Summary

This sermon focuses on tithing from Malachi 3:6-12, where God calls His people to return to Him by bringing their full tithe to the storehouse. The pastor emphasizes that God's faithfulness isn't based on our performance but on His unchanging character. The central message is that tithing isn't about manipulating God for blessings, but about living in a trusting relationship with Him. When we withhold our tithe, we're choosing to live under curse rather than blessing - not because God curses us, but because we're removing ourselves from His provision by not trusting Him. The pastor challenges the congregation to be honest about their trust in God, noting that our bank accounts reveal whether we truly believe we're better off with 90% under God's blessing than 100% on our own.

Intro Prayer

Heavenly Father, as we gather together today to discuss Your Word and what it means for our lives, we ask that You would open our hearts and minds to receive what You want to teach us. Help us to be honest with ourselves and with You about where we truly stand in our faith and trust. Remove any barriers or preconceptions that might prevent us from hearing Your voice clearly. We pray that through our discussion today, You would draw us closer to You and help us grow in our understanding of what it means to live in a trusting relationship with You. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Ice Breaker

What's one thing you've had to learn to trust someone else with that was initially difficult for you to let go of control over?

Key Verses

1. Malachi 3:6-12
2. Matthew 6:33
3. 1 Corinthians 9:13-14

Questions

1. The pastor mentioned that 'people are never where they aren't' and applied this to how we look for God. Can you think of a time when you were looking for God in the wrong place or with wrong expectations?
2. God says 'Return to me, and I will return to you' in Malachi 3:7. What does it mean to 'return to God' in practical terms for your life today?
3. The passage describes being 'under a curse' not as God cursing us, but as a state we choose by not trusting Him. How does this change your understanding of God's character?
4. The pastor said 'if you want to know if you trust God, show me your bank account.' How does our handling of money reflect our level of trust in God?
5. What's the difference between trying to manipulate God with our giving versus giving out of a trusting relationship with Him?
6. The sermon mentioned that God's faithfulness isn't based on how good we are, but on how good He is. How does this truth impact your relationship with God?
7. Why do you think God chose tithing as the one area where He tells us to 'test Him'? What might this reveal about His heart toward us?
8. The pastor challenged people to be honest about their trust in God rather than pretending. What areas of your life might you need to be more honest with God about?

Life Application

This week, take an honest inventory of your finances and spending habits. Ask yourself: 'Do my financial decisions reflect trust in God or trust in my own ability to provide?' Whether or not you're ready to tithe, identify one specific way you can demonstrate greater trust in God with your resources this week - perhaps through a specific act of generosity or by letting go of financial worry in a particular area.

Key Takeaways

1. God's faithfulness is based on His unchanging character, not on our performance or goodness
2. Tithing isn't about manipulating God for blessings, but about living in a trusting relationship with Him
3. When we withhold our tithe, we choose to live under curse by removing ourselves from God's provision rather than trusting Him
4. Our financial decisions reveal whether we truly trust God or rely on our own ability to provide
5. Honesty about our level of trust in God is essential for spiritual growth - we can't move forward by pretending to trust Him when we don't

Ending Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You for this time of discussion and reflection on Your Word. We acknowledge that trusting You with our finances and our lives isn't always easy, but we're grateful that Your faithfulness doesn't depend on our ability to be perfect. Help us to be honest with ourselves and with You about areas where we struggle to trust. Give us the courage to take steps of faith, whether in our giving, our relationships, or other areas of our lives. We pray that You would continue to work in our hearts, drawing us into deeper trust and relationship with You. May we live as people who truly believe we are better off with You than without You. In Your precious name, Amen.