1.  Introduction ~ 

     1.1.  “priest” (כֹהֵן֙) [kō hēnʹ] refers to a person w/religious duties

2.  Context ~ the priests of Malachi’s time were not faithful 

     2.1.  God would soon introduce another messenger Deut 18:15 

     2.2.  the participants of the covenant are introduced in Mal 2:5-7 

3.  Background ~ a “covenant” (בְּרִית) [berî ṯi] is an agreement/contract  

     3.1.  the participants of this covenant were not equal partners Mal 2:5 

4.  Messengers ~ of God have a sacred role for God’s people Mal 2:7 

     4.1.  “messengers” (מַלְאַ֥ךְ) [mǎl ’ǎḵʹ] teach the people about God’s Law

             4.1.1.  then they interpreted & applied it to daily life Mal 2:7 

     4.2.  “keep” (יִשְׁמְרוּ) [yiš merȗ] is in the imperfect verb form

5.  Shared Knowledge ~ was not happening as priests failed Hosea 4:6 

6.  Messengers ~ the priests were failing in their calling Mal 2:7 

7.  The Church ~ brings about something different 1 Peter 2:9-10 

     7.1.  we become the fulfillment of Isa 43:20-21 we serve others Mic 6:8 

8.  A Priest’s Ministry ~ includes working with the Scriptures Mal 2:6

     8.1.  these are spiritual in nature 1 Cor 2:13-14 & change us Phil 4:6-7 

             8.1.1.  we are, in fact, God’s representatives 2 Cor 5:20 

9.  Salvation ~ we must confess our sins 1 John 1:9 then repent Acts 3:19 

     9.1.  finally we simply trust that Jesus will keep His promise Acts 16:31 

             9.1.  God sent His Son to do this John 3:16-17  1 Peter 2:9-10 

10.  Application ~ so… now is the time to take things from the theoretical

       10.1.  the criteria for priests has never changed Mal 2:7 

                10.1.1. we are not left to our own resources John 15:4 

       10.2.  we will stand before His judgment seat 2 Cor 5:10 

 

For Contemplation:

Does my service to Jesus suggest I am operating as His priest?

 

Homiletical Idea:

God expects some things from each of us.

 

For Prayer:

Lord, put within me a desire to be faithful to your call on my life!