Sermon: Does God Need My Money?

Scripture Text: 2 Corinthians 8:1-9; Malachi 3:6-12

Quotes for Reflection:

The Spirit of the Reformation Study Bible, Malachi
The book may serve as a catechism for times of doubt and disappointment, during which people in the visible church are tempted to disengage from their covenant God. The prophets ministry was to light the lamp of faith in a disheartened people by reminding them of God’s electing love and to set forth the continuing obligations of the covenant to those who truly knew God.

Randy Alcorn, Money, Possessions, and Eternity
Parting with money wasn't any easier for the people of Israel than for us. In fact, most of them were far poorer and worked a great deal harder for their money than we do. Yet tithing was so built into their lives that it became "natural" to them in the best sense. In times of national obedience, their fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters, and business partners-everyone around them—practiced tithing. It became a way of life. When they went their own way and stopped tithing and withheld freewill offerings, God told them they were robbing him. Then he invited his people to test him by going back to tithing and giving voluntary offerings. The tithe was a divine invitation to test God's promises to provide (Malachi 3:8-12). Tithing begins as a duty but can become a delight, leading to joyful voluntary giving. For faithful Israelites, unclenching their fists and opening them to God had a thousand trickle-down benefits. Is it any different for us today?

Irenaeus of Lyons, Against Heresies
The Jews were constrained to a regular payment of tithes; Christians, who have liberty, assign all their possessions to the Lord, bestowing freely not the lesser portions of their property, since they have the hope of greater things.

John Cortines & Gregory Baumer, True Riches
We shouldn’t give to things because we care about them deeply. Rather, we should give to things because God cares about them deeply. Giving often starts as an obedient step of faith before it blossoms into joyful love over time. Jesus said, “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

Application Questions:

1. Why is giving a tenth of our income so important for our life with God?

2. Have you trusted God in tithing even when it was difficult? If so, what was the result?

3. Take a moment this week to check-in on your tithe. What action do you need to take?