E-Free Church - Gaylord Campus
When we take steps forward we make progress! In our message series, STEPS, we will all look to take a step forward in 5 areas of growth in our walk with the Lord.
Malachi 3:7-9 NASB1995
Key Word #1 – RETURN (v7)
The pattern of Israel is continually resisting God’s command
If they would return to the Lord, God would return to them
Israel asks, “How shall we return?” (shows their own delusion)
Giving was one of the areas where they needed to return
Key Word #2 – ROBBERY (v8-9)
The CRIME (v8)
Israel was guilty of robbing God in tithes and offerings
The word “rob” occurs only here and in Proverbs 22:22The word means “to defraud” or to “take forcibly”God says, “When it comes to tithes and offerings, you have defrauded me by taking forcibly what is mine”
Why talk about money?
God is the owner – I’m the manager (Psalm 24:1)
We live forever through our giving (Matthew 6:19-20)
Stewardship produces spiritual growth (Matthew 6:21)
God deserves the fist of everything (Proverbs 3:9-10)
Psalms 24:1 NASB1995
Proverbs 3:9-10 NASB1995
Matthew 6:19-21 NASB1995
Tithing in the Old Testament
The word “tithe” literally means “one-tenth”Abraham paid tithes to Melchizedek (Genesis 14:20)
Jacob promised God a tithe (Genesis 28:20-22)
Tithing was an official part of the Law (Leviticus 27:30-33)
Israel actually paid a minimum of 23% yearly in tithes
10% yearly to the Priests (Leviticus 27)
10% yearly for the festivals (Numbers 18)
10% every 3rd year for the poor (Deuteronomy 14)
Israel also gave offerings above their tithe
Tithing in the New Testament
We are to give sacrificially (Mark 12:41-44; John 6:1-13)
We are to give systematically (1 Corinthians 16:1-2)
We are to give generously (2 Corinthians 9:6)
We are to give cheerfully (2 Corinthians 9:7)
John 6:1-13 NASB1995
Mark 12:41-44 NASB1995
1 Corinthians 16:1-2 NASB1995
2 Corinthians 9:6-7 NASB1995
The CONSEQUENCE (v9)
God cursed Israel through crop failure (Deuteronomy 28:38-40)
By robbing God they were also robbing themselves
Malachi 3:10-12 NASB1995
The PRESCRIPTION (v10)
The TITHE involved
What? Bring the whole tithe (The problem wasn’t just not giving, it was not giving what they should – same true today)
Where? Into the storehouse (today this is the local church)
The TEST involved
Test me through obedience in tithes and offerings
See if I won’t open the windows of heaven and pour out a blessing on you until it overflows
You can’t out give God (Luke 6:38)
The PROMISE (v11-12)
For Israel this blessing included taking the locusts away and providing good crops so that other nations would notice
God blesses those who give Biblically (Matthew 6:33; Acts 4:31-35; 2 Corinthians 9:6-12; Galatians 6:6; Philippians 4:14-19)
90% + B > 100% - B
Until God has control of all of my life, I am out of control (Romans 12:12)
WHAT STEP WILL YOU TAKE?
Step 1: Give 10% for one week
Step 2: Give 10% for four consecutive weeks
Step 3: Give a one-time best gift