Malachi - Will A Man Rob God?

01/22/25 • 30 min

Today we're focusing on the book of Malachi, its core message and contemporary relevance. Malachi's prophecy, delivered during a time of spiritual decline in Israel, condemns the people and priests for their hypocrisy, unacceptable sacrifices, and disregard for God's law.
We emphasize Malachi's warnings of impending judgment and the necessity of repentance, and the concept of "robbing God". Not merely through financial neglect, but also through a lack of genuine worship and obedience.
God was greatly displeased with the religious practices of the priests and people of Israel which had devolved into meaningless rituals and traditions, lacking genuine worship. Specific issues included spiritual abuses, disrespect, offering blemished and unacceptable sacrifices, polluted bread, and widespread disobedience to God's laws.
In many church services, generally right before the offering, we often hear the scripture in Malachi referenced "Will A Man Rob God?" Many times it is used to coherce or pressure congregants to tithe, or give 10% of their income. But that was not the intent of Malachi.
What does it mean to "rob God" according to the Book of Malachi?
The phrase "Will a man rob God?" goes beyond just tithing. It primarily refers to depriving God of the glory, honor, praise, and preeminence that He deserves daily.
While the misdirection of tithes was an issue, the heart of the matter was failing to acknowledge God’s authority and treating Him with contempt and disrespect. We still see that today. Disrespect for God, the people of God, and places of worship. Some think it's Ok to just give God the leftovers. It's not. He gave us His best, and we should in turn give Him our best.

Malachi called for a return to true faith.
The issues of spiritual complacency, moral decay, and disrespect for God that Malachi addressed are not unique to his time. We can draw parallels to modern-day societal issues, including societal unrest, moral decay, a decline in adherence to God's word, and also a lack of spiritual awareness of God's will.
Malachi's central message, and our message in this episode, is a call to repentance.

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Be sure to visit the following:
Alpha 7 Ministries website where you can find more guidance, spiritual insight, and advice on Life & Living, Parenting & Family, Marriage & Relationships, Spiritual matters, and more.Elder DeBorrah K. Ogans Amazon Author Page - Review and learn more about books she has written, including her latest two books:
"Proverbs Daily Devotional - Goldmine of Spiritual Wisdom" Learn how to make better decisions in every area of your
life. "How Do I Love Thee - Food For Thought Before You Say I Do" This is a mini-premarital guide to be used by couples, counselors, and clergy. Elder Randall Ogans Sr.Y outube Channel
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Previous Episode

What Does God Require Of Us ?

Believers are called to worship God "in Spirit and in truth" and express love for Him through praise. They are to live in obedience to God's will, and seek to glorify Him in their bodies and in their actions.
In the book of Micah, we are told that the Lord has shown us what is good, and what He requires of us. Which is to "act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God".
Listen to this episode as we take this deep dive and unpack what it means to act justly, love mercy, and to walk humbly with God.

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Next Episode

Marriage on the rocks or "The ROCK" ?

God has instilled in all of us a desire for relationship.
The week of Febraury 7 – Febraury 14 is celebrated as National Marriage Week, and is also the week of Valentines Day, when couples celebrate their love for one another.

Beginning with today’s episode, we will spend the entire month of Febraury focusing on “Marriage”.

In this episode, we ask the question, is your marriage on the rocks, or on “The Rock”?

Is your marriage on the rocks? Have you done all that you think that you could do, and you still are not happy? Do you live under the same roof and barely speak or your communication is just not happening?

Is your physical relationship few, far and in between or basically just nonexistent? Or on the other hand is your physical relationship all that you have going on? But you both are just going through the motions? Do you jump at the opportunity to spend time apart, or enjoy the company of everyone else except one another?
When you get angry do you often resort to disrespectful name calling, foul language and go as far as physical blows? Are you so tired of fussing and fighting, and now you just want to go your separate ways?
Do either or both of you just drink yourself under the table because you just can't take life without being under the influence of some substance, in order to function?
If your answer is "yes" to two or more of these questions, your marriage is on the rocks!
If you're not married, are you engaged or on the brink of saying 'I Do'? If so, have you asked yourself: