Proving God With Tithes & Offerings

Malachi 3:8-10

Here is a distinct challenge from God that is found no other place in the bible. This challenge is made up of two things: Bring all the tithes and offerings to God’s house, God promises to bless.

I: The Complain of God:
1. The whole nation has robbed God.
a. God’s people knew two things:
i. God demanded a definite portion of their income to be brought to His house.
ii. They knew that they had kept money for themselves that belonged to God.
2. There were three kings of defaulters:
a. Some never recognized God’s portion by giving (never paid).
b. Some gave on special occasions.
c. Some gave regularly but not according to God’s standards.

II: The Curse of God Upon Them:
1. Upon their farms and fruit trees.
2. Upon their spiritual life, immoral, greedy, giving God the lame, halt, and blind. A weariness to serve God.
3. Robbery and spirituality never go together.
4. Every spiritual cause was suffering for lack of funds.

III: The Call and the Challenge, Verses 10-12:
1. Bring all of God’s property to God’s house.
2. Believe that God will keep His promise.
He will rebuke the crop pest and give a good harvest (but we don’t farm).
3. Other people will see the results and be led to God.

Dare you and I accept such a challenge from God’s word?