The Coffeehouse Bible Ministry / Bible Study To-Go! / #1

The Coffeehouse Bible Ministry (CHBM) Bible Study To-Go series are concise, but meaningful scriptural studies which can be completed in a short amount of time. They are the perfect length to read on a train, bus, taxi, or plane. Perhaps you have a few minutes during a coffee break, while waiting for an appointment, or during lunch? They are ideal for small group, or individual study. It doesn’t matter! Anywhere you might have a few minutes to spare is perfect for a quick bible study!

Today’s study is based on Malachi 3:1. The Hebrew Scriptures close with the book of Malachi, who foretold that the Messiah would surely come. God would send a messenger before Him and prepare His way. The New Testament teaches that John the Baptist was the messenger, or the forerunner, who came before the Messiah (see Matthew 3:1-3; Luke 3:15-17).

As Jesus grew, He went to the temple on many occasions, especially for the special feast days. When He was still a young boy, He amazed the teachers in the temple with His questions, answers, and understanding. After His parents found Him there, He said, “I must be in my Father’s house” (Luke 2:49). During His public ministry, He went suddenly to the temple and began to cleanse it, saying to those in charge, “you have made it a den of robbers” (Luke 19:46).

As Jesus died on the cross, the Bible tells us that “the curtain of the temple was torn in two,” and then Jesus cried out, “Father, into your hands I commend my spirit” (Luke 23:45, 46). After His sacrificial death, Jesus entered “the inner shrine behind the curtain” and removed the barrier between God and us (Hebrews 6:19). He created the new covenant foretold by Jeremiah (Jeremiah 31:31).

Through faith in God’s Messiah, anyone can enter into the presence of God. Jesus became the “great high priest over the house of God,” who invites all believers to enter the sanctuary of God with confidence and the full assurance of faith (Hebrews 10:19-25).

Scripture reference: Malachi 3:1

“See, I am sending my messenger to prepare the way before me, and the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple. The messenger of the covenant in whom you delight — indeed, he is coming, says the LORD of hosts” (Malachi 3:1 - NRSV).

“Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the LORD of hosts” (Malachi 3:1 - KJV).

Questions:

1. According to Malachi, what brings weariness to God?

2. How common do you think it is that people ask in various ways, “Where is the God of justice?”? What things prompt people to ask that question in so many words? Do you think we should stop asking that question? Why or why not?

3. What does Malachi warn his listeners about regarding the coming of the Messiah? What will the Messiah do when He comes?

4. How can someone present offerings to the Lord “un-righteously” today? What would he need to change to offer righteous offerings?

5. What will the Lord bear witness against when He comes? Which of these things do you think the most people are guilty of today? Do any of these things surprise you?


Prayer:

Almighty God, Thy Word is cast
Like seed into the ground;
Now let the dew of heaven descend
And righteous fruits abound. Amen.
-Special thanks to L.J. Parkhurst Jr.

Have a blessed day!

The Coffeehouse Bible Ministry Team