Outline
| Introduction
- 1:2
- Characters and their conflict Problem - 1:6b - Corrupt religion Resolution - 3:1 - Judgment Appeal to be faithful - 3:7 - To give glory to God, material blessings - To fear Him, no arrogance Rewards - 3:16 - For the righteous - For the wicked Conclusion - 4:4 - Obedience, the end-time issue, Moses - The final call to repentance, Elijah |
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This judgment is only for those who claim to be followers of the true God
1:2-6.
o The Lord begins it when many do not expect Him to. 3:1. o He prepares us for success in judgment by character cleansing. 3:3. o The wicked reject the idea of being mournful 3:14 – of soul searching humility Lev. 16:29. o The Lord comes in judgment before coming in glory. 3:17; 4:1; Lev. 23. o In this judgment, He comes "near" to investigate before issuing rewards or punishment. 3:5. o Behavior judged may be summarized as giving God glory and fearing Him. 1:6; 3:16. o Calls are made as the judgment begins and as it ends. 3:7, 4:5 o Those first prepared for the judgment will give the final call. 3:16; 4:5, 6. o God's law is the standard for judgment 3:7; 4:4. He does not change 3:6. |
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| Messenger to prepare the way | John the Baptist | The Elijah movement, Rev. 14:6-12 |
| Messenger of the covenant | Jesus Christ as lamb | Jesus Christ as shepherd, Rev. 19:15 (Gr. poimaino: to "rule" or " shepherd.") |
| His temple | In Jerusalem | In heaven |
| Preparation for coming | Cleansing of temple in Jerusalem | Cleansing, vindication, of temple in heaven, Dan. 8:14, Heb. 9:23 |
| Suddenness – surprise | Jews expected temporal kingdom of glory but Jesus came not to condemn, John 3:17. | Religion leaders expect more grace, doubt judgment, teach that kingdom of glory is later, Matt. 24:48 |
| Judgment verdict | Ends Jewish national probation | Ends human probation |
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