Free group study handout
Malachi 3: Group Study Handout
How to use: read Malachi 3 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.
Overview
Yahweh declares he will send a messenger to prepare the way before him (v. 1). This messenger will announce the Lord’s sudden arrival to his temple.
Key verse
“Behold, I send my messenger, and he will prepare the way before me; and the Lord, whom you seek, will suddenly come to his temple; and the messenger of the covenant, whom you desire, behold, he comes!” says Yahweh of Armies.”
Malachi 3:1 (WEB)
Outline
- Malachi 3:1 The Coming Messenger
- Malachi 3:2–4 Purification of the People
- Malachi 3:5–6 Judgment Against Unfaithfulness
- Malachi 3:7–12 Call to Return and Tithing
- Malachi 3:13–15 Words Against God
- Malachi 3:16–18 The Book of Remembrance
Discussion questions
- In v1, who is the messenger that will prepare the way before God?
- What does God say about the 'offering' in v4?
- In v8-9, what does it mean to 'rob' God according to the people's actions?
- In v14, why do the people believe it is 'vain to serve God'?
- When have you felt like God's promise of 'blessing' in v10 was not fulfilled?
Go deeper
Passages that echo Malachi 3: Hebrews 13, Numbers 23, 2 Corinthians 9.
Before next time: read Malachi 4.