Chapter Summary

The day of the Lord and coming of Christ as "sun of righteousness." Elijah to be forerunner of the day of the Lord.

Discussion Questions for Malachi, Chapter 4

1. What is the difference between the fire described in verse 1 and the refining fire discussed in chapter 3:2-3?
2. What is stubble? When considering the wheat plant what purpose does stubble fill? What happened to the stubble after the harvest (Psalm 1:4)? God says that all who do wickedly will be stubble similar to what is described in John 15:6 with the unfruitful parts of the vine. What is the significance of the phrase, “That will leave them neither root or branch”? How does this correlate with the wicked?
3. While the wicked are burned up and destroyed, what is the fate of those who fear God according to verses 2-3? The word "destroyed" seems to convey a theological position called "annihilationism." Is this what is being described? Why or why not?
4. Consider the title, “sun of righteousness,” and read Numbers 24:17, Psalm 84:11, Isaiah 60:19, and Revelation 22:16. What is the significance of the sun of righteousness bringing healing?
5. What does the phrase, “you will go out and frolic like well-fed calves” (NIV) convey about those who fear God? What does the phrase, "you will trample on the wicked; they will be ashes under the souls of your feet” (NIV), convey about those who fear God? Why are these phrases said to depict the coming new creation? How does it match up with what is written elsewhere in God's Word of the new creation?
6. What is the significance of the prophet, in last few verses, calling upon the readers to “remember the Law of Moses”? How long would it be before the Messiah would come? Why would it be important for the people to continue to remember the Law of Moses?
7. In verse 5 the prophet describes the second coming of Christ as, “that great and dreadful day of the Lord. Why is this considered a “great and dreadful day? When you think of those you know who do not know Christ and their destination when their life ends, is your spirit in angst to share with them the Good News Gospel of Jesus Christ? What might you do to help you better weigh the eternal destinations of those around you more often? How might this help you have a more healthy, biblical perspective?
8. How is Luke 1:17 another indication that the prophecy that Malachi was prophesying was being fulfilled, at least in part, in the birth of John the Baptist? Have you ever looked into the many prophecies fulfilled in the time just before and after the birth of Christ? How do fulfilled prophecy help to confirm and strengthen our faith? When you read of fulfilled prophecy is your faith strengthened? Why or why not?
9. Does it seem strange how the Old Testament comes to a close? The book is an indictment of Israel and, more particularly of the Levitical priests and a call for obedience and repentance and to fear the Lord but the ending seems to come to a quick halt. Does the way God chose to end the book seem compelling to you? Why or why not?
10. Thinking over the whole of the book of Malachi, what particular themes seemed to stand out? What was most important for the people of Israel to understand after the prophet delivered this message from God? Since the Word of God is living and active and the full counsel of God's Word is important for us today, what did you find most compelling for your life and faith in the book of Malachi? What stood out to you and why?

Key Words/Phrase

Day of the Lord, v. 5.

Characters

God, Moses, Elijah, Christ, Malachi.

Strong Verse(s)

1, 2.