Summary

This sermon explores the biblical concept of tithing, addressing common skepticism about church finances while establishing ground rules for honest discussion. The pastor examines Abraham's encounter with Melchizedek as the first biblical example of tithing, explaining that a tithe (10% of income) differs from offerings in that it's an act of obedience to God's design rather than just generosity. The message reveals that God created the tithing system to free up people (like the Levites) to focus fully on ministry, preventing ministry from becoming transactional. The sermon concludes by challenging listeners to examine whether they are 'conduits' allowing God's power to flow through them to others, or 'buckets' where blessings stop with them.

Intro Prayer

Heavenly Father, we come before You this morning with open hearts and minds. We ask that You would help us set aside any past hurts or negative experiences we may have had with churches and money. Lord, we want to hear what You have to say to us today through Your Word. Help us to think with wisdom and discernment, not reacting from our past but being open to what You want to teach us about Your heart and Your ways. Give us the courage to be honest with You about our fears, doubts, and questions. We trust that You love us and want what's best for us. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Ice Breaker

What's the most generous thing someone has ever done for you, and how did it make you feel?

Key Verses

1. Hebrews 7:1-2
2. Numbers 18:21-24
3. Leviticus 27:30

Questions

1. What past experiences or stories have you heard that make you skeptical when churches talk about money? How might those experiences be affecting your ability to hear God's heart on this topic?
2. The pastor shared the story of Abraham tithing to Melchizedek after a great victory. What do you think motivated Abraham to give 10% in that moment?
3. How does understanding that the tithe was designed to free people up for full-time ministry change your perspective on giving to the church?
4. The sermon distinguished between a tithe (10% as obedience) and an offering (generous giving). How do you see these as different, and why might that distinction matter?
5. What are your thoughts on the pastor's statement that 'ministry would become transactional' if pastors had to generate their own income? Do you agree or disagree?
6. The pastor mentioned that God doesn't 'need' our money but wants us to experience the joy of being generous like Him. How does this perspective challenge or encourage you?
7. Looking at your current financial habits, would you describe yourself more as a 'conduit' (allowing God's blessings to flow through you) or a 'bucket' (keeping everything for yourself)? What evidence supports your answer?
8. What fears or concerns do you have about tithing or being more generous? How might you bring those honestly before God in prayer?

Life Application

This week, spend time in honest prayer with God about your relationship with money and giving. Don't try to make any major decisions yet, but ask Him to reveal your heart's true motivations and any fears or trust issues you may have. Consider keeping a simple journal of your thoughts and prayers as you process this topic.

Key Takeaways

1. A tithe (10%) is different from an offering - it's an act of obedience to God's design rather than just generosity
2. God created the tithing system to free up people to focus fully on ministry and prevent ministry from becoming transactional
3. According to Scripture, the tithe belongs to God ('holy to the Lord') - we're not giving God our money, but returning His money
4. God wants us to experience the joy of being generous like Him, moving from being 'buckets' to 'conduits' of His blessings
5. Honest examination of our financial habits reveals whether God's power flows through us or stops with us

Ending Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You for this time to wrestle with Your Word and Your heart on giving and generosity. We acknowledge that this topic brings up fears, past hurts, and questions for many of us. Help us to be patient with ourselves and with You as we process these things. We ask for wisdom to discern Your voice from the voices of past disappointment or cultural pressure. Show us what it means to trust You with our finances and to experience the joy that comes from being generous like You. Help us to be honest about where we are right now, and give us courage to take whatever next steps You're calling us to. We want to be conduits of Your blessing, not just recipients. Guide us in this journey. In Your precious name, Amen.