Introduction

Good morning, beloved congregation. As we gather together in this sacred space, we are reminded of the blessings that we have received and the grace that has been bestowed upon us. We are here to honor, praise, and give thanks to our Lord, and to learn how we can better serve him and each other.

In the words of the great Charles Spurgeon, "You say, 'If I had a little more, I should be very satisfied.' You make a mistake. If you are not content with what you have, you would not be satisfied if it were doubled." This profound statement speaks to the heart of our sermon today. We are called not to seek more for our own satisfaction, but to give more for the glory of God and the benefit of others.

The Scripture that guides us today is Malachi 3:10, "Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. 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 there will not be room enough to store it." This verse is a powerful reminder of the abundance that comes from trusting in God and obeying His commands.

We will be focusing on three main points today: Harnessing the Power of Tithing, Honoring God through Sacrifice, and Helping Others by Doing Your Part. These points are not just principles to ponder, but a path to follow, a way of life to embrace. They challenge us to look beyond our own needs and desires, to see the bigger picture of God's plan and our place within it.

As we embark on this path, let us remember that it is not about the amount we give, but the heart with which we give it. It is not about the sacrifice we make, but the love and faith that motivate it. And it is not about what we do for others, but how we allow God to work through us.

Harnessing the Power of Tithing

The act of tithing, as commanded in Malachi 3:10, is a practice that holds immense power. It's not just about giving a portion of our income or resources. It's about acknowledging that everything we have comes from God, and willingly returning a part of it to Him. This act of obedience and faith can open the floodgates of heaven and pour out blessings beyond our comprehension.

When we tithe, we are essentially putting God first in our lives. We are saying, "Lord, I trust you with my finances. I trust you to provide for me. I trust you to take care of my needs." This act of trust is powerful. It's a declaration of our faith in God's ability to provide for us. It's a statement of our dependence on Him. It's a demonstration of our commitment to obey His commands.

In addition, tithing is a way of acknowledging God's sovereignty over our lives. When we give our tithe, we are recognizing that God is the owner of everything we have. We are merely stewards of His resources. This recognition can bring about a profound shift in our perspective. Instead of viewing our resources as our own, we begin to see them as God's. This can lead to a greater sense of responsibility and accountability in how we use our resources.

Furthermore, tithing is a tangible expression of our gratitude to God. Every time we give our tithe, we are saying, "Thank you, Lord, for your provision. Thank you for your blessings. Thank you for your grace." This act of gratitude can cultivate a heart of contentment and joy. It can help us to focus on the blessings we have, rather than on what we lack.

Lastly, tithing is a way of participating in God's work. The tithe that we give goes towards supporting the church and its ministries. It helps to spread the gospel, care for the needy, and advance God's kingdom on earth. By giving our tithe, we are contributing to these important works. We are playing a part in fulfilling God's purposes.

Honoring God through Sacrifice

We are now drawn to the notion of sacrifice ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO