Series Summary
One of the topics most frequently discussed in the Bible is the topic of money and possessions. But it's one that we don't talk frequently about in the church. We try to avoid it... It's uncomfortable... It feels like the church is always asking for money... But the truth is something far different. God talks about money a lot, and it would be wise for us to know what he thinks about it, and how he sees finances, wealth, money, and possessions... and the things that are opposed to a proper use of our money — things like greed and covetousness.
This year, we're starting off with a look at how we should see money and wealth with God's perspective. How should we view money? And how should we use it well? These questions, and more, have answers that can be found in the Bible.
Sermon Summary
Tithing has a way of bringing our faith out of the abstract and into the everyday details of life. At its core, a tithe is simply a tenth, but it’s more than a percentage — it’s a priority. When we give first, before everything else has a claim on our resources, we’re making a quiet but powerful confession: God is my source. Generosity doesn’t begin once we feel “safe” financially; it begins when we trust God enough to put him first.
When we tithe, we’re not just funding ministry — we’re declaring allegiance. The tithe represents the whole, a reminder that everything we have ultimately belongs to the Lord. It’s a practical way of putting God first not only in our finances, but in our hearts. Giving consistently shapes us; it trains our desires and reorders our loves. Over time, tithing becomes less about obligation and more about alignment — my life lining up with what I say I believe about God’s goodness and faithfulness.
Scripture doesn’t shy away from connecting tithing with blessing and protection, and the promise of Malachi 3 still speaks with clarity and power. Tithing builds trust — slowly, sometimes painfully — but genuinely. It exposes where fear still whispers, “What if there’s not enough?” In that sense, tithing is a form of spiritual warfare. Every time we give, we push back against doubt and declare that God is able to provide. We don’t give to get rich; we give to grow — so that God can entrust us with more to give again.
Finally, tithing expands the reach of ministry beyond what any one of us could do alone. Our faithful giving fuels gospel work, meets real needs, and opens doors for others to encounter Christ. It’s humbling to realize that something as ordinary as a weekly or monthly gift can become part of God’s extraordinary work. When we give freely and faithfully, we join God in what he is already doing — and we discover that generosity doesn’t shrink our lives, it enlarges them.
