Robbing God? Tithing, Obedience, and the Blessings of Giving

Key Text:

“Will a man rob God? Yet you have robbed Me! But you say, ‘In what way have we robbed You?’ In tithes and offerings.” - Malachi 3:8

Introduction:

The book of Malachi was written during a time when Israel had turned away from God. One of their sins was withholding tithes and offerings, which God calls robbing Him. This verse challenges us to examine our faithfulness in giving and our trust in God as our provider.

Today, we will explore three key lessons:

1. What it means to rob God
2. The consequences of withholding from God
3. The blessings of obedience

1. What It Means to Rob God

• “Will a man rob God? Yet you have robbed Me!”
• Robbing means taking what rightfully belongs to someone else.
• God owns everything - Psalm 24:1 - “The earth is the Lord’s, and all its fullness.”
• When we fail to give our tithes (10%) and offerings, we are keeping what belongs to Him.
• Tithing is an act of obedience and worship.

Application: Do we truly believe that everything we have comes from God? Are we giving Him the firstfruits of our income, or are we treating tithing as an optional expense?

• Leviticus 27:30 - “A tithe of everything… belongs to the Lord, it is holy to the Lord.”
• Tithing is not a donation, it is returning to God what is already His.

2. The Consequences of Withholding From God

• Disobedience leads to spiritual and financial struggles.
• Malachi 3:9 - “You are cursed with a curse, for you have robbed Me.”
• This doesn’t mean God is punishing us but that we step outside of His provision and protection when we disobey.
• The “devourer” (Malachi 3:11) represents unexpected losses, financial struggles, and lack of fruitfulness.

Application: Are we experiencing a sense of lack in our lives? Could it be that we are not honoring God with our finances? When we withhold from Him, we limit His ability to bless us.

• Haggai 1:6 - “You earn wages, only to put them in a purse with holes.”
• When we withhold from God, it feels like our resources are never enough.

3. The Blessings of Obedience

• Malachi 3:10 - “Bring all the tithes into the storehouse… and see if I will not open for you the windows of heaven.”
• God promises abundant blessings for those who give faithfully.
• Tithing shows trust in God.

Application: Are we willing to step out in faith and trust God with our finances? When we honor Him with our giving, we open the door for His blessings to flow in our lives.

• Luke 6:38 - “Give, and it will be given to you… For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.”
• Matthew 6:33 - “Seek first the kingdom of God… and all these things shall be added to you.”
• When we trust God with our finances, He meets our needs and blesses us abundantly.

Conclusion:

God calls us to honor Him with our tithes and offerings. When we withhold, we rob Him—and ultimately, we rob ourselves of His blessings. But when we give faithfully, God provides, protects, and prospers us.

Reflection Questions:

• Are you honoring God in your giving?
• Do you trust Him to provide for your needs?

Closing Prayer:

Lord, forgive us for the times we have withheld what belongs to You. Help us to give faithfully, trusting in Your provision. Open the windows of heaven and pour out Your blessings as we honor You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.