I. Introduction

  • We had looked at the Lord’s charges against the priests (leaders) of God’s people for profaning the Lord’s altar the last time
  • This morning we will see that this contempt that the priests had for God’s glory would bring God’s pronouncement on them.

II. The chastisements and judgements on ungodly leadership vs 1-4

  1. Chastisements/judgements are coming and blessings withhold
  2. Ill-effects on subsequent generations
  3. Dishonour to their name
  4. Removal from their offices

  5. The reasons for the Lord’s judgements?

  6. To wake them out of their spiritual slumber and contempt

  7. To purge and purify the leadership

III. The ideals of godly leadership vs 5-7 The LORD’S description of the ideal and godly priesthood cannot be traced to any that is mentioned in the Bible, except for Christ Himself who is our perfect High Priest

  1. Trustworthy and morally pure in doctrine.
  2. Unswerving in his judgments
  3. Pure and righteous in his conduct
  4. Focused in his work for the Lord
  5. Immersed in Biblical knowledge and the preserver of it
  6. Messenger of the Lord of hosts

IV. The measure (in contrast) of godly leadership vs 8-9

  1. Alignment with the ideal priesthood i.e., Christ
  2. Example to the flock
  3. Faithfulness and commitment

V. Conclusion

  • The LORD had pronounced His commandment on the priests of Malachi’s day because they had broken the covenant of Levi

  • We have a high standard to uphold, we must be faithful and accurate in what we teach

  • We must also live our lives by the same standards that we teach by the Spirit’s empowering

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