Malachi 2.17-3.15

In this section, the people of God are said to be considering whether obedience to God is worth it or not. But God says that obedience to him will always go better for us in the end. Ultimately belief in God takes tangible form in obedience to God.
Start Lesson
Malachi 2.17-3.15

Venue




About

The vision of Ozark Christian College is to glorify God by evangelizing the lost and edifying Christians worldwide. The mission of Ozark Christian College is to train men and women for Christian service as a degree-granting institution of biblical higher education.

Classroom Instructions

Lesson
**God on Trial** In this section, the people of God are said to be considering whether obedience to God is worth it or not. Admittedly there are times when following God’s commands takes more effort than giving in to our own desires. In the time of Malachi, the people of God were questioning whether all this effort makes any difference, but really they were scrutinizing the fairness of God. In their actions, they were showing they considered him unfair. This took on the form of withholding their tithes. The temptation for the people of Israel to not tithe is the same as any time we choose to go with our own idea of what is good or bad instead of trusting God’s Word. They could assume that giving away 10% of all their wealth would result in less security for themselves. But God says that obedience to him will always go better for us in the end. Jesus’ use of the vine concept in John 15 is a way of illustrating how belief in him is ultimately more fruitful than unbelief. Ultimately belief in God takes tangible form in obedience to God. **Questions for Discussion/Reflection:** - What are some ways that obedience is more difficult than disobedience to God’s Word? - Have you ever wondered if obedience was worth all the hassle? - Have you ever struggled with the idea of whether God is fair or not? - What are some ways you could demonstrate greater trust through obedience in this season of life?

Malachi 2.17-3.15 Instructions

Lesson
**God on Trial** In this section, the people of God are said to be considering whether obedience to God is worth it or not. Admittedly there are times when following God’s commands takes more effort than giving in to our own desires. In the time of Malachi, the people of God were questioning whether all this effort makes any difference, but really they were scrutinizing the fairness of God. In their actions, they were showing they considered him unfair. This took on the form of withholding their tithes. The temptation for the people of Israel to not tithe is the same as any time we choose to go with our own idea of what is good or bad instead of trusting God’s Word. They could assume that giving away 10% of all their wealth would result in less security for themselves. But God says that obedience to him will always go better for us in the end. Jesus’ use of the vine concept in John 15 is a way of illustrating how belief in him is ultimately more fruitful than unbelief. Ultimately belief in God takes tangible form in obedience to God. **Questions for Discussion/Reflection:** - What are some ways that obedience is more difficult than disobedience to God’s Word? - Have you ever wondered if obedience was worth all the hassle? - Have you ever struggled with the idea of whether God is fair or not? - What are some ways you could demonstrate greater trust through obedience in this season of life?