Study Guide / Outline

Introduction

• Description: This sermon explores the prophetic books of Zechariah and Malachi, revealing God’s call to sincere worship, true repentance, and the preparation for the coming Messiah.
  
  Zechariah was a prophet and the grandson of Iddo, ministering during the same time period as Haggai. He was instrumental in encouraging the returned exiles to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem. His message combined calls for repentance with rich prophetic visions pointing to future judgment, purification, and the coming of the Messiah.
  
  Malachi, whose name means “My Messenger,” prophesied during the time of Nehemiah, about 100 years after the temple was rebuilt. He addressed the spiritual decline and religious formalism of the people and priests. His role was to confront sin, warn of judgment, and prepare hearts for the coming of Christ, making him the final recorded prophet of the Old Testament era.

Section 1: Zechariah – The Prophetic Calling of Zechariah

• Description: Zechariah, a contemporary of Haggai, was called to stir the people to rebuild the temple and return to God.
• Main Points:
  • A Call to Return – God pleads with Israel to turn from their evil ways and return to Him with sincere hearts.
  • First Vision of the Riders – Zechariah sees a man on a red horse among myrtle trees, symbolizing the pre-incarnate Christ surveying the earth and declaring God’s intent to comfort Jerusalem.
  • Call Back to Jerusalem – God urges the exiles not to remain in Babylon but to return to Jerusalem, where His glory dwells, warning them not to settle in a place of former bondage.
• Scripture References: Zechariah 1:3–17, Zechariah 2:6

Section 2: Zechariah – The Visions of Judgment and Blessing

• Description: Zechariah receives seven symbolic visions that reveal God’s plan for purification, judgment, and restoration.
• Main Points:
  • Four Horns and Four Craftsmen – Symbolize God’s power to overthrow four oppressive world empires that have scattered His people.
  • Measuring Line – Reveals that Jerusalem will expand beyond natural limits, showing God’s intention to bless and enlarge His people.
  • High Priest and Filthy Garments – Depicts Joshua the High Priest in sin-stained robes, representing the need for God’s cleansing of the priesthood.
  • Golden Lampstand and Olive Trees – Illustrates the Spirit’s role in empowering God’s people; the oil represents the Holy Spirit’s sustaining presence.
  • Flying Scroll – Signifies God’s judgment on liars and thieves, emphasizing that sin cannot remain among God’s covenant people.
  • Woman in the Ephah – Symbolizes God’s plan to remove iniquity away from His people.
  • Four Chariots – Represent the four winds of heaven, declaring God’s sovereign judgment over the nations.
• Scripture References: Zechariah 1–6

Section 3: Zechariah – Obedience Over Formalism

• Description: God challenges the people’s outward religious practices and demands heartfelt obedience and repentance.
• Main Points:
  • False Fasting – God rebukes their formal fasts that lacked true humility.
  • Obedience vs. Sacrifice – God desires the heart, not hollow rituals.
  • Repentance Defined – True repentance is a change of mind that leads to transformed action.
• Scripture References: Zechariah 7–8, Matthew 23

Section 4: Zechariah – Future Glory and Messianic Hope

• Description: Zechariah prophesies about end-time events, the suffering and purification of Israel, and God’s ultimate victory.
• Main Points:
  • Jerusalem’s Siege and Salvation – God delivers His people from their enemies.
  • Refined by Suffering – Only a remnant remains faithful and is purified.
  • Messianic Kingdom – A new kingdom is promised, centered on Christ.
• Scripture References: Zechariah 12–14

Section 5: Malachi – The Message of Malachi

• Description: Malachi confronts Israel’s spiritual drift and prepares the way for the Messiah with a call to sincere covenant faithfulness.
• Main Points:
  • Drifting Hearts – Small compromises lead to spiritual decay and loss of passion.
  • Worthless Religion – God exposes the hypocrisy and pride in Israel’s worship.
  • Marriage and Covenant – God rebukes Israel for violating sacred relationships.
• Scripture References: Malachi 1–2, Nehemiah 8

Section 6: Malachi – Preparation for the Coming of Christ

• Description: Malachi announces the coming of the Lord and calls for renewed covenant faithfulness through repentance and obedience.
• Main Points:
  • Messenger of the Lord – Malachi prophecies of John the Baptist preparing the way for Christ.
  • Tithes and Offerings – Israel is challenged to honor God with their resources.
  • Book of Remembrance – God notes those who truly fear Him and promises blessing.
  • The Silent Years – After Malachi’s message, there followed 400 years without prophetic voice, preparing the stage for Christ by exposing the deep need for true spiritual renewal.
• Scripture References: Malachi 3–4

Conclusion

• Description: The Old Testament ends with a call to return to God in sincere worship and the promise of the coming Messiah. Though formalism had taken root, God preserved a remnant and pointed forward to the fulfillment of His covenant in Christ.