Malachi is a post-exilic book (Mal. 1:3 cf. Jer. 49:7-22; Eze. 25:12-14). The children of Israel have returned from captivity. The temple has been rebuilt (Mal. 1:6-ff). Time has passed, perhaps 100 years. Problems existed. Certain issues in this book seem to line up with the book of Nehemiah, e.g. marriage (Mal. 2:10-11, cf. Neh. 13:23ff), care of the poor (Mal. 3:5, cf. Neh. 5:1ff), and giving (Mal. 3:8; Neh. 10:32-39; 13:10ff). The book of Malachi is written to motivate them to change and do better.
Recognize God’s Love (Malachi 1:2-5)
These Israelites questioned God’s love for them. God responded by saying I brought you back from captivity. I did not do this for Edom. Their land is still desolate. God was persevering Israel to bless not only Israel, but all the families of the earth (Gen. 12:1-3; 28:13-14).
We need to recognize God’s love. Life itself is a gift from God (Acts 17:25). Moreover, He wants to bless us (Eph. 1:3; 1 Pet. 1:3-4).
Reverence God in Worship (Malachi 1:6-2:9)
These Israelites did not properly worship. They, without delight, went through the ritual of worship. It was weariness to them (1:13). They made no real sacrifice but offered their diseased and damaged animals (1:8, 13-14). The people, and even the priest, did not keep God’s way (2:1-9). They did not honor the LORD before the nations (1:11, 13).
We need to worship God in spirit and in truth (John 4:24). We should sing with grace in our hearts to the Lord (Col. 3:16). We should give cheerfully (2 Cor. 9:7). We should take the Lord’s Supper discerning the body (1 Cor. 11:29). We should pray with our spirits (1 Cor. 14:14-15). We should listen to God’s word with interest (Acts 10:33; 17:11).
Relationships Matter (Malachi 2:10-16)
These Israelites were guilty of mistreating God’s children. Specifically, they had mistreated their wives. They had divorced and remarried, even to those who followed other gods (2:10-16). God hated this (2:16). This rendered their worship unacceptable (2:13).
We should remember that God cares about how we treat one another (Matt. 5:23-24). He cares about how we treat our marriage partners (1 Pet. 3:1-7). Worship alone is not enough.
Remember Judgment (Malachi 2:17-3:7)
These Israelites questioned God’s justice. Why did He tolerate evil? Did He delight in evil? (2:17). Certainly not! His toleration of evil was actually an extension of His grace (3:6-7). Judgment would come (3:1-3).
We should remember that there will be a judgment day (Acts 17:30-31). His current toleration of evil is to give man an opportunity to repent (2 Pet. 3:9). We need to remember the end (cf. Ps. 73:1-17).
Refuse to Rob God (Malachi 3:8-12)
These Israelites were guilty of robbing God. They did so in their tithes and offerings (3:8). This had brought a curse on them (3:9).
We should not rob God. In my estimation, this is one of the major things hiding the church in our day. Imagine a husband and wife with a household annual income of $100-150K, but drop $20-50 into the collection plate each week. Do we really think that God is pleased? Is this seeking first the kingdom of God? How are we using our money and time?
Reject murmuring (Malachi 3:13-4:6)
These Israelites again are described as questioning God’s justice (3:13-15 cf. 2:17). They openly spoke against it. Once more, they are reminded of a coming day of judgment
(3:16-ff).
We should not murmur against God. It displeases Him (1 Cor. 10:10; Phi. 2:14-15; 1 Pet. 4:9). It hides the beauty of Christianity to those outside (Phil. 2:14-15). Negative talk may discourage brethren (Deu. 1:28). Let us reject the temptation to murmur.