1. Malachi 3:13

2. Talking Back
To God

3. “In What Way Have You Loved Us?”
Malachi 1:2
People felt like God had forsaken them
Reminded how much better they were than the descendants of Esau – Malachi 1:3
Why were the better off?
God had chosen them – Deuteronomy 7:6-8
Must never question God’s love for us – John 3:16; Romans 5:8
He has chosen us as He did them – Ephesians 1:4,5
Use multiple points, if necessary.

4. “In What Way Have We Despised Your Name?”
Malachi 1:6
Fathers, Masters, Governors worthy of Respect – Malachi 1:8
The Despised God by offering what was defiled – Malachi 1:7
And seeing worship as tiresome – Malachi 1:13
Must worship God according to His standard – John 4:24
Must recognize the privilege to worship the Lord- Psalms 122:1; Hebrews 10:25
Use multiple points, if necessary.

5. “For What Reason?” Malachi 2:14
God has no regard for their offering – Malachi 1:8
Why? The has dealt treacherously against their wife be covenant – Malachi 2:16
God will not overlook sin like this – Hebrews 13:4
Besides being faithful – Matthew 19:6
We respect marriage by treating our spouses the way God expects us to- Ephesians 5:22,25
Use multiple points, if necessary.

6. “In What Way Have We Wearied Him?”
Malachi 2:17
Wearied the Lord by saying He delighted in those who do evil
God never delights in sin – Malachi 2:16; Proverbs 6:16; Psalms 119:104
God will not overlook sin like this – Hebrews 13:4
We must not call evil good – Isaiah 5:20
We must not contend that God accepts those in sin – Romans 6:1,2
Use multiple points, if necessary.

7. “In What Way Shall We Return?”
Malachi 3:7
Two possibilities: They had no reason to return since God left them; No way to return to God because He would not welcome them back
Problems with this attitude:
Ignores one’s own sin -1 John 1:8,10
It ignores fact that God will not forsake the faithful- Hebrews 13:5
Ignores the path of reconciliation- 1 John 1:9
Use multiple points, if necessary.

8. “In What Way Have We Robbed You?”
Malachi 3:8
Withholding the tithes and offerings due Him
God expects us to sacrifice our lives for Him – Romans 12:1; Luke 9:23
IF we are not taking up our cross daily to follow Him, and presenting our bodies as living sacrifices to Him, we are robbing him
Use multiple points, if necessary.

9. “What Have We Spoken Against You?”
Malachi 3:13
They said it was vain to serve God and of no profit – Malachi 3:14
Reality is that there is a great reward- 1 Timothy 6:6
But we must look to the eternal reward – 1 Peter 1:4
Malachi 3:16-18 “they shall be Mine”
Use multiple points, if necessary.