.

Reflecting on historical examples like Noah and Moses, we see how God has always made a clear distinction between those who serve Him and those who do not. In Noah's time, the flood revealed the righteousness of Noah's family against the wickedness of the world. Similarly, during the Exodus, the parting of the Red Sea demonstrated God's favor towards His people. Malachi assures us that a day is coming when this distinction will be evident once more.

On this day of reward, those in Christ will be treasured, spared, healed, and set free. We are described as God's jewels, His treasured possession, reflecting His glory and beauty. Despite our imperfections, we are bought at a great price and guarded by God Himself. This day will also bring complete healing, as the "Sun of Righteousness" rises with healing in its wings, promising restoration and wholeness beyond our current understanding.

Furthermore, we will experience true freedom, likened to calves leaping from the stall, released into a new world of joy and abundance. This promise encourages us to wait patiently, serve faithfully, and look forward joyfully, knowing that our labor in the Lord is not in vain. As we anticipate this glorious day, let us remain steadfast, immovable, and always abounding in the work of the Lord, for the distinction between the righteous and the wicked will be revealed, and our faith will be rewarded.

Key Takeaways:

- God's Faithful Remnant: In times of doubt and disillusionment, God notices those who remain faithful. He remembers their work, words, and tears, promising that their faithfulness is not in vain. This assurance encourages us to persevere, knowing that God values our commitment even when the world seems unjust. [01:00]

- Historical Distinctions: The stories of Noah and Moses remind us that God has always made a clear distinction between the righteous and the wicked. These historical examples serve as a testament to God's justice and faithfulness, assuring us that a day is coming when this distinction will be evident once more. [03:54]

- Treasured Possession: As God's people, we are His treasured possession, likened to jewels. This imagery highlights our value and beauty in God's eyes, reminding us that we are cherished and guarded by Him. Despite our imperfections, we are bought at a great price and destined to reflect His glory. [08:42]

- Complete Healing: The promise of the "Sun of Righteousness" rising with healing in its wings assures us of complete restoration. While some wounds may not fully heal in this life, we have the hope of ultimate healing and wholeness when Christ returns, wiping away every tear and making us whole. [28:49]

- True Freedom: The imagery of calves leaping from the stall symbolizes the freedom and joy we will experience in God's new world. This promise encourages us to endure life's restrictions, knowing that a day of liberation and abundance awaits us, where we will fully experience the joy of God's presence. [31:36]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:16] - Introduction to Malachi's Message
- [01:48] - Distinction Between Righteous and Wicked
- [02:33] - Historical Examples: Noah and Moses
- [06:34] - Encouragement for Faithful Believers
- [07:22] - Day of Reward: Treasured, Spared, Healed, Free
- [08:42] - God's People as His Jewels
- [13:47] - Gathering of God's Jewels
- [15:35] - Treasured Possession with Christ
- [16:22] - Seeing the Distinction
- [19:17] - Spared from Judgment
- [22:53] - Healing with the Sun of Righteousness
- [29:38] - Freedom Like Calves from the Stall
- [33:31] - Living in Light of the Promise
- [39:28] - Encouragement to Serve Faithfully

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: Malachi's Message of Hope and Distinction

Bible Reading:
1. Malachi 3:16-18
2. Genesis 6:11-13
3. Exodus 14:21-31

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Observation Questions:

1. According to Malachi 3:16, what did the Lord do when He heard those who feared Him speaking with one another? How does this reflect God's attention to His faithful remnant? [01:14]

2. In the sermon, how is the distinction between the righteous and the wicked illustrated through the stories of Noah and Moses? [02:33]

3. What imagery does Malachi use to describe God's people in Malachi 3:17, and what does this signify about their value to God? [08:42]

4. How does the sermon describe the future day of reward for those who are in Christ? What are the four aspects mentioned? [07:22]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. What does it mean for God to have a "book of remembrance" for those who fear Him, and how does this concept provide comfort to believers? [01:14]

2. How do the historical examples of Noah and Moses serve as a testament to God's justice and faithfulness, and what implications does this have for believers today? [03:54]

3. In what ways does the imagery of being God's "jewels" challenge or affirm one's understanding of their identity in Christ? [08:42]

4. How does the promise of the "Sun of Righteousness" rising with healing in its wings offer hope for complete restoration, and what does this mean for believers facing unhealed wounds or losses? [28:49]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you felt disillusioned about serving God. How can the assurance that God notices and values your faithfulness encourage you to persevere? [01:00]

2. Consider the historical examples of Noah and Moses. How can these stories inspire you to trust in God's justice, even when the wicked seem to prosper? [03:54]

3. How does viewing yourself as one of God's "jewels" change the way you perceive your worth and purpose? What steps can you take to live out this identity daily? [08:42]

4. Are there areas in your life where you are waiting for healing or restoration? How can the promise of the "Sun of Righteousness" rising with healing in its wings provide hope and patience in your journey? [28:49]

5. The sermon describes a future of true freedom and joy, likened to calves leaping from the stall. What current restrictions or challenges are you facing, and how can this promise of future freedom encourage you today? [31:36]

6. How can you actively serve God in your current circumstances, knowing that your labor in the Lord is not in vain? What specific actions can you take this week to serve faithfully? [39:28]

7. As you anticipate the day of reward, what practical steps can you take to remain steadfast and immovable in your faith, especially when faced with challenges or doubts? [39:28]

Devotional

Day 1: God's Faithful Remnant
In times of doubt and disillusionment, God notices those who remain faithful. When the world seems unjust, and the wicked appear to prosper, it can be challenging to maintain faith. Yet, God assures us that He sees and remembers the work, words, and tears of His faithful remnant. This promise encourages perseverance, knowing that our commitment to God is not in vain. The faithful are assured that their labor will be rewarded, and their faithfulness will be recognized. This assurance is a call to remain steadfast, trusting that God values our dedication even when circumstances seem bleak. [01:00]

Malachi 3:16-17 (ESV): "Then those who feared the Lord spoke with one another. The Lord paid attention and heard them, and a book of remembrance was written before him of those who feared the Lord and esteemed his name. 'They shall be mine,' says the Lord of hosts, 'in the day when I make up my treasured possession, and I will spare them as a man spares his son who serves him.'"

Reflection: In what specific ways can you demonstrate faithfulness to God today, even when you feel disillusioned by the world around you?


Day 2: Historical Distinctions
Throughout history, God has made a clear distinction between the righteous and the wicked. The stories of Noah and Moses serve as powerful reminders of God's justice and faithfulness. In Noah's time, the flood revealed the righteousness of Noah's family against the wickedness of the world. Similarly, during the Exodus, the parting of the Red Sea demonstrated God's favor towards His people. These historical examples assure us that a day is coming when this distinction will be evident once more. We are encouraged to trust in God's justice, knowing that He will ultimately reveal the truth and reward the faithful. [03:54]

Exodus 14:29-31 (ESV): "But the people of Israel walked on dry ground through the sea, the waters being a wall to them on their right hand and on their left. Thus the Lord saved Israel that day from the hand of the Egyptians, and Israel saw the Egyptians dead on the seashore. Israel saw the great power that the Lord used against the Egyptians, so the people feared the Lord, and they believed in the Lord and in his servant Moses."

Reflection: How can you draw strength from historical examples of God's justice to face challenges in your life today?


Day 3: Treasured Possession
As God's people, we are His treasured possession, likened to jewels. This imagery highlights our value and beauty in God's eyes, reminding us that we are cherished and guarded by Him. Despite our imperfections, we are bought at a great price and destined to reflect His glory. This understanding of our identity in Christ encourages us to live in a way that reflects our worth and purpose. We are called to embrace our identity as God's treasured possession, living in a manner that honors Him and reflects His love to the world. [08:42]

1 Peter 2:9 (ESV): "But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light."

Reflection: What steps can you take today to live as God's treasured possession, reflecting His glory in your daily interactions?


Day 4: Complete Healing
The promise of the "Sun of Righteousness" rising with healing in its wings assures us of complete restoration. While some wounds may not fully heal in this life, we have the hope of ultimate healing and wholeness when Christ returns, wiping away every tear and making us whole. This promise encourages us to hold onto hope, knowing that God is working towards our complete restoration. We are invited to trust in God's healing power, even when we don't see immediate results, and to look forward to the day when all things will be made new. [28:49]

Revelation 21:4 (ESV): "He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away."

Reflection: What area of your life needs God's healing touch today, and how can you invite Him into that process?


Day 5: True Freedom
The imagery of calves leaping from the stall symbolizes the freedom and joy we will experience in God's new world. This promise encourages us to endure life's restrictions, knowing that a day of liberation and abundance awaits us, where we will fully experience the joy of God's presence. We are called to live in anticipation of this freedom, allowing the hope of what is to come to shape our present reality. This perspective invites us to embrace the joy and freedom found in Christ, even amidst life's challenges, and to share that joy with others. [31:36]

Isaiah 61:1 (ESV): "The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound."

Reflection: How can you experience and share the joy and freedom found in Christ today, despite any current restrictions or challenges?

Quotes


In Malachi's day, the wicked seemed to be winning. God didn't seem to do much to stop them. The righteous were struggling, and God didn't seem to be doing much to help them. God seemed neither to frown on the wicked nor to smile on the righteous, and so God's people began to wonder, "Well, what's the point in serving the Lord?" [00:27:50]

Through all of this, we've seen that there were some people who remained faithful. Verse 16: Those who feared the Lord spoke with one another, and the Lord paid attention, and He heard them. And then we saw that a book of remembrance was written before the Lord. In Christ, God remembers your work, your words, your tears, and your desires, but He does not remember your sins. [00:58:43]

Noah saw the distinction between the righteous and the wicked at the time of the flood. He lived at a time when the earth was filled with violence. That's Genesis chapter 6 and verse 11, and God warned him that judgment would come. Noah then took this message, and he became a preacher of righteousness. He spoke to people of his day and of his generation about the judgment that was to come. [00:53:36]

When God's people reached the Red Sea, the difference between those who served Him and those who did not was clearly seen. God pulled back the Red Sea so that His people crossed on dry land, but when those who wanted to destroy them came after them, then the waters covered them over. Everyone knew the distinction between those who serve God and those who do not serve Him. [00:49:52]

There will be a day of reward for the righteous. There will be a day of reward for those who serve the Lord. And on that day, brother, sister in Christ, you are going to see clearly the distinction between the righteous and the wicked, the difference between the one who serves God and the one who does not. [00:56:00]

You will be treasured. Chapter 3 and verse 17: "They shall be mine," says the Lord of hosts, "in the day when I make up my treasured possession." Now, the old King James Version of the Bible translates the phrase here "my treasured possession" as "my jewels," and I love that translation. In that day when I make up my jewels, they will be mine, says the Lord. [00:55:59]

Jewels are beautiful. They sparkle. Now, right now, as believers, we're kind of diamonds in the rough, so to speak, but one day, every believer will be like a jewel, polished, shining, sparkling, reflecting the radiance and the beauty of Jesus Christ Himself. [00:57:47]

Jewels are expensive. You have been purchased. You have been bought at a great and indescribable price. The Son of God loved you and gave Himself for you. That was the price it took to make this jewel His own. [00:58:47]

For you who fear my name, the Sun of Righteousness will rise with healing in its wings. Now, I just love the way that God speaks to us in pictures, and here God speaks to us in the beautiful image of a morning sunrise. The Sun of Righteousness shall rise. [00:57:47]

Some wounds are so deep that they are never fully healed in this life, and some losses are so great that they can never fully be made up in this life. When Jesus Christ returns, when the Sun of Righteousness rises, He will rise with healing in His wings, and God Himself will wipe all tears from your eyes. [00:57:47]

On that day, you'll be treasured, you'll be spared, you'll be healed, and on that day, you will finally be free. I want you to notice what God says in Malachi chapter 4 and verse 2: "For you who fear my name, the Sun of Righteousness shall rise with healing in its wings, and you shall go out leaping like calves from the stone." [00:57:47]

Now, what then are we to do in the light of this marvelous, marvelous promise? A great day, a day of reward is coming. What are we to do now in the light of that? Let me just suggest briefly in closing these three things: First, we must wait patiently. That day has not yet come, and we live in a world that is not as God made it and not as it will be when God has redeemed it. [00:57:47]

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Transcript
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