9.21.25 – Malachi: Living Faithfully in a Toxic World

Key Verse for 2025: “Watch your life and doctrine closely.” — 1 Timothy 4:16

INTRO: This week’s sermon reminded us that we live in a world filled with constant news, conflict, and noise. We are not built to handle the flood of toxic input, yet we are called to stay in the fight of faith. Just like soldiers train to operate in dangerous environments with time, distance, and shielding, Christians are called to fight wisely—not hiding in bunkers, but protecting ourselves with God’s Word.

Malachi shows us that even after exile, God’s people struggled with sloppy worship, unfaithfulness, and doubt. Yet God still loved them, called them back, and pointed them toward His ultimate plan—Jesus Christ.

MAIN POINT:

God’s Word is our shield in a toxic world; living faithfully means trusting His truth above the noise and following Him with conviction.

SCRIPTURE-DRIVEN DISCUSSION

Have someone read these passages aloud:
– Malachi 1:2–5; 2:17–3:5; 3:6–12; 3:16–18; 4:4–6

After reading, pause for a few minutes of reflection. What stood out to you? What connected with Sunday’s sermon?

Additional Scripture references from the sermon include 2 Timothy 4:2, Galatians 1:10, Romans 5:8, Hebrews 10:23–25, and 1 Peter 1:20–21.

APPLICATION QUESTIONS

Q1: Where do you see “toxicity” creeping into your life?

Reminder: Terry said, “We cannot live well with a constant news feed, but we cannot live well without a continual intake of God’s Word.”
– How are you feeding on God’s Word compared to feeding on the news?
– What practical steps can help you create “time, distance, and shielding” from toxic influences? 

Q2: What does faithful worship look like in your life?

Reminder: Malachi shows God’s people offering scraps instead of their best—sloppy worship led to sloppy living.
– In what ways might you be giving God leftovers?
– What would it look like for you to give Him your best in this season?

Q3: How do you handle gray areas where Scripture isn’t explicit?

Reminder: Terry said, “On clear issues, we must obey. On unclear issues, we form convictions and live faithfully in them.”
– Where do you feel pressured to conform to others’ convictions?
– How do you practice pleasing Christ rather than people (Galatians 1:10)?

Q4: How do you speak about God when life feels unfair?

Reminder: Some in Malachi’s day accused God of injustice; others feared the Lord and spoke words of encouragement to one another.
– Which group do you find yourself in more often—accusing or encouraging?
– How can your words this week help others trust God’s faithfulness?

LET’S REMEMBER:

We live in a toxic world, but God has given us His Word as our shield and guide. He calls us to faithful worship, settled conviction, and words that build up. The news will always change, but God’s story does not—He has always had one plan, fulfilled in Jesus Christ.

CLOSING PRAYER

Lord, thank You that Your Word is steady and true in a noisy world. Help us guard against toxic influences and anchor our lives in You. Teach us to give You our best, live with conviction, and speak words that encourage faith. Strengthen us to fight the good fight of faith with Your Word as our shield. In Jesus’ name, Amen.