warm-up

What is one of your favorite childhood memories? Why?

Tell us about a pastime, place, or activity you’ve loved for a long time, and how it started.

Who is a person you feel you can trust? Recall an instance explaining why.

word

“For I the Lord do not change; therefore you, O children of Jacob, are not consumed.” Malachi 3:6

Israel was resentful of God, because while they struggled, other oppressive nations were thriving. They believed they were not receiving God’s blessing because His heart had changed toward them. They thought He no longer loved them the way He had loved their ancestors. However, through the prophet Malachi, God reassured them of His character, commands, and promises: He does not change.

1
Character

“For I the Lord do not change; therefore you, O children of Jacob, are not consumed.” Malachi 3:6

The Lord told the Israelites simply and plainly, I the Lord do not change. In fact, the Lord of hosts tells them, Return to me, and I will return to you. God’s character, His love for His people, and His desire to have a relationship with them do not change. Even today, nothing has changed. The Lord of hosts is still seeking us in love. What does it mean when a person’s character is unchanging? How does God’s unchanging nature reassure you?

2
Commands

“Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. . . .” Malachi 3:10

The way Israel responded to God’s commands revealed the true state of their hearts toward Him. Instead of responding in obedience, they were doing what they thought was right. On the other hand, those who trust God completely and believe in His unchanging character will obey His commands. Just as God’s character is unchanging, so are His commands. According to John 14:15, what must we do if we love the Lord?

3
Covenant Promises

“. . . And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need.” Malachi 3:10

(Read Malachi 3:11,12..)

Blessing is part of the covenant relationship the Lord of hosts has with His people. Just as His character and commands do not change, the promises He makes do not change. As we trust in an unchanging God and obey His unchanging commands, we will see how He will fulfill His unchanging promises. Has God given you a specific promise you are looking forward to? How will you grow in faith while waiting?

application

Do you believe God is unchanging in His character, commands, and covenant promises to His people? What specific promise are you holding on to, and what does the Bible say about it?

What aspect of God’s unchanging nature do you need to learn more about? How can you deepen your understanding of it this week?

Is there a family member or friend who needs to know about God’s unchanging nature in his or her situation? How can you tell others about what you've learned this week?

prayer

Thank God for His unchanging character, commands, and covenant promises. Thank Him that you can always trust and obey Him because of who He is.

Ask God for a greater revelation of His unchanging nature, and for your understanding of God to grow as you read and meditate on His Word every day.

Pray for opportunities to share the truth of God’s unchanging character and promises with a family member or friend this week.

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© 2017 by VICTORY®
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Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®)
Copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

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