Summary
What happens when faithfulness feels futile? This exploration of Malachi 3:16 meets us in that tension—the space between believing God’s promises and watching another year pass without a visible breakthrough. We journey through the story of God’s people who, 100 years after liberation from Babylon, found themselves questioning whether faithfulness even mattered. They had rebuilt the temple, followed the rules, yet nothing seemed to change. Sound familiar? Perhaps we entered this year with high hopes—for healing, restoration, breakthrough—and here we are in October, still waiting. The beauty of Malachi 3:16 reveals itself in this exact moment: when everyone else was checking boxes and going through motions, a remnant chose to speak to one another, to encourage faithfulness, and God noticed. He listened. He remembered. This isn’t just ancient history; it’s a divine principle that transforms how we view our current struggles. God keeps a book of remembrance, writing down every moment of faithfulness when no one else sees. The connection to John 3:16 brings it full circle—God’s love for us was so profound that He put His hands in the dirt to create us, and when we walked away, He came in flesh to restore us. If that happened, if we truly believe it, then we can stay faithful in our marriages, our jobs, our callings, even when results don’t match our timelines. We can trust that our faithfulness is never wasted on God.
Key Scripture
Malachi 3:16 – 16 At that time those who feared the Lord spoke to one another. The Lord took notice and listened. So a book of remembrance was written before him for those who feared the Lord and had high regard for his name.
John 3:16 – 16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
Discussion Questions
- The sermon highlights the importance of staying faithful even when it’s challenging. In today’s fast-paced culture, where instant results are often expected:
- What are some ways you see people struggling to stay faithful to their commitments—whether to faith, relationships, or goals?
- How might Malachi 3:16’s message encourage perseverance in those situations?
- Malachi 3:16 emphasizes that God notices, listens, and remembers our faithfulness. In a world where social media and public recognition often define value:
- How does it impact your perspective to know that God sees and remembers your quiet, everyday efforts?
- The sermon mentions a “book of remembrance” where God records acts of faithfulness.
- If you were to imagine one thing—big or small—that you’d want written in that book, what might it be, and why does that matter to you?
- Abraham talked about faith growing stronger in community, as seen in Malachi 3:16. In today’s culture, where people often feel disconnected despite technology:
- What are some ways we can help individuals stay grounded in their faith?
- Where have you seen people grow in their faith through groups such as this one?
- John 3:16 reminds us of God’s love for the world, even in its brokenness. When you look at current events:
- Where do you see opportunities for this kind of love to make a difference, and how might that inspire you or others to act in small, faithful ways?
- The sermon references the Israelites’ frustration when their expectations weren’t met, such as hoping for change by October 2025. In our culture, where people often face unmet expectations—whether in relationships, careers, or personal goals:
- How can the message of God’s faithfulness in Malachi 3:16 offer hope either for you personally or for people in general?
- What does it mean practically to bring God your ‘best’ rather than your ‘leftovers’ in worship, time, relationships, and resources?
Scripture Reference
- John 3:16 – Main opening verse about God’s love for the world
- Malachi 3:16 – Primary text about those who feared the Lord
- Malachi 1:2 – “I have loved you, says the Lord”
- Malachi 1:6 – About honoring father and fearing master
- Malachi 2:10 – “Don’t all of us have one father?”
- Malachi 2:17 – People wearying the Lord with their words
- Malachi 3:14 – “You have said it is useless to serve God”
- Genesis 1:1 – “In the beginning, God”
- Genesis 1:26 – “Let us make man in our image”
- 2 Kings 20 – Story of King Hezekiah’s sickness and prayer