Introduction to the Study of Malachi

Malachi ministered in perhaps the most difficult period of his nation’s history—a time of waiting for God’s promises to be fulfilled. Many people doubted that God cared or would act on their behalf. They had grown indifferent toward God and unfaithful in their covenant relationships with one another.

To counter his people’s growing complacency and to call them to repentance and renewed faithfulness, Malachi used a series of searching questions, incredulous answers, and clinching arguments.

His messages drew clear and compelling contrasts between God’s faithfulness and their unfaithfulness, between God’s love and their apathy, between God’s unchanging purposes and their doubt.

This January Bible Study is important because many believers today have become apathetic and complacent in their walk with God. God’s Word through Malachi continues to call His people to faithfulness and obedience in response to who God is and what He has done. As we wait for the second coming of Christ, we too must live in light of the nature of God as revealed through Christ and fulfill the expectations of a relationship with Him.