Giving

(Stand for the reading of the word and turn to Malachi 3:6-12

While you are turning….let me tell you I appreciate this church and every person in it. You are a very giving church, there is no doubt about it and I have battled with even speaking on the subject of money. This church has shown it is very sacrificial in fact the other night Bro. Sams and Bro. McCrary mentioned this church has sacrificed for pioneering of churches with the giving of a pastor. I don’t want you to think I am pointing fingers at anyone, but this month in the Heartland Conference is Stewardship month….I haven’t mentioned it because I know all of you already understand what giving is….you give, give and then give some more.

Mal 3:7 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?

Mal 3:8 Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings.

Mal 3:9 Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation.

Mal 3:10 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.

Mal 3:11 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.

Mal 3:12 And all nations shall call you blessed: for ye shall be a delightsome land, saith the LORD of hosts.

Kenneth Sauer points out Although the Mosaic Law remained in effect for 15 centuries, from the time of Moses to the time of Christ’s death at Calvary, the people often ignored, defied, or buried it.

When their spiritual life was low, their giving fell off, and when they were spiritually revived, their giving rose again.

God sent prophets, such as Malachi, to warn them about their backslidings and invite them to return to Him.

With their return, God promised to meet them in reconciliation.

God has a special place for His children to bring their tithes and offerings.

In the wilderness, the Israelites brought them to the Tabernacle.

Today, the designated place is the local church.

In Vs. 7 MHC here is God’s controversy with the men of that generation, for deserting his service and robbing him--wicked servants indeed, that not only run away from their Master, but run away with their Master’s goods.

At the end of Malachi 2, Israel complained that God seemed to reward the wicked and did not exercise His justice in the world. God responds to their complaint by saying, "I will set things right with My Messiah, and before Him will come My messenger."

God wants to prepare his people for his coming and part of his preparation is showing God your willing in every part of your life. Money is a big part of our every day life and how we use it or if we abuse it….effects every thing around us.

1. Our Attitude must be Christ like

2. Our Amount should be Correct

3. Our Ability to give should be a Concern (Priority)

1. Is Our Attitude must be Christ like

a. Leland Patrick The subject of money and religion has been hotly debated over the years. There have been abuses of this subject. There have been distortions of this subject. No matter which way you examine the subject, it is a subject the Bible discusses in great detail. Jesus had more to say about money than about Heaven.

b. A. In Malachi we observe some improper attitudes. The people to whom Malachi wrote were struggling with their attitude. They doubted God’s love.

c. In “Mal 1:2 I have loved you, saith the LORD. Yet ye say, Wherein hast thou loved us? " (KJV) They were bored with serving God.

d. In chapter 1 verse 13 we read “Behold, what a weariness is it!”( KJV) They doubted God’s justice. In Mal 2:17 Ye have wearied the LORD with your words. Yet ye say, Wherein have we wearied him? When ye say, Every one that doeth evil is good in the sight of the LORD, and he delighteth in them; or, Where is the God of judgment? (KJV)

e. Mal 3:7 Even from the days of your fathers ye are gone away from mine ordinances.

f. MHC We have here God’s controversy with the men of that generation, for deserting his service and robbing him--wicked servants indeed, that not only run away from their Master, but run away with their Master’s goods.