Hmmm ... How to approach teaching Malachi 3?

Mark Rathel notes in his commentary on “Worship Appropriately,” that Malachi wrote to urge a discouraged, unrepentant and “unloving people” to rightly judge between good and evil, to give appropriately to the LORD, to encourage others by highlighting God’s nature (revealed in His names), and to have hope in the coming “Day of the Lord.”

From the same Scripture passage, Malachi 2:17-4:6, Kathryn Aragon takes a more interesting approach in her lesson commentary, “Worship Appropriately.” She connects people’s attitudes today to those of whom Malachi wrote. She notes our desire for immediate results, but our need to rely on God, who has a different plan. She mentions the necessity of patience on our part, and an action plan to focus on the Lord and His truth.

You can build your lesson around either of these commentaries, but I think taking Kathryn’s approach is potentially more interesting and relevant as long as you make the connections clear and keep it Bible based.

A blurb about Kathryn from the Texas Baptist Standard website:
Kathryn Aragon, writer of the Explore the Bible Series, is a freelance writer and creative consultant with 15 years of experience writing ministry-related articles and training materials. She is Creative Director in Duncanville’s First Baptist Church’s media ministry, as well as Banner Director of the banner ministry. Kathryn writes curriculum, press releases, magazine articles, and marketing materials. She also does graphic arts and web design for churches and small businesses.

Mark Rathel is an Associate Professor of Theology at Baptist College of Florida.