Text: 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.”
Introduction
“A pastor once asked a church member why they didn’t tithe. The man responded, ‘I don’t make enough to tithe.’ The pastor smiled and replied, ‘When you start trusting God with what you have, you’ll see that you actually can’t afford not to tithe!’ This simple truth is what the Bible teaches us: that tithing is about trusting God and putting Him first.”
Tithing isn’t about the church needing money—it’s about our hearts. God uses tithing to remind us that everything belongs to Him, and when we obey, He opens the door for blessings, provision, and a deeper relationship with Him.
I. The Principle of the Tithe
Tithing is not a man-made idea; it’s a biblical principle that goes back to the beginning.
A. Tithing as an Act of Worship
1.Genesis 14:18-20
•Abram gave a tenth of his spoils to Melchizedek, the priest of God Most High, as a way of honoring God.
•Illustration: Think of Abram’s tithe as saying, “Thank you, God, for the victory and blessings.”
2.Leviticus 27:30
•“A tithe of everything from the land, whether grain from the soil or fruit from the trees, belongs to the Lord; it is holy to the Lord.”
•Tithing shows that the first portion belongs to God—it’s an acknowledgment that He is the provider of all we have.
B. Tithing as a Test of Trust
•Proverbs 3:9-10: “Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.”
•God asks for the first and best—not because He needs it, but because it shows our trust in Him.
C. A New Testament Perspective
•Matthew 23:23: Jesus affirms the practice of tithing but reminds us that it must come from a heart of justice, mercy, and faithfulness.
•2 Corinthians 9:6-7: Paul teaches that we should give cheerfully, not reluctantly or under compulsion, because “God loves a cheerful giver.”
II. The Purpose of the Tithe
A. To Provide for God’s Work
•In Malachi 3:10, the storehouse refers to the temple, where resources were gathered to support the priests, worship, and the community. Today, the tithe supports the ministry of the local church.
•Illustration: A church in a small town wanted to start a food pantry. Members committed to tithing, and soon they had the resources to feed dozens of families every week. Their giving became a testimony of God’s faithfulness.
B. To Bless Others
•Acts 2:44-45: The early church shared their resources so that no one was in need.
•The tithe helps fund missions, community outreach, and meeting the needs of the congregation.
C. To Teach Us Dependence on God
•Deuteronomy 14:22-23: Tithing teaches us to revere the Lord and trust Him as our provider.
•Illustration: A farmer plants seeds trusting that God will send rain. Similarly, when we tithe, we sow seeds of trust, believing that God will meet our needs.
III. The Promises of Tithing
A. God Will Provide
•Malachi 3:10 promises that when we tithe, God will “throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.”
B. God Will Protect
•Malachi 3:11: God promises to rebuke the devourer, protecting our resources and ensuring fruitfulness.
C. God Will Bless Our Obedience
•Luke 6:38: “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”
•When we honor God with our tithe, He blesses us abundantly—not just financially, but in peace, joy, and spiritual growth.
Conclusion
Illustration:
A wealthy businessman once said, “I tithe because I believe in giving back to God what is already His. Every time I’ve given, God has blessed me beyond what I imagined—not always in money, but in peace, protection, and joy.”
Call to Action:
•Challenge the congregation to test God in this area, as Malachi 3:10 invites us to do.
•Emphasize that the tithe is about faith, not numbers. Start with what you can, and watch how God shows His faithfulness.
Closing Prayer:
“Lord, thank You for being our provider and sustainer. Help us to trust You with our resources and to give with cheerful hearts. Teach us to honor You with our tithes and offerings so that we may experience Your blessings and be a blessing to others. Amen.”