Sunday September 28, 2025

Sermon Title: The Sun of Righteousness Will Rise

Series Big Idea: Capturing the urgency and clarity of the prophets’ messages in turbulent times

Sermon Big Idea: Even in the long night of waiting, God promises a dawn of healing and restoration in Jesus

Introduction:

We have reached the final Sunday in our Old Testament journey, standing on the threshold of Christ’s coming. The Old Testament’s long night of waiting is giving way to the promised dawn of God’s healing light.

Malachi 4:1-6

“For look, the day is coming, burning like a furnace, when all the arrogant and everyone who commits wickedness will become stubble. The coming day will consume them,” says the LORD of Armies, “not leaving them root or branches. 2 But for you who fear my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings, and you will go out and playfully jump like calves from the stall. 3 You will trample the wicked, for they will be ashes under the soles of your feet on the day I am preparing,” says the LORD of Armies. 4 “Remember the instruction of Moses my servant, the statutes and ordinances I commanded him at Horeb for all Israel. 5 Look, I am going to send you the prophet Elijah before the great and terrible day of the LORD comes. 6 And he will turn the hearts of fathers to their children and the hearts of children to their fathers. Otherwise, I will come and strike the land with a curse.” 

God's Promises of Healing (1-2)

Malachi assures us that for those who fear the Lord, the “sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings.” God promises not just physical, but deep spiritual restoration for all who trust in Him.

The Fulfillment in Christ (3-6)

The promise of healing and restoration finds its fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who brings light, forgiveness, and new life to those in darkness. Jesus invites us to experience His healing power today, just as He did for those who reached out to Him in faith.

Conclusion

While the Old Testament ends with a warning, the story of those who trust in Christ ends in grace and restoration. In Jesus, the Sun of Righteousness has risen, offering healing and hope to all who step into His light.

Malachi 4:1-6 Bibliography

Walvoord, John F., and Roy B. Zuck, Dallas Theological Seminary. The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures. Victor Books, 1985.

Rydelnik, Michael A., and Michael Vanlaningham, editors. The Moody Bible Commentary. Moody Publishers, 2014.

Carson, D. A., et al., editors. New Bible Commentary: 21st Century Edition. 4th ed., Inter-Varsity Press, 1994.

Hughes, Robert B., and J. Carl Laney. Tyndale Concise Bible Commentary. Tyndale House Publishers, 2001.

Cabal, Ted, et al. The Apologetics Study Bible: Real Questions, Straight Answers, Stronger Faith. Holman Bible Publishers, 2007.

Blum, Edwin A., and Trevin Wax, editors. CSB Study Bible: Notes. Holman Bible Publishers, 2017.

Crossway Bibles. The ESV Study Bible. Crossway Bibles, 2008.

Barry, John D., et al. Faithlife Study Bible. Lexham Press, 2012, 2016.

MacArthur, John F., Jr. The MacArthur Study Bible: New American Standard Bible. Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2006.

Smith, Jerome H. The New Treasury of Scripture Knowledge: The Most Complete Listing of Cross References Available Anywhere- Every Verse, Every Theme, Every Important Word. Thomas Nelson, 1992.

Spurgeon. The Spurgeon Study Bible: Notes. Holman Bible Publishers, 2017.

Brown, Francis, S. R. Driver, and Charles A. Briggs. The Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew and English Lexicon. Hendrickson Publishers, 2007.

Bell, James Stuart, editor. Ancient Faith Study Bible. Holman Bibles, 2019.

Richards, Lawrence O. The Bible Reader’s Companion. Electronic ed. Wheaton: Victor Books, 1991.

Brooks, Keith. Summarized Bible: Complete Summary of the Old Testament. Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software, 2009.

Easley, Kendell H. Holman QuickSource Guide to Understanding the Bible. Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2002.

George, Jim. The Basic Bible Pocket Guide: *Book by Book Summaries *Key Verses *Life Applications *Life Applications. Eugene, OR: Harvest House Publishers, 2016.

Chisholm, Robert B., Jr. Handbook on the Prophets: Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, Daniel, Minor Prophets. Baker Academic, 2002.

Fries, Micah, et al. Exalting Jesus in Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi. Edited by David Platt et al., Holman Reference, 2015.

Merrill, Eugene H. An Exegetical Commentary - Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi. Biblical Studies Press, 2003.

Baldwin, Joyce G. Haggai, Zechariah and Malachi: An Introduction and Commentary. InterVarsity Press, 1972.

Patterson, Richard D., and Andrew E. Hill. Cornerstone Biblical Commentary, Vol 10: Minor Prophets, Hosea–Malachi. Tyndale House Publishers, 2008.

AFTER THE MESSAGE

After hearing today's message there may be a decision you have made and you want a pastor to connect with you. We want to make it easy for you. Just scroll to the bottom of this page and fill out the form and our pastor will contact you.