North Anderson Baptist
On Mission In Anderson & Beyond
June 4, 2023
Locations & Times
North Anderson Baptist Church
2308 N Main St, Anderson, SC 29621, USA
Sunday 10:00 AM
Imagine you are a father or mother who is going to speak to your rebellious child for a long, long time.
What Would You Say?
About 400 years before the birth of Christ, God spoke through a man named Malachi and then shut up any sound from Heaven for four centuries.
Of the many wonderful attributes and traits of our Heavenly Father, is the fact that our God desires to communicate with us: He has been speaking to His people for centuries.
Whether through creation, angels, dreams, His church, His Word, His Spirit and even through circumstance, God has always communicated with His people.
One of the most frequent ways in which He spoke to His people in the Old Testament was through His Prophets.
The Message Of The Prophets Pointed To Jesus
Amos 10:43 "To Him all the prophets bear witness”
·
The Message Of The Prophets Is Affirmed By Jesus
WE NEED TO UNDERSTAND SOMETHING: We live in an age of “I’m a red letter Christian...I follow Jesus, not the Old Testament"
Beyond the fact that “red letters” are not designated in the original texts, that approach to the Bible can lead to setting aside important teachings from God.
It can unintentionally emphasize some of God’s Word over other parts. In truth, everything in Scripture is from Jesus, because it’s all from God
2 Timothy 3:16 “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness”
Throughout His public ministry, Jesus affirmed the Old Testament
When dealing with the people of his day, whether it was with the disciples or religious rulers, Jesus constantly referred to the Old Testament: ‘Have you not read that which was spoken to you by God?” (Matthew 22:31)
‘Have you not read what David did?’ (Matthew 12:3).
Throughout the Gospels, we find Jesus confirming many of the accounts in the Old Testament, such as the destruction of Sodom and the death of Lot’s wife, the murder of Abel by his brother Cain, the calling of Moses and the divine provision of Manna in the wilderness.
Concerning the words spoken by the prophets:
Luke 24:44 "Everything written about Me in the Law and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled."
The Old Testament is ordered along four major divisions: Pentateuch, Historical Books, Poetic and Wisdom Literature, and the Prophets.
Prophets would be divided along the lines of the major prophets (5 books) and the minor prophets (12 books)
Some of their messages are more dramatic than others: some prophets see elaborate visions, while others spotlight the rebellion of Gods people, share what the consequences will be and call the people to repent and remember their allegiance to Israel’s God.
The message of the Prophets, from God Himself, was instrumental for the spiritual life and vitality of Israel and because Gods Word is timeless, is completely relevant God’s people today.
Malachi was one of those Prophets.
A bit of historical context regarding Malachi:
Years before God would speak through His servant Malachi, because of the sinfulness and rebellion of His people, God allowed the Babylonian Empire to rise up against Israel and conquer them.
The people had been under the strong had of the Babylonians for a long time – again, their own sin put them there (God will not be mocked)
King Nebuchadnezzar ruled Babylon and God used him as the agent of judgment against Israel for their rebellion and idolatry.
In 538bc, Persia conquered the Babylonian Empire and Cyrus The Great ruled, allowing the Jews to rebuild their Temple (fell back into idolatry soon…never rebuilt the city, it's gates or its walls).
When Artaxerxes came to rule, he allowed his cupbearer, Nehemiah, to rebuild its walls and gates. This established a semblance of order and led people back to God.
Yet, when Nehemiah returned to the Kings service – Jews fell back into their sin. They had a Temple, fortified city but took it all for granted and worshipped non chalantly.
Taking a look at the world in which Malachi lived, it's easy to see many uncanny parallels to the world that we now inhabit.
Politics were corrupt, the culture was cynical and irreverent. Money and materialism were idols. There was much pride and little repentance.
The institution of family had fallen apart and Gods Word was ignored.
There were those who’d profess religion – but they were just going through the motions.
There was no fear of God. No true convictions. No allegiance to His Word.
SO – God had a message for His rebellious people.
It's during this period of time that God chose to speak to His people through Malachi
BUT THERE’S SOMETHING THAT MAKES THE MESSAGE GOD CONVEYS THROUGH HIM UNIQUE
The message God would speak through this prophet was the last word of communication from Heaven for 4 centuries.
Amos 8:11 “Behold, the day is coming, says the Lord your God, that I will send a famine in the land. Not a famine of bread or a thirst for water, but of hearing the Words of the Lord”
Malachi 1:1-5
“The burden of the word of the Lord to Israel by Malachi. “I have loved you,” says the Lord. “Yet you say, ‘In what way have You loved us?’ Was not Esau Jacob’s brother?” Says the Lord. “Yet Jacob I have loved; But Esau I have hated, and laid waste his mountains and his heritage for the jackals of the wilderness.” Even though Edom has said, “We have been impoverished, but we will return and build the desolate places,” Thus says the Lord of hosts: “They may build, but I will throw down; They shall be called the Territory of Wickedness, and the people against whom the Lord will have indignation forever. Your eyes shall see, and you shall say, ‘The Lord is magnified beyond the border of Israel.”
Note four striking words in Malachi 1:2 “I have loved you”
Remember, these are the words of a Father speaking to his child for the last time for 400 years...HIS extraordinarily rebellious child. The child that has shook its fist at the Father. Brought shame to His name. Has rejected him unless it was expedient.
His words to them – “I HAVE LOVED YOU”
That’s opposite of every other world religion – “If you do this or that, I will love you”. Israel hadn’t done this or that – they’ve not towed the line – not behaved morally – they’d not done anything to merit anything from God.
YET – He opens the last conversation He’ll have for 400 years…”I HAVE LOVED YOU”
When God says, “I love you” – revealing His very essence / His character
1st John 4:8 “God is love”
Everything He did for Israel, for you and me – HIS people – HE DID IT BY AND THROUGH LOVE
1st John 3:1 - “Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God!”
The thing that distinguishes the love God has for His people from this worlds idea of love is that it’s NOT performance based
It's wild and dangerously inaccurate theology to suppose that Gods love can somehow be earned.
AS HIS CHILD – You can never outrun His love….you’ll never cause His love to fail you
God says To His Rebellious People: “I Have loved you”
WHAT WAS THEIR RESPONSE? It should be, "Thank you, Lord! I love you too!"....yet...
Malachi 1:2 “I have loved you,” says the Lord. “Yet you say, ‘In what way have You loved us?”
What they saw around them caused them to disbelieve Gods love for them
They saw Economic downturn, political struggle and tension, moral decay
IN ESSENCE, THEY ASK: “You have loved us? If that were true, things would be better!”
BE CAREFUL HERE: It’s easy to shake our heads at the foolishness of Old Testament Israel as we read these words but we're sometimes guilty of the same thing.
YOU LOVE ME, LORD? Then why…is life hard? Why am I struggling? Why did this happen?
Whether silently or aloud, we often cry, "If you are in charge, you are in control…if you really loved me like you say you do, I wouldn’t be dealing with this, hurting so much."
NOW look at His reply. God is extraordinarily patient and kind – He provides a gentle answer
“How have I loved you?”
1. Love Is A Choice And I Chose You
Matthew 22:37 - Great Commandment – “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind”
Malachi 1:2 “I have loved you,” says the Lord. “Yet you say, ‘In what way have You loved us?’ Was not Esau Jacob’s brother?” Says the Lord. “Yet Jacob I have loved;”
The Lord reminds them of His love with a little history lesson – He goes all the way back to the beginning of their heritage.
From the very beginning, God has had a plan for the salvation of man. He has had a plan for how He’d reconcile rebellious sinners to Himself – Through His only begotten Son.
Through a people that He chose, He’d bring a Messiah who would deliver.
Being GOD - He could have chosen any tribe, tongue or nation to carry our His plan.
He chose Israel. He chose to work His plan of redemption through the lineage of a man named Abraham.
Abraham was an old man from Ur (Mesopotamia) – Joshua 24:2 tells us that his religious background was Paganism. YET God chooses him…by His great grace.
He graciously redeems Abraham, promises a Son From that Son a Nation – from that nation – the Messiah would come.
Because Gods promises are faithful and true – Abraham and Sarah bore Isaac and 2 sons of Isaac are mentioned here in Gods response to Israel questioning His love
There's Esau (tough guy, hunter, warrior) and his exact opposite, Jacob.
One would assume that to build a nation, God would chose Esau the warrior but – NO – God chooses Jacob
HOW HAVE I LOVED YOU? – I chose you!
If you are a Christian, you are for so for the same reason – GOD CHOSE YOU
Jer 1:5 “I chose you before you were formed in the womb”
Romans 8:29 “For those He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son”
John 15:16 “You did not chose Me, but I chose you”
Most Helpful Picture Is That Of Adoption. The Bible uses adoption as a picture of the love God has for us. We were dirty, troubled, diseased with no help or hope and God graciously shows up and chooses to take us home.
Romans 8:15 “For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you receive the Spirit of adoption, by whom we cry out Abba Father”
2. Love Is Accompanied By Emotion And I Delight In You
We don’t think of God as an emotional being but He is (created in His image). In the Bible, we see that God is capable of anger, laughter, compassion, grief, jealousy and yes, hate –
Psalm 5:5 “The boastful cannot stand in Your presence. You hate all evil doers”
Proverbs 6:16 “These six things the Lord hates, yes, seven are an abomination to Him: A proud look, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that are swift in running to evil, a false witness who speaks lies, and one who sows discord among brethren."
Esau – was all of the above and our text says in Malachi 1:3 “But Esau I have hate”
To hate –(ancient Hebrew) is to count an enemy and treat as such– a covenant action
There are only two types of people in the world – friends and enemies of God. Esau had rejected God. He had come against Gods children – He was an enemy.
Gods emotion concerning Esau spills out of His love for His people.
Please know - God delights in His people
Zephaniah 3:17 “The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness.”
Psalm 147:11 “The Lord takes pleasure in those who fear him, in those who hope in his steadfast love.”
3. Love Is Demonstrated By Action And I’ll Show You My Love
Verse 4-5 “Even though Edom has said, “We have been impoverished, but we will return and build the desolate places,” thus says the Lord of hosts: “They may build, but I will throw down; They shall be called the Territory of Wickedness, and the people against whom the Lord will have indignation forever. Your eyes shall see, and you shall say, ‘The Lord is magnified beyond the border of Israel.’
Esau became the father of the Edomites and Jacob became the father of the Israelites, and the two nations continued to struggle through most of their history.
Shortly after Malachi's time, there was a war in the region that broke out when the Jews rose up in opposition to the Gentiles. It was called the Maccabean revolt, and one of the results of it was that the Edomites were forced by Jews to convert to Judaism.
Part of the prophecy in Malachi 1 was that the Edomites will rise again BUT GOD says it won’t last.
With the rise of Roman Empire, the Edomites became powerful again.
Eventually, a prominent Edomite, King Herod would order the massacre of boys in Bethlehem in order to eliminate the one which had been said would be the King of The Jews and God crushed him. The Edomites faded from history.
“How do I love you?” Love is demonstrated by action and my actions on Your behalf prove my love for you
The greatest demonstration of all– Rom 5:8 “But God demonstrates His love for us in that while we were still yet sinners, Christ died for us”
What Would You Say?
About 400 years before the birth of Christ, God spoke through a man named Malachi and then shut up any sound from Heaven for four centuries.
Of the many wonderful attributes and traits of our Heavenly Father, is the fact that our God desires to communicate with us: He has been speaking to His people for centuries.
Whether through creation, angels, dreams, His church, His Word, His Spirit and even through circumstance, God has always communicated with His people.
One of the most frequent ways in which He spoke to His people in the Old Testament was through His Prophets.
The Message Of The Prophets Pointed To Jesus
Amos 10:43 "To Him all the prophets bear witness”
·
The Message Of The Prophets Is Affirmed By Jesus
WE NEED TO UNDERSTAND SOMETHING: We live in an age of “I’m a red letter Christian...I follow Jesus, not the Old Testament"
Beyond the fact that “red letters” are not designated in the original texts, that approach to the Bible can lead to setting aside important teachings from God.
It can unintentionally emphasize some of God’s Word over other parts. In truth, everything in Scripture is from Jesus, because it’s all from God
2 Timothy 3:16 “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness”
Throughout His public ministry, Jesus affirmed the Old Testament
When dealing with the people of his day, whether it was with the disciples or religious rulers, Jesus constantly referred to the Old Testament: ‘Have you not read that which was spoken to you by God?” (Matthew 22:31)
‘Have you not read what David did?’ (Matthew 12:3).
Throughout the Gospels, we find Jesus confirming many of the accounts in the Old Testament, such as the destruction of Sodom and the death of Lot’s wife, the murder of Abel by his brother Cain, the calling of Moses and the divine provision of Manna in the wilderness.
Concerning the words spoken by the prophets:
Luke 24:44 "Everything written about Me in the Law and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled."
The Old Testament is ordered along four major divisions: Pentateuch, Historical Books, Poetic and Wisdom Literature, and the Prophets.
Prophets would be divided along the lines of the major prophets (5 books) and the minor prophets (12 books)
Some of their messages are more dramatic than others: some prophets see elaborate visions, while others spotlight the rebellion of Gods people, share what the consequences will be and call the people to repent and remember their allegiance to Israel’s God.
The message of the Prophets, from God Himself, was instrumental for the spiritual life and vitality of Israel and because Gods Word is timeless, is completely relevant God’s people today.
Malachi was one of those Prophets.
A bit of historical context regarding Malachi:
Years before God would speak through His servant Malachi, because of the sinfulness and rebellion of His people, God allowed the Babylonian Empire to rise up against Israel and conquer them.
The people had been under the strong had of the Babylonians for a long time – again, their own sin put them there (God will not be mocked)
King Nebuchadnezzar ruled Babylon and God used him as the agent of judgment against Israel for their rebellion and idolatry.
In 538bc, Persia conquered the Babylonian Empire and Cyrus The Great ruled, allowing the Jews to rebuild their Temple (fell back into idolatry soon…never rebuilt the city, it's gates or its walls).
When Artaxerxes came to rule, he allowed his cupbearer, Nehemiah, to rebuild its walls and gates. This established a semblance of order and led people back to God.
Yet, when Nehemiah returned to the Kings service – Jews fell back into their sin. They had a Temple, fortified city but took it all for granted and worshipped non chalantly.
Taking a look at the world in which Malachi lived, it's easy to see many uncanny parallels to the world that we now inhabit.
Politics were corrupt, the culture was cynical and irreverent. Money and materialism were idols. There was much pride and little repentance.
The institution of family had fallen apart and Gods Word was ignored.
There were those who’d profess religion – but they were just going through the motions.
There was no fear of God. No true convictions. No allegiance to His Word.
SO – God had a message for His rebellious people.
It's during this period of time that God chose to speak to His people through Malachi
BUT THERE’S SOMETHING THAT MAKES THE MESSAGE GOD CONVEYS THROUGH HIM UNIQUE
The message God would speak through this prophet was the last word of communication from Heaven for 4 centuries.
Amos 8:11 “Behold, the day is coming, says the Lord your God, that I will send a famine in the land. Not a famine of bread or a thirst for water, but of hearing the Words of the Lord”
Malachi 1:1-5
“The burden of the word of the Lord to Israel by Malachi. “I have loved you,” says the Lord. “Yet you say, ‘In what way have You loved us?’ Was not Esau Jacob’s brother?” Says the Lord. “Yet Jacob I have loved; But Esau I have hated, and laid waste his mountains and his heritage for the jackals of the wilderness.” Even though Edom has said, “We have been impoverished, but we will return and build the desolate places,” Thus says the Lord of hosts: “They may build, but I will throw down; They shall be called the Territory of Wickedness, and the people against whom the Lord will have indignation forever. Your eyes shall see, and you shall say, ‘The Lord is magnified beyond the border of Israel.”
Note four striking words in Malachi 1:2 “I have loved you”
Remember, these are the words of a Father speaking to his child for the last time for 400 years...HIS extraordinarily rebellious child. The child that has shook its fist at the Father. Brought shame to His name. Has rejected him unless it was expedient.
His words to them – “I HAVE LOVED YOU”
That’s opposite of every other world religion – “If you do this or that, I will love you”. Israel hadn’t done this or that – they’ve not towed the line – not behaved morally – they’d not done anything to merit anything from God.
YET – He opens the last conversation He’ll have for 400 years…”I HAVE LOVED YOU”
When God says, “I love you” – revealing His very essence / His character
1st John 4:8 “God is love”
Everything He did for Israel, for you and me – HIS people – HE DID IT BY AND THROUGH LOVE
1st John 3:1 - “Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God!”
The thing that distinguishes the love God has for His people from this worlds idea of love is that it’s NOT performance based
It's wild and dangerously inaccurate theology to suppose that Gods love can somehow be earned.
AS HIS CHILD – You can never outrun His love….you’ll never cause His love to fail you
God says To His Rebellious People: “I Have loved you”
WHAT WAS THEIR RESPONSE? It should be, "Thank you, Lord! I love you too!"....yet...
Malachi 1:2 “I have loved you,” says the Lord. “Yet you say, ‘In what way have You loved us?”
What they saw around them caused them to disbelieve Gods love for them
They saw Economic downturn, political struggle and tension, moral decay
IN ESSENCE, THEY ASK: “You have loved us? If that were true, things would be better!”
BE CAREFUL HERE: It’s easy to shake our heads at the foolishness of Old Testament Israel as we read these words but we're sometimes guilty of the same thing.
YOU LOVE ME, LORD? Then why…is life hard? Why am I struggling? Why did this happen?
Whether silently or aloud, we often cry, "If you are in charge, you are in control…if you really loved me like you say you do, I wouldn’t be dealing with this, hurting so much."
NOW look at His reply. God is extraordinarily patient and kind – He provides a gentle answer
“How have I loved you?”
1. Love Is A Choice And I Chose You
Matthew 22:37 - Great Commandment – “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind”
Malachi 1:2 “I have loved you,” says the Lord. “Yet you say, ‘In what way have You loved us?’ Was not Esau Jacob’s brother?” Says the Lord. “Yet Jacob I have loved;”
The Lord reminds them of His love with a little history lesson – He goes all the way back to the beginning of their heritage.
From the very beginning, God has had a plan for the salvation of man. He has had a plan for how He’d reconcile rebellious sinners to Himself – Through His only begotten Son.
Through a people that He chose, He’d bring a Messiah who would deliver.
Being GOD - He could have chosen any tribe, tongue or nation to carry our His plan.
He chose Israel. He chose to work His plan of redemption through the lineage of a man named Abraham.
Abraham was an old man from Ur (Mesopotamia) – Joshua 24:2 tells us that his religious background was Paganism. YET God chooses him…by His great grace.
He graciously redeems Abraham, promises a Son From that Son a Nation – from that nation – the Messiah would come.
Because Gods promises are faithful and true – Abraham and Sarah bore Isaac and 2 sons of Isaac are mentioned here in Gods response to Israel questioning His love
There's Esau (tough guy, hunter, warrior) and his exact opposite, Jacob.
One would assume that to build a nation, God would chose Esau the warrior but – NO – God chooses Jacob
HOW HAVE I LOVED YOU? – I chose you!
If you are a Christian, you are for so for the same reason – GOD CHOSE YOU
Jer 1:5 “I chose you before you were formed in the womb”
Romans 8:29 “For those He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son”
John 15:16 “You did not chose Me, but I chose you”
Most Helpful Picture Is That Of Adoption. The Bible uses adoption as a picture of the love God has for us. We were dirty, troubled, diseased with no help or hope and God graciously shows up and chooses to take us home.
Romans 8:15 “For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you receive the Spirit of adoption, by whom we cry out Abba Father”
2. Love Is Accompanied By Emotion And I Delight In You
We don’t think of God as an emotional being but He is (created in His image). In the Bible, we see that God is capable of anger, laughter, compassion, grief, jealousy and yes, hate –
Psalm 5:5 “The boastful cannot stand in Your presence. You hate all evil doers”
Proverbs 6:16 “These six things the Lord hates, yes, seven are an abomination to Him: A proud look, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that are swift in running to evil, a false witness who speaks lies, and one who sows discord among brethren."
Esau – was all of the above and our text says in Malachi 1:3 “But Esau I have hate”
To hate –(ancient Hebrew) is to count an enemy and treat as such– a covenant action
There are only two types of people in the world – friends and enemies of God. Esau had rejected God. He had come against Gods children – He was an enemy.
Gods emotion concerning Esau spills out of His love for His people.
Please know - God delights in His people
Zephaniah 3:17 “The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness.”
Psalm 147:11 “The Lord takes pleasure in those who fear him, in those who hope in his steadfast love.”
3. Love Is Demonstrated By Action And I’ll Show You My Love
Verse 4-5 “Even though Edom has said, “We have been impoverished, but we will return and build the desolate places,” thus says the Lord of hosts: “They may build, but I will throw down; They shall be called the Territory of Wickedness, and the people against whom the Lord will have indignation forever. Your eyes shall see, and you shall say, ‘The Lord is magnified beyond the border of Israel.’
Esau became the father of the Edomites and Jacob became the father of the Israelites, and the two nations continued to struggle through most of their history.
Shortly after Malachi's time, there was a war in the region that broke out when the Jews rose up in opposition to the Gentiles. It was called the Maccabean revolt, and one of the results of it was that the Edomites were forced by Jews to convert to Judaism.
Part of the prophecy in Malachi 1 was that the Edomites will rise again BUT GOD says it won’t last.
With the rise of Roman Empire, the Edomites became powerful again.
Eventually, a prominent Edomite, King Herod would order the massacre of boys in Bethlehem in order to eliminate the one which had been said would be the King of The Jews and God crushed him. The Edomites faded from history.
“How do I love you?” Love is demonstrated by action and my actions on Your behalf prove my love for you
The greatest demonstration of all– Rom 5:8 “But God demonstrates His love for us in that while we were still yet sinners, Christ died for us”