Transforming Treasures: From Wealth to Hope in Giving
Summary
In today's gathering, we explored the profound connection between our treasures and our hearts, as illuminated by the scriptures from Malachi 3:8-12 and Luke 12:29-34. These passages challenge us to reflect on our relationship with material wealth and the spiritual act of giving. The essence of our discussion centered on transforming our perception of giving from merely a financial transaction to an act of hope and faith.
We began by acknowledging the discomfort that often accompanies discussions about money in church settings. However, Jesus frequently addressed the topic of money, emphasizing its significance in our spiritual journey. The story of a family critiquing their church experience, only to be reminded by their child of their minimal contribution, humorously highlighted our tendency to undervalue our giving.
The metaphor of a treasure chest was introduced, symbolizing the things we hold dear. Whether it was my childhood collection of silver dollars or my daughter's squishies, these items represented personal treasures. Yet, Jesus calls us to shift our focus from earthly treasures to heavenly ones, where our hearts truly reside. This shift requires us to transform our treasure chests into hope chests, filled with the potential to impact the world for Christ.
To achieve this transformation, we must conduct a "word check," examining what the Bible says about stewardship. Scripture teaches that everything we have belongs to God, and we are merely stewards of His blessings. The tithe, a simple ten percent, is a tangible expression of our obedience and trust in God's provision. It is not a burden but an opportunity to participate in God's work through the local church.
Furthermore, giving requires a "heart check." It is not about earning salvation but about aligning our hearts with God's priorities. Our willingness to give reflects our spiritual health and commitment to God's kingdom. As we give, we demonstrate our faith in God's promises, trusting that He will provide for our needs.
Finally, giving involves a "faith check." In times of financial uncertainty, stepping out in faith to tithe can be challenging. Yet, God invites us to test Him in this area, promising to pour out blessings beyond measure. This act of faith not only blesses others but also strengthens our own trust in God's goodness.
As we conclude, let us commit to turning our treasure chests into hope chests, filled with the potential to bring hope and transformation to a world in need of Jesus.
Key Takeaways:
1. Transforming Treasures into Hope: Our earthly treasures often reflect where our hearts lie. By shifting our focus from accumulating material wealth to investing in God's kingdom, we transform our treasure chests into hope chests, filled with the potential to impact the world for Christ. [34:48]
2. Biblical Stewardship: The Bible calls us to be stewards of God's blessings, recognizing that everything we have belongs to Him. Tithing, a simple ten percent, is an act of obedience and trust, allowing us to participate in God's work through the local church. [37:08]
3. Heart Alignment: Giving is not about earning salvation but aligning our hearts with God's priorities. Our willingness to give reflects our spiritual health and commitment to God's kingdom, demonstrating where our true treasure lies. [42:22]
4. Faith in Action: In times of financial uncertainty, tithing requires faith. God invites us to test Him in this area, promising to pour out blessings beyond measure. This act of faith not only blesses others but also strengthens our trust in God's provision. [46:35]
5. Hope for the World: By turning our treasure chests into hope chests, we contribute to a world in need of Jesus. Our giving supports ministries that bring hope and transformation, making a tangible difference in the lives of others. [50:45]
Youtube Chapters:
- [0:00] - Welcome
- [28:40] - Reading from Malachi
- [29:50] - Reading from Luke
- [30:40] - Consecration and Commitment
- [31:30] - Jesus and Money
- [32:08] - The Story of the Dollar
- [32:46] - The Treasure Chest
- [34:10] - Where Your Treasure Is
- [35:47] - Turning Treasure into Hope
- [36:26] - The Word Check
- [37:48] - Understanding Tithing
- [39:10] - The Local Church Storehouse
- [40:48] - Giving Hope to the World
- [41:31] - The Heart Check
- [46:35] - The Faith Check
- [50:45] - God's Provision and Blessing
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Malachi 3:8-12
- Luke 12:29-34
- Psalm 24:1
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Observation Questions:
1. What does Malachi 3:8-12 say about the consequences of withholding tithes and offerings from God? How does this passage describe God's response to faithful giving? [28:40]
2. In Luke 12:29-34, what does Jesus instruct us to seek first, and what promise does He give if we do so? How does this relate to the concept of treasure? [29:50]
3. How does the sermon illustrate the idea of a "treasure chest" versus a "hope chest"? What personal examples were shared to explain this metaphor? [34:10]
4. According to the sermon, what is the significance of conducting a "word check" when it comes to giving? How does this relate to the concept of stewardship? [36:26]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of stewardship in Psalm 24:1 challenge our understanding of ownership and responsibility over our possessions? What implications does this have for our daily lives?
2. The sermon mentions that giving is not about earning salvation but aligning our hearts with God's priorities. How does this perspective change the way we view our financial contributions to the church? [42:22]
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that tithing is a test of faith, especially during times of financial uncertainty? How does this align with God's invitation to "test" Him in Malachi 3:10? [46:35]
4. Reflect on the story shared in the sermon about the unexpected financial provision. How does this story illustrate the principle of God's provision and faithfulness? [49:22]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your current "treasure chest." What are the earthly treasures you hold dear, and how might you begin transforming them into a "hope chest" for God's kingdom? [34:10]
2. Consider your current approach to tithing. How does the idea of a "word check" challenge or affirm your understanding of biblical stewardship? What steps can you take to align your giving with biblical principles? [36:26]
3. The sermon emphasizes the importance of a "heart check" in giving. How can you assess whether your heart is aligned with God's priorities? What changes might be necessary to reflect this alignment in your financial decisions? [41:31]
4. In times of financial uncertainty, how can you exercise faith in God's provision through your giving? What practical steps can you take to trust God more fully in this area? [46:35]
5. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's provision in an unexpected way. How did this experience impact your faith, and how can it encourage you to trust God with your finances today? [49:22]
6. How can you actively contribute to turning your church's "treasure chest" into a "hope chest" that brings hope and transformation to your community? What specific actions can you take to support this mission? [50:45]
7. Identify one area in your life where you can practice generosity beyond financial giving. How can you use your time, talents, or resources to make a difference in the lives of others this week?
Devotional
Day 1: Transforming Earthly Treasures into Heavenly Hope
Our earthly treasures often reflect where our hearts lie. By shifting our focus from accumulating material wealth to investing in God's kingdom, we transform our treasure chests into hope chests, filled with the potential to impact the world for Christ. This transformation is not just about reallocating resources but about a profound change in perspective. It involves recognizing that the things we hold dear on earth are temporary and that true value lies in what we invest in eternity. As we align our priorities with God's, we find that our hearts naturally follow, leading us to a life of purpose and fulfillment. [34:48]
"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, ESV)
Reflection: What is one earthly treasure you hold dear that you can begin to transform into a heavenly hope by investing it in God's kingdom today?
Day 2: Embracing Biblical Stewardship
The Bible calls us to be stewards of God's blessings, recognizing that everything we have belongs to Him. Tithing, a simple ten percent, is an act of obedience and trust, allowing us to participate in God's work through the local church. This act of stewardship is not about fulfilling a religious obligation but about acknowledging God's sovereignty over our lives. It is a tangible expression of our faith and trust in His provision, reminding us that we are merely caretakers of His resources. As we faithfully steward what God has entrusted to us, we become active participants in His redemptive work in the world. [37:08]
"As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ." (1 Peter 4:10-11, ESV)
Reflection: How can you practice better stewardship of the resources God has entrusted to you, and what specific steps can you take to begin tithing faithfully?
Day 3: Aligning Our Hearts with God's Priorities
Giving is not about earning salvation but aligning our hearts with God's priorities. Our willingness to give reflects our spiritual health and commitment to God's kingdom, demonstrating where our true treasure lies. This alignment requires a heart check, where we examine our motives and desires, ensuring they are in line with God's will. As we give, we are reminded that our lives are not our own, and we are called to live for something greater than ourselves. This heart alignment leads to a deeper relationship with God and a more meaningful life. [42:22]
"Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life. Put away from you crooked speech, and put devious talk far from you. Let your eyes look directly forward, and your gaze be straight before you." (Proverbs 4:23-25, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of your life where your heart's desires may not align with God's priorities, and how can you begin to realign them today?
Day 4: Exercising Faith in Times of Uncertainty
In times of financial uncertainty, tithing requires faith. God invites us to test Him in this area, promising to pour out blessings beyond measure. This act of faith not only blesses others but also strengthens our trust in God's provision. It is a bold step that challenges us to rely on God's promises rather than our own understanding. As we exercise faith in giving, we experience God's faithfulness in new and profound ways, deepening our relationship with Him and increasing our confidence in His goodness. [46:35]
"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. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil." (Proverbs 3:5-7, ESV)
Reflection: What is one financial concern you are currently facing, and how can you step out in faith to trust God with it today?
Day 5: Bringing Hope to a World in Need
By turning our treasure chests into hope chests, we contribute to a world in need of Jesus. Our giving supports ministries that bring hope and transformation, making a tangible difference in the lives of others. This act of generosity is not just about meeting physical needs but about sharing the love and hope of Christ with those who are lost and hurting. As we give, we become conduits of God's grace, extending His kingdom and bringing light to the darkest corners of the world. [50:45]
"Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover him, and not to hide yourself from your own flesh?" (Isaiah 58:6-7, ESV)
Reflection: Who is one person or community in need that you can support through your giving, and how can you take action to bring hope to them today?
Quotes
1) "And we like to instead think of money and things like that as our treasure and things that we put in our treasure chest. But I don't want us to see giving as a treasure chest. I want us to turn this treasure chest into a hope chest. Because when you give to God, when you give what God has instructed us... When we give what God has instructed us to give, and that's our tithe, whenever we give even over and above, we are turning this from a place that collects our treasure to a place that is collecting hope for a world that really needs Jesus. Amen? I don't think any of us can argue. All you have to do is watch five minutes of the news and you know that this world needs Jesus." [35:47] (50 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2) "If we are going to think about giving, then we need to look and see what the Word tells us about giving. And God's Word is very plain about giving. In fact, it tells us that we are called to be stewards. In Psalm 24, verse 1, it says that the earth is the Lord's in all its fullness. That means everything that we have, everything that we've even worked for, it belongs to God. Everything that He's blessed us with, whether it's a car or a house or a good health, all of those things belong to God. That's what the Bible tells us. And so we are managers. That's where that word steward comes from, that we use stewardship." [36:26] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3) "And so just think about those two things. God made it easy. He said ten percent to the local church. You know, when we give, this gives hope to the world because the good news... The good news is that when you give to your local church, it is what makes possible the videos that you saw a while ago. That is what makes it possible for your children's ministry, for your kids to grow up to know about Jesus. That's what makes it possible for the senior adult ministry to be done. That's what makes it possible for Habitat for Humanity. All of those things that are giving hope to people. We make this a hope chest. Instead. Instead of a treasure chest." [40:03] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4) "And y'all been talking about the heart. And whenever it comes to tithing, we really have to ask ourselves where our hearts are. Tithing... Now, I want you to know, tithing does not determine your salvation. I've had people ask me that before. Tim, if I don't give a tithe, does that mean I'm not going to heaven? No. Tithing is a work that we do in obedience to the scripture, in obedience to God. That is not what decides whether we go to heaven or hell. Ephesians chapter 2 verse 9 says it like this. For we are saved by grace through faith, and not by works which any man may boast. Tithing does not depend, I mean, does not decide where we spend eternity. The grace of God that we receive and accept in our life, that's what decides that." [42:22] (50 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5) "There is no doubt that whenever you're talking about money and especially in a time that there's been just a little bit of inflation right just look no no there's been a lot of inflation I mean I know I mean you know used to a hundred dollars would get you a lot now to get you like two bagels and a cup of coffee at certain places anyway but but but no I know it and it's especially a faith check for us to say that 10 percent of what we make is being given back to God that that takes faith it means trusting him with it but I love this malachi verse uh verse uh malachi 3 verse 10 I love it for several reasons listen to it bring the full tithe into the storehouse so that there may be food in my house and thus put me to the test says the lord of hosts see that if I and see that if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you and obey An overflowing blessing." [46:35] (64 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6) "This is the only place in Scripture where God says, test me, test me. This is the only place in Scripture where God says, go ahead, double dog dare me. Just try me in this. And he says, when we give our tithe to the storehouse, he says, test me and see, won't I pour out a blessing that will be overflowing in your life. Now let me just go ahead and say, that blessing that God pours out doesn't mean that we're going to have a brand new house tomorrow. It doesn't mean that we're going to be in a Rolls Royce, all right? I don't want you to hear it in that way. But what it does mean is that when we step out in faith and give, even when it's hard to give, when we give, even when it's sacrificial, even when it may mean that we need to eat a few meals of oodles of noodles, y'all like those things? I actually like them pretty good, those ramen noodles, you know. But anyway, even when it means that, he's saying, I'm going to pour out a blessing. He's saying, I'm going to take care of you." [47:41] (71 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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