Faithful Stewardship: Unlocking God's Abundant Blessings
Summary
Today, I shared a message centered on the importance of stewardship, faithfulness, and the blessings that follow when we align our lives with God's principles. I began by expressing my joy and anticipation for the blessings that come each time we gather to worship. The presence of God was palpable as we praised and worshipped together, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of God's word.
I introduced the concept of stewardship by inviting everyone to get on the "ship" of stewardship, emphasizing that this isn't just about financial giving, but a holistic approach to managing all that God has entrusted to us. I highlighted the critical nature of returning tithes and offerings to God as a fundamental aspect of our obedience to Him. This act of faith not only acknowledges God's sovereignty over our resources but also opens the door to His blessings.
I delved into the scriptural basis for tithing, referencing Malachi 3, where God challenges us to test Him by bringing our tithes and offerings into the storehouse to see if He will not open the windows of heaven and pour out a blessing we cannot contain. I shared personal testimonies and biblical narratives to illustrate the tangible ways in which God honors this act of obedience.
Moreover, I addressed the consequences of neglecting this divine principle. Drawing from the experiences of the Israelites and their struggles when they turned away from God's commands, I explained how our spiritual health is directly linked to our stewardship. When we withhold what rightfully belongs to God, we not only rob Him but also ourselves of the blessings He desires to give us.
As we moved towards the conclusion, I reiterated the promise of protection and provision for those who are faithful in their stewardship. God's commitment to rebuke the devourer for our sakes is not just about financial prosperity but encompasses all areas of our lives, including health, relationships, and spiritual growth.
In closing, I extended an invitation to everyone to recommit to faithful stewardship, to step into the fullness of life that God offers when we live according to His financial principles. The response was heartening, as many came forward to make this commitment, ready to experience God's faithfulness in new and profound ways.
Key Takeaways:
1. Stewardship as Worship: Stewardship is not merely a financial obligation but an act of worship that acknowledges God's sovereignty over all resources. When we give, we do so not out of compulsion but as a joyful act of worship, recognizing that everything we own is a blessing from God. This perspective transforms giving from a duty to a delight. [08:13]
2. The Principle of First Fruits: God doesn't just ask for any part of our earnings but the first fruits. This principle teaches us to prioritize God in our finances, reflecting our trust in Him to provide for all our needs. By giving God the first portion, we set a pattern of trust and dependence on Him for the rest of our needs. [10:05]
3. Testing God’s Promises: God invites us to test Him in the area of stewardship more explicitly than in any other area. This unique challenge is an opportunity to witness God's faithfulness as we obey His command to bring the full tithe into the storehouse. Experiencing God's provision through obedience builds our faith and deepens our trust in His promises. [29:17]
4. The Consequences of Withholding: Withholding tithes and offerings can lead to spiritual and material lack, as illustrated by the plight of the Israelites when they ignored God's commands. This principle serves as a warning and an encouragement to live in obedience, ensuring we are under God's protection and provision. [25:20]
5. Blessings Beyond Measure: The blessings that follow obedience in stewardship are not limited to material wealth but extend to all areas of life, including spiritual insights, health, and divine protection. These blessings are a testament to God's desire to see His children thrive and be a blessing to others. [30:57]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Malachi 3:7-12 - "Even from the days of your fathers ye are gone away from mine ordinances, and have not kept them. Return unto me, and I will return unto you, saith the Lord of hosts. But ye said, Wherein shall we return? Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings. Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation. Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the Lord of hosts. And all nations shall call you blessed: for ye shall be a delightsome land, saith the Lord of hosts."
2. Psalms 24:1-2 - "The earth is the Lord's, and the fullness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein. For he hath founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the floods."
3. Deuteronomy 8:18 - "But thou shalt remember the Lord thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as it is this day."
#### Observation Questions
1. According to Malachi 3:7-12, what are the consequences of robbing God in tithes and offerings? ([26:25])
2. In Psalms 24:1-2, what does it say about God's ownership of the earth and everything in it? ([11:23])
3. What does Deuteronomy 8:18 remind us about the source of our ability to gain wealth? ([21:23])
4. How did the pastor illustrate the principle of first fruits in the sermon? ([10:05])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does it mean to "test" God in the area of tithes and offerings as mentioned in Malachi 3:10? How does this challenge our faith? ([29:17])
2. How does recognizing God's ownership of everything (Psalms 24:1-2) change our perspective on stewardship and giving? ([12:23])
3. Why is it significant that God gives us the power to get wealth, according to Deuteronomy 8:18? How should this influence our financial decisions? ([21:23])
4. The pastor mentioned that withholding tithes and offerings can lead to spiritual and material lack. How does this principle apply to our daily lives? ([25:20])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your current practice of tithing and giving. Are you giving the first fruits of your income to God? If not, what steps can you take to start doing so? ([10:05])
2. Have you ever experienced a situation where you felt God's blessings as a result of your faithfulness in giving? Share your experience with the group. ([30:57])
3. The pastor shared a personal story about trusting God with financial needs. Can you recall a time when you had to trust God in a similar way? How did it impact your faith? ([45:01])
4. How can you ensure that your giving is done cheerfully and not out of compulsion? What mindset changes might be necessary? ([09:13])
5. Consider the areas of your life where you might be "robbing" God. What changes can you make to align more closely with His principles of stewardship? ([26:25])
6. How can you encourage others in your community or church to embrace the principles of stewardship and experience God's blessings? ([47:48])
7. The pastor mentioned that God's blessings extend beyond financial prosperity to include health, relationships, and spiritual growth. How have you seen this in your own life, and how can you seek these blessings more intentionally? ([30:57])
Devotional
Day 1: Stewardship as an Expression of Worship
Stewardship transcends mere financial transactions; it is an intimate act of worship that recognizes God's absolute sovereignty over all resources. When individuals give, it should emanate from a place of joy and gratitude, acknowledging that every possession is a blessing from the Almighty. This perspective shifts the act of giving from a burdensome duty to a delightful expression of faith, enhancing one's spiritual connection with God. By viewing stewardship as a form of worship, believers can experience a deeper sense of fulfillment and purpose in their spiritual walk. [08:13](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=28R3ny7fo5k&t=478s)
"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 transform your act of giving into a joyful expression of worship this week?
Day 2: Prioritizing God Through First Fruits
The principle of first fruits teaches believers to prioritize God in their finances, symbolizing trust and dependence. By dedicating the first portion of income to God, individuals set a precedent for faith and reliance on His provision for the remainder of their needs. This act of obedience not only honors God but also strengthens the believer's faith, as they actively place God first in every aspect of their lives, including their finances. This commitment can lead to spiritual growth and a deeper understanding of God's sufficiency and faithfulness. [10:05](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=28R3ny7fo5k&t=590s)
"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 does putting God first in your finances look like, and how can you implement this starting today?
Day 3: Experiencing God’s Faithfulness Through Obedience
God uniquely invites us to test His promises through stewardship. This challenge allows believers to witness His faithfulness firsthand as they obey His command to bring the full tithe into the storehouse. Such experiences not only provide material provision but also build trust and deepen the believer's relationship with God. As individuals step out in faith, they can see tangible evidence of God's promises in action, reinforcing their faith and trust in His word. [29:17](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=28R3ny7fo5k&t=1742s)
"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 test God’s promises in your life by being obedient to His commands on stewardship?
Day 4: The Impact of Withholding on Spiritual Health
Withholding tithes and offerings can lead to both spiritual and material deficiencies. This principle is illustrated through the experiences of the Israelites, who faced consequences when they ignored God's commands. By understanding the importance of obedience in stewardship, believers can avoid such pitfalls and ensure they remain under God's protection and provision. This obedience fosters a healthier spiritual life and ensures that believers are aligned with God's will, receiving His blessings in full measure. [25:20](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=28R3ny7fo5k&t=1505s)
"Will man rob God? Yet you are robbing me. But you say, 'How have we robbed you?' In your tithes and contributions." - Malachi 3:8 ESV
Reflection: Are there areas in your life where you might be withholding from God, and how can you begin to address them?
Day 5: Reaping Blessings Beyond Measure
The blessings that follow obedience in stewardship extend far beyond material wealth; they permeate all areas of life, including spiritual insights, health, and divine protection. These blessings are a testament to God's desire for His children to thrive and be a source of blessing to others. By living in obedience to God's financial principles, believers can unlock a life of abundant blessings, experiencing God's faithfulness in profound and unexpected ways. [30:57](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=28R3ny7fo5k&t=1842s)
"And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus." - Philippians 4:19 ESV
Reflection: How can you more fully embrace God’s financial principles to experience His blessings in every area of your life?
Quotes
1. "God told me to invite you to get on the ship so that you can receive the blessings that he has in store for you. So many individuals have missed their blessing. And they have not allowed Jesus to pilot their way. But if you get on the ship today, I guarantee you that you are going to receive a blessing today and every day of your life." [08:13]
2. "God doesn't want us to sit down and just give out of impulse. No. He's given us a plan. Listen to me. Follow me very carefully here. He's given us a plan. And God has given us definite instructions in regard to his tithe. He has specified tithes and offerings as a matter. As a measure of obligation." [09:13]
3. "I want you to get on this ship of blessings that God wants you to have. And he wants your church to shine. He wants us to be the head and not the tail. And then now, here comes the blessing. He says, if I will open you the windows of heaven, these are the blessings, and pour you out a blessing that there shall not be room enough to receive it." [30:57]
4. "I've given you principles to follow. You want to do what the world does. You are following the world, so I can't continue to bless you. Have anybody noticed that every time God's children, the children of Israel that the Bible speaks about, got caught up in idolatry and things like that, he will allow the enemies to come upon them and put them in slavery." [25:20]
5. "Now watch this now. He says, you are cursed with a curse for you have robbed me. He says, even the whole nation has robbed me. Now he begs them, bring ye all the tithe into the storehouse that there may be meat in mine house and prove me now herewith said the Lord of hosts. He says, try me. Bring your tithe to the storehouse and try me. Prove me." [29:17]
6. "He owns. He owns the clothes you have on your back. He owns the car that you drive. And if you don't believe it, just keep fooling around and watch him take it from you. And you'll realize that you need him to help you get it back. Hey, hey, have anybody thought about it? God allows us to breathe the air." [13:06]
7. "Let the church say, Amen. No, let's say, Hallelujah. don't know about you all, but I've already had a worship experience with God. Praise team messed my mind up. Then Brother Hayden took me to heaven. Me and the Lord had a moment. And when he was singing that song, I saw my mom walk past me." [03:27]
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