outline of Malachi

1.  Israel Doubts God's Love for Them (1:1-5)

2.  Degeneration of the Priesthood (1:6-2:9)

1. Contempt for God at the Altar (1:6-14)
2. Neglect of God's Law (2:1-9)

3.  Israel's Failure in Marriage Practices (2:10-16)

1. Marriage to Idolatrous Wives (2:10-12)
2. Divorce of Israelite Wives (2:13-16)

4.  God's Response to Sin (2:17-3:5)

1. The Guilty Weary God with Excuses (2:17)
2. The Purifying Work of the Messenger (3:1-5)

5.  God's Desire to Bless (3:6-12)

1. His Unchanging Promise to Forgive the Repentant (3:6, 7)
2. Israel Robs God (3:8-12)

6.  Distinction Between the Righteous and the Wicked (3:13-4:6)

1. The Harsh Words and Attitudes of the Cynical (3:13-15)
2. The Godly Conduct of the Faithful (3:16-18)
3. The Day of the Lord (4:1-6)