Malachi 3:17 And they shall be mine, said the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them… I. THE PRECIOUS IN PRINCIPLE. Regard for the greatness of God. Obedience to the commands of God. Dread of the punishment of God. Trust in the mercy of God. Fear of God is the foundation of piety; it casts out all other fear. II. THE PRECIOUS IN PRACTICE. 1. Frequent religious association. They often met together apart from the world. An expression of spiritual separation from evil society. An index of devotedness to a common purpose. 2. Concentrated mental action. "Thought upon His name." Mind the greatest thing in man. The believer sees God in all things, and his meditation of Him is sweet. Constant mutual edification — "Speak often," etc. Information, counsel, warning, encouragement. III. THE PRECIOUS IN PRIVILEGE. 1. Divine attention. "God hearkened and heard it." 2. Divine remembrance. "And a book," etc. All the services of the good registered for compensation. 3. Divine promise. Tender treatment. "I will spare." Great honour. "They shall be Mine." Great destructiveness. "Then shall ye return." (B. D. Johns.) Parallel Verses KJV: And they shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him. |
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