Embracing Generosity: The Heart of Tithing

Devotional

Day 1: Tithing as a Path to Reverence

Tithing is more than a financial transaction; it is a spiritual practice that cultivates reverence and awe for God. By giving a portion of our resources, we acknowledge God's sovereignty and holiness, recognizing that everything we have is a gift from Him. This act of obedience and humility aligns our hearts with God's purposes, reminding us of our dependence on Him. Tithing is not just about fulfilling a duty but about deepening our relationship with God and honoring Him with what He has entrusted to us. [04:16]

Deuteronomy 14:23 (ESV): "And before the Lord your God, in the place that he will choose, to make his name dwell there, you shall eat the tithe of your grain, of your wine, and of your oil, and the firstborn of your herd and flock, that you may learn to fear the Lord your God always."

Reflection: In what ways can you cultivate a deeper sense of reverence for God through your financial decisions today?

Day 2: Generosity Beyond Obligation

Jesus calls us to move beyond the mere obligation of tithing and embrace a spirit of generosity that reflects God's love and purposes. Tithing is a starting point, but true generosity begins when we give beyond what is expected, aligning our hearts with God's intentions. This kind of giving is not about meeting a requirement but about expressing our love for God and others. As we expand our understanding of generosity, we open ourselves to the abundant life that God promises to those who give cheerfully and selflessly. [12:57]

2 Corinthians 9:7-8 (ESV): "Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 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."

Reflection: How can you practice generosity today in a way that goes beyond obligation and reflects God's love?

Day 3: Breaking the Cycle of Dishonor

Neglecting tithing and dishonoring God can lead to a cycle of hardship and moral decline. When we fail to honor God with our resources, we may experience economic and spiritual challenges. The book of Malachi illustrates the consequences of such neglect, yet it also offers hope. God invites us to return to Him, promising to bless us and protect us from the devourer. By honoring God with our giving, we break the cycle of dishonor and align ourselves with His purposes, experiencing His provision and protection. [13:45]

Malachi 3:10-11 (ESV): "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. 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."

Reflection: What steps can you take today to honor God with your resources and break any cycles of dishonor in your life?

Day 4: Trusting in God's Faithfulness

God invites us to test His faithfulness by being generous. He promises to open the windows of heaven and pour out blessings beyond measure. Our generosity is not transactional but a reflection of God's love and faithfulness. As we trust Him with our finances, we acknowledge that everything we have belongs to Him, and He is responsible for our well-being. By honoring God with our generosity, we become a blessing to others, advancing His kingdom and sharing His love with the world. [36:09]

Proverbs 11:24-25 (ESV): "One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want. Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered."

Reflection: In what area of your life can you test God's faithfulness by stepping out in generosity today?

Day 5: Experiencing Victory Over the Enemy

When we honor God with our giving, He promises to protect us from the devourer. Our generosity not only brings blessings but also safeguards us from spiritual and economic challenges. God desires for us to be a blessed and prosperous people, reflecting His goodness to the world. By trusting Him with our resources, we experience His provision and protection, standing firm against the enemy's schemes. As we give generously, we participate in God's victory and become a testimony of His faithfulness and love. [37:35]

Psalm 91:9-11 (ESV): "Because you have made the Lord your dwelling place—the Most High, who is my refuge—no evil shall be allowed to befall you, no plague come near your tent. For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways."

Reflection: How can you actively trust in God's protection and provision through your giving today?

Sermon Summary

In today's message, we explored the concept of tithing, tracing its roots from the Old Testament to its relevance in our lives today. Tithing, as outlined in the law of Moses, was a practice where the Israelites gave a portion of their income to support the Levites, the place of worship, and the needy. This practice was not merely a legal obligation but a way to cultivate a deep reverence for God, acknowledging His power and holiness. While we are no longer under the law of Moses, the principle of tithing transcends the law, much like the Sabbath, which was established before the law and remains a beneficial practice for believers.

Jesus expanded on the law, teaching us to align our hearts with God's intentions. He calls us to go beyond the letter of the law and embrace a spirit of generosity. In 2 Corinthians, we are reminded that God loves a cheerful giver and promises to provide for us abundantly so that we can share with others. This generosity is not transactional but a reflection of God's love and faithfulness.

The book of Malachi illustrates the consequences of neglecting tithing and dishonoring God. The Israelites experienced hardship and moral decline because they failed to honor God with their offerings. Yet, God, in His mercy, invites us to return to Him, promising to bless us and protect us from the devourer. Our giving is a spiritual matter, and when we honor God with our resources, we align ourselves with His purposes and experience His provision and protection.

God desires for us to be a generous church, breaking the cycle of dishonor and hardship. By trusting Him with our finances, we acknowledge that everything we have belongs to Him, and He is responsible for our well-being. As we honor God with our generosity, we become a blessing to others, advancing His kingdom and sharing His love with the world.

Key Takeaways

1. Tithing as Reverence: Tithing is not just a legal obligation but a practice that cultivates reverence and awe for God. It acknowledges His power and holiness, leading us to obedience and humility. By tithing, we recognize that everything we have belongs to God, and we honor Him with our resources. [04:16]
2. Generosity Beyond the Law: Jesus teaches us to expand our understanding of the law, moving from mere obligation to a heart of generosity. Tithing is a starting point, but true generosity begins when we give beyond what is expected, aligning our hearts with God's love and purposes. [12:57]
3. The Cycle of Dishonor and Hardship: Neglecting tithing and dishonoring God leads to a cycle of hardship and moral decline. When we fail to honor God with our resources, we experience economic and spiritual challenges. Breaking this cycle requires returning to God and honoring Him with our giving. [13:45]
4. God's Faithfulness and Provision: God invites us to test His faithfulness by being generous. He promises to open the windows of heaven and pour out blessings beyond measure. Our generosity is not transactional but a reflection of God's love, and He desires to bless us so we can bless others. [36:09]
5. Victory Over the Enemy: When we honor God with our giving, He promises to protect us from the devourer. Our generosity not only brings blessings but also safeguards us from spiritual and economic challenges. God desires for us to be a blessed and prosperous people, reflecting His goodness to the world. [37:35]
** [37:35]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:35] - Introduction to Tithing
[03:06] - Old Testament Tithing Practices
[04:16] - Fear of the Lord and Tithing
[05:50] - Tithing Beyond the Law
[07:41] - Expanding the Principle of Tithing
[12:57] - Generosity Starts at 11%
[13:45] - The Cycle of Dishonor
[17:36] - Consequences of Neglecting Tithing
[20:05] - Hardship and Moral Decline
[21:15] - Taking Matters into Our Own Hands
[25:13] - Maintaining Righteousness
[27:01] - Returning to God
[28:23] - Robbing God
[31:41] - Spiritual Matters of Giving
[33:44] - Blessing Others Through Generosity
[36:09] - Testing God's Faithfulness
[37:35] - Victory Over the Enemy
[39:58] - Conclusion and Prayer

Sermon Clips

Tithing is recognizing and having an awe of God and recognizing his power, leading us to obedience. So when it says doing this will teach you always to fear the Lord, paying tithes teaches us that God is holy and we are to be obedient to his will. [00:04:50] (24 seconds)

Christ accomplished the purposes of the law. He fulfilled the law and we are made righteous through him and not by the law. So Carlton, what gives with tithes? I'm glad you asked. One thing we have to understand is tithing pre-existed the law. [00:05:50] (20 seconds)

We do not tithe to be righteous, but because we are made righteous, we want our finances to align with this biblical principle. So let's talk a little bit about tithing. Should we tithe? Yeah, and you are. Slow. Come on, guys. Should we tithe? Yes, and beyond yes. [00:07:41] (24 seconds)

It got so bad that the priest allowed this to happen and developed the practice themselves. From the pastors down to the people, they were unfaithful and unjust and dishonored God. But we don't do that here at DC, right? We don't dig in our purse and get the change. [00:16:23] (20 seconds)

But the reality is that everything that you own, everything that you have belongs to him. That's how he can say that you have robbed him. All of your money, all of your possessions, all of your assets, your savings, your investments, your retirement, everything belongs to God. [00:28:54] (21 seconds)

God says, test his faithfulness in providing for you and people in need. Test him. He says he dares you to follow the biblical principle of generosity and see what he provides for you and take care of people in need. [00:36:09] (17 seconds)

God wants us to be a generous church. He doesn't want us to fall into the cycle of dishonoring God, falling into hardship, putting on a show, putting on a show. He doesn't want us to be in our morals in question that continues to dishonor God. [00:39:35] (17 seconds)

God, we give you adoration and praise today not only do we worship you with our lives, God, but we worship you with our money and our possessions because you call us to be a generous people. [00:40:26] (15 seconds)

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