Honoring God with Our Tithes: Never Come Before God Empty-Handed

Text: Exodus 23:15 (NIV) — “No one is to appear before me empty-handed.”

Supporting Text: Malachi 3:10 (NIV) — “Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.”

Introduction:

God’s command in Exodus 23:15 to not come before Him “empty-handed” emphasizes the importance of bringing offerings as part of worship. This principle applies to us today through the practice of tithing and giving. Tithing is not just about finances—it’s a reflection of our gratitude, trust, and obedience to God.

1. Tithing as an Act of Obedience

• Definition of Tithe: The word “tithe” means one-tenth. In the Old Testament, God commanded the Israelites to bring a tenth of their produce and livestock as a holy offering to Him (Leviticus 27:30).
• Point: Tithing is not optional for those who follow God's Word, it is a command that demonstrates our submission to His authority.
• Example: Abraham gave a tithe to Melchizedek, king of Salem and priest of God Most High, as an act of worship and gratitude (Genesis 14:20). This act of tithing predates the Law of Moses, showing its importance as a foundational principle of worship.

Obedience in tithing demonstrates our submission to God’s authority and our recognition of His Lordship over our lives and resources.

Application: Are you faithfully bringing your tithe to God, or are you holding back what belongs to Him? Are you prioritizing your own needs and desires above God's work and His kingdom?

2. Tithing as an Expression of Gratitude

• Point: Everything we have comes from God, and tithing acknowledges His provision and expresses our thankfulness for His blessings.
• Example: King David declared in 1 Chronicles 29:14 — “Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand.” David recognized that all he possessed was a gift from God, and his offering was simply a return of what already belonged to God.
• Illustration: When we give a portion of our income back to God, it’s like a child giving back a piece of candy from a bag their parent gave them. It's an act of acknowledging the source of the blessing and expressing gratitude for the parent's generosity.

Tithing is a way of saying, “Thank You, Lord, for all You have given me.” It is an outward expression of an inward attitude of gratitude.

Application: Cultivate a heart of gratitude by giving joyfully and generously, recognizing God as your ultimate provider and the source of all blessings.

3. Tithing as an Act of Faith

• Point: Tithing requires trust that God will meet our needs even when we give away a portion of our income. It is an act of faith that demonstrates our confidence in God's provision.
• Malachi 3:10: “Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing.” God challenges us to put Him to the test in this area and experience His faithfulness.
• Illustration: The widow of Zarephath gave her last meal to Elijah, trusting God to provide—and He did (1 Kings 17:13-16). Her act of faith, even in the midst of scarcity, opened the door to God's miraculous provision.

Faithful tithing opens the door to God’s blessings and provision. It demonstrates our trust in His ability to take care of us, even when we give sacrificially.

Application: Trust God with your finances by putting Him first through tithing. Step out in faith and experience His faithfulness as you honor Him with your resources.

4. Tithing as Worship

• Point: Tithing is not just a financial transaction, it is an act of worship that expresses our devotion and surrender to God.
• Proverbs 3:9: “Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops.” When we give our first and best to God, we are honoring Him and acknowledging His Lordship over our lives.
• Example: In the early church, believers sold their possessions and shared with one another as an act of worship and devotion (Acts 4:34-35). Their generosity was an expression of their love for God and their commitment to His kingdom.

When we tithe, we acknowledge God’s lordship over our lives and finances. We are saying, "God, you are the owner of all things, and I am simply a steward of what you have entrusted to me."

Application: Approach tithing as an act of worship, not a duty or burden. Give with a joyful and grateful heart, recognizing that you are participating in God's work and His kingdom through your giving.

Conclusion:

Exodus 23:15 teaches us never to come before God empty-handed. Tithing is a tangible way to honor God, express gratitude, demonstrate faith, and worship Him. When we give faithfully, God promises to bless us abundantly.

• Challenge: Commit to tithing faithfully and watch how God works in your life. Experience the joy of giving and the blessings that come from obedience and trust.
• Encouragement: God sees your heart and will honor your obedience and faith. He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

Closing Verse: 2 Corinthians 9:6-7 — “Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”

Prayer:

Lord, thank You for all that You have provided. Help us to honor You by bringing our tithes and offerings with joyful and grateful hearts. Strengthen our faith as we trust in Your provision and experience the abundance of your blessings. In Jesus’ name, Amen.