Malachi 3:8-12
Introduction
God doesn’t need our money; He wants our hearts. One of the most straightforward ways our hearts are tested is through tithing. In Malachi 3, God calls out His people for robbing Him, not in secret like a thief but boldly like a robber. Tithing isn’t just a financial issue, but it reveals a deeper trust issue.
Tithing recognizes that everything we have already belongs to God. He’s the provider, and we are simply stewards. The tithe – the first 10% – is set apart for Him, meant to sustain the work of ministry and support those in need. Yet, so many of us operate in fear instead of faith, holding on to what was never ours to begin with. When we rob God, we expose the condition of our hearts and invite the curse of lack into our lives – no matter how much we earn, it never seems to be enough.
But God, in His grace, gives us a challenge: “Test me in this (Malachi 3:10).” He dares us to trust Him with our finances, promising that if we do, He’ll open the floodgates of heaven and pour out blessings we won’t have room to contain. He will rebuke the devourer, taking away the threat of our resources being drained by the enemy, keeping us in struggle mode. More than that, our obedience in giving positions us to be a testimony to others, showing the world what it looks like to live under God’s blessing.
As believers, we don’t have to question whether God will provide. He’s already promised that He will. The question is whether we will trust Him enough to let go of control. Will we rob God while expecting His blessings, or will we become faithful stewards, giving Him what’s already His?
Getting Started
- Have you ever had an indicator light come on in your car? What did it reveal about the deeper issue?
- What free trials have you taken advantage of without paying for the full thing?
Let’s Get Personal
- Do you trust God enough to give back what already belongs to Him? Why or why not?
- Have you ever felt like you were in a cycle of financial struggle? How does today’s message challenge you to view that differently?
- In what ways have you seen God provide for you in unexpected ways?
Take the Next Step
- Who in your life needs to see an example of faithfulness in giving? How can you be that example this week?
- What fears or doubts hold you back from tithing regularly? Take a moment to surrender them to God in prayer.
- Want to dig deeper? Take a look at the following passages: Malachi 3:7, Leviticus 27:30, Deuteronomy 12:6, Hebrews 7:2,17, Deuteronomy 14:22-23, Deuteronomy 14:28-29, Deuteronomy 28:38-40.
Renew Your Mind
“Will a man rob God? Yet you have robbed Me! But you say, ‘In what way have we robbed You?’ In tithes and offerings.’
Malachi 3:8
