A Higher Standard; Malachi 3:8-10
Throughout the years, God has released great blessings when his children whole-heartedly followed him. Proverbs 3:5-10. What a great promise from Scripture! Do you realize that this promise still applies to us today?
The book of Malachi reveals how important the tithe is to God. When his people refused to honor him with their wealth, God said they were stealing from him: Malachi 3:8-10…
God’s word says that when his people obeyed him by tithing, he would bless. But when they refused to follow his wishes regarding their giving, the Bible says they fell “under a curse.”
Sometimes, Christians get swept up in a debate over whether or not we’re required to tithe, when that’s not the real question. The real question is, does the promise of Malachi 3:9-10 still apply today?
There is not a passage in the New Testament that rescinded this promise, just as I have found no N.T. passage that ever rescinded God’s rainbow promise about a flood.
Do you believe God will never destroy the earth by water again? How do you know? Your confidence is based on the promise found in Genesis 9. This promise did not have to be restated in the New Testament in order to be valid today, just as the promise of Proverbs 3:5-6 about guidance did
not have to be restated.
God’s promise in regard to tithing is no different. Our decision to give 10% of our income back to God reflects our faith in Him as the source of all our blessings. This kind of faith pleases the Lord and brings abundant blessing.
I. ¬ Tithing motivates greater faithfulness.
Did you know that Jesus taught his followers to live by a higher standard than the one given in the O.T.? Jesus contrasted the requirements of the Law with the plan for his followers.
I want to see which is the higher standard, the Law of Moses or the way of Christ?
OT: Do not murder ¬ NT: Anyone who hates his brother is a murderer.
OT: Do not commit adultery ¬ NT: Anyone who lusts after a woman in his heart commits
OT: Do not swear falsely by God’s name ¬ NT: Do not swear at all.
OT: Lev. 27:32, “whatever passes under the rod, the tenth shall be holy unto the LORD.” Luke 11:42; 2 Corinthians 9:6-9; Acts 2:44-45.
Jesus’ way always calls for greater faithfulness and commitment than was required in the O. T. Can giving possibly be an exception? No one who wants to be faithful to God would ever think of doing less than the O.T. believers. When it comes to tithing, we all too often think that Christ didn’t come to fulfill it, but to destroy it.
That isn’t the case. Hebrews 10:1 says, “The law is only a shadow of the good things that are coming-- not the realities themselves.”
By giving their tithes, the Israelites were proclaiming that they were giving back to the Lord a portion of that which he had prospered them. Just as God had given his people the food and resources they needed for their existence, by tithing the people were imitating him by giving their God-given food and resources to the slaves, the poor, the sojourners, the orphans, and the widows. Thus, tithing was the means God gave the Israelites to express their love to God for all he had given them and to express their love to their neighbor as God had expressed his love to them.
Surely as recipients of the “good things,” we are called to do the same today!
How does tithing motivate greater faithfulness? Matthew 6:21, “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” You say you love God with all your heart, why isn’t your treasure there?
II. ¬ Tithing releases God’s financial blessings.
Look again at Malachi 3:10, This is one of the most remarkable passages in the whole Bible. God actually told his people to test him. I don’t believe in the possess what you confess mentality, Car accident – He’s been faithful… Matthew 6:33, “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and (1) all these things will be added to you.”
III.¬ Tithing expands Kingdom work.
Did you know that the average percentage of Christian giving is only 2.5%? It doesn’t take a mathematical genius to see that church-wide tithing would allow ministry efforts to virtually explode.
You all know that we are looking into selling and relocating. But I know that many are worried that we will not be able to pay the bills. I believe it is a lack of faith on the part of the church. I also believe that the lack of giving is a lack of faith on the part of the church. If every member would trust Christ fully and give faithfully as God has prospered us we would easily be able to relocate & pay the bills.
Think of it - the average giving is 2.5%. That doesn’t sound like we are living by a greater standard as N.T. Christians. If everyone generously as the N.T. tells us to we would be able to do more for the cause of Christ.
I don’t like it but we all know ministry costs money. Even Jesus and the disciples had a treasurer… I’m probably preaching to the choir…
Conclusion: I hate asking for money, taking up the offering, but maybe that ought to change - for giving is an act of worship, giving expands opportunity for ministry.
