Lake Wildwood Baptist Church – April 6, 2025
“Both the grumblers and the faithful… and He draws a clear line of distinction between those who merely use His name and those who truly fear it.”
Scripture Reading: Malachi 3:13–15
“Your words have been hard against me, says the Lord. But you say, ‘How have we spoken against you?’ You have said, ‘It is vain to serve God. What is the profit of our keeping his charge or of walking as in mourning before the Lord of hosts? And now we call the arrogant blessed. Evildoers not only prosper but they put God to the test and they escape.’”
Context: What’s Going On Here?
Malachi was God’s final prophet to His people before 400 years of silence. The Israelites had returned from exile, rebuilt the temple, and reestablished the rhythms of worship—but their hearts weren’t in it. They were disappointed. The promises of restoration hadn’t unfolded the way they expected. So they grumbled.
Their complaints weren’t shouted in prayer, but whispered in cynicism—“What’s the point of all this? Why keep obeying when the wicked seem to have it better than we do?”
They had slipped into spiritual entitlement. And worse—they accused God of being unjust, all while pretending to be faithful.
Sound familiar?
Reflection: What Are You Saying About God?
God’s people were saying harsh things—not to His face, but behind His back. But God heard it all.
What do your conversations reveal about your view of God?
This isn’t just about external obedience—it’s about the posture of the heart. Are you serving God with joy and reverence, or are you doing the bare minimum and wondering why He hasn’t blessed you yet?
Cross Reference – Luke 6:45:
“Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.”
Our words are the overflow of our belief. Grumbling reveals distrust. Gratitude reveals faith.
Application: Three Steps Toward Spiritual Wealth
1. Repent of the “What’s In It For Me?” Faith
“What is the profit of our keeping His charge?”
This is the WIIFM mindset—”What’s in it for me?” We treat obedience like a transaction, and God like a vending machine.Action: Identify one area where you’ve been obeying out of obligation, not love. Ask God to renew your heart in that place.
2. Refuse to Envy the Wicked
“We call the arrogant blessed… evildoers prosper.”
Comparison is the thief of joy. It always has been.
“Do not let your heart envy sinners, but always be zealous for the fear of the Lord. There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off.”
3. Recommit to the Fear of the Lord
Later in the passage (v. 16), God makes it clear—He listens to those who fear Him and speak to one another about Him with reverence. Action: Ask yourself:
- Do I surround myself with people who help me fear the Lord?
- What would it look like for me to speak words of faith instead of frustration this week?
Final Thought: The Line is Clear
God is still drawing a line.
Those who use His name… and those who fear it.
Those who grumble… and those who trust.
Those who serve out of love… and those who serve out of what they hope to get.
“What we say about God reveals what we believe about God.”
And beloved—God is still listening. He is recording your heart’s response today.
He is not indifferent. He is not forgetful.
He is just, holy, and patient—and He is calling His people to return, to repent, and to fear His name once again.
So…
Will you walk the well-worn path of complaint?
Or will you step into the deeper life of faith and reverent obedience?
Prayer:
Lord, forgive me for the times I’ve spoken carelessly about You—when I’ve let my disappointment turn into accusation, and my obedience into negotiation. Help me fear You rightly, speak of You honorably, and serve You faithfully. Make my heart rich in gratitude, not empty in complaint. In Jesus’ name, Amen.