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Generation to Generation Malachi 4 Doug Brown audio, pdf, and power point available @ karenvineyard.org. Setting for Book of Malachi. Cyrus’ edict in 538 B.C. launched the return of Jews Ministries of Haggai and Zechariah had occurred (prophecies encouraging the rebuilding of the temple)
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Generation to GenerationMalachi 4Doug Brownaudio, pdf, and power point available @ karenvineyard.org
Setting for Book of Malachi • Cyrus’ edict in 538 B.C. launched the return of Jews • Ministries of Haggai and Zechariah had occurred (prophecies encouraging the rebuilding of the temple) • Zerubbabel’s rebuilding of the temple had clearly happened (516 B.C.) • Nehemiah, who rebuilt the walls, was a contemporary of Malachi’s
God’s activity in our Generations • vv.1-3 Preparation in this Generation • v.4 Persevering in this Generation • vv.5-6 Potential for the Generations
vv.1-3 Preparation in this Generation v.1 judgment on evildoers contrasted by . . . v.2 freedom for the righteous which leads to . . . v.3 victory over evildoers
A systemis a set of connected things or parts forming a complex whole. System can also be a set of principles or procedures according to which something is done; an organized scheme or method.
“To what can I compare this generation? They are like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling out to others:“ ‘We played the pipe for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not mourn.’ Matthew 11.16-17
Then it says, ‘I will return to the house I left.’ When it arrives, it finds the house unoccupied, swept clean and put in order. Then it goes and takes with it seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and live there. And the final condition of that person is worse than the first. That is how it will be with this wicked generation.” Matthew 12.44-45
For you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings. You will go out and leap like calves released from the stall. v.2
Preparation in this Generation Spiritual systems thinking • Focuses less on the content in the system, than on the process that governs the content. How are decisions made? How does the way things are done or communicated impact you? • Focuses less on the cause-effect connections, than the principles that govern the connections. How did this family/organization gain these principles or values? Do I agree with these principles? How do they impact me emotionally, mentally, spiritually?
Spiritual systems thinking • Focuses less on how each person functions, than on the position someone has in the system. How did each person gain the position they are in? Who made these decisions? How does each person in the system affect me? Focuses less on the person who is identified as “sick”, than on the unresolved issues (sin) in the system. In what ways is the system toxic? What sin patterns dominate the system? How can you help break this cycle of sin or toxicity in the system?
Focuses with the understanding that people function differently within the system than outside the system. How do I function in the system? Do I function the same outside the system? What insights do you gain as you reflect on this? • Identify where you are in the system will bring the possibility of change. What is God saying to you about where you are in the system? What needs to change? How will you participate in God’s work?
Understanding the system in your generation will assist you to bring change. How do your insights in your system(s) assist you to bring change? What are you called to do? to pray?
Doing.life.together “The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life.” John 6.63
“ . . . you have no room for my word.” John 8.37 “The man took Jesus at his word and departed.” John 4.50
John = Elijah to Come? 1)Matthew 11:7-10 states that John the Baptist was the messenger of Malachi 3:1. 2) Luke 1:17 states that John would minister ”in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to their children .” 3) John 1:21-24 John expressly denied that he was Elijah. 4) Matthew 11:14 & 17.11 Jesus called John ”the Elijah who was to come.”
One of the keys to unlocking our potential is knowing ourselves. When we have defined ourselves in our generation we can then assist the next generation. • The West has two diseases that we have infected the rest of the world with - independence and individuality. • What we are considering is the ability to be a self while remaining part of the family. Capacity to be connected to others.
Identity in Christ is capacity and willingness of to take nonreactive, clearly conceived, and clearly defined positions. We act in response to the Holy Spirit and in concert with the community God has placed. You do not influence the next generation unilaterally or separately from relationships. Knowing your identity does not mean trying to define others, or sabotaging and undermine their understanding and definition in relation to Jesus.
Knowing who you are in Christ actually encourages and increases care and concern in oneself and others. This is because you no longer live in fear of being taken advantage off or in bondage to the opinions of others.
