Aligning Finances with God's Kingdom Through Tithing
Summary
Starting the new year with a focus on tithing and financial stewardship is a powerful way to align our lives with God's principles. Tithing is not just a financial transaction; it's a spiritual discipline that connects us to God's supernatural provision. As we give our first fruits, we are reminded of God's faithfulness and His promise to rebuke the devourer on our behalf. This year, we are believing for debt cancellation and financial breakthroughs, trusting that God will supply all our needs according to His riches in glory.
Jesus taught extensively on finances, emphasizing the importance of seeking God's kingdom first. In Matthew 6:33, He highlights that when we prioritize God's kingdom with our resources, everything else falls into place. This passage is not just about spiritual priorities but is deeply connected to financial stability. By investing in God's kingdom, we align our finances with His supernatural power, ensuring that our resources are not subject to the world's economic fluctuations.
Tithing also has a profound impact on our spiritual lives. It aligns our priorities, restrains our spending, and keeps our hearts connected to God. When we tithe, we are making deposits in our heavenly account, which cannot be touched by earthly circumstances. This act of faith opens the windows of heaven, allowing God to pour out blessings that exceed our expectations.
Moreover, tithing is linked to the Great Commission. Our financial contributions enable the church to fulfill its mission, spreading the gospel and impacting lives globally. As we give, we participate in God's work, receiving the same reward as those who go out and preach.
Finally, tithing brings favor and influence. It positions us for blessings that others can see, making us a testimony of God's goodness. As we trust God with our finances, we can expect Him to guide us, protect us, and provide for us in ways that we cannot imagine.
Key Takeaways:
- Tithing Aligns Priorities: Tithing is a spiritual discipline that aligns our financial priorities with God's kingdom. It restrains our spending and keeps our hearts connected to God, ensuring that our resources are used for His purposes. [22:49]
- Supernatural Provision: By investing in God's kingdom, we connect our finances to His supernatural power, protecting them from the world's economic fluctuations. This opens the windows of heaven, allowing God to pour out blessings beyond our expectations. [30:22]
- Impact on the Great Commission: Our tithes and offerings enable the church to fulfill its mission, spreading the gospel and impacting lives globally. As we give, we participate in God's work, receiving the same reward as those who go out and preach. [55:26]
- Protection from the Devourer: God promises to rebuke the devourer on our behalf when we tithe. This protection ensures that our resources are not consumed by unexpected expenses, allowing us to experience financial stability and peace. [01:05:12]
- Favor and Influence: Tithing brings favor and influence, positioning us for blessings that others can see. It makes us a testimony of God's goodness, opening doors and creating opportunities that we could not achieve on our own. [01:14:31]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[17:05] - Introduction to Tithers' Rights
[22:49] - Financial Stability through Tithing
[30:22] - Investing in God's Kingdom
[35:01] - Biblical Perspective on Money
[37:16] - Prioritizing God's Kingdom
[41:43] - Returning to God's Ordinances
[46:47] - Impact of Tithing on Others
[50:41] - Positive Effects of Tithing
[55:26] - Tithing and the Great Commission
[58:36] - Open Heavens and Abundant Blessings
[01:02:17] - God's Provision Beyond Expectations
[01:05:12] - Rebuking the Devourer
[01:08:52] - Longevity and Prosperity
[01:11:32] - Favor and Influence through Tithing
[01:14:31] - Conclusion and Encouragement
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Tithing and Financial Stewardship
Bible Reading:
1. Matthew 6:19-34
2. Malachi 3:7-12
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Observation Questions:
1. In Matthew 6:33, Jesus emphasizes seeking God's kingdom first. How does this verse relate to financial stability according to the sermon? [22:49]
2. What does the sermon suggest about the connection between tithing and supernatural provision? [30:22]
3. According to Malachi 3:10, what is the significance of bringing tithes into the storehouse, and how does it relate to the Great Commission? [55:26]
4. How does the sermon describe the impact of tithing on personal financial priorities and spending habits? [41:43]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the sermon interpret Matthew 6:33 in the context of financial priorities and God's provision? [22:49]
2. What does the sermon suggest about the role of tithing in protecting one's finances from economic fluctuations? [30:22]
3. How does the sermon explain the relationship between tithing and the fulfillment of the Great Commission? [55:26]
4. In what ways does the sermon suggest that tithing can influence one's spiritual life and connection to God? [41:43]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your current financial priorities. How can you align them more closely with seeking God's kingdom first, as suggested in Matthew 6:33? [22:49]
2. Have you experienced financial fear or instability? How might tithing and trusting in God's supernatural provision help address these concerns? [35:01]
3. Consider the impact of your financial contributions on your local church and its mission. How can you be more intentional in supporting the Great Commission through your giving? [55:26]
4. How does your current spending reflect your spiritual priorities? What changes can you make to ensure your finances are aligned with God's purposes? [41:43]
5. The sermon mentions the protection from the devourer as a benefit of tithing. Have you experienced unexpected financial challenges? How can you trust God to rebuke the devourer in your life? [01:05:12]
6. Tithing is described as a way to receive favor and influence. How have you seen God's favor in your life, and how can you continue to position yourself for His blessings? [01:14:31]
7. Reflect on the sermon’s message about tithing and longevity. How can you apply this principle to ensure a long and prosperous life in alignment with God's promises? [01:08:52]
Devotional
Day 1: Aligning Financial Priorities with God's Kingdom
Tithing is a spiritual discipline that helps believers align their financial priorities with God's kingdom. It is not merely a financial transaction but a practice that restrains spending and keeps hearts connected to God. By giving the first fruits, believers acknowledge God's sovereignty over their resources and commit to using them for His purposes. This act of faith ensures that their finances are not just for personal gain but are invested in eternal matters. Tithing also serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness and His promise to provide for all needs. As believers prioritize God's kingdom, they experience a deeper connection with Him and a realignment of their financial goals. [22:49]
"Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine." (Proverbs 3:9-10, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you realign your financial priorities to better reflect your commitment to God's kingdom today?
Day 2: Connecting Finances to Supernatural Provision
Investing in God's kingdom connects believers' finances to His supernatural power, protecting them from the world's economic fluctuations. This connection opens the windows of heaven, allowing God to pour out blessings beyond expectations. When believers trust God with their resources, they tap into a divine economy that is not subject to earthly limitations. This act of faith not only brings financial stability but also positions them to receive God's abundant provision. By prioritizing God's kingdom, believers ensure that their resources are aligned with His purposes, leading to a life of blessing and provision. [30:22]
"And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work." (2 Corinthians 9:8, ESV)
Reflection: How can you actively trust God with your finances today, and what steps can you take to invest in His kingdom?
Day 3: Empowering the Great Commission through Tithing
Tithing and offerings play a crucial role in empowering the church to fulfill its mission of spreading the gospel and impacting lives globally. By giving, believers participate in God's work and share in the rewards of those who preach the gospel. This financial support enables the church to reach more people and expand its influence, fulfilling the Great Commission. As believers contribute to God's mission, they become partners in His work, experiencing the joy and fulfillment that comes from being part of something greater than themselves. Tithing is not just about personal blessing but about advancing God's kingdom on earth. [55:26]
"Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." (2 Corinthians 9:7, ESV)
Reflection: How can you contribute to the Great Commission through your financial giving, and what impact do you hope to see from your contributions?
Day 4: Experiencing Protection from the Devourer
God promises to rebuke the devourer on behalf of those who tithe, ensuring that their resources are not consumed by unexpected expenses. This divine protection brings financial stability and peace, allowing believers to focus on God's purposes without fear of loss. By trusting God with their finances, believers experience His protection and provision in ways that surpass human understanding. This promise of protection is a testament to God's faithfulness and His desire to care for His children. As believers honor God with their tithes, they can rest assured that He will guard their resources and provide for their needs. [01:05:12]
"And I will rebuke the devourer for you, so that it will not destroy the fruits of your soil, and your vine in the field shall not fail to bear, says the Lord of hosts." (Malachi 3:11, ESV)
Reflection: What areas of your life do you need to trust God for protection, and how can tithing be a step of faith in that direction?
Day 5: Gaining Favor and Influence through Tithing
Tithing brings favor and influence, positioning believers for blessings that others can see. It serves as a testimony of God's goodness, opening doors and creating opportunities that would not be possible otherwise. As believers trust God with their finances, they experience His guidance, protection, and provision in ways that exceed their expectations. This favor not only impacts their personal lives but also extends to their communities, making them a beacon of God's love and grace. By faithfully tithing, believers become living testimonies of God's faithfulness and His ability to bless abundantly. [01:14:31]
"And God gave Daniel favor and compassion in the sight of the chief of the eunuchs." (Daniel 1:9, ESV)
Reflection: How can you position yourself to be a testimony of God's goodness through your financial stewardship, and what steps can you take to gain favor and influence in your community?
Quotes
"So just like you would go to the bank and make a deposit or do it. Now we do it through our phones. Can you believe that? We never thought we'd see the day. I mean, that's the best thing that's ever happened to banking. I'm telling you right now, those lines at the ATM and going and standing in there at the teller line. Now, you know, somebody gives you a $20 birthday check and there you go. It's the best thing that ever happened, right?" [00:25:28] (23 seconds)
"Prove me, says God, that I'll do it, because I'm faithful, and he will not destroy the fruit of your ground. Look at your neighbor. Say, God. God, this year, is rebuking the devourer that has come against your life. Make no mistake about it. In Jesus' name, give God a shout if you agree with that." [01:07:44] (27 seconds)
"To me, it's a perfect example of a tither's right. Don't let the world tell you, well, other races hate you. No, not as a tither they can't. As a tither, the Bible says that all nations and ethnos and backgrounds are going to call me blessed. Amen. Amen. And then he said, and that means, and all nations could be your employment. Come on. This has to do with favor." [01:13:15] (28 seconds)