(2026 Post-Exile Prophets Series-Malachi #2) Return to Me, and I Will Return to You

RETURN TO ME, AND I WILL RETURN TO YOU

Malachi 2:10-3:12 (ESV Bible Verses)

Key Verse: 3:7b, “Return to me, and I will return to you, says the Lord of hosts.”

1. In verses 10-16, what sins does God address among his people, and why is this faithless, an abomination, and profaning the sanctuary (10)? For what is God seeking in marriage (14-15)? How does marriage reflect God’s relationship with his people as a covenant? Why was God displeased by marriage to foreign women and divorce (11,16)?
2. Based on the Bible, how should we view marriage (Gen 2:24; Mt 19:6)? How does this challenge cultural views on marriage? How can you honor God’s intent for Christian marriage (Eph 5:31-33)?
3. How did they weary the LORD with cynicism (17)? Whom did the LORD promise to send and how is this coming described (3:1-4)? How was this fulfilled by two people (Mt 11:10-11; Mk 11:15)? Whom did the LORD vow to judge, and for what sins (3:5)?
4. Based on these verses, what attitude and lifestyle is right before God?
5. Why are God’s people not consumed (6)? What was God’s rebuke, command and promise (7)? How were they robbing God, and what did God want them to do (8-10a)? What did the LORD promise if they tested God in this way (10b-12)?
6. Why was tithing so important to God (Num 18:21; Dt 14:29)? Did Jesus approve of tithing (Mt 23:23)? What is the New Testament standard of giving (2Co 9:6,7,12)?
7. Why do you think marriage, holy living and tithing were so important to God as his holy people? How can you return to God in these areas of your life?