Character Study Of Malachi Series

CHARACTER STUDY OF MALACHI – LAST PROPHET OF THE OLD TESTAMENT

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Malachi 3:1

"Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the Lord of hosts."

Supporting Texts:

Malachi 1:6-8, Malachi 2:7-9, Malachi 2:16, Malachi 3:8-10, Malachi 4:1-6, Matthew 11:10

INTRODUCTION:

Malachi was the last prophet of the Old Testament, bringing God’s final message to Israel before 400 years of prophetic silence. His name means "My Messenger", signifying his divine commission to deliver God’s word. He ministered during a time of spiritual decline, addressing issues such as corrupt priests, unfaithfulness in marriage, and the neglect of tithes and offerings.

Malachi’s message was one of rebuke, urging Israel to return to God. He also prophesied about the coming of John the Baptist as the forerunner of Christ and warned about the coming Day of the Lord. His book serves as a bridge between the Old and New Testaments, calling people to repentance and preparing the way for the Messiah.

1. MALACHI’S BACKGROUND AND CALLING

a) His name means "My Messenger"

Malachi was chosen by God to deliver a strong and urgent message to Israel.

b) He was the last Old Testament prophet

His message concluded the prophetic era before the coming of John the Baptist.

c) He ministered during Israel’s spiritual decline (Malachi 1:6-8)

The people had become careless in their worship, offering God defiled sacrifices.

d) He addressed both the priests and the people (Malachi 2:1-9)

He rebuked the priests for leading the people astray and neglecting their duties.

e) Biblical Example: Like Malachi, John the Baptist also prepared the way for Christ (Luke 1:76-79).

2. MALACHI’S MESSAGE AGAINST CORRUPT WORSHIP

a) The people dishonoured God with defiled sacrifices (Malachi 1:7-8)

They brought blind and sick animals instead of giving God their best.

b) The priests failed in their responsibilities (Malachi 2:7-8)

They caused many to stumble by failing to teach the truth.

c) True worship requires reverence and sincerity (Malachi 1:11-14)

God desires pure and heartfelt worship, not empty rituals.

d) God rebuked half-hearted service (Malachi 3:13-15)

The people questioned whether serving God was worthwhile.

e) Biblical Example: Jesus also condemned hypocritical worship (Matthew 15:8-9).

3. MALACHI’S MESSAGE ON MARRIAGE AND FAITHFULNESS

a) Israel was unfaithful in their marriages (Malachi 2:10-12)

They married foreign women who led them into idolatry.

b) God hates divorce (Malachi 2:16)

He rebuked those who abandoned their spouses without cause.

c) Marriage is a covenant before God (Malachi 2:14)

Breaking this covenant dishonours God.

d) The consequences of unfaithfulness (Malachi 2:15-16)

A broken marriage affects not only the couple but also future generations.

e) Biblical Example: King Solomon’s unfaithfulness in marriage led to Israel’s downfall (1 Kings 11:1-11).

4. MALACHI’S MESSAGE ON TITHING AND BLESSINGS

a) Israel robbed God through withholding tithes (Malachi 3:8-9)

They neglected their financial responsibility to the temple and the Levites.

b) God challenged them to test Him (Malachi 3:10)

He promised to open the windows of heaven if they were faithful in tithing.

c) The blessings of obedience (Malachi 3:11-12)

God promised to rebuke the devourer and bless their land.

d) Tithing is a sign of trust in God (Proverbs 3:9-10)

Giving back to God acknowledges Him as the provider.

e) Biblical Example: Abraham demonstrated faith by giving tithes to Melchizedek (Genesis 14:18-20).

5. MALACHI’S PROPHECY ABOUT THE COMING MESSIAH

a) The coming of John the Baptist (Malachi 3:1)

He prophesied about the forerunner of Christ.

b) The Lord’s sudden appearance in the temple (Malachi 3:1-2)

Jesus fulfilled this prophecy by coming to the temple and cleansing it.

c) The refining fire of judgment (Malachi 3:2-3)

Christ would purify His people like a refiner’s fire purifies gold.

d) The coming Day of the Lord (Malachi 4:1-3)

God would bring judgment upon the wicked but healing for the righteous.

e) Biblical Example: Isaiah also prophesied about the coming of the Messiah (Isaiah 9:6-7).

6. LESSONS FROM THE LIFE AND MESSAGE OF MALACHI

a) Worship must be sincere and honourable (Malachi 1:11)

God deserves our best, not our leftovers.

b) Faithfulness in marriage is important to God (Malachi 2:16)

Marriage is a sacred covenant, not to be broken lightly.

c) Giving to God brings blessings (Malachi 3:10-12)

God honours those who are faithful in their tithes and offerings.

d) God is coming again to judge the world (Malachi 4:1-3)

We must be prepared for Christ’s return.

e) Biblical Example: The parable of the ten virgins teaches the importance of being prepared for Christ’s coming (Matthew 25:1-13).

CONCLUSION:

Malachi’s message remains relevant today. He reminds us that God desires sincere worship, faithfulness in relationships, and obedience in giving. His prophecy about the Messiah was fulfilled in Jesus Christ, and his warning about the Day of the Lord urges us to live in readiness for Christ’s return.