https://www.bible.com/events/49285090
Today we continue to look at some words from God to his people long ago in the last book of the Old Testament. The prophet, Malachi was commissioned by God with one purpose in mind. It was his goal to reestablish standards of excellence amongst God’s people. He was wanting to see God’s people take the next step in their relationship with God and their relationship with each other. His goal was the same as our goal as a church family this year as we are wanting to all take the next step in our relationship with God and each other.
We live in a world where people make promises to one another in marriages and families, friendships and businesses, churches and nations. However, we live in a world where people at times break faith with one another by not being promise-keepers. But the good news is that God our heavenly Father is always a promise-keeper. Whenever he makes a promise or pledge, we can know that he will keep his word.
The Bible tells us that some of God’s promises are made through a “Covenant”. A Covenant is a “sacred agreement”, a “mutual pledge” between two people or parties who are in relationship with each other, or who are beginning a relationship together. Malachi talks about the Covenant between God and his people to challenge us to practice relational excellence – to live according to God’s way when it comes to relationships.
The core statement about relational excellence and keeping the covenants we make with others:
“Are we not all children of the same Father? Are we not all created by the same God? Then why are we faithless to each other, violating the covenant of our ancestors?” Malachi 2:10 (NLT)
In the past weeks, we have looked at our relationship with God, our relationship with our children, grandchildren, the children in our church and community for whom we are their spiritual aunts and uncles, and our friendships in life. Today, we see what Malachi says about our marriage relationships.
Thoughts for those who are single (Malachi 2:11-12)…
Thoughts for those who are married to someone who is not a follower of Jesus (1 Corinthians 7:12-16)…
Malachi 2:13-16… The Covenant of Marriage (The promise we make with our spouse is a promise God wants us to keep)...
Ask yourself and your spouse: How’s our promise going? How am I doing? Are there any areas where I’m close to breaking faith with you?
A word to those whose marriage has ended in divorce….
Taking It Home
We encourage you to take a few minutes today and this week to process this morning’s message. These questions are designed for discussion with your family, a friend, mentor, spouse, and small group. They are also useful for self-reflection.
- What stands out to you in these passages from the Bible? From the message?
- What is difficult for you to understand or accept in these passages from the Bible? From the message?
- What is God saying in these passages and through what we heard in the message about Himself? About people? About you?
- What examples are there to follow, commands to obey, or promises to stand on from these passages in the Bible, and from what we heard in the message?
