Aligning with God: The Power of Tithing and Wisdom
Summary
In today's gathering, we focused on the profound biblical principle of tithing and its implications in our lives. Tithing is not merely a financial transaction or a church gimmick; it is a spiritual discipline that aligns us with God's covenant and opens the floodgates of heaven for blessings. As we explored Malachi's teachings, we understood that obedience in tithing positions us under an open heaven, allowing God to use us as conduits of His blessings to others. This principle is not about accumulating wealth but about being faithful stewards of what God has entrusted to us.
We also delved into the narrative of 1 Kings, examining the transition from David's reign to Solomon's kingship. Solomon's request for wisdom over wealth or power exemplifies a heart aligned with God's purposes. His story teaches us that when we prioritize God's wisdom, He not only grants us discernment but also blesses us with what we did not ask for. However, Solomon's later years serve as a cautionary tale about the dangers of disobedience and the consequences of turning away from God's commands.
As we prepare for the Easter season, we are reminded of the Great Commission and our role in bringing others to Christ. This is not about increasing church attendance for its own sake but about sharing the transformative love of Jesus with those who are far from Him. We are encouraged to pray and seek the Holy Spirit's guidance in identifying individuals to invite to our Easter service, trusting that God will work through our efforts to draw people to Himself.
Key Takeaways:
1. Tithing as a Spiritual Discipline: Tithing is not a mere financial obligation but a spiritual discipline that aligns us with God's covenant. It positions us under an open heaven, allowing God to use us as vessels of His blessings to others. Obedience in tithing is about faithfulness and stewardship, not about personal gain. [31:10]
2. The Wisdom of Solomon: Solomon's request for wisdom over wealth or power demonstrates a heart aligned with God's purposes. When we prioritize God's wisdom, He not only grants us discernment but also blesses us with what we did not ask for. This teaches us the value of seeking God's guidance above all else. [55:23]
3. The Dangers of Disobedience: Solomon's later years serve as a cautionary tale about the consequences of turning away from God's commands. Despite his wisdom, his disobedience led to the kingdom's downfall. This reminds us that obedience is a choice, and our actions have spiritual consequences. [01:08:09]
4. The Great Commission: As we approach Easter, we are reminded of our role in the Great Commission. Our efforts to invite others to church are not about numbers but about sharing the love of Christ. We are called to be bold and creative in reaching out to those who are far from God. [01:26:55]
5. Generosity Honors God: Solomon's generosity in asking for wisdom to benefit others rather than himself honors God. In turn, God blessed him with wealth and honor. This teaches us that when our motives are rooted in humility and generosity, God honors our requests and blesses us abundantly. [42:00]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:45] - Opening Prayer and Worship
- [03:30] - Introduction to Tithing
- [10:15] - Biblical Foundation of Tithing
- [15:00] - Malachi's Teachings on Tithing
- [20:45] - Consequences of Disobedience
- [31:10] - Blessings of Obedience
- [35:00] - Transition to 1 Kings
- [42:00] - Solomon's Request for Wisdom
- [50:30] - Solomon's Wisdom in Action
- [55:23] - Letting God Exalt You
- [01:08:09] - Solomon's Downfall
- [01:15:00] - Preparing for Easter
- [01:26:55] - The Great Commission
- [01:33:10] - Closing Prayer and Invitation
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Malachi 3:6-10
2. 1 Kings 3:4-14
3. Matthew 28:18-20
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Observation Questions:
1. According to Malachi 3:6-10, what are the consequences of not bringing the whole tithe into the storehouse? How does this passage describe the blessings of obedience? [31:10]
2. In 1 Kings 3:4-14, what did Solomon request from God, and what was God's response to his request? How does this reflect Solomon's priorities? [55:23]
3. What does Matthew 28:18-20, known as the Great Commission, instruct believers to do? How does this relate to the sermon’s emphasis on inviting others to Easter services? [01:26:55]
4. How does the sermon describe the role of tithing as a spiritual discipline rather than a financial obligation? [31:10]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. Why does the sermon emphasize tithing as a spiritual discipline rather than a financial obligation? How does this perspective change the way one might approach giving? [31:10]
2. Solomon asked for wisdom instead of wealth or power. What does this choice reveal about his character and priorities? How might this apply to modern-day decision-making? [55:23]
3. The sermon warns about the dangers of disobedience using Solomon's later years as an example. How can this serve as a cautionary tale for believers today? [01:08:09]
4. The Great Commission is highlighted as a key takeaway. How does the sermon suggest believers can creatively and boldly fulfill this command in their communities? [01:26:55]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your current approach to tithing. Do you view it as a spiritual discipline or a financial obligation? How might changing your perspective impact your giving habits? [31:10]
2. Solomon prioritized wisdom over wealth. In your own life, what are some areas where you might need to prioritize God's wisdom over personal gain? [55:23]
3. Consider a time when you faced the consequences of disobedience. How did that experience shape your understanding of obedience to God's commands? [01:08:09]
4. As Easter approaches, who are three people you feel led to invite to church? What steps can you take to reach out to them in a meaningful way? [01:26:55]
5. The sermon encourages believers to be conduits of God's blessings. In what ways can you be a blessing to others in your community this week? [31:10]
6. How can you ensure that your motives for generosity are rooted in humility and not in the expectation of receiving something in return? [42:00]
7. The Great Commission calls for boldness in sharing the gospel. What specific actions can you take to be more proactive in sharing your faith with others? [01:26:55]
Devotional
Day 1: Tithing Aligns Us with God's Covenant
Tithing is more than a financial obligation; it is a spiritual discipline that aligns us with God's covenant. When we tithe, we position ourselves under an open heaven, allowing God to use us as vessels of His blessings to others. This act of obedience is about faithfulness and stewardship, not personal gain. By faithfully giving back a portion of what God has entrusted to us, we acknowledge His sovereignty and invite His blessings into our lives. Tithing is a tangible expression of our trust in God's provision and our commitment to His kingdom. [31:10]
"Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need." (Malachi 3:10, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you practice faithful stewardship with your resources today, trusting God to provide for your needs?
Day 2: Seeking God's Wisdom Above All Else
Solomon's request for wisdom over wealth or power demonstrates a heart aligned with God's purposes. When we prioritize God's wisdom, He not only grants us discernment but also blesses us with what we did not ask for. This teaches us the value of seeking God's guidance above all else. Solomon's story encourages us to pursue a relationship with God that is rooted in humility and a desire to fulfill His will. By seeking His wisdom, we open ourselves to His direction and the unexpected blessings that come with it. [55:23]
"Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, that I may discern between good and evil, for who is able to govern this your great people?" (1 Kings 3:9, ESV)
Reflection: What specific area of your life do you need God's wisdom in today, and how can you actively seek His guidance?
Day 3: The Consequences of Disobedience
Solomon's later years serve as a cautionary tale about the consequences of turning away from God's commands. Despite his wisdom, his disobedience led to the kingdom's downfall. This reminds us that obedience is a choice, and our actions have spiritual consequences. It is a sobering reminder that even the wisest among us can fall if we do not remain vigilant in our faithfulness to God. We are called to examine our lives and ensure that we are living in accordance with His will, understanding that our choices have lasting impacts. [01:08:09]
"But King Solomon loved many foreign women, along with the daughter of Pharaoh: Moabite, Ammonite, Edomite, Sidonian, and Hittite women, from the nations concerning which the Lord had said to the people of Israel, 'You shall not enter into marriage with them, neither shall they with you, for surely they will turn away your heart after their gods.' Solomon clung to these in love." (1 Kings 11:1-2, ESV)
Reflection: Is there an area in your life where you are compromising your obedience to God? What steps can you take to realign with His commands?
Day 4: Sharing the Transformative Love of Christ
As we approach Easter, we are reminded of our role in the Great Commission. Our efforts to invite others to church are not about numbers but about sharing the love of Christ. We are called to be bold and creative in reaching out to those who are far from God. This is an opportunity to reflect on how we can be intentional in our relationships and conversations, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide us in drawing others to Christ. Our mission is to share the transformative love of Jesus with those who need it most. [01:26:55]
"And Jesus came and said to them, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.'" (Matthew 28:18-20, ESV)
Reflection: Who is one person you can reach out to this week to share the love of Christ, and how can you creatively engage with them?
Day 5: Generosity Honors God
Solomon's generosity in asking for wisdom to benefit others rather than himself honors God. In turn, God blessed him with wealth and honor. This teaches us that when our motives are rooted in humility and generosity, God honors our requests and blesses us abundantly. We are encouraged to examine our hearts and ensure that our desires align with God's purposes, seeking to bless others rather than ourselves. By doing so, we reflect God's character and invite His favor into our lives. [42:00]
"At Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream by night, and God said, 'Ask what I shall give you.' And Solomon said, 'You have shown great and steadfast love to your servant David my father, because he walked before you in faithfulness, in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart toward you. And you have kept for him this great and steadfast love and have given him a son to sit on his throne this day.'" (1 Kings 3:5-6, ESV)
Reflection: How can you practice generosity today in a way that honors God and benefits others, rather than seeking personal gain?
Quotes
"But just like there are consequences for disobedience, there are also consequences for obedience, right? There are blessings for obedience and consequences for disobedience. And so he goes on and he says, you're robbing me. Bring the whole tithe to 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." [00:31:40] (33 seconds)
"Solomon wanted wisdom he wanted discernment so that he could rightly judge right from wrong then at the end of chapter 3 he gets to use this fresh gift when these two ladies come before him they're both prostitutes and both live in the same home and both within three days of one another had a child and they show up one child is dead and the other is still alive and when they get there one woman says listen I had a child we both live in the same house within three days she had a child one night in the middle of the night the child passed and she brought her dead child and laid him in my bed and took my child and when I awoke I thought my child had died until I saw him in the morning light and realized this was not my child and the other lady comes back and she goes no the child that's alive is mine the dead child is hers and they argue back and forth until Solomon goes bring me a sword." [01:02:50] (72 seconds)
"Deuteronomy 17 gives three instructions for kings number one a king is not to acquire a great number of horses in chapter four we found out he had 12,000 second he must not take many wives or his heart will be led astray he had 700 wives 300 concubines and then thirdly he must not accumulate large amounts of silver or gold now in today's times Solomon's wealth would have net worth about 2.1 trillion dollars." [01:17:14] (40 seconds)
"Solomon broke all three instructions out of Deuteronomy 17 1 Kings 11 6 Solomon did what was evil in the sight of the Lord and did not follow the Lord fully as David his father had done and then in verse 11 so the Lord said to Solomon because you have done this and have not kept my covenant and my statutes that I have commanded you I will surely tear the kingdom from you and give it to your servant King Solomon is about to deal with the consequences of disobedience to God and that's where we leave off and we'll pick back up in August our final takeaway is this obedience is a choice obedience is a choice obedience is not always what I feel like doing." [01:18:54] (60 seconds)
"Because this is the system that we use leading into every Easter I realize that this can sometimes come across as gimmicky to let's just get more folks in I want you to hear my heart this morning I never meant this to be a gimmick I meant this to be a resource to help all of us fulfill the great commission come on you're going pastor you not care how many people show up on Easter Sunday I absolutely care but not so that we can build a big crowd." [01:26:38] (44 seconds)
"I care because I want people who are far from Christ to come and hear about the incredible sacrifice that Jesus has made want them to hear about the incredible love of our Savior because quite honestly he's done enough in me to make me long to see others experience the same thing so today you walked through and you got these cards and I'm asking you to rethink this fresh and new this year." [01:27:32] (43 seconds)
"I'm asking you to look at this through the eyes of the great commission not not through the eyes of pastor just wants us to get more people in church do I want you to get more people in church absolutely so that we can reach more people in the gospel and as you begin to look through this I want you to think about the folks that you know the folks that you're close to the folks that surrounding you." [01:28:49] (29 seconds)
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