knowing that He Judges and Gives +/- Consequences

I. If we Fear God we don't make Him Lord of the Leftovers, but Lord of All (since that's what He is)

1:2 "I have loved you," says Yahweh. "Yet you say, 'In what way have You loved us?' "Jacob I have loved but Esau I have hated” 6 "If  I am the Father, where is My honor? If I am a Master, where is My fear? To you priests who despise My name 8 when you offer the blind as a sacrifice, is it not evil?  Offer it then to your governor! Would he be pleased with you? Would he accept you favorably?" 9 'entreat God's favor' 10 shut the doors not kindle vain fire on My altar...I have no pleasure in you...not accept an offering from your hands. 11 My name shall be great among the Gentiles...in every place incense shall be offered to My name 14 cursed be the deceiver who has in his flock a male, but sacrifices to the Lord what is blemished. For I am a great King...My name is to be feared among the nations.

II. If we Fear God our Heart is set on His Glory, His Law is on our Lips, and our Feet are in His Paths (and we pull others along)

2:1 priests, this commandment is for you. 2 If you will not hear...take it to heart, to give glory to My name...I will send a curse upon you, And I will curse your blessings. Yes, I have cursed them already, because you do not take it to heart. 5 My covenant was with him, one of life and peace, and I gave them to him for the fear with which feared Me (KJV) and was reverent before My name (Ex 32:25-29). 6 The law of truth was in his mouth, and injustice was not found on his lips. He walked with Me in peace and justice,  turned many away from iniquity. 7 he lips of a priest should preserve knowledge, and people should seek the law from his mouth; for he is the messenger of the LORD of hosts. 8 But you have departed from the way; You have caused many to stumble at the law. You have corrupted the covenant of Levi. 

III. If we Fear God we deal loyally with each other, keeping our promises and guarding our Spirit.

2:10 Have we not all one Father? Why do we deal treacherously with one another by profaning the covenant of the fathers? 11 Judah has dealt treacherously...He has married the daughter of a foreign god 12 May Yahweh cut off from the tents of Jacob the man who does this...yet who brings an offering 13 You cover the altar of the LORD with tears 'He does not regard the offering anymore' 14 Because Yahweh has been witness between you and the wife of your youth, with whom you have dealt treacherously; yet she is your companion and your wife by covenant. 15 But did He not make them one...He seeks godly offspring. Take heed to your spirit, and let none deal treacherously 16 Yahweh says that He hates divorce...violence. Take heed to your spirit, that you do not deal treacherously."

IV. If we Fear God we will Trust in His Justice and be Prepared for His Return

2:17 You have wearied with your words: 'Everyone who does evil Is good in the sight of Yahweh...'Where is the God of justice?'
 3:1 "Behold, I send My messenger, and he will prepare the way before Me. and the Lord, whom you seek, will suddenly come to His temple, the Messenger of the covenant, in whom you delight. Behold, He is coming 2 But who can endure the day of His coming?  stand when He appears? He is like a refiner's fire  3 He will purify the sons of Levi that they may offer to Yahweh in righteousness. 4 Then the offering of Judah and Jerusalem will be pleasant to Yahweh, 5  I will come near you for judgment; I will be a swift witness against sorcerers, adulterers, perjurers, those who exploit...because they do not fear Me"

V. If we Fear God we will Follow His Commands and Honor Him with our Time, Treasure, and Talents

3:7 You have gone away from My ordinances and have not kept them. Return to Me, and I will return to you"  'In what way shall we return?' 8 "Will a man rob God? Yet you have robbed Me! In tithes and offerings. 9 You are cursed with a curse.  Try Me in this...open the windows of heaven...pour out for you such blessing...11 I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes...vine not fail to bear fruit for you in the field,"12 And all nations will call you blessed, for you will be a delightful land," says the LORD of hosts

VI. If we Fear God we will Believe He'll Reward our Service, as promised, and will Encourage others, Meditate and Serve

3:13 Your words have been harsh against Me 14 'It is useless to serve God; what profit is it that we have kept His ordinance..walked..? 15 So now we call the proud blessed, those who do wickedness are raised up; they even tempt God and go free.'  16 Then those who feared the LORD spoke to one another, Yahweh listened and heard them; a book of remembrance was written before Him for those who fear Yahweh and who meditate on His name. 17 “They shall be Mine on the day that I make the My jewels...spares his own son who serves him. 18 discern between the righteous and the wicked, Between one who serves God And one who does not serve Him.

VII. If we Fear God we will not be Proud nor Hypocritical, but do what's Right in His Sight (obey word), so we'll be Blessed

4:1 day is coming...all the proud, all who do wickedly (Ps 50) day shall burn them up...leave them neither root nor branch. 2 But to you who fear My name the Sun of Righteousness shall arise with healing in His wings; and you shall go out and grow fat like calves. 3 You shall trample the wicked, for they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet on the day that I do this  4 Remember the Law of Moses, My servant 5 Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of Yahweh 6 he will turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers, lest I come and strike the earth with a curse.

Questions for Reflection/Discussion/Response:

1. If we treated an earthly master as we do God, would they be pleased with us? Why do we think God is any different?
2. How does fear differ from respect? Heb 12:28 Ps 89:7 Do you fear and obey everyone you respect? Why would someone fear and obey God?
3. How does someone serve God? (“Can I take your order and get it for you?”) How do NT “priests” 1Pt 2:5; Rev 1:6 serve God?
4. What's the consequence for believers who don't fear God, keep commands, their promises, nor trust that God will judge and reward them?
5. In what ways does a proper view of God influence how you spend your time, treasure and talents? Do you think God is pleased with you?