Where Is Your Treasure?

Today’s focus is on the invitation to put God first in every area of life, especially in the realm of finances. The principle of tithing is not about legalism or obligation, but about cultivating a heart that trusts God above all else. Tithing is a practical, faith-filled step that teaches us to rely on God’s provision and to recognize Him as the true source of all we have. The “Four-Month Tithe Challenge” is an opportunity to step out in faith, to test God’s promise in Malachi 3:10, and to experience firsthand the reality of His faithfulness.

There are two treasuries: one on earth, which is temporary and vulnerable, and one in heaven, which is eternal and secure. Jesus calls us to invest in the heavenly treasury by being generous, by sowing into the Kingdom, and by supporting the work of the local church. This is not about enriching the church or its leaders, but about aligning our hearts with God’s purposes and participating in His economy. The act of giving is both a spiritual discipline and a means of storing up treasure that will have significance in the age to come.

Faith is always active—it requires risk and obedience. Just as the leper pressed through the crowd to reach Jesus, we are called to take tangible steps of faith in our finances. God’s promises are not automatic; they are accessed through trust and action. The testimonies of God’s provision—whether in the church’s history or in individual lives—demonstrate that when we step out with what little we have, God multiplies it and meets needs in ways we could never orchestrate ourselves.

Ultimately, the call is to move beyond a mindset of scarcity and fear, and into a posture of trust and generosity. God is not looking to take from us, but to bless us and to use us as conduits of His blessing to others. The challenge is not just to give, but to give with expectation, to test God’s faithfulness, and to watch Him open the floodgates of heaven.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Tithing is a Faith Response, Not a Legal Obligation The act of tithing is rooted in faith, not in law. It is a way of declaring that God is first in our lives and that we trust Him to provide. The discipline of giving 10% is not about earning God’s favor, but about aligning our hearts with His and participating in His economy of grace. [03:06]
• 2. There Are Two Treasuries—Earthly and Heavenly Jesus teaches that while earthly savings and investments are temporary, there is a heavenly treasury that is eternal. What we sow into the Kingdom—through generosity and supporting God’s work—accumulates as a “heavenly account” that will have significance in the age to come, even if we don’t fully understand how. [12:23]
• 3. Faith Requires Action and Risk Faith is not passive; it always involves a step. Like Peter stepping out of the boat or the leper pressing through the crowd, we must act on what we believe. In the area of finances, this means sowing even when it feels risky, trusting that God will honor our faith and meet our needs. [06:12]
• 4. Generosity Unlocks Joy and Blessing Scripture consistently links generosity with blessing and joy. Giving is not just about meeting needs, but about experiencing the happiness and fulfillment that comes from participating in God’s work. The happiest people are those who give freely, knowing their treasure is secure in heaven. [19:27]
• 5. Testing God in Tithing is Biblically Sanctioned Malachi 3:10 is unique in that God invites us to “test” Him in the area of tithing. This is not presumption, but an invitation to experience God’s faithfulness in a tangible way. Even those who have never tithed before are encouraged to take this step and watch as God proves Himself faithful.
  
  ** [31:00]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [00:36] - The Four-Month Tithe Challenge Invitation
• [01:49] - God’s Unique Invitation to Test Him
• [03:06] - Faith as the Foundation for Giving
• [04:56] - Real Needs and Faith in Action
• [06:12] - Faith Requires Risk and Obedience
• [08:39] - The Heart Behind Generosity
• [11:11] - Earthly vs. Heavenly Treasuries
• [13:11] - Laying Up Treasure for the Coming Age
• [15:37] - The Philippian Church’s Example
• [17:37] - Your Heavenly Account
• [20:11] - Tithing: Law, Grace, and Generosity
• [23:19] - Giving Beyond the Law
• [27:09] - Practical Impact of Tithing
• [31:00] - Testing God and Expecting Testimonies
• [34:51] - Testimonies of God’s Provision
• [36:06] - Letting Jesus Touch Your Finances
• [37:58] - Closing and Next Steps

Bible Reading

Malachi 3:10 (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.

Matthew 6:19-21 (ESV) — > 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.

Philippians 4:17-19 (ESV) — > Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit. I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God. And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

Observation Questions

1. According to Malachi 3:10, what does God invite His people to do, and what does He promise in response?
2. In Matthew 6:19-21, what are the two types of treasuries Jesus talks about, and what is the difference between them?
3. What does Paul say is credited to the Philippians’ “account” because of their generosity? (Philippians 4:17)
4. In the sermon, what is the stated purpose of tithing, according to the paraphrase of Deuteronomy 14:23? [[00:36]]

Interpretation Questions

1. Why do you think God specifically invites us to “test” Him in the area of tithing, but not in other areas? What does this reveal about His heart for us? [[01:49]]
2. Jesus says, “where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” How does our giving reveal what we truly value? [[13:11]]
3. The sermon mentions that faith always requires action and risk, like the leper who pressed through the crowd to reach Jesus. How does this principle apply to our finances? [[06:12]]
4. Paul talks about a “heavenly account” that increases through generosity. What do you think this means for us practically, both now and in eternity? [[17:37]]

Application Questions

1. The sermon challenges us to move from a mindset of scarcity and fear to one of trust and generosity. What are some fears or worries you have when it comes to giving or tithing? How might God be inviting you to trust Him in those areas? [[32:14]]
2. Have you ever “tested” God in the area of tithing or giving, as Malachi 3:10 invites? If so, what was your experience? If not, what holds you back from taking that step? [[31:00]]
3. The “Four-Month Tithe Challenge” is a practical way to step out in faith. What would it look like for you to take a tangible step of faith in your finances over the next four months? [[01:49]]
4. The sermon says that generosity unlocks joy and blessing. Can you share a time when giving brought you unexpected joy or blessing? How did it impact your faith? [[19:27]]
5. Jesus teaches about storing up treasure in heaven. What are some practical ways you can “invest” in your heavenly account this week, whether through finances, time, or other resources? [[12:23]]
6. The pastor shared stories of God’s provision when people stepped out in faith, even with little. Is there an area in your life where you feel you have “little” to offer? How might God use that if you offer it to Him? [[35:29]]
7. The sermon emphasizes that tithing is not about legalism, but about putting God first and trusting Him. How can you guard your heart against giving out of obligation, and instead give out of faith and love? [[03:06]]