Sermon Outline: Readings: Malachi 3:1-4- Luke 3:1-6
Peace is often described as an absence or avoidance of something. The peace that passes understanding begins much further back.
Malachi 3:1-2 See, I am sending my messenger to prepare the way before me, and the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple. The messenger of the covenant in whom you delight—indeed, he is coming, says the Lord of hosts. But who can endure the day of his coming, and who can stand when he appears?
Malachi’s prophecy comes after the exile and he looks to a reformed future. The challenge in this reading is to leaders. Levi’s descendants became a tribe of priests. They must reflect the purity and godliness of the Covenant Maker.
See I am sending my messenger to prepare the way before me, The message is,“It will be a sign and a witness to the LORD of hosts he will send them a saviour, and will defend and deliver them.” (Isaiah 19:20)
Malachi says, But who can endure the day of his coming, and who can stand when he appears? This is the meat of the matter. The Lord is coming to cleanse individuals and also society. Can we bear it! God’s action on our behalf is the essence of our faith.
Malachi’s message works powerfully with our theme of Peace. When the leaders (priests) are refined to God’s standard then they lead the people along the paths of righteousness resulting in a peace which is far-reaching for it results in:-
1. Spiritual Peace (peace with God) Therefore, since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 5:1. In a right relationship with God we know that we are completely forgiven and accepted.
2. Emotional Peace (peace within ourselves) Those of steadfast mind you keep in peace— in peace because they trust in you. Is 26:3 Once our inner conflicts have been resolved we view the world and everyone in it from a different perspective.
3. Relational Peace (peace with others) “If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all”. Romans 12:18. God’s action results in our actions towards others.
“Put things in order, listen to my appeal, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you“. 2 Corinthians 13:11
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