Faithful Stewardship: The Blessing of Tithing
Summary
In today's sermon, I explored the intricate relationship between our faith and our finances, particularly focusing on the concept of tithing. I began by emphasizing the impossibility of serving two masters, highlighting that one cannot serve both God and money. This foundational truth sets the stage for understanding that our financial stewardship is a reflection of our spiritual priorities.
I shared a personal anecdote about the practicalities of observing the Sabbath and how it requires intentional preparation, drawing a parallel to the discipline of tithing. Just as I prepare for my Sabbath by arranging hay bales for my cattle in advance, so too must we reorganize our finances to prioritize tithing. This may involve making sacrifices, such as foregoing daily luxuries, to ensure that we are obedient to God's call to give.
I delved into the transformative power of Scripture, citing Romans 12:2, which calls us to be transformed by the renewal of our minds. This transformation is not merely intellectual but must lead to tangible changes in our lives, including our approach to money.
I reassured the congregation that the sermon was not born out of financial necessity for the church, as we have been blessed abundantly, but out of obedience to God's prompting and a desire for everyone to experience the fullness of a life surrendered to God. I emphasized that tithing is a test of our priorities every time we receive income, challenging us to put God first.
I then turned to the Scriptures, examining Malachi 3:6-10, which presents tithing as a divine test and a call to trust in God's provision. I explained that tithing is not merely an Old Testament practice but a timeless principle that predates the Mosaic Law, as seen in the life of Abraham.
As I concluded, I encouraged the congregation to listen to the Holy Spirit's conviction, whether about tithing or any other area of life needing change. I led the church in prayer, asking for God's guidance and the strength to live a life fully surrendered to Him.
Key Takeaways:
- Tithing is a test of our faith and priorities. It challenges us to examine whether we truly believe that living with 90% of our income blessed by God is better than 100% without His blessing. This test is not just about money; it's about where our heart lies and who we truly serve. [47:09
- Tithing is a biblical principle that extends beyond the Old Testament law. It was practiced by Abraham and is affirmed by Jesus in the New Testament. This continuity underscores the importance of tithing as an act of worship and obedience throughout the entirety of Scripture. [01:00:51
- Tithing is an act of trust in God's provision. By giving our first fruits, we acknowledge that everything we have comes from God and that He is capable of meeting all our needs. This trust is foundational to a life of faith. [01:04:18
- Tithing is a blessing, not a burden. Those who tithe often testify to the abundant blessings they receive, which are not always financial. Tithing opens the door for God to work in all areas of our lives, providing protection, provision, and peace. [01:07:18
- The practice of tithing requires a surrendered heart. It's not about the amount but the attitude with which we give. A heart fully surrendered to God will see tithing not as an obligation but as a joyful expression of gratitude and trust in the One who provides all things. [01:09:45
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Malachi 3:6-10 - "I the Lord do not change. So you, the descendants of Jacob, are not destroyed. Ever since the time of your ancestors you have turned away from my decrees and have not kept them. Return to me, and I will return to you,” says the Lord Almighty. “But you ask, ‘How are we to return?’ Will a mere mortal rob God? Yet you rob me. “But you ask, ‘How are we robbing you?’ “In tithes and offerings. You are under a curse—your whole nation—because you are robbing me. 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."
2. Romans 12:2 - "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will."
3. Matthew 6:21 - "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
### Observation Questions
1. According to Malachi 3:6-10, what does God promise if we bring the whole tithe into the storehouse?
2. In Romans 12:2, what is the result of being transformed by the renewing of our minds?
3. What does Matthew 6:21 suggest about the relationship between our treasure and our heart?
4. How did the pastor describe the practical steps he takes to prepare for the Sabbath, and how does this relate to tithing? [50:08]
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does God challenge us to "test" Him in the area of tithing according to Malachi 3:10? What does this reveal about His character and our relationship with Him?
2. How does the concept of renewing our minds in Romans 12:2 apply to our approach to finances and tithing? [51:48]
3. What does Matthew 6:21 imply about the priorities in our lives? How can this verse help us evaluate our financial decisions and spiritual priorities?
4. The pastor mentioned that tithing is a test of our priorities and faith. How does this test manifest in our daily lives and financial decisions? [47:09]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your current financial habits. Are there any areas where you might need to reorganize to prioritize tithing? What specific changes can you make this week? [51:48]
2. The pastor shared a personal story about preparing for the Sabbath. How can you apply a similar level of intentionality to your financial stewardship? [50:08]
3. Romans 12:2 talks about being transformed by the renewal of our minds. What steps can you take to allow Scripture to transform your approach to money and giving? [52:19]
4. Consider the idea that tithing is a test of trust in God's provision. Can you recall a time when you trusted God with your finances? What was the outcome, and how did it affect your faith?
5. The pastor emphasized that tithing is not about the amount but the attitude. How can you cultivate a heart of gratitude and trust in your giving? [01:09:45]
6. How does the principle of "where your treasure is, there your heart will be also" challenge you to reassess your financial priorities? What practical steps can you take to align your spending with your spiritual values? [48:19]
7. The pastor mentioned that tithing is a blessing, not a burden. Have you experienced any non-financial blessings as a result of tithing? How can you share these testimonies to encourage others? [01:07:18]
Devotional
Day 1: Faith Over Finances
When considering the intersection of faith and finances, it's essential to recognize that tithing serves as a litmus test for where one's allegiance lies. It's not merely a financial transaction but a spiritual declaration that God's kingdom takes precedence over personal wealth. Tithing is an act of faith, acknowledging that living with 90% of income blessed by God is far superior to keeping 100% without His favor. This principle challenges individuals to reflect on their trust in God's provision and the condition of their hearts. Are they willing to reorder their lives to align with God's priorities, even if it means sacrificing certain comforts or conveniences? Tithing is not just about the act of giving but about the transformation that occurs within when one truly places God above all else. [07:40]
"Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." - Matthew 6:19-21
Reflection: How does your current approach to finances reflect your faith priorities, and what changes might God be calling you to make?
Day 2: Tithing: Worship Through Obedience
Tithing is not a concept confined to the Old Testament; it is a timeless act of worship and obedience that was practiced by the faithful before the Law, such as Abraham, and affirmed by Jesus in the New Testament. This continuity throughout Scripture underscores its significance as an expression of devotion to God. Tithing is not about fulfilling a religious duty but about engaging in a relationship with God that acknowledges His sovereignty and provision. It is a tangible way to honor God with one's resources, demonstrating trust and reverence. By tithing, believers join a long line of the faithful who have recognized God's ownership over all and have chosen to return a portion of what He has entrusted to them. [01:00:51]
"By faith Abel offered to God a more acceptable sacrifice than Cain, through which he was commended as righteous, God commending him by accepting his gifts. And through his faith, though he died, he still speaks." - Hebrews 11:4
Reflection: In what ways does your practice of tithing reflect an act of worship and obedience to God?
Day 3: Trusting God's Provision
Tithing is an act of trust, a declaration that God is the provider of all needs. By giving the first fruits, believers acknowledge that their sustenance and success come from God's hand. This trust goes beyond mere acknowledgment; it is a commitment to depend on God for provision in all circumstances. Tithing is a step of faith, taken in the belief that God will not only provide but will also bless the remaining resources in ways that transcend material wealth. It is a practice that invites God into the financial aspects of life, allowing Him to demonstrate His faithfulness and care. [01:04:18]
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." - Proverbs 3:5-6
Reflection: Can you identify an area in your financial life where you need to trust God more, and how can you take a step toward that trust today?
Day 4: The Blessing of Giving
Many who tithe speak of the blessings that follow, which are not always financial but encompass protection, provision, and peace. Tithing opens the door for God to work in all areas of life, demonstrating that it is more blessed to give than to receive. The act of tithing is a testament to God's promise to care for His people and a reminder that His blessings are not limited to material wealth. The blessings that come from tithing often manifest in unexpected ways, providing a deeper sense of God's presence and faithfulness in one's life. [01:07:18]
"Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you." - Luke 6:38
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you experienced the blessings of giving. How might this encourage you to continue or start tithing?
Day 5: A Heart Surrendered to God
Tithing is not about the amount given but the heart behind the gift. A heart fully surrendered to God sees tithing not as an obligation but as a joyful expression of gratitude and trust. This surrendered heart understands that everything belongs to God and that giving is an opportunity to participate in God's work. Tithing becomes a natural outflow of a life lived in submission to God's will, a life that seeks to honor God in all things, including finances. The surrendered heart finds joy in the act of giving and in the knowledge that it is contributing to the advancement of God's kingdom. [01:09:45]
"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
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find yourself holding back from surrendering to Jesus? What would surrendering this area to Him actually look like in terms of daily habits?
Quotes
"God really does want to be first in your life in every area, he really does. The blessed life that he wants to give us, the Abundant Life that Jesus said that he came for, comes from our obedience." [01:10:56
"I want you to think about Romans 12:2 and very simply the NLT version of it because it makes it really clear says be transformed by allowing God to change the way you think. The NIV version says by the renewing of your mind." [52:19
"God gives tests all the time whether you know them or not. Some of them are character related, some of them are Integrity related, some of those are test of obedience like when you read scripture and you feel the conviction of Holy Spirit." [41:04
"Every time you get paid there's a test and I'm going to show you in Scripture that there's a test that you need to be able to pass." [43:31
"Tithing is actually a two-way test. It's a test for you with your priorities and then God says test me in this as well. Test and see that I won't bless you." [54:03
"Tithing is a test here's number two tithing is biblical. I want to say this up front, there's a lot of people who don't tithe. I am not in any way saying that you're a bad person." [55:46
"Tithers almost always say I am so blessed, the Lord has blessed me abundantly. They have story after story after Story. I could tell you other stories besides Nathaniel's injuries." [01:07:57
"Tithing is a test um Matthew 6:21 says this wherever your treasure is there the desires of your heart will be also. Tithing is really kind of a heart issue more than anything else." [47:09
"Since the people began bringing their gifts to the Lord's Temple we've had enough to eat and plenty to spare. The Lord has blessed his people and all this is left over." [01:06:00
"I don't want it to taint how I feel or how I lead you or how I love you. I don't want to know. I don't have any desire to know. Now with that being said, our board... you have to sign a statement of agreement with the rest of the board part of that agreement is that you are a tither." [57:58
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