Embracing Our Identity as Givers in Christ
Summary
In today's gathering, we explored the profound theme of giving, rooted deeply in our identity as followers of Christ. We celebrated the graduation of Louise Hatchman from kids' church, marking a significant milestone in her spiritual journey. This celebration set the tone for our discussion on the essence of being a giver, a trait that is embedded in our spiritual DNA. As believers, we are called to be givers because the greatest giver of all, God, resides within us. This new life in Christ compels us to give, reflecting the generous nature of our Heavenly Father.
Our key scripture from Malachi 3:10 emphasizes the blessings that come from bringing our tithes into the storehouse. This act of obedience opens the windows of heaven, pouring out blessings beyond measure. We also delved into Deuteronomy 26:12, which instructs us on the purpose of tithing: to support the Levites, strangers, fatherless, and widows. This principle of giving is not just a ritual but a divine mandate that sustains the church and extends God's love to those in need.
The story of Abraham and Melchizedek in Genesis 14:18-20 illustrates the ancient practice of tithing. Abraham's encounter with Melchizedek, a priest and king, highlights the spiritual significance of giving a tenth of his spoils. This act of faith and obedience was rewarded with blessings, underscoring the principle that God honors those who give with a pure heart.
In Hebrews 7, we see the connection between Melchizedek and Jesus Christ, our eternal high priest. This reinforces the continuity of God's plan from the Old Testament to the New Testament, where giving remains a vital expression of our faith. The narrative of Abraham's victory and subsequent blessing by Melchizedek serves as a reminder that our victories and blessings come from God, not from worldly sources.
As we reflect on these scriptures, we are reminded that giving is not just about financial contributions but about being faithful and obedient stewards of God's resources. Our giving supports the church's mission, enables outreach to the needy, and ultimately brings glory to God. Let us continue to be cheerful givers, trusting that God will provide for all our needs and reward our faithfulness.
Key Takeaways:
1. Giving as a Reflection of God's Nature: Our identity as givers is rooted in the nature of God, the greatest giver. This divine DNA compels us to give generously, reflecting God's love and grace to the world. Our giving is an act of worship and obedience, aligning us with God's heart. [01:09:06]
2. The Principle of Tithing: Tithing is a biblical principle that sustains the church and supports those in need. It is an act of faith and obedience that opens the windows of heaven, allowing God to pour out blessings beyond measure. Our tithes are a tangible expression of our trust in God's provision. [01:12:47]
3. The Story of Abraham and Melchizedek: Abraham's encounter with Melchizedek illustrates the spiritual significance of tithing. By giving a tenth of his spoils, Abraham acknowledged God's role in his victory and received a blessing. This story reminds us that our blessings come from God, not from worldly sources. [01:16:18]
4. Faithfulness, Obedience, and Reward: The formula of faithfulness, obedience, and reward is evident throughout scripture. God honors those who are faithful and obedient, rewarding them with blessings. Our giving is an expression of this faithfulness, leading to spiritual and material rewards. [01:18:25]
5. The Impact of Our Giving: Our giving supports the church's mission and enables outreach to the needy. It is a vital part of our spiritual journey, allowing us to participate in God's work on earth. As we give cheerfully, we trust that God will provide for all our needs and use our contributions to further His kingdom. [01:34:08]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [01:09:06] - Opening Prayer and Introduction
- [01:12:47] - The Principle of Tithing
- [01:16:18] - Abraham and Melchizedek
- [01:18:25] - Faithfulness and Obedience
- [01:34:08] - The Impact of Giving
- [01:36:00] - Closing Scripture and Prayer
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Malachi 3:10
2. Deuteronomy 26:12
3. Genesis 14:18-20
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Observation Questions:
1. What does Malachi 3:10 say about the blessings associated with bringing tithes into the storehouse? How does this relate to the concept of giving as discussed in the sermon? [01:09:06]
2. According to Deuteronomy 26:12, who are the beneficiaries of the tithes, and what is the purpose of this practice? [01:12:47]
3. In Genesis 14:18-20, what was the significance of Abraham giving a tenth of his spoils to Melchizedek? How was this act of giving portrayed in the sermon? [01:16:18]
4. How does the sermon describe the connection between Melchizedek and Jesus Christ as seen in Hebrews 7? [01:16:18]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the act of tithing as described in Malachi 3:10 reflect a believer's trust in God's provision? What does this imply about the nature of faith and obedience? [01:09:06]
2. In what ways does the story of Abraham and Melchizedek illustrate the principle that blessings come from God rather than worldly sources? [01:16:18]
3. How does the sermon explain the continuity of God's plan from the Old Testament to the New Testament regarding giving and tithing? [01:16:18]
4. What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between faithfulness, obedience, and reward in the life of a believer? [01:18:25]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your own giving habits. How do they align with the principle of giving as a reflection of God's nature? What changes might you consider to better reflect this principle in your life? [01:09:06]
2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of tithing to support the church and those in need. How can you actively participate in this practice, and what steps can you take to ensure your contributions are meaningful? [01:12:47]
3. Consider a recent victory or blessing in your life. How can you acknowledge God's role in it, similar to Abraham's acknowledgment through tithing? [01:16:18]
4. The sermon highlights the importance of being a cheerful giver. What are some practical ways you can cultivate a joyful attitude towards giving, even when it feels challenging? [01:34:08]
5. How can you ensure that your giving supports the church's mission and outreach to the needy? Are there specific areas or ministries you feel called to support more intentionally? [01:34:08]
6. Reflect on the concept of faithfulness, obedience, and reward. How can you apply this formula in your daily life to experience both spiritual and material blessings? [01:18:25]
7. The sermon mentions the impact of giving on the church's mission. How can you personally contribute to the church's outreach efforts, and what role do you see yourself playing in furthering God's kingdom? [01:34:08]
Devotional
Day 1: Giving Reflects God's Generous Nature
As followers of Christ, our identity is deeply rooted in the nature of God, who is the ultimate giver. This divine DNA compels us to give generously, reflecting God's love and grace to the world. Our giving is not merely a financial transaction but an act of worship and obedience that aligns us with God's heart. When we give, we mirror the generosity of our Heavenly Father, who gave His only Son for our salvation. This act of giving is a tangible expression of our faith and a testament to the transformative power of God's love in our lives. [01:09:06]
"For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another." (Galatians 5:13, ESV)
Reflection: Who in your life can you serve today through an act of generosity that reflects God's love?
Day 2: Tithing Opens the Windows of Heaven
Tithing is a biblical principle that sustains the church and supports those in need. It is an act of faith and obedience that opens the windows of heaven, allowing God to pour out blessings beyond measure. Our tithes are a tangible expression of our trust in God's provision, demonstrating our reliance on Him rather than on worldly resources. By bringing our tithes into the storehouse, we participate in God's divine economy, where generosity begets abundance and faithfulness is rewarded with spiritual and material blessings. [01:12:47]
"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: What specific step can you take this week to honor God with your finances, trusting Him to provide for your needs?
Day 3: Abraham's Encounter with Melchizedek
The story of Abraham and Melchizedek illustrates the spiritual significance of tithing. By giving a tenth of his spoils, Abraham acknowledged God's role in his victory and received a blessing. This encounter highlights the principle that our blessings come from God, not from worldly sources. Abraham's act of faith and obedience serves as a powerful reminder that when we give with a pure heart, God honors our faithfulness and rewards us with His favor. [01:16:18]
"And Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine. (He was priest of God Most High.) And he blessed him and said, 'Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth; and blessed be God Most High, who has delivered your enemies into your hand!' And Abram gave him a tenth of everything." (Genesis 14:18-20, ESV)
Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to acknowledge God's role in your victories, and how can you express gratitude for His blessings today?
Day 4: Faithfulness, Obedience, and Reward
The formula of faithfulness, obedience, and reward is evident throughout scripture. God honors those who are faithful and obedient, rewarding them with blessings. Our giving is an expression of this faithfulness, leading to spiritual and material rewards. As we remain faithful in our giving, we align ourselves with God's purposes and open ourselves to His abundant provision. This principle encourages us to trust in God's promises and to remain steadfast in our commitment to His kingdom work. [01:18:25]
"And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up." (Galatians 6:9, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area where you need to persevere in faithfulness and obedience, trusting that God will reward your efforts in His perfect timing?
Day 5: The Impact of Our Giving
Our giving supports the church's mission and enables outreach to the needy. It is a vital part of our spiritual journey, allowing us to participate in God's work on earth. As we give cheerfully, we trust that God will provide for all our needs and use our contributions to further His kingdom. This act of generosity not only impacts those who receive but also transforms our hearts, drawing us closer to God's purposes and deepening our relationship with Him. [01:34:08]
"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 intentionally plan your giving this week to support a specific need or mission, trusting that God will use your contribution to make a difference?
Quotes
It's a great day. And there's been a bit of a theme this morning. A bit of a theme about pouring out blessings. The Lord has been a lot of victory. There's a lot of things happening. It's an exciting day. And so, my talk today is about, I am a giver. Today, in my Christian life, I am a giver. And so, so far, we've come, I'm a person of faith in my Christian life. I'm a gifted person. [01:07:31] (36 seconds)
I'm a blesser of people. As we heard last week, I'm a blesser of people. And part of what we do in the church is that we're here because we want to bless people. That's just who we are. We're Jesus Christ to the people. Priests after the order of Melchizedek. You might hear a bit about that today. And who we are are blessers. But we're also givers. We're great givers. That's who we are. [01:08:10] (29 seconds)
Because the new life that's in you is actually the greatest giver of all. Right? He's the greatest giver of all. And that's why you have an urge to give. You've got a new DNA inside. You have a new father. Your new father has given you a new life. And the new life is give, give, give. Hallelujah. Thank you for that. [01:08:50] (25 seconds)
And when you have finished laying aside all the tithe of your increase in the third year, the year of tithing, and have given it to the Levites, the strangers, the fatherless, the widow, so that they may eat within the gates and be filled. This is a part of a long list of instructions given to the Israelites back in the day. [01:11:53] (25 seconds)
It's important to us to realize that this is a thing that we do as it is scriptural. It is also a thing that we do it in accordance to what God's, the things that he's given us. But why do we do tithing? Why do we tithe? Why is it so important? And probably a lot of places you go to, you give offerings, you give tithes. [01:16:56] (23 seconds)
We're faithful and obedient to receive a reward. So if you want a reward, you have to be faithful and obedient. That's how it goes. You can't have one without the other. We don't get rewards just for showing up. Not everybody gets a reward. Not just for showing up. We have to be faithful and obedient. That's how it works. [01:18:22] (25 seconds)
here's a man who just had a massive victory had a huge victory he has massive wealth all the people that he recovered his useless son useless nephew Lot had to go and rescue him again that's what the whole story was about and he ends up with a massive wealth and the king of righteousness comes out and blesses him and acknowledges that it's God who's given him the victory [01:21:43] (33 seconds)
so who benefits from our tithing when we tithe into the house there's a reason why we do this it's and many people over the years have asked me why do you give money to church why would you do such a thing often non -christians just ask because it's one of the biggest deals when it comes to people they ask you for your money I said do you belong to a footy club or anything [01:25:78] (27 seconds)
why I give is one of the things that I is part of what I got to in my meditation I suppose why do I give I mean like I said there's a basic reason I'm a part of a group there's a bigger reason there's a lot of things I cannot do there's a lot of things I can't participate in but as I share my money and I put my time and effort into the church that gives the ability to other people to do things [01:31:48] (34 seconds)
you must each decide in your heart how much to give don't give reluctantly or in response to pressure but God loves a person who gives cheerfully and God will generously provide all your needs and then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over this year with others wow that's that's that's a great that's a great scripture and that's what we've been talking about [01:36:19] (34 seconds)
let's just not read a little bit of scripture let's read a lot of scripture it's pretty exciting because you know God's God's interested in us he really is Malachi 310 we'll read in the New Living Translation bring all your tithes into the storehouse so there will be enough food in my temple if you do there's the Lord of heavens armies I will open the windows of heavens for you and I will pour out a blessing so great you will not have room to take it in [01:40:48] (41 seconds)
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