Title: “Money Matters Basics: Tithing” Scripture: Mal. 3:6-12
Type: Topical Where: GNBC 11-10-24
Intro: “Alfred Nobel was a Swedish chemist who made a fortune by inventing dynamite and explosives for weapons. When Nobel’s brother died, a newspaper accidentally printed Alfred’s obituary instead. He was described as a man who became rich by enabling people to kill each other with powerful weapons. Shaken by this assessment, Nobel resolved to use his fortune to reward accomplishments that benefited humanity, including what we now know as the Nobel Peace Prize. Let us put ourselves in Nobel’s place. Let us read our own obituary, not as written by people but as would be written from heaven’s point of view. Then let us use the rest of our lives to edit that obituary into what we really want it to be.” (Crown Financial p. 168) Have you ever thought about the eternal impact your finances can and should have as a believer? Do you know what God’s minimum standard is for the faithful Christian to give?
Prop: Examining Mal. 3:6-12 we’ll better understand God’s requirement of the tithe.
BG: 1. November is Stewardship Month. Today is part 2 in “Money Matters Basics”. Discuss tithing. What is tithing? Dedication of 10% of one’s income to the Lord’s work.
Prop: Let’s Exam. Mal. 3 to understand God’s requirement to tithe.
I. Tithing Distinctly Demonstrates the Disparity Between God & Man’s Character. vv.6-7
A. Assurance of God’s Immutability Should Encourage the Christian to Trust His Faithfulness.
1. Ultimately the challenge to honor God with our resources is based on our understanding and trust in His faithfulness.
a. “I do not change…” Theologians call this the “immutability of God. God’s nature doesn’t change. God’s requirements don’t change. God’s definitions don’t change. God’s standards don’t change. Sometimes the Bible uses anthropomorphic language to give the appearance of change so we can understand better His response. However, God’s fundamental nature does not change. Gives us absolute confidence in Him and His faithfulness. Illust – Unstable people happy one moment and fly off the handle the next. No confidence in them or their response. No the case with God.
b. One of the modern arguments against tithing is the assertion that God has a different standard in the OT as opposed to the NT. “Tithing is OT Law but we are NT Christians and we are under grace.” Really? Tithing preceded the OT Law by hundreds of years. Illust: The first instance of tithing we see in the OT is in Genesis 14:18-20, where Abraham gives a tithe to Melchizedek (Who was a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ), the priest-king of Salem, in appreciation for Abraham’s victorious battle. Now, I want us to really carefully think this through…If Malachi under Divine inspiration begins this section which is about tithing, with a reference to God’s immutable character, and he is chastising Israel for not tithing because God doesn’t change, the argument for a different basic minimal standard of the tithe in the NT is ludicrous and the exact opposite of what he is declaring in this passage.
2. God addresses the Character of His disobedient people.
a. Notice the name God calls disobedient Israel by in this passage: “Jacob”. The response to the nation as “Jacob” and not “Israel” here is purposeful. The name “Israel” means “God perseveres” or “Prince of God” or even “Prevails with God”. The name “Jacob” meant: “To supplant, overreach, or circumvent”. Literally “heel grabber” because as Jacob was being born in Gen. 25:26, he grasped the heel of his twin brother Esau. “Israel” was the name he was given after a lifetime of deceitful living after the long night of his soul when he finally decided to trust his life and future to God completely (Gen. 32:27ff).
b. Illust: Some of you may be thinking: “Why the history lesson Chris?” It’s vital to see that God is calling Israel by their old name. They are living carnally. They are not trusting God. They are not living by faith. They are attempting to supplant, overreach, and circumvent God’s plans with their own plans and wisdom jut as their namesake had roughly 1500 years before! Christian, when you and I attempt to reason and rationalize away God’s ownership of our stuff/finances, we too are living like Jacob, not trusting, not living by faith, but rather, attempting to supplant, overreach, and circumvent God’s plans with our own plans.
B. Man’s Inconstant Nature is Highlighter by Israel’s Disobedience and Neglect in v.7
1. Notice the Charge that God brings against the Jewish remnant in this passage.
a. “you have turned aside” – It is a figurative expression. It is making a comparison between turning aside from a path with disobedience to the Law of God. For Israel to follow the Law was idiomatic with following ‘the way”. Isn’t it interesting that in Acts 9 & 19 there are multiple references to the Church or Christianity in general as “The Way” (Acts 9:1-2, 19:8-9,23,23-41). The nuance here is that as long as Israel was not faithfully using their resources as how God had prescribed, they were still off the path and had not turned back yet.
b. Illust: Let me address an even more important basic than stewardship of God’s resources: The stewardship of your soul. Is. 53:6 addresses this fundamental flaw in human nature: “We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all.” We all naturally want to go our own way, do our own thing, reject God’s way. This is called sin. It separates us from God here on earth and in eternity, unless rectified and satisfied by His provision. What is His provision? Jesus Christ! “the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.”
2. God calls for an Immediate Response from Israel.
a. “Return…and I will return.” – Listen, the Lord is using here the imperative. He is seeking an immediate response that He then follows with a promise: “I shall return to you.” What can this possibly mean but that Malachi is telling his audience that the very thing they are NOT doing, has set them at odds with God…they are off the path of fellowship with Him, but there is also a beautiful promise: “If you return I WILL RETURN to you.” Israel was being called to repentance and renewal for a specific sin of omission. The Lord, on the other hand, was promising that their return to Him would result in His blessing.
b. Notice the people’s rebellious response: “Wherein should we return???” Literally, this means: “From what should we turn?” I.e – “Nothing to see here!” Doing good here. Not disobeying here. Illust: Every parent has had this experience. Remember once telling the kids when little no snacks because going to eat early. A little later one unnamed child wandered by me with what appeared to a partially devoured cc cookie in hand. I spoke child’s name! Stopped dead in tracks. “Look at me.” Turned to look at me and in one fluid motion hand with cookie went behind back.” “Are you eating a cookie when I just told you not too? Hesitation. Swallow. “No, Dad!” Now I’m trying to keep a straight face because this child has a ring of chocolate and crumbs around mouth!!! All the time they are fidgeting with the cookie behind back trying to make it disappear! I’m dragging out wondering if going to try to drop it down back of shorts!
C. Applic: First lesson for why we can trust God to tithe: His character is unchanging whereas our nature is fickle and flawed.
II. Failure to Tithe Brought About An Awful Accusation. Vv.8-9
A. The Awful Accusation Earned By Israel’s Behavior. V.8
1. God begins with a Rhetorical Question We All Need to Ask of Ourselves.
a. “Will a man rob God?” – The question is rhetorical because it is designed to say: “No one would ever think of robbing God! It would be sacrilege! It would be impossible! IT would be unthinkable, because God would see it and would condemn the robber. The idea is no man would even consider thinking about doing this. However, that is exactly what Malachi is charging the nation with…ROBBING GOD!
b. In Hebrew the word order is actually reversed for emphasis. In English we read “You are robbing Me!” In Hebrew it would read: “Me! You are robbing!” It indicates the seriousness of the crime as well as the object of the crime. Illust: In the UK there is a division of the courts as there are here. Appeals, Sentencing from Magistrate courts, and Serious Criminal cases (i.e. murder, rape, robbery, etc.) all appear in what are called “Crown Courts” with judge and jury. However, the case is always referred to as (Rex or Regina if King or Queen vs. defendant’s last name.) I.e. “Rex vs Smith”. Why? Because the monarch is the embodiment of the nation and crime is seen as being a crime against his rule and reign. Steps it up a bit doesn’t it?! Malachi is calling us to consider this too. Not honoring God with the resources He has provided us to steward is an action directed towards Him whether it is our intention of not.
2. This takes us to another Important OT Consideration for Tithing.
a. Israel was to give a tenth of their possessions to God, but which tenth were they to give? For this, we need to understand the concept of firstfruits. The very first of the produce of the land (Exodus 23:19, 34:26, Deuteronomy 26:2) and the firstborn of the livestock (Exodus 13:12, 34:19, Leviticus 27:26, Deuteronomy 15:19) were to be given to God. Like the tithe, this concept predates the Law. Abel’s love for God and trust in Him led him to offer the first and best of his flock (Genesis 4:4), while Cain’s lack of love for God and trust in Him led him to only offer his leftover produce (Genesis 4:3). In other words, a true expression of love for God and trust in Him is when God’s portion comes off the top first (Deuteronomy 26:12-13).
b. Illust: The application is for the Christian is that the first bill we pay each month should be the tithe. We should set this aside when we get our paycheck! Now, most Christians are living paycheck to paycheck. Pay the most demanding bills first, rent, car, school loans, credit card debt, Money and More, Rent a Center. Then after all of those bills, and of course the bills for eating out fifteen x a month, memberships, 20 trips to Starbucks…”Oh, here you go Lord, I am giving you my all… All $7.19! Not firstfruits but rather the rancid left over rotten fruits!
B. The Result of Robbing God: curse and absence of blessing
1. God proclaims a frightening sentence upon this type of Disobedience.
a. God tells the people “You are cursed with a curse!!!” A curse is when a spiritual force is actually working against you. In many cultures today people will still pay money to a shaman or witchdoctor so that something negative can happen to an enemy. I have seen this 1st hand in Haiti. This still happens in Congo and other African countries.
b. Can I tell you that many of us do not operate under the financial blessing of God. May I take it a step further and say that many of us actually experience God’s chastisement when it comes to financial matters. Illust: Now we may try to explain it away…bad year. Bad economy. Inflation. But have we ever asked ourselves are we really being faithful to honor God with the first fruits of our money and resources and if not, are we experiencing His displeasure? Illust: May I tell you what I think is one of the biggest lies in America? Our money says: “In God we trust!” Barna estimates there are 10 million tithers in America that donate more than $50 billion annually to religious and charitable causes. Thus, only 5 percent of all Americans and 12 percent of born-again Christians tithe! Do you know what is often (Not always.) a sign of God’s disfavor in the Bible? DEBT! We are at almost $36 trillion in debt as a nation! We are one of the wealthiest countries in the history of the world and we have mortgaged our great grandchildren’s future!
2. This passage Teaches us that God Punishes the Sin of Ingratitude
a. Again, Israel doesn’t even see their need to repent. In their mind they are absolutely innocent. What were they doing? They had been back in the land 75 yrs. Yet their crops were a disaster. Telling themselves couldn’t possibly give tithe of first fruits because needed it too much. But God’s charge would certainly have touched a nerve like a dentist doing a root canal w/o anesthesia! The Lord’s answer contains exactly two nouns: tithes and offerings. In modern Christianity we often almost lump the two together to mean giving at church. However, they were and are two distinctly different terms. The tithe was and still means “a tenth”. What many Christians don’t know or understand is there were various “tithes” in the OT that Israel was expected to participate in. There were 2 tithes annually and then in the 3rd and 5th year there was a 3rd tithe. (Average tithing in OT was about 22% a year!) Additionally, priests were to receive at least 2%. Sacrificial offerings were given in addition to special events or responses. The tithes were to be the best, and worthless gifts and offerings was a clear sign of ingratitude and disloyalty.
b. When people are unfaithful to God, He withholds His blessing from them. V.9 – People had withheld their tithe and now the nation was in a drought and nothing was growing. Famine beginning to take place. But do you know what the real famine was? Lack of trust in God…and that famine continues to grow in disobedience or is defeated by obedience.
C. Applic: I doubt anyone here this morning has volitionally thought: “I will rob God by not tithing.” However, may I tell you that is the case whether you think so or not? Also, our hearts should be moved by gratitude in response to God’s faithfulness to us. It’s not a chore to give for the one who is grateful.
III. Tithing’s Simple Solution and Promised Blessing. Vv.10-12
A. What is the Promised Solution:
1. We are Challenged to “Bring in” the Tithe.
a. Illust: In sports a lot of times the solution to the problem is simple. “Nike” actually made it their logo and a corresponding fortune: “Just do it.” Just swing the bat. Just shot the ball. Just throw the pass. Just do it! V.10 – God’s simple solution: “Bring in” – immediate action. Do it. Start. There will never be a better time than today. Why delay? Do you want to experience God’s curse longer or do you want to begin to experience God’s blessing. There are 1000 reasons not too, but let me also tell you that God gives a couple of very good reasons to do it!
b. Illust: I can still remember the first time I ever tithed in my life. I was 19 yrs. old. I was working in a factory that made Ford F150 front fenders. We got paid weekly. 1st time I had ever made $200 for 40 hrs. I was rich! Maybe I was a little proud, but I was also very grateful when I dropped that $20 into the offering plate.
2. We are offered the opportunity to Test God.
a. Mark those words in your Bible: “and test Me now in this.” To the best of my knowledge one of only 3x in Bible God specifically says to test Him. (Along with King Ahaz in Is. 7:10-14 and I John 4:1 where believers are told to develop discernment by testing the spirits.) Multiples times told NOT to test the Lord. In Deuteronomy 6, the Bible says, “Do not put the Lord your God to the test as you did in Massa”. This references a time when the Israelites complained that the Lord didn't care about them after Moses brought them out of slavery in Egypt. Here in this passage, God is actually saying the opposite! Test me so I can prove how much a love you and will provide for you!
b. Illust: REW has told the story a few times over the years about the church he went to in Texas as a younger believer. Every year they would have a stewardship conference. Now this was a very big church…mega church. 1000’s of people on a Sunday. A member in the congregation who was a Christian financial advisor/CPA would speak on a Sunday instead of the pastor. Challenge was that if you applied Biblical principles of stewardship and tithed, and God did not supply need, then he would personally pay for anyone who came up short! How many times did he have to pay? 0!
B. What is the Promised Blessing: Watch God bless you.
1. As God offers His blessing on our obedience.
a. God promises to open the floodgates or windows of heaven and pour out His blessing. For Israel He was saying that the drought will end. The rains will come and you will have a bumper crop.
b. Illust: 2012 Barna research demonstrated the following: Most tithers had minimal debt in 2012. (This had no correlation to a minimum about of money made by individuals.) 80 percent have no unpaid credit card bills. 74 percent have no car payments 48 percent have no mortgage payment 28 percent are completely debt-free. Observation: People that follow biblical principles of giving also are much more likely to be wiser and more careful in their spending. In our research, we discovered a clear connection between regular Bible reading and debt: people who regularly read their Bibles have less debt. Many people do not give 10 percent or more because they feel it will cause them to have less money. But our research shows that those who faithfully give 10 percent or more to their church have significantly less debt than non-tithers. Can I tell you another trait of tithers? Nearly half of all tithers state that they read their Bibles daily. The research shows that those who read their Bibles daily tithe and give more regularly and have less debt. Wow! It’s almost like there’s a spiritual principle at work!!! It’s almost like God can make the 90% I keep go further than the 100% when I keep it all.
2. The Lord Promises to Rebuke the Devourer in our lives when we faithfully obey.
a. I could tell you endless stories of how God preserves and protects the assets of Christians who are faithful to Him with their finances. But let’s hear from God Himself when faced Israelites after 40 years of wandering. “ And I have led you in the wilderness for forty years; your clothes have not worn out on you, and your sandal has not worn out on your foot. 6 You have not eaten bread, nor have you drunk wine or other strong drink, in order that you might know that I am the Lord your God.” (Dt. 29:5-6) God provides and protects.
b. Illust: W.A. Criswell told of an ambitious young man who told his pastor he’d promised God a tithe of his income. They prayed for God to bless his career. At that time he was making $40.00 per week and tithing $4.00. God did just that and in a few years his income increased and he was tithing $500.00 per week. He called the pastor to see if he could be released from his tithing promise, it was too costly now. The pastor replied, “I don’t see how you can be released from your promise, but we can ask God to reduce your income to $40.00 a week, then you’d have no problem tithing $4.00.” A Galveston church had a Tithing Demonstration Sunday for its members. On a designated Sunday everyone was asked to give a tithe of one week’s salary. They urged everyone … whether or not they usually tithed … to give a tithe that one time. Largest offering ever. 6x usual offering. The aftermath was even more exciting. By the end of that year giving was up almost 3 times what it had been before the demonstration. Over and over, people gave testimonies of the many changes in their lives as God fulfilled his promise in Malachi 3:10. All of this came from a simple obedience to Jehovah Jireh, the God who provides.
C. Applic: Most Christians I know want to please God. Want to live purposefully for God. Want to do great things for God. Often pray for God to increase their faith…yet for some reason refuse to tithe. One area think we know better. Ultimately is a lack of faith. Tithing affords every Christian the actual opportunity to live by faith. Tithing says: “Lord, regardless of what the world says, I can trust you to live on the 90% with your blessing more than I can on the 100% without it.
