MALACHI

What love is this? 1:1-5

Introduction

God had promised much to . Obadiah, as well as other prophets such as Isaiah and Ezekiel, had predicted that the people of God would be delivered from oppression, and that God would usher in a mighty kingdom that would last forever. These huge expectations, however, had not yet eventuated. Life was difficult, as crops failed and the neighbouring nations harassed God’s people…

1. Have you ever doubted whether God is actually looking after you? Share with the group.

Explore

READ Genesis 25:19-34

2. What three things does the Lord tell Rebekah will happen to her twin sons? How did this come about?

READ Malachi 1:1-5

3. What became of the inheritance of the Edomites (the descendants of )? What prospects are there for the future?

4. How is this a demonstration of God’s love for /Israel? NOTE: ‘hatred’ in Hebrew is not understood the same way as we use the word today, but rather is used to contrast and emphasize ‘love’. See how Jesus uses a similarly extreme expression in Luke 14:26.

READ :1-16

5. Summarize Paul’s concern in verse 1-7

6. What two things did God tell (vv. 6-9)?

7. According to what criteria did God choose some of Abraham’s descendants over others?

8. How does this explain what Paul observed in his day, when many Israelites became Christians, and many did not?

Consider

9. Are you a true child of Abraham? How does God demonstrate his love for you?

10. What sort of reaction do you have towards people who are opposed to God? What sort of reaction do you think you ought to have?

11. What should our response be to knowing God’s love for us?

12. What should you remember when you feel doubtful of God’s love for you?

For next time, please read Malachi 1:6-14