Sunday, January 20th
Pastor Lee Copeland
Download Sermon here.
This Sunday we will continue our study in Malachi looking at the
condemnation of the priests in chapter 2:1-9. Here is a bad priest/
good priest picture with curses and blessings given. Comparing
Scripture with Scripture is the best way to understand what is
written as the Holy Spirit uses allusions to other events in the
Bible. This is one reason why being a student of the Bible is so
necessary because the richness of the passage is greatly deepened by
understanding its background. 2 Timothy 3- “16 All Scripture is
breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for
correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God
may be competent, equipped for every good work.”
Here it is helpful to read Deuteronomy 28 for the background on the
curses/blessings in chapter 2. A curse is to call upon God to bring
judgment and misfortune on a person. God pronounces curses or
judgments on Israel for disobedience hoping, I believe, that these
would lead to repentance before it was too late. In the New Testament
Jesus said to bless those who curse you. Paul in Galatians 3 teaches
that Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law.
Zeal for the Lord of hosts is commended in Levi who served God with
truth and faithfulness. Thus he spoke peace and blessing on the
people, and was loyal to the covenant. Numbers 25 describes the
blessing on Phinehas for his hatred of sin and desire to honor the
Name of the Lord.
James 3:1 “Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for
you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness.”
Any who teach the Bible would do well to consider this passage. But
what about those of us who sit under teaching and follow it? We must
be careful who we listen to and what ministries we support. Do these
ministries teach truth according to the Scripture or according to the
precepts of man? 2 John warns: “If anyone comes to you and does not
bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house or give him
any greeting, for whoever greets him takes part in his wicked works.”
So we must listen to those who listen to God lest we take part in
deceptive teaching and ministry.
I covet your prayers that I would exegete this passage truly, and
that the Lord would grant to us understanding so that we may indeed
“glorify God and enjoy Him forever.”
See you Sunday,
Lee