What’s in It for Me?

Malachi 3:13-4:3

-This sixth and final dispute between God and His people here in 3:13-4:3 closely reflects another passage about God’s justice in 2:17-3:5.

– The focus in 2:17-3:5 was on Divine Justice. The focus here in 3:13-4:3 is on divine blessing.

– Our text today reveals 2 groups within the Covenant Community who harbour very different attitudes toward the Lord: The ‘Fussers’ and the ‘Fearers’

Group 1: The ‘Fussers’ (3:13-15)

1) Their Complaint: Serving God is Pointless!

• They were outwardly religious
  • ‘keeping His charge’ – ie. regular Temple observance
  • ‘mourning before the Lord’
• They bitterly complain that there is nothing to be gained from religious devotion
  • The arrogant are blessed
  • The evildoer escapes from God
  • There is no clear distinction between the righteous and the wicked

2) New Testament Parallel – The Elder Brother in Jesus’ Parable of the Lost Son (Luke 15)

• The Younger Brother tried to manipulate his Father by being very bad
• The Elder Brother tried to manipulate his Father by being very good
• The Younger Brother eventually repents and comes home, but the

Elder does not repent– he only grows more bitter toward the Father

Application:

Is your religious devotion a form of manipulation (What’s in it for me??), or does your devotion to God come from a heart that has been transformed by grace?

What motivates your worship – the gifts of God or the Giver Himself?

Group 2: The ‘Fearers’ (3:16 – 4:3)

1) Their Conversation was filled with Grace rather than with Grumbling!

• The difference between the ‘fussers’ and the ‘fearers’ was NOT found in:
  • Their outward circumstances
  • Their outward forms of worship
• The difference was found in:
  • Their esteem and their love for God
  • Their private conversation (an outer reflection of the inner heart condition)

2) God’s Response to the ‘Fearers’

• Their words are recorded and rewarded!
  • ‘Book of Remembrance’ – (Esther 6:1)
  • God’s people will one day be judged/rewarded according to their works and their words! (Matthew 12:36; 2 Corinthians 5:10)
• God will make a clear distinction
  • The righteous (God’s treasured possession) will be distinguished from the wicked (Matthew 25:31-46)
  • The ‘fussers’ will be distinguished from the ‘fearers’ (Romans 9:6; 1 Corinthians 3:10-15)

Application:

– Today’s text reminds us that our lives are lived in the presence of God – God is watching and listening! – What do our conversations tell us about our hearts? Are you a ‘fusser’ or a ‘fearer’?