Through The Church, For The World

Scott Worthington

From. To. Through. For. 2023

Sermon Only Sermon Audio

Feb 5, 2023

Malachi 3:8-10

In this sermon, Pastor Scott teaches from Malachi 3:8-10. We learn that God is not impressed by the amount of our giving; He is pleased by the attitude of our giving!

Sermon Notes

THROUGH THE CHURCH, FOR THE WORLD

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16

“From the Lord”

“To His People”

“Through the Church”

“For the World”

Generosity—living life always looking for opportunities to make a difference in the lives of others

We don’t give to a church. We give through a church as an investment in God’s kingdom being expanded locally and globally

Malachi 3:8-10

Will man rob God? Yet you are robbing me. But you say, ‘How have we robbed you?’ In your tithes and contributions. You are cursed with a curse, for you are robbing me, the whole nation of you. Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need.

WHY SHOULD I GIVE?

1. God’s activity is fueled by the giving of God’s people

“Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house…” (v.10)

2. My lack of giving robs God and limits my involvement in His activity

“Will man rob God? Yet you are robbing me. But you say, ‘How have we robbed you?’ In your tithes and contributions.” (v.8)

Embezzle: to secretly take money that is in your care or that belongs to someone else and use it for own purpose.

HOW MUCH SHOULD I GIVE?

“Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house… (v.10)

“So the disciples determined, every one according to his ability, to send relief to the brothers living in Judea.” Acts 11:29

God is not impressed by the amount of our giving; He is pleased by the attitude of our giving

“Every New Testament example of giving goes far beyond the tithe. However, none falls short of it.” - Randy Alcorn

“Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house and thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts” (v.10)

“If you can find a gateway to giving that’s better than the tithe, wonderful. But if not, why not start where God started His First Covenant people?” Randy Alcorn

CAN I REALLY AFFORD TO GIVE?

“…put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need.” (v.10b)

“God blesses us, that all the ends of the earth may fear Him.” Psalm 67:7

“You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. For God loves a person who gives cheerfully. And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others…” 2 Corinthians 9:7-8 (NLT)

We should be eager to give!