Getting Back to an Eternal Perspective

Introduction:

It Gets Better: An Eternal Perspective Keeps You On Track.

1. It gets better, and no one is more Excited than God. (Mal 3:16-17)



2. It gets better, but not for Everyone. (Mal 3:18-4:1)

3. It gets better, in Every Way. (Mal 4:2-3)



Luke 1:78 - ...the sunrise shall visit us from on high.



4. It gets better, and I'll wait Faithfully. (Mal 4:4-6)



Review: Matthew 17:10-13

Sermon Notes (PDF): BLANK
Hint: Highlight blanks above for answers!

Small Group Questions (Whole Group):
Read Malachi 3:16-4:6

1. What exactly does it mean to "fear the Lord" (Mal 3:16)? List ways people display the fear of the Lord, and ways people don't. (Bonus if your list comes from things we've seen in Malachi.)

2. How much does eternity fill your thoughts? How can you grow in having eternal perspective?

3. "No One Is More Excited than God" about eternity. How do we know this from Malachi 3:17?

4. Bonus theological discussion: How do you understand Malachi 4:5-6 in light of the ministry of John the Baptist and the future (not yet fulfilled) Day of the Lord?

Breakout Questions:

Pray for one another to constantly be seeking to get back, and stay, on track - especially in the 5 areas Malachi mentions: Worship, Marriage, Holiness, Giving, and Looking Beyond Today(Eternal Perspective). 

Getting Back to Faithful Giving

Introduction:

Review: Luke 3:10-14 | Matthew 6:21 – For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Faithful Giving

1. How should I give? (Mal 3:6-9)



2 Corinthians 8:3 - For they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means,of their own accord...



2. Why should I give?

1. Because giving to God is good for your Wallet. (Mal 3:10-12)


2. Because giving to God is good for your Soul. (Mal 3:13-15)

Sermon Notes (PDF): BLANK
Hint: Highlight blanks above for answers!

Supporting Series on Biblical Giving from God's Word:
I Love to Give
(4 part series with audio sermon and notes)

Covering 2 Corinthians 8 - 9

Small Group Questions (Whole Group):
Read Malachi 3:6-15

1. Why is "getting on track" with giving so important towards "getting back on track" with God? What does this say about our attitude towards money?

2. What does the New Testament say about "how to give" (see 2 Corinthians 8:3)? How would you respond to someone who says, "You don't have to tithe, that's Old Testament Law."

3. Why do you think God wants tested in the area of giving? How can YOU test Him (specifically) as He called you to?

4. The more you give to God, the more God gives to you. Why is this so? How would you respond to someone who doesn’t believe that?

Breakout Questions:

Pray for one another. Ask, "How have you been doing getting 'Back on Track'?" What area that Malachi addresses (so far in our series) has impacted you the most? (worship, marriage, holiness, giving)

Getting Back to Personal Holiness

Introduction:

Letting God Deal with My Sin

1. You can be Refined. (Mal 3:1-4)



Review: 2 Corinthians 5:21 | Ephesians 4:30 | 1 Thessalonians 5:19



2. ...or you can be Judged. (Mal 3:5)

Sermon Notes (PDF): BLANK
Hint: Highlight blanks above for answers!

Small Group Questions (Whole Group):
Read Malachi 2:17-3:5

1. In your own words, summarize the problems stated in Mal 2:17. How do you see these same problems in our culture?

2. How would you summarize God’s answer (Mal 3:1-5) to the questions in Mal 2:17?

3. What does it mean that God is a refiner (Mal 3:2-3)? How does God refine His people? How will God ultimately refine all His people (Mal 3:3-4)?

Breakout Questions:

What areas need "burned" off of you to make you more like Christ?
Go around, state the area needing refined, and pray over these things. 

Getting Back to Marriage Commitment

Introduction:

Faithless in Marriage is Faithless to God

Review: Matthew 5:23 | 1 Timothy 3:4-5 | 1 Timothy 5:8

1. Because you made a Covenant before God. (Mal 2:10-12)



2. Because you are being Joined Together by God. (Mal 2:13-15a)



Matthew 19:6 - So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.



3. Because you have a Purpose for God. (Mal 2:15b-16)

Sermon Notes (PDF): BLANK
Hint: Highlight blanks above for answers!

Small Group Questions (Whole Group):
Read Malachi 2:1-16

1.  What were the issues God was calling out the priests on in Malachi 2:8? What does this say about people in (any) ministry today?

2. Why is it you need to be faithful in your horizontal relationships in order to be faithful in your vertical relationship with God? See Matthew 5:23 & 1 John 4:20.

3. What are some specific modern day examples of people not keeping their word? Why do you think people don’t keep their word today?

4. How is oneness in marriage a reality and a process at the same time (Mal 2:15)? See Genesis 2:24.

5. What are some ways, if you are married, you can "guard yourself" (Mal 2:15-16)? Be specific.

Breakout Questions:
Married people: How are you making your marriage a priority?

Getting Back to Worship

Introduction:

How to Get Back to Real Worship

1. Breathe In the Love of God. (Mal 1:1-5)



2. Breathe out Reverence for God. (Mal 1:6-14)

Am I a Worshiper or a Faker?

1. Do I offer God my Best? (Mal 1:6-9)



2. Do I just go through the Motions? (Mal 1:10-14)

Sermon Notes (PDF): BLANK
Hint: Highlight blanks above for answers!

Small Group Questions (Whole Group):
Read Malachi 1:1-14

1. Malachi 1:2-3 talks about God's love: What exactly is God saying? How does this prove His love?

2. Why is love the motivator for worship (see also Romans 2:4)?

3. Have you ever doubted God's love because things weren't happening the way you expected? Share the experience with the group.

4. Define reverence: Why do you think this is a lost concept in our culture today?

5. How would you reply to this statement: "This stuff in Malachi doesn't apply to us today. We don't offer sacrifices anymore!"

6. What are ways, today, that you can "breathe out" reverence for God?

Breakout Questions:
Complete transparency: How are you doing with sincerely worshiping God? What changes do you need to make to be able to "breathe" (in God's love / out reverence for God)?