Respecting the Difference between Right and Wrong

1
Respecting the Difference between Right and Wrong
Themes in Malachi

• Malachi 313-18

2
The Problem

• Is it not evil? (18)
• Wearied the Lord (217)
• Harsh (313) words against God
• A new day coming 318

3
Versions of the Problem

• No objective standard
• No difference at all monism
• Perversion of differences
• Double standards
• Resentment when the wicked succeed
• Doubt that God will punish and reward
• Failure to distinguish between people
• Poor powers of moral discrimination

4
Reasons for the Problem

• Short-term thinking
• No fair trial of Gods standards

5
Solution to the Problem

• Accusation against God
• Progressive blindness
• Gift must be guarded, cultivated
• Basically, we will respect what God says about
  right and wrong when we respect HIM Malachi
  316-18

6
Conclusion

• There IS a difference between right wrong
• Inherent in the character of God
• Life best when we honor the rules of reality
• Surely there is a reward for the righteous
  surely He is God who judges in the earth (Psalm
  5811)