Malachi: A Legacy Of Financial Integrity Series

Legacy

Malachi: A legacy of Financial Integrity

Malachi 3:6-15

Part Ten

Intro: Story of the context – 433; sinning like Judges; Malachi is raised up; lots of issues but it focuses on tithing and stewardship; The temple was completed under the leadership of Zerubbabel, Haggai, and Zechariah in 516 B.C. But almost 100 years had passed, and whatever reforms had been instituted were being ignored and spiritual apathy had set in. The people were disregarding the priests and the temple, they were not bringing their tithes and offerings and there was intermarriage with foreigners and divorce taking place.

Why does God make such a big deal about tithing?

Video

1. It’s a heart thing!

Mal 3:6-10 "I the LORD do not change. So you, O descendants of Jacob, are not destroyed. 7 Ever since the time of your forefathers 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?’

8 "Will a man rob God? Yet you rob me.

"But you ask, ’How do we rob you?’

"In tithes and offerings. 9 You are under a curse — the whole nation of you — because you are robbing me. 10 Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house.

NIV

a. All that I am and have is God’s.

Ps 24:1 The earth is the LORD’s, and everything in it,

the world, and all who live in it; NIV

b. Giving to God is a heart response to what God has given me.

Malachi said… “Return to me…” “Don’t rob me…”

Jesus said… Matt 6:21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. NIV

c. Be sure to always keep it a heart thing!

Matt 23:23-24 "Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices — mint, dill and cummin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law — justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former. 24 You blind guides! You strain out a gnat but swallow a camel. NIV

2 Cor 9:6-9 Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 7 Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. NIV

Why does God make such a big deal about tithing?

2. It’s a vision thing.

Mal 3:8-10 "Will a man rob God? Yet you rob me. "But you ask, ’How do we rob you?’ "In tithes and offerings. 9 You are under a curse — the whole nation of you — because you are robbing me. 10 Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse (2 Chron. 31:11-12; Acts 28:10; Rom. 15:27; 1 Cor. 9:5-14; 2 Cor. 9:8f; Gal. 6:6; Phil. 2:29; 1 Tim. 5:3, 17-18) , that there may be food in my house. NIV

a. “Tithing and giving have always been the God appointed means by which His ministry on the earth is funded.” (Gen. 28:22; 14:18-20; Lev. 27:30-32; Matt. 23:23; 2 Cor. 9:6-8; )

b. Our vision statement… In a city…Loving a city…Impacting a city…for Jesus!

c. Is God’s vision for ministry my vision?

d. Do I see this also as a heart issue?

Why does God make such a big deal about tithing?

3. It’s a miraculous thing.

Mal 3:10-12

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 you will not have room enough for it. 11 I will prevent pests from devouring your crops, and the vines in your fields will not cast their fruit," says the LORD Almighty. 12 "Then all the nations will call you blessed, for yours will be a delightful land," says the LORD Almighty.

NIV

a. God “shows up” in a powerful way when we step out in faith.

…see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it.

b. Be careful of an attitude of entitlement. (wealth is relative)

Mal 3:13-15

13 "You have said harsh things against me," says the LORD.

"Yet you ask, ’What have we said against you?’

14 "You have said, ’It is futile to serve God. What did we gain by carrying out his requirements and going about like mourners before the LORD Almighty? 15 But now we call the arrogant blessed. Certainly the evildoers prosper, and even those who challenge God escape.’"