Introduction Lesson: Student Handout

Understanding Malachi 3:10 Through the 7 Steps of Hermeneutics

The Bible Study Leaders Manual is available on Amazon.

YouTube Class Lesson: Introduction: Hermeneutics for Faith, Finances, and True Prosperity

Introduction.

In this first lesson, my goal is to help you learn how to study Scripture better. Before we dive into understanding Prosperity Theology in the next lesson, we must grasp the basic principles of interpreting the Bible. Without this foundation, you may struggle to see how hyper-prosperity theology has entered the church and manipulated Scripture. This distortion turns our relationship with God into a transactional one, focused on what we can get from Him rather than on worship, obedience, and faithfulness. Today, we will focus on these principles, using Malachi 3:10 as an example.

____________________

Objective.

In this session, we will explore how to understand Malachi 3:10 in its proper context using the 7 steps of biblical interpretation, also known as hermeneutics. By the end, you will have the tools to interpret Scripture accurately and apply it faithfully to your life.

By the end of this lesson, you will:

1. Understand the 7 steps of biblical interpretation (hermeneutics).

2. Learn how to apply these steps to interpret Scripture accurately.

3. Examine how these principles reveal the flaws in Prosperity Theology.

4. Develop skills to interpret and apply scripture in its proper context.

____________________

What is Hermeneutics?

• Definition: Hermeneutics is the art and science of understanding the Bible accurately.

• Why It Matters: Helps prevent misunderstanding and ensures God’s Word is applied correctly.

• Illustration: Misinterpreting a map leads to getting lost; similarly, misinterpreting Scripture leads to confusion.

Today, we will apply the steps of hermeneutics to Malachi 3:10. The same principles we use in this passage can then be applied to any Scripture to help you interpret it accurately and faithfully. (2 minutes)

• What is Malachi 3:10? A verse often used to support tithing and material blessings.

• Why This Study? Misinterpretations of this verse are common in Prosperity Theology.

• Transition: Let’s apply the 7 steps to understand this verse in its proper context.

____________________

Malachi 3:10

“Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.”

____________________

The 7 Steps of Hermeneutics Applied to Malachi 3:10

Step 1: Historical-Cultural Context

(Understand the world of the Bible when it was written.)

• Key Question: What was happening when this was written? Who was it written to?

Answer: Malachi 3:10 was written to the Israelites after their return from exile. They were neglecting their covenant obligations, including tithing, which supported temple worship and helped the needy.

Key Insight: Tithes in ancient Israel were primarily agricultural and supported the Levites, priests, and the needy.

____________________

Step 2: Literary Context

(Read the verses around the passage to understand its full meaning.)

• Key Question: How does this verse fit with the verses before and after?

Answer: Malachi 3:10 is part of a rebuke (Malachi 3:6-12) where God accuses Israel of robbing Him by withholding tithes. It’s a call to repentance and renewed faithfulness.

Activity: Read Malachi 3:6-12 and identify how verse 10 fits within God’s promise of restoration.

____________________

Step 3: Grammatical-Syntactical Analysis

(Pay attention to the words and structure in the verse.)

• Key Question: What do the words mean in their original language or context?

Answer:

• "Bring": A command for deliberate obedience.

• "Storehouse": A place in the temple for storing tithes (mainly produce).

• "Test Me": An unusual invitation from God to trust Him fully.

Key Insight: God’s challenge is about rebuilding trust through obedience.

____________________

Step 4: Theological Context

(See how the passage fits into God’s overall plan.)

• Key Question: What does this passage teach about God and His plan?

Answer: God is faithful and desires His people’s trust. Obedience in giving reflects faithfulness to Him and aligns with His covenant purposes.

New Testament Connection: In 2 Corinthians 9:7, giving is reframed as cheerful and voluntary, rooted in grace rather than obligation.

____________________

Step 5: Genre and Literary Devices

(Recognize the writing style—is it poetry, narrative, or teaching?)

• Key Question: Is this passage literal, symbolic, or something else?

Answer: This is a literal call to action with symbolic imagery (e.g., "floodgates of heaven") illustrating God’s abundant provision.

Activity: Discuss how the prophetic tone emphasizes urgency and God’s faithfulness.

____________________

Step 6: Canonical Context

(See how the passage fits into the whole Bible.)

• Key Question: What do other parts of the Bible say about this?

  
  

Answer: In the New Testament, giving shifts from a legalistic requirement to an act of worship (e.g., 2 Corinthians 9:7).

Key Insight: Malachi 3:10 aligns with God’s consistent call for faith and generosity throughout Scripture.

____________________

Step 7: Application and Relevance

(Apply the passage to your life without distorting its meaning.)

• Key Question: How does this verse help me live for God today?

  
  

Answer: It challenges us to trust God with our resources, practicing generosity as an act of worship and obedience.

Activity: Write one way you can practice faithful giving this week.

____________________

Key Takeaways

1. Trust God’s Faithfulness: Obedience in giving is not about receiving material wealth but about trusting God to provide.

2. Be Generous: Like Israel, we are called to support God’s work and care for others through our resources.

3. Apply Thoughtfully: Interpret this passage in its original context while applying its principles of faith and generosity to your life.

____________________

Reflection and Prayer

• Reflection: How has this lesson changed your understanding of giving and trusting God?

  
  

Prayer Focus:

• Thank God for His provision and faithfulness.

• Ask for wisdom and courage to give generously.

• Commit to honouring God with your resources as an act of worship.

Evg. Bradley Sliedrecht | Faith, Finances, and True Prosperity Bible Study Series