Bible Sermons Online

IN EVIL DAYS GOD WILL HAVE A REMNANT

Malachi lived in dark days - he exposes that which was evil and encourages the good.

1. The way people behave in dark days:

   1. they do not appreciate God's love (1:2)
      APPLICATION: Let us recall how blessed we are.
   2. they do not worship God aright (1:6)
      APPLICATION: Keep away from "cheap" forms of religion.
   3. ministers do not preach God's Word (2:8-9)
      APPLICATION: The great importance of a godly ministry.
   4. not good to their wives (2:13-14)
      APPLICATION: The sacred marriage vow.
   5. they do not give to God's work (3:8-9)
      APPLICATION: "TITHE" = 1/10 of all God gives us.
      OBSERVE: All this has a very modern ring to it

2. But, there were others - true believers

   They are referred to in the TEXT: "feared the Lord" = loved and honoured God

   1. these were truly converted
      "fear" - why is this word used?
   2. they did not speak as the rest:
      OBSERVE: See v.14-15. What wickedness!
      DOCTRINE: It is God's way to have a remnant

THEY WAY THE REDEEMER CAN BE KNOWN

There are so many who claim to be Christians - so many churches.

How can we recognise those who are real?
ANSWER: "By their fruits" + a holy life:

1. By their love of fellowship "one to another")

   1. They loved one another in Christ: Acts 2f
      APPLICATION: This is what binds believers together.
   2. They sought opportunity to be together:
      APPLICATION: It is not a good sign if we neglect this.
   3. They know instinctively that they are His
      APPLICATION: The difference is sheep/wolves.

2. By their talk and conversation ("spake often")

   1. They talk of heavenly things.
      ILLUSTRATION: John Bunyan's experience.
   2. They refer to themselves humbly
      See Paul's reference to himself
   3. They give God all the glory.
      APPLICATION: They yearned for better days

3. God was always in their thoughts ("thought")

   1. they were united to Christ
      Cp. others have a "name to live"
   2. they thought of Christ's work
      Take any Psalm/Epistle
   3. "as a man thinketh in his heart"
      Q. Are you one of these?

THE WAY GOD WILL TREAT THEM

See the change of tone. There is a constant tone of rebuke towards the hypocrites (2:17-3:7,8,9-3:13...)

OBSERVE: God knows the true from the false, even if we do not. But God will bless those who truly honour Him:

1. God delights in their conversation ("hearkened")

   1. God loves His people and rejoices in them
   2. See the two on the road to Emmaus
   3. The best subjects of conversation are those about God and the Gospel.
      APPLICATION: Do you agree?

2. They are marked down in God's book

   1. "Book of life" - the redeemed all there
   2. Every single one is there
      Cp. a telephone directory
   3. God's book records their conversations.
      APPLICATION: Is your name there?

3. They will be His jewels forever

   1. Christians are golden in His eyes.
   2. There is a "day" for displaying His love to them.
   3. "Behold, I and the children..."
      APPLICATION: If God values them, so should we.