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The Faithful Few. Malachi 3:16-18. The Faithful Few. Who Were They? A righteous remnant in the midst of apostasy and wickedness (3:5,15,18; 4:1,3) A faithful few in the midst of a wicked majority…
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The Faithful Few Malachi 3:16-18
The Faithful Few Who Were They? • A righteous remnant in the midst of apostasy and wickedness (3:5,15,18; 4:1,3) • A faithful few in the midst of a wicked majority… • Wicked majority in the world (Mt. 7:13; 2 Thess. 2:1ff; 1 Tim. 4:1ff; 2 Tim. 3:1ff) • Wicked majority in the local church (Rev. 3:4-5)
The Faithful Few What Did They Do? • They feared the Lord (v. 16; 4:2) • Not dread or anguish, but respectful and reverential awe (Psa. 111:9-10; Heb. 12:28) • Their fear is what caused the faithful few to be faithful and obedient
The Faithful Few What Did They Do? • They spoke often one with another (v.16) • This speaking was done to encourage and it was done often • Fellowship, mutual encouragement, exhortation and support keep the faithful few faithful (Heb. 3:13; 10:25)
The Faithful Few What Did They Do? • They thought upon the Lord’s name (v.16) • They meditate and reflect upon God’s authority, his work, his word (Psa. 1:1-2; Mt. 6:33; Col. 3:1-3) • Not thinking about carnal things (politics, media, fashion, sports, hobbies, jobs, etc.) keeps the faithful few focused and faithful
The Faithful Few What Blessings Did They Get from God? • They were not forgotten (v.16; Lk. 10:20; Phil. 4:3; Rev. 20:12-15) • They were made a possession (v.17; Tit. 2:14) • They were spared in the day of judgment (v.17; 1 Thess. 1:10) • They were vindicated for their faithful service (v.18; 2 Thess. 1:3-10)
The Faithful Few Some Encouraging Lessons for Today • When the wicked speak against God, the faithful few speak for God • When the fires of faithfulness burn low, the coals that are alive should be brought together • When the physical around you goes bad, meditate on the spiritual • Our Lord will always remember and reward the faithful few