warm-up

Tell us about one thing you treasure. Why do you value it so much?

What's one thing you get possessive about? Recall an instance explaining this.

If there was a fire or calamity, what is the first thing you would save? Why?

word

16Then those who feared the Lord spoke with one another. The Lord paid attention and heard them, and a book of remembrance was written before him of those who feared the Lord and esteemed his name. ¹⁷“They shall be mine, says the Lord of hosts, in the day when I make up my treasured possession, and I will spare them as a man spares his son who serves him.” Malachi 3:16,17

After hearing the words of the Lord, the people of Israel who feared Him gathered together to write a book of remembrance. Their response was a commitment to fear His name, keep His commands, and believe in His promises. The Lord paid attention and heard them, and assured them that He would make sure they were known as His treasured possession and as His children.

1
We are His treasured possession.

“They shall be mine, says the Lord of hosts, in the day when I make up my treasured possession . . ." Malachi 3:17

The Lord’s first words to the people of Israel through the prophet Malachi were, “I have loved you” (Malachi 1:2). The first words of the last part of Malachi are, “They shall be mine.” Malachi, from start to finish, shows us what it means to be the Lord’s treasured possession. We have been chosen, loved, set apart, and treasured from the beginning, and will be until the end. How do you treat your treasured possessions? How is Christ’s treatment of us even greater than that?

2
We are His children.

“. . . I will spare them as a man spares his son who serves him.” Malachi 3:17

The Lord promised to spare those who obeyed His Law. However, if only those who obeyed God would be spared, no one would be saved. But God sent His Son, Jesus, and through His life, death, and resurrection, we are heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ (Romans 8:17). Because Christ is the perfect Son serving His Father, through Him we are spared and saved as children of God. According to Hebrews 12:7, how should we respond to the way God treats us as children?

application

Do you believe you are God’s treasured possession and child? How can you grow in your relationship with Him, starting today?

Do you believe God has set you apart and treasures you? How can you have a greater revelation of God’s love for you this week?

Is there a family member or friend who needs to experience the love of a God who treasures His people and considers them His children? How can you preach the gospel to him or her this week?

prayer

Thank God for considering you as His treasured possession and making the way for you to be His child. Thank Him for choosing you and promising to love you until the end.

Ask God for a greater revelation of His love and acceptance. Pray that you will continue to fear His name and obey His Word as you follow Him.

Pray for a family member or friend who needs to experience the lasting love of our heavenly Father. Pray for open doors to preach the gospel to many this week.

victory_logo_black
© 2017 by VICTORY®
All rights reserved.

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.

Permission to photocopy this material is granted for local church use. This is not for sale.
victory.org.ph