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Tithing: Not A Small Thing Text: Malachi 3:10 IBCSS April 10, 2005 Preacher: Pastor Jose B. Cabajar Tithing is a God-given way of educating, testing and blessing His people through an exciting and rewarding process. The practice of tithing has been and always will be a subject filled with questions and doubts to many people who have not known the deep sense concerning God’s ownership and partnership. The believer’s attitude toward tithing reveals his principles in life and how he really honors the Lord through his substance. It may sound offensive to others, but it is Biblical to say that people who don’t give the tithe of the LORD are associated with robbers. In Malachi 3:8, it is written, Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings. Before a man justifies his negative attitude toward tithing, it is good for him to prayerfully and carefully study the principle of tithing based on God’s mindset and not according to the philosophy of sinful man. Certainly, man’s philosophy is unreliable, but God’s Word is Truth. Below are essential points that will surely usher our hearts and minds to a better position of understanding so we may be led to recognize God’s wonderful ways of blessing His people:
(I) A Command Of God Malachi 3:10 -The negative consequences if not obeyed Malachi 3:6-9 · Curse Man’s disobedience brings curse and shame, but obedience to the Word keeps him blessed and pleasing to God. It is a simple truth that “Obedience to God is the secret of a good conscience.”
(II) A Challenge Of Trust Malachi 3:10 …prove me now herewith… The best challenging words in life comes from the Word of God; and we should be aware that “Challenge is an invitation to success”. He who puts his trust in God will be trusted with good things that come from above.
(III) A Blessing From God Malachi 3:10-12 -overflowing blessings In Malachi 3:10, it is written, Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in my mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of host, 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. (KJV) Biblical tithing is always associated with obedience, good stewardship, service, fear of God and overflowing blessings, and God never meant it to be a grievous burden to believers. Obedience to this principle of truth draws us closer to God and keeps us serving the Lord with reverence and love. It also assures us of God’s protection against the attack of the devourer. Isn’t it wonderful that God loves us so much that He gave us a lot of amazing principles to live by so we may experience a higher level of spirituality? Above the many tangible and visible blessings we receive from God, we have the assuring words from God that He will never forget us but will be remembered as God-fearing people. In Malachi 3:16-17, it is written, Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name. And they shall be mine, saith the LORD of host, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him. Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not. (KJV) Apparently, the devil wants us not to give God’s tithes so that Christians’ mobility in spreading the Gospel of Christ will be hindered; but if we put our trust in the Lord and obey His blessed will, surely, we will reach a remarkable milestone of success for the glory of God. Truly, tithing is not a small thing.
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