The Importance of Tithing (Malachi 3:6-12)

Introduction

Since you must have listened to similar sermons many times before I won’t blame you if are not expecting anything out of the ordinary. There are two reasons why this topic however is relevant to today’s Christians. First, those who are new to the faith needs to be educated on the practice and importance of tithing. Secondly, towards the conclusion of this message, I hope to deal with the right way of tithing than reasons for tithing. Do note that this sermon is not intended to act as a condemnation to those who have not been faithful, but rather it is to give hope. So please relax and let the Holy Spirit speak to your hearts as we continue in this topic.

1. The key to financial freedom Read Malachi 3:10

A. The act of claiming ownership over someone else’s property is known robbery. Many of us rob God and expect Him to bless us.

B. When I don’t tithe I rob God by claiming ownership over what is rightfully His.

C. Consequently, the lack of tithing escorts the curse of poverty into one’s life. Whereas when we start tithing again, it is the only way to break the curse of poverty.

2. The key to fill God’s house: Read Malachi 3:10

A. When tithing, it shows that i support those who serve in God’s house.

B. In the Old Testament, the tithe served a 3 fold purpose, 1) Sacrificial purposes 2) For the domestic needs of the Levites 3) For whatever emergencies they faced.

C. My tithe helps to improve the ministries of the local church, supports the pastor, workers, and their families and provides for emergencies.

3. The key to heavenly blessings – Read Malachi 3:10b

A. When we tithe, we operate a spiritual law which works like the law of gravity. 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.”

B. I don’t have to ask God or even pray for blessing after I tithe. Matthew 6:33 “33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”

4. The key to financial security – Read Malachi 3:11-12

A. Tithing triggers Supernatural provision and protection over my earnings. What sort of protection? Protection from thieves, natural disasters, inflation, sickness etc.

B. In failing to tithe, the opposite becomes true because God doesn’t protect anything or anyone that is not His.

5. Application – The right way to tithe

A. Treat it with respect – 1) Set apart the 10% before you do anything else with the money you receive. 2) You can’t use the tithe in time of need and pay it later. 3) You tithe is not a welfare offering that you give to people in need.

B. Bring the whole tithe – The word “tithe” literally means tenth or 10% of your gross and not the net. Therefore anything less than 10% is only a tip and not a tithe. If you are tithing, offer the best unto God not what is left behind. The Church is God’s only authorized storehouse. Giving to any other ministry is not tithing but rather it is termed an offering. Don’t send your tithe to your local church overseas, where you are being blessed spiritually is where you pay your tithe into.

C. Tithe with the right attitude – This is Very important as the attitude matters as much as the act. 3 unhealthy attitudes that have denied people from receiving the blessings of God. 1) Tithing out of obligation: Wrong attitude. Remember, Abraham tithed out of free will, long before God even commanded tithing (Genesis 14:18-20). 2) Limiting God: All I have is God’s, not just the 10%. (When I give the 10%, God blesses the 90% and multiplies it.) 3) Conditional tithing: When I tithe God will meet my needs. God is not obliged to do so, tithing is not to meet a need, but obeying Gods instruction.

D. Practice it starting right now – Tithing is a spiritual discipline which you must develop. Do it consistently and systematically. If you have neglected to pay tithes in the past forget what you owe God (You can never repay God anyway). Obey God starting from today.

Conclusion

The blessings mentioned in the Bible are not just financial however. After all there’s more into life than money. Each time you tithe carefully observe how God blesses you in every other area of life as well as in your finances.