Will a man rob God? in tithes and offerings – Malachi 3:8


God was speaking to Isralites through prophet Malachi. God accused them for robbing Him in tithes and offerings. As a result, the whole nation was under a curse. Malachi. 3:9.

A. GOD’S DEMAND.

  1. Bring the whole tithes into the storehouse. Mal.3:10.
  2. That there may be food in my house. 3:10.

B. GOD’S PROMISE IF THEY OBEY HIM IN GIVING. Mal.3:10-12.
God is asking them to test Him by giving. If they are faithful in giving, He will be faithful in blessing them.

  1. See if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven. Mal.3:10.
  2. ..Pour out so much blessing that you will not have enough room for it. 3:10.
  3. I will prevent pests from devouring your crops. 3:11.
  4. The vines in your fields will not cast their fruits. 3:11.
  5. Then all the nations will call you blessed. 3:12.
  6. Yours will be a delightful land because of the blessings. 3:12.

(Read Deuteronomy 14:22-29)

The purpose of the tithe in the Old Testament was primarily to support the priests and Levites who ministered before the Lord. When the people did not bring their tithes and offerings, the priests and Levites were not properly supported and there was not enough food for them in the house of the Lord.

Read Nehemiah 13:10 ,11. Why is the house of God neglected?

The tithe in Israel was also used to help the aliens, the fatherless, and the widows and once every 3 years, it was put aside for that purpose.(Deut. 14:28,29) When people failed to give, tithes and offerings, helping the poor and needy also was affected.

The New Testament nowhere specifically commands tithing but it certainly does speak of it in a positive light if it is done with a right heart.(Luke.11:42).

What the New Testament speak with great clarity is on the principle of giving.

  1. Corinthians.16:1-4.
    Periodic, planned, proportional and private.
  1. Cor.9.
    Generous, freely and cheerful giving.
    Studying 2 Corinthians.8:1-15 is very good.

For I testify that they gave as much as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own. They urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in the service of the saints. 2 Cor.8:3,4.

Today money is needed to support all those who serve the Lord. Due to lack of resources, their support is affected. Many left the ministry as their needs are neglected. Money is needed to support the needy, destitutes, orphans, to run Christian hospitals, Schools, orphanages, old age homes….

Today, many who serve the Lord are going through difficulties. Are we not neglecting the house of the Lord?

Are we robbing God in our giving?
Are we willing to test God in giving?
Are we experiencing the blessings as mentioned in Malachi.3:10-12?
Are we giving generously, willingly, sacrificially, cheerfully , regularly and beyond our ability.

Rev. C. V. Abraham.