2. Second Temple Period 586BC – exile to Babylon 539BC – Persian king Cyrus allows return 516BC – Temple finished 458/445BC – Ezra, Nehemiah, Malachi

3. 1:1-5 – God always loves us. –The people want MORE. 1:6-14 – Don’t cheat God. –The people are trying to find shorcuts. –God is holding the leaders accountable.

4. Don’t take shortcuts. –Switch the mentality – God deserves our best. Strong leaders are stronger followers. –God is our Father and Master. –The test – can you accept God’s loving punishments?

5. Problems: God’s Name is dishonored. They are blaming God for His just punishments. The leaders are not teaching God’s ways, and are humiliated.

6. Live to bring honor to God’s Name. –Let your choices glorify Him. Leaders are always teachers. –The way we model –The way we communicate –Build into people.