Six Things About God That Don’t Change – Week 6 Guide
God’s Purpose – Malachi 3:16-4:6
To download the guide for this week, use the link below.
Connecting
Share one small, everyday habit that has helped you connect with God — or that you wish would become a habit.
Introduction
Read Malachi 3:16-4:6 aloud.
16 Then those who revered the Lord spoke with one another. The Lord took note and listened, and a book of remembrance was written before him of those who revered the Lord and thought on his name. 17 They shall be mine, says the Lord of hosts, my special possession on the day when I act, and I will spare them as parents spare their children who serve them. 18 Then once more you shall see the difference between the righteous and the wicked, between one who serves God and one who does not serve him.
4 See, the day is coming, burning like an oven, when all the arrogant and all evildoers will be stubble; the day that comes shall burn them up, says the Lord of hosts, so that it will leave them neither root nor branch. 2 But for you who revere my name the sun of righteousness shall rise, with healing in its wings. You shall go out leaping like calves from the stall. 3 And you shall tread down the wicked, for they will be ashes under the soles of your feet, on the day when I act, says the Lord of hosts.
4 Remember the teaching of my servant Moses, the statutes and ordinances that I commanded him at Horeb for all Israel.
5 Lo, I will send you the prophet Elijah before the great and terrible day of the Lord comes. 6 He will turn the hearts of parents to their children and the hearts of children to their parents, so that I will not come and strike the land with a curse.
Questions
- See Malachi 3:16, “The Lord took note and listened…” Where in your life do you most need to remember that God sees and remembers your faithfulness?
- What would it look like for you, in your current season, to “take God seriously”?
- Malachi says God distinguishes between the righteous and the wicked. In your daily life, what helps you live distinctly as God’s possession instead of a possession of the world?
- The “Sun of Righteousness” rises with healing (Malachi 4:2). Where do you need Christ’s healing right now — emotionally, spiritually, relationally, or physically?
- Malachi calls God’s people to “remember” God’s Word (Malachi 4:4). What specific truth or command of Scripture is God calling you to return to right now?
- As we begin the Advent season, preparing our hearts for Christ involves repentance. What area of your life is the Holy Spirit inviting you to turn back to God in a fresh way?
- Malachi 3:16-17 speaks of God’s “special possession” and the Book of Life. How does knowing you are God’s treasured possession shape your identity and daily choices?
*Bonus Question, which you may use if you have time, or in place of another one:
Of the six characteristics of God that don’t change – God’s love, glory, faithfulness, justice, mercy, and purpose – which one means the most to you at this moment in your life? Why?
Praying for Each Other
Are there any joys to celebrate, any burdens we can share?
Closing Prayer
Lord God, You are the Sun of Righteousness.
You see us, You remember us, and You call us Your treasured possession.
Today we ask for hearts that take You seriously—not out of fear,
but out of love, awe, and gratitude.
Where we are tired, bring healing.
Where we are wandering, call us back.
Where we are wounded, shine Your light.
Where we are complacent, stir us with Your Spirit.
Turn our hearts toward You with fresh devotion.
Write Your Word on our minds.
Shape our lives so that they reflect Your unchanging purpose.
And as we leave this time together,
may we walk as people remembered, loved, and held by You.
We give ourselves to You again.
In the name of Jesus, the One who rises with healing in His wings. Amen.