WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:06.480 You are listening to a message from Southwood Presbyterian Church in Huntsville, Alabama. 00:00:06.980 --> 00:00:09.560 Our passion is to experience and express grace. 00:00:10.080 --> 00:00:10.620 Join us. 00:00:12.419 --> 00:00:13.339 Thank you all. 00:00:15.679 --> 00:00:18.820 We've been talking about repentance. 00:00:19.580 --> 00:00:23.620 One of our passions is that as the Word of God comes to us, 00:00:23.660 --> 00:00:27.660 it would not just be for moms and dads and adults, 00:00:27.660 --> 00:00:30.059 but for the next generation too. 00:00:30.359 --> 00:00:32.439 That they would know what repentance means. 00:00:32.780 --> 00:00:35.119 That they would know what that looks like in their lives. 00:00:35.240 --> 00:00:37.460 And we've heard some of that together this morning. 00:00:37.600 --> 00:00:43.200 Kids, I hope that you're starting to get a picture of what God calls us to in relationship with Him. 00:00:43.859 --> 00:00:44.780 But it's not just for you. 00:00:44.840 --> 00:00:45.740 It's for all of us. 00:00:46.519 --> 00:00:48.500 We need to repent too. 00:00:48.500 --> 00:00:51.039 So turn with me to Malachi chapter 3. 00:00:52.939 --> 00:00:57.039 So we're nearing the end of our study on the minor prophets. 00:00:57.659 --> 00:00:59.439 Malachi 3. 00:01:00.679 --> 00:01:05.659 And I want to make sure you know that that's why we're studying this passage about money. 00:01:06.459 --> 00:01:07.579 About giving. 00:01:08.679 --> 00:01:09.319 Tithing. 00:01:10.479 --> 00:01:16.140 We're studying it today because it's the next passage in God's Word that we've come to. 00:01:16.859 --> 00:01:21.439 Money is near the top of the list of awkward things to preach about. 00:01:22.219 --> 00:01:24.239 So just know this is awkward for me too. 00:01:24.739 --> 00:01:25.039 Okay? 00:01:25.040 --> 00:01:26.840 We can be equally awkward. 00:01:27.840 --> 00:01:33.219 But we're talking about it not because Southwood is having unique budget issues. 00:01:33.780 --> 00:01:37.260 Not because we're here to make money and see how much we can bring in. 00:01:37.820 --> 00:01:42.400 But because God knows best what we need to hear. 00:01:42.400 --> 00:01:44.100 This is God's Word. 00:01:44.099 --> 00:01:48.079 So we need to hear it because it's what He speaks to us. 00:01:48.179 --> 00:01:48.339 Right? 00:01:49.439 --> 00:01:50.259 No more apologies. 00:01:51.559 --> 00:01:57.500 Let's read His Word and ask Him to shine His light on every aspect of our hearts and lives. 00:01:57.560 --> 00:02:01.119 Even the ones we really would prefer Him not to touch. 00:02:01.840 --> 00:02:04.919 Malachi 3 verse 6. 00:02:05.319 --> 00:02:06.280 God's holy Word. 00:02:06.280 --> 00:02:06.879 God's holy Word. 00:02:06.879 --> 00:02:09.080 For I, the Lord, do not change. 00:02:09.960 --> 00:02:13.060 Therefore, you, O children of Jacob, are not consumed. 00:02:13.599 --> 00:02:18.039 From the days of your fathers, you've turned aside from my statutes and have not kept them. 00:02:18.439 --> 00:02:21.680 Return to me and I will return to you, says the Lord of hosts. 00:02:21.680 --> 00:02:25.260 But you say, how shall we return? 00:02:26.560 --> 00:02:28.219 Will man rob God? 00:02:29.379 --> 00:02:30.840 Yet you are robbing me. 00:02:31.960 --> 00:02:34.960 But you say, how have we robbed you? 00:02:35.719 --> 00:02:37.819 In your tithes and contributions. 00:02:38.740 --> 00:02:42.219 You are cursed with a curse for you are robbing me, the whole nation of you. 00:02:42.640 --> 00:02:46.939 Bring the full tithes into the storehouse that there may be food in my house. 00:02:47.260 --> 00:02:50.219 And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts. 00:02:50.219 --> 00:02:57.479 If I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need. 00:02:58.300 --> 00:03:03.159 I will rebuke the devourer for you so that it will not destroy the fruits of your soil. 00:03:03.539 --> 00:03:06.759 And your vine in the field shall not fail to bear, says the Lord of hosts. 00:03:07.560 --> 00:03:10.139 Then all nations will call you blessed. 00:03:10.560 --> 00:03:14.319 For you will be a land of delight, says the Lord of hosts. 00:03:14.780 --> 00:03:15.800 Let's pray together. 00:03:15.800 --> 00:03:20.439 Father, thank you for your word. 00:03:21.800 --> 00:03:22.700 We need it. 00:03:23.080 --> 00:03:23.960 We need your spirit. 00:03:25.460 --> 00:03:29.140 To speak to us that it would work into our hearts. 00:03:30.320 --> 00:03:35.760 Into our lives that we would give as you have called us to. 00:03:35.759 --> 00:03:42.719 We pray this for the sake of Jesus who gave himself for us. 00:03:42.939 --> 00:03:45.079 And we're so grateful in his name. 00:03:46.199 --> 00:03:46.539 Amen. 00:03:48.899 --> 00:03:55.299 How would you respond this morning if your spouse or best friend said, 00:03:55.300 --> 00:04:00.360 You know, there's something you could do to help you get to know me more? 00:04:00.520 --> 00:04:02.439 To understand me better? 00:04:03.760 --> 00:04:06.080 Read this personality description. 00:04:06.580 --> 00:04:08.219 Do this activity with me. 00:04:08.340 --> 00:04:09.960 Listen to this song. 00:04:11.260 --> 00:04:14.520 How would you respond if your child said the same thing? 00:04:14.520 --> 00:04:19.120 Hey, mom or dad, you know what you could do to understand me better? 00:04:19.780 --> 00:04:22.840 Listen, I'm about to have three teenage girls, y'all. 00:04:22.839 --> 00:04:30.839 And if they said that to me, I would eagerly run at anything to understand more what's going on in their hearts, right? 00:04:31.479 --> 00:04:32.899 Of course we would. 00:04:34.259 --> 00:04:36.799 I don't want you to miss that in this passage. 00:04:37.639 --> 00:04:38.799 Yes, it's about money. 00:04:39.599 --> 00:04:40.639 I already admitted that. 00:04:41.599 --> 00:04:48.159 But more foundationally, this passage is about God telling us how we can know him more. 00:04:48.160 --> 00:04:54.960 As we've seen over and over through the prophets, repentance is about relationship. 00:04:55.640 --> 00:05:00.820 Coming back to God because God wants us to know him and love him. 00:05:01.620 --> 00:05:05.700 Yes, he's going to talk about giving, but he wants us, right? 00:05:05.800 --> 00:05:06.860 It's not our money. 00:05:08.400 --> 00:05:12.740 That's the context of this discussion on tithing here in Malachi. 00:05:12.740 --> 00:05:20.040 It's God wanting to show us more of who he is so that we know him and trust him more. 00:05:20.920 --> 00:05:24.220 What is he like as we relate to him? 00:05:24.300 --> 00:05:26.540 Notice that's where he starts in verse 6. 00:05:27.379 --> 00:05:33.019 For I, the Lord, I, Yahweh, do not change. 00:05:34.540 --> 00:05:37.900 Therefore you, O children of Jacob, are not consumed. 00:05:37.899 --> 00:05:41.899 God is eternally unchanging. 00:05:43.419 --> 00:05:48.079 Think about how remarkable that is for someone that you're in relationship with, right? 00:05:48.679 --> 00:05:50.560 People change, don't they? 00:05:50.819 --> 00:05:51.919 They grow. 00:05:52.560 --> 00:05:54.060 They're impacted by life. 00:05:54.319 --> 00:05:55.599 We're unpredictable. 00:05:56.060 --> 00:05:57.560 We're unreliable. 00:05:58.139 --> 00:06:02.000 God does not change. 00:06:02.000 --> 00:06:09.000 The fancy theological word for his unchanging nature is immutability. 00:06:09.720 --> 00:06:10.680 Kids, did you get that? 00:06:10.759 --> 00:06:12.259 It's the big long one on your sheet. 00:06:12.720 --> 00:06:13.279 Immutability. 00:06:13.459 --> 00:06:14.860 New word for the week, right? 00:06:14.939 --> 00:06:16.720 You can impress your friends. 00:06:17.459 --> 00:06:21.720 God does not change like shifting shadows. 00:06:21.980 --> 00:06:25.899 He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. 00:06:25.899 --> 00:06:30.379 The point being, we can count on him being faithful. 00:06:31.419 --> 00:06:37.379 Because he's unchangeable in his entire character, as we said from the catechism earlier in the service. 00:06:37.739 --> 00:06:39.919 Particularly here in this passage. 00:06:40.599 --> 00:06:49.959 His grace and mercy that keeps an inconsistent, unfaithful people from being destroyed when they wander from him, right? 00:06:49.959 --> 00:06:58.239 That's the second thing we learn about God here, is that he is overwhelmingly generous. 00:06:59.699 --> 00:07:06.759 We can see the beginning of it there and how he bears with his people when they don't deserve it, when they run away. 00:07:07.219 --> 00:07:13.139 But then he really throws back the curtain in verse 10 and says, you know what I'm like? 00:07:13.919 --> 00:07:15.759 What is your God like? 00:07:15.759 --> 00:07:25.259 Like, I'm ready to throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out blessings on you that you can't comprehend or contain. 00:07:26.099 --> 00:07:31.319 You don't even begin to understand how generous I am, God says. 00:07:32.680 --> 00:07:40.800 This will only begin to touch it, but I love the picture of God's generosity that I got from one of our elders, Vinit, this week. 00:07:40.800 --> 00:07:46.780 He likes to picture it like he's going to five guys to eat their fries. 00:07:47.639 --> 00:07:52.900 Picture God's generosity like the guy serving the fries at five guys, okay? 00:07:53.379 --> 00:07:59.019 You know how they give you a cup that is brimming over with fries coming out all sides? 00:07:59.699 --> 00:08:00.580 And then what do they do? 00:08:00.800 --> 00:08:02.879 Right as they're about to give it to you, they put it in the bag. 00:08:02.960 --> 00:08:04.040 The fries are already spilling in. 00:08:04.080 --> 00:08:04.879 The guy looks in. 00:08:04.879 --> 00:08:10.459 He scoops another just heaping scoop of fries and pours them in the bag too, right? 00:08:11.180 --> 00:08:12.860 Listen, I love French fries. 00:08:12.939 --> 00:08:14.379 I can eat a lot of French fries. 00:08:14.680 --> 00:08:19.600 But when I go to five guys and they fill the bag like that, I can't finish them. 00:08:19.659 --> 00:08:21.300 I have to have somebody to share it with. 00:08:21.399 --> 00:08:23.300 That's how many fries there are. 00:08:23.779 --> 00:08:29.439 That's how God pours his grace, his blessings into our lives. 00:08:29.439 --> 00:08:34.259 It's overwhelming, overflowing, shareable size. 00:08:34.740 --> 00:08:36.299 God's generosity. 00:08:37.200 --> 00:08:37.919 That's who he is. 00:08:38.000 --> 00:08:41.679 Eternally unchanging, overwhelmingly generous. 00:08:42.159 --> 00:08:45.759 Remember those two realities as we keep reading. 00:08:45.879 --> 00:08:47.960 Because that's what God wants to do here. 00:08:48.279 --> 00:08:54.559 He wants to show his gracious and generous character to his people and to all the nations. 00:08:54.740 --> 00:08:55.740 Verse 12. 00:08:55.740 --> 00:08:59.120 He wants us to understand him better. 00:08:59.480 --> 00:09:02.240 For everyone to know him more. 00:09:02.639 --> 00:09:05.340 And so he tells us what to do for that to happen, right? 00:09:05.600 --> 00:09:07.799 Aren't we going to be eager to do that? 00:09:09.899 --> 00:09:12.600 Well, maybe. 00:09:14.180 --> 00:09:16.100 It starts out okay, I guess. 00:09:16.519 --> 00:09:20.440 God calls his people to return to him. 00:09:20.440 --> 00:09:22.220 Verse 7. 00:09:22.220 --> 00:09:27.399 Return to me and I will return to you. 00:09:27.480 --> 00:09:29.820 It's that word we keep seeing over and over. 00:09:30.279 --> 00:09:30.860 Repent. 00:09:32.320 --> 00:09:32.879 Return. 00:09:34.300 --> 00:09:36.519 God does not change. 00:09:37.240 --> 00:09:39.600 But his idolatrous people must. 00:09:40.800 --> 00:09:43.180 They must change directions. 00:09:43.879 --> 00:09:48.560 Turn from their selfish pursuits and come home to God. 00:09:48.559 --> 00:09:48.639 God. 00:09:50.159 --> 00:09:54.079 Sometimes we bristle at anybody telling us what to do, don't we? 00:09:55.519 --> 00:09:57.159 How we should change. 00:09:57.959 --> 00:09:58.779 We don't like that. 00:09:58.979 --> 00:10:02.879 But God says our hearts must come back to know him. 00:10:03.239 --> 00:10:07.799 And maybe like his people we say, okay, but how? 00:10:08.799 --> 00:10:10.479 I mean, what would that look like? 00:10:10.539 --> 00:10:13.259 God, I don't understand where I'm far off from you. 00:10:13.419 --> 00:10:15.500 We're not sure how we're missing you, God. 00:10:15.500 --> 00:10:18.379 They say that a lot in Malachi, don't they? 00:10:20.659 --> 00:10:25.600 Malachi says, stop robbing God. 00:10:27.460 --> 00:10:28.059 Bam. 00:10:28.480 --> 00:10:28.639 Right? 00:10:28.720 --> 00:10:30.720 I mean, that'll wake you up. 00:10:31.480 --> 00:10:39.840 What the prophet is telling them is that their disobedience is keeping them from deeper relationship with God. 00:10:40.379 --> 00:10:41.740 I mean, that makes sense, right? 00:10:41.740 --> 00:10:48.139 If someone consistently robs you, wouldn't that impact your relationship with them? 00:10:48.419 --> 00:10:51.299 The closeness and trust that you felt with them? 00:10:52.399 --> 00:10:53.139 Sure it would. 00:10:54.700 --> 00:10:58.519 In fact, when they rob God, they get a curse. 00:10:59.620 --> 00:11:03.639 And so in response to that, the call of God is clear. 00:11:04.060 --> 00:11:04.700 Verse 10. 00:11:04.700 --> 00:11:23.500 Let me explain what's going on here. 00:11:23.560 --> 00:11:24.740 What is God saying to them? 00:11:24.740 --> 00:11:32.759 See, throughout the Old Testament, God and his people have this special relationship where he brings them into the promised land. 00:11:32.820 --> 00:11:35.159 A land flowing with milk and honey, right? 00:11:36.240 --> 00:11:40.220 And he says, here's how our relationship is going to work. 00:11:40.680 --> 00:11:45.740 Because it's so important that you remember what I've done for you. 00:11:45.740 --> 00:11:49.080 Lest they forget that all this is his. 00:11:49.860 --> 00:11:52.879 And they're to enjoy and use it for his glory. 00:11:53.399 --> 00:11:55.100 They are to give a tithe. 00:11:56.419 --> 00:11:56.899 Tithe. 00:11:57.019 --> 00:11:59.000 Literally, that word means a tenth. 00:11:59.220 --> 00:12:00.379 Ten percent. 00:12:01.379 --> 00:12:07.240 That they're going to give of everything that the land produces back to God. 00:12:07.240 --> 00:12:09.919 It all comes from him. 00:12:10.580 --> 00:12:15.139 And so he retains particular ownership of that tenth. 00:12:15.440 --> 00:12:16.899 The produce of the crops. 00:12:17.360 --> 00:12:19.080 The fruit of the trees. 00:12:19.560 --> 00:12:22.399 The animals from the flocks and herds. 00:12:22.519 --> 00:12:24.180 Just read through Leviticus 27. 00:12:25.340 --> 00:12:28.360 All of that is the Lord's. 00:12:29.720 --> 00:12:33.360 So that's where the idea of robbing comes from. 00:12:33.360 --> 00:12:41.740 If everything is yours, God, like they were singing, then it changes how we view it. 00:12:42.060 --> 00:12:49.279 If they own, if God's people own the things, then not bringing the tithe to God would not be robbing. 00:12:50.560 --> 00:12:51.600 It would be their own stuff. 00:12:52.180 --> 00:12:55.460 But he owns everything. 00:12:55.759 --> 00:13:02.300 And his people then are stewards who must bring his tithe into the storehouses. 00:13:03.360 --> 00:13:06.600 The storehouse is a part of the temple. 00:13:06.840 --> 00:13:12.519 Special room where tithes and offerings are collected to then be distributed. 00:13:12.680 --> 00:13:17.779 Particularly to the priests, the Levites, to provide for them and their families. 00:13:17.779 --> 00:13:22.820 Since they don't receive a particular inheritance in the land that they're going to work. 00:13:23.759 --> 00:13:27.139 But the worship of God's people and his temple must be maintained. 00:13:27.320 --> 00:13:31.100 And so his people bring the tithe to the storehouse. 00:13:31.100 --> 00:13:34.420 And then in some cases it's used to provide for the poor. 00:13:34.980 --> 00:13:37.259 The widow, the orphan, the foreigner. 00:13:38.300 --> 00:13:43.100 As needs arose, yes, they could be met individually as you allow them to glean in your fields. 00:13:44.420 --> 00:13:48.180 But some of what you had you brought to the storehouse. 00:13:48.580 --> 00:13:51.940 For community, worship and service. 00:13:52.420 --> 00:13:55.279 Relinquishing your control over its distribution. 00:13:55.279 --> 00:14:07.740 Scholars actually estimate that in the Old Testament if you combined the basic tithe and all the other tithes and offerings that God's law required of his people. 00:14:09.000 --> 00:14:13.319 Contributions here could be part of those other things mentioned in this passage. 00:14:13.699 --> 00:14:16.279 The total of all of it was likely more like 20%. 00:14:17.039 --> 00:14:18.799 Or even more than that. 00:14:18.860 --> 00:14:21.199 That the people were to bring to God. 00:14:21.200 --> 00:14:27.460 But for sure the tithe, the tenth, applied across the board. 00:14:28.440 --> 00:14:30.680 And that's what God was concerned about. 00:14:30.800 --> 00:14:38.180 He says, bring the full tithe into the storehouse that there may be food in my house. 00:14:38.300 --> 00:14:39.879 Plenty for the priest. 00:14:40.000 --> 00:14:40.960 Provision for the poor. 00:14:41.080 --> 00:14:43.200 Proper upkeep of God's house. 00:14:43.840 --> 00:14:46.340 Apparently God's people are giving occasionally. 00:14:46.340 --> 00:14:49.200 There's some stuff coming in. 00:14:49.379 --> 00:14:53.620 But you know, who else really notices when it's not a tenth, right? 00:14:56.220 --> 00:14:58.460 Well God, apparently. 00:14:59.740 --> 00:15:03.540 The emphasis is on the full tithe. 00:15:03.860 --> 00:15:08.560 Lest they think that they know how best to provide for themselves. 00:15:08.800 --> 00:15:14.080 I figured it out God how much I should bring in and how much I should hold back this time. 00:15:14.080 --> 00:15:18.020 Lest they think they know best how their relationship with God should work. 00:15:18.300 --> 00:15:21.040 He says, obey me in this. 00:15:22.360 --> 00:15:25.860 Steward my provision faithfully and generously. 00:15:27.820 --> 00:15:29.480 And there's a glorious promise. 00:15:30.240 --> 00:15:31.560 Right there alongside it. 00:15:31.759 --> 00:15:34.520 It's God's generous provision that we've already seen. 00:15:34.800 --> 00:15:37.520 He tells them, you can't out give God. 00:15:37.820 --> 00:15:38.060 Right? 00:15:38.059 --> 00:15:44.559 You won't have to worry as you give about the things that you fear most. 00:15:44.659 --> 00:15:45.879 I don't know what that is for you. 00:15:45.979 --> 00:15:48.599 That you would fear about your life. 00:15:48.699 --> 00:15:51.679 In this context, locusts are referenced. 00:15:52.539 --> 00:15:54.339 A big danger to crops. 00:15:54.479 --> 00:15:57.559 Something that would disrupt your livelihood, your family. 00:15:58.179 --> 00:15:59.359 God will keep them away. 00:15:59.859 --> 00:16:01.139 Bless your fields abundantly. 00:16:01.279 --> 00:16:06.539 Very practical blessings associated with returning to your covenant God. 00:16:06.539 --> 00:16:09.860 But there's even more. 00:16:10.360 --> 00:16:15.339 Actually, what's more featured here is this idea of putting God to the test. 00:16:15.659 --> 00:16:18.419 Test me, God says. 00:16:18.779 --> 00:16:20.919 Usually testing God is a bad thing, right? 00:16:21.299 --> 00:16:23.740 We're not supposed to put God to the test. 00:16:23.860 --> 00:16:25.759 That's usually what his people are told. 00:16:26.019 --> 00:16:34.919 But here, in order to build our faith so that we truly know him and experience his overwhelming generosity for ourselves. 00:16:34.919 --> 00:16:38.979 The point is actually not so much all these blessings he's going to give you. 00:16:40.199 --> 00:16:41.419 They're nice. 00:16:42.639 --> 00:16:46.399 But the point is, test me. 00:16:47.599 --> 00:16:51.179 That you experience more of God himself. 00:16:51.539 --> 00:16:56.559 His people will honor and worship him as the God who provides extravagantly. 00:16:56.799 --> 00:16:58.959 The one they can trust exclusively. 00:16:58.960 --> 00:17:02.960 And then the nations will look on and they'll see this unique blessing. 00:17:03.680 --> 00:17:07.620 The utter delight experienced by those who follow Yahweh. 00:17:07.779 --> 00:17:10.460 And they'll say, what a gracious, generous God. 00:17:11.180 --> 00:17:12.500 What a blessed people. 00:17:12.700 --> 00:17:16.039 I'd love to be a part of that community with that God. 00:17:19.779 --> 00:17:21.680 That's what Malachi is talking about. 00:17:21.680 --> 00:17:25.440 A few hundred years ago. 00:17:25.820 --> 00:17:27.420 What about for us? 00:17:29.160 --> 00:17:32.340 I mean, some things have obviously changed in 450 years. 00:17:33.180 --> 00:17:35.840 When Jesus comes, they've certainly changed. 00:17:36.440 --> 00:17:38.320 You know, 2,500 years later. 00:17:38.580 --> 00:17:40.240 We're not national Israel. 00:17:41.120 --> 00:17:43.299 Ruled by God's laws. 00:17:44.299 --> 00:17:46.360 Do we even have to tithe? 00:17:47.759 --> 00:17:48.960 Fair points. 00:17:48.960 --> 00:17:52.200 Some things have definitely changed. 00:17:52.740 --> 00:18:01.019 Not many of you put fruit or an animal in the offering plate when it came by this morning, right? 00:18:01.680 --> 00:18:02.620 Not usually. 00:18:03.460 --> 00:18:08.380 We don't have a storehouse room for all those gifts here on the church property. 00:18:08.720 --> 00:18:14.000 Some of you even clicked on your phone and gave electronically, which wasn't common in Malachi's day. 00:18:14.000 --> 00:18:17.980 So that's true. 00:18:18.220 --> 00:18:26.160 And beyond that, it's also important to say the tithe that's referenced here is not commanded directly in the New Testament. 00:18:27.359 --> 00:18:28.720 All that is true. 00:18:29.039 --> 00:18:36.019 So please know there are important distinctions for us with this passage and its application now. 00:18:36.019 --> 00:18:45.299 But if we think things have gotten lighter in regards to our money, we're not reading God's word. 00:18:45.879 --> 00:18:47.720 We're making that up for ourselves. 00:18:48.440 --> 00:18:51.920 The reason for giving remains the same in the New Testament. 00:18:52.460 --> 00:18:55.299 Recognizing that everything belongs to God. 00:18:55.420 --> 00:18:58.379 That's the foundational one repeated over and over. 00:18:58.380 --> 00:19:02.680 Also caring for those who minister God's word to his people. 00:19:02.920 --> 00:19:04.560 Galatians 6, 6. 00:19:04.660 --> 00:19:10.800 Let the one who is taught the word share all good things with the one who teaches. 00:19:12.640 --> 00:19:15.760 Providing for the poor among our community. 00:19:15.900 --> 00:19:18.280 Many examples like Acts 4. 00:19:18.279 --> 00:19:33.819 Consistently in the New Testament. 00:19:33.819 --> 00:19:41.339 What you'll see is regular communal giving to support the worship and life of God's people. 00:19:41.500 --> 00:19:42.079 It's commanded. 00:19:42.379 --> 00:19:44.220 It's commended over and over. 00:19:44.220 --> 00:19:49.160 In fact, the idea of this consistent and proportional giving. 00:19:49.339 --> 00:19:52.360 Like you might think of with a tithe, a 10%. 00:19:52.360 --> 00:19:54.360 That is in the New Testament. 00:19:54.620 --> 00:19:57.079 For example, 1 Corinthians 16. 00:19:57.640 --> 00:19:59.779 On the first day of every week. 00:19:59.839 --> 00:20:01.759 This is a regular practice, right? 00:20:02.140 --> 00:20:06.819 Each of you is to put something aside and store it up as he may prosper. 00:20:08.220 --> 00:20:11.299 So that there will be no collecting when I come, Paul says. 00:20:11.299 --> 00:20:14.559 So that you do this regularly. 00:20:14.839 --> 00:20:17.000 As God provides for you. 00:20:17.319 --> 00:20:19.740 You give in response to that. 00:20:19.819 --> 00:20:22.480 I'm just giving you a sampling of some of the basics, alright? 00:20:22.879 --> 00:20:25.240 Not going into all the details of it. 00:20:25.559 --> 00:20:27.159 But if you really want to say to me, 00:20:27.440 --> 00:20:30.839 Pastor, don't ask me to tithe like the Old Testament. 00:20:31.599 --> 00:20:35.559 Give me some New Testament freedom in giving, right? 00:20:36.099 --> 00:20:38.639 I want freestyle giving like the New Testament. 00:20:38.639 --> 00:20:39.359 Like Jesus. 00:20:39.359 --> 00:20:42.079 Be careful what you ask for. 00:20:43.959 --> 00:20:48.579 The best descriptions of New Testament giving as God commands would be generous. 00:20:50.240 --> 00:20:51.579 Add sacrificial. 00:20:51.979 --> 00:20:52.879 It should really hurt. 00:20:53.000 --> 00:20:53.979 It should cost you something. 00:20:54.979 --> 00:20:56.919 And then just go ahead and say everything. 00:20:58.159 --> 00:20:58.299 Right? 00:20:58.699 --> 00:21:00.359 All that you have. 00:21:01.579 --> 00:21:05.539 In fact, it's the ones praised in the New Testament are not the Pharisees. 00:21:05.539 --> 00:21:08.399 Who tithe carefully on every last dollar. 00:21:08.399 --> 00:21:09.019 But who? 00:21:09.899 --> 00:21:10.539 The widow. 00:21:11.420 --> 00:21:13.980 Who gives two copper pennies. 00:21:14.500 --> 00:21:18.659 Which are everything she had to live on. 00:21:21.379 --> 00:21:23.720 After all, God's interested in more than our money. 00:21:24.379 --> 00:21:24.559 Right? 00:21:25.099 --> 00:21:26.159 It's about the heart. 00:21:26.160 --> 00:21:28.700 Cheerful givers God is looking for. 00:21:28.840 --> 00:21:31.900 Who are eager to release control over their resources. 00:21:31.900 --> 00:21:36.259 Because they so trust the one who's caring for them. 00:21:37.220 --> 00:21:40.200 Y'all, it would be really difficult to argue from the Bible. 00:21:40.680 --> 00:21:44.320 That God's people today are called to give less than a tenth. 00:21:45.440 --> 00:21:46.740 Particularly now. 00:21:46.740 --> 00:21:49.339 In response to the riches of God's blessing. 00:21:49.740 --> 00:21:52.620 Poured out on us in Jesus. 00:21:53.579 --> 00:21:56.000 The tithe today should be viewed as a floor. 00:21:56.440 --> 00:21:57.779 Rather than a ceiling. 00:21:58.019 --> 00:21:59.819 A principle that gets us started. 00:22:00.000 --> 00:22:05.160 And then launches us forward in generous, overflowing giving. 00:22:06.920 --> 00:22:09.240 That's the place where a lot of the particular questions. 00:22:09.519 --> 00:22:11.299 Like gross or net. 00:22:11.779 --> 00:22:14.259 Just my salary or my real estate. 00:22:14.259 --> 00:22:15.640 And my investments. 00:22:15.640 --> 00:22:18.340 Reasonable questions like that. 00:22:18.860 --> 00:22:20.520 Get dwarfed. 00:22:21.020 --> 00:22:23.120 By the idea that God owns it all. 00:22:24.000 --> 00:22:26.340 And he calls us to give generously. 00:22:26.700 --> 00:22:28.120 And trust him. 00:22:28.440 --> 00:22:29.700 Not asking. 00:22:30.360 --> 00:22:33.640 What can I get away with? 00:22:34.920 --> 00:22:37.640 Not asking what can I avoid giving? 00:22:38.400 --> 00:22:40.700 But what can I possibly give? 00:22:40.700 --> 00:22:44.020 How do I get the opportunity to give? 00:22:44.019 --> 00:22:47.980 Do we have to give all our tithe to our church? 00:22:48.099 --> 00:22:49.139 Another good question. 00:22:50.799 --> 00:22:57.740 That certainly seems to be the clearest way to reflect the biblical commands and principles of giving. 00:22:58.079 --> 00:23:02.059 That supports the communal worship and work of God's people. 00:23:02.819 --> 00:23:05.900 The provision for those who minister God's word to you. 00:23:06.079 --> 00:23:07.639 And the poor among us. 00:23:07.640 --> 00:23:11.840 The entrusting of his resources beyond my control. 00:23:13.200 --> 00:23:19.000 But of course that doesn't stop us from giving to other people and other causes as well. 00:23:19.120 --> 00:23:21.700 That's wonderful and can be very generous. 00:23:22.380 --> 00:23:27.100 One of the ways our family has found helpful to reflect biblical principles in giving. 00:23:27.099 --> 00:23:32.139 Is to start with a tithe of 10% of everything to our church. 00:23:32.959 --> 00:23:36.279 And then give beyond that to other needs we become aware of. 00:23:36.919 --> 00:23:42.119 Causes where we have a personal passion and special requests from our church. 00:23:42.379 --> 00:23:43.399 That come up. 00:23:43.559 --> 00:23:45.579 And as God provides and calls us to. 00:23:45.719 --> 00:23:47.159 Then we can give. 00:23:47.160 --> 00:23:53.279 Another thing that stays the same today. 00:23:53.500 --> 00:23:55.140 As it was in Malachi's day. 00:23:55.259 --> 00:23:57.259 Is that God's people struggle. 00:23:58.500 --> 00:24:01.019 And this aspect of our relationship with him. 00:24:01.580 --> 00:24:02.180 Statistically. 00:24:02.820 --> 00:24:08.040 Over one third of professing Christians in America today give nothing. 00:24:08.039 --> 00:24:13.960 We give less than 3% of our income to our church. 00:24:14.099 --> 00:24:16.220 Lower than even during the Great Depression. 00:24:18.019 --> 00:24:21.079 We may be a touch better than that at Southwood. 00:24:21.339 --> 00:24:21.899 I'm told. 00:24:22.680 --> 00:24:24.359 But without knowing any names of course. 00:24:24.500 --> 00:24:28.500 Just using average income numbers in our county. 00:24:28.960 --> 00:24:33.039 We probably give as a church about 5%. 00:24:33.039 --> 00:24:35.940 Somewhere in that range. 00:24:35.940 --> 00:24:39.600 So yes we have some budget needs right now. 00:24:39.700 --> 00:24:40.420 That's true. 00:24:41.200 --> 00:24:42.660 More importantly y'all. 00:24:42.820 --> 00:24:45.160 We have kingdom opportunities. 00:24:45.920 --> 00:24:47.900 With ministries in our own church. 00:24:48.120 --> 00:24:51.320 With materially poor here in Huntsville. 00:24:51.740 --> 00:24:56.000 With people around the world who haven't heard the gospel. 00:24:56.140 --> 00:24:59.200 That we'd love to be able to help reach. 00:25:00.059 --> 00:25:02.220 And those are opportunities God has given us. 00:25:02.220 --> 00:25:05.059 We'll give you a few more details about these opportunities. 00:25:05.059 --> 00:25:08.419 In a letter that you'll get in your mailboxes this week. 00:25:09.359 --> 00:25:11.119 But right now can you just imagine. 00:25:11.299 --> 00:25:12.299 Without specifics. 00:25:12.700 --> 00:25:15.059 Imagine what it would look like if we moved from 5%. 00:25:15.720 --> 00:25:18.059 Even just to 10%. 00:25:18.599 --> 00:25:20.220 Can you imagine? 00:25:20.859 --> 00:25:24.559 Doubling our investment in the kingdom together. 00:25:25.099 --> 00:25:26.859 All those great opportunities. 00:25:27.099 --> 00:25:29.359 What God might do. 00:25:29.359 --> 00:25:35.799 I don't think we should use our distance from Malachi's day. 00:25:36.319 --> 00:25:38.859 To avoid hearing God say to us. 00:25:39.339 --> 00:25:42.919 Bring the full tithe into the storehouse. 00:25:44.599 --> 00:25:46.039 Now I know how to figure that out. 00:25:46.079 --> 00:25:47.079 It's not always simple. 00:25:47.339 --> 00:25:49.579 And I don't want to pretend that it is. 00:25:50.099 --> 00:25:53.399 Especially if that's not the way your family has functioned. 00:25:53.839 --> 00:25:55.500 So let's help each other. 00:25:55.879 --> 00:25:56.079 Right? 00:25:56.079 --> 00:25:58.759 We're a family for that reason. 00:25:58.960 --> 00:25:59.039 Right? 00:25:59.099 --> 00:26:03.460 God is calling us together to bring the tithe. 00:26:03.759 --> 00:26:05.599 And some of us are naturally more generous. 00:26:05.859 --> 00:26:08.559 Or more experienced with money than others are. 00:26:09.240 --> 00:26:13.699 Talk to one of our deacons about how you can develop the grace of giving. 00:26:14.259 --> 00:26:16.859 As Paul calls it in your own life. 00:26:17.599 --> 00:26:18.720 In fact if you're a deacon. 00:26:18.799 --> 00:26:20.139 Will you stand up for just a second? 00:26:20.379 --> 00:26:21.419 They didn't even know this was coming. 00:26:21.899 --> 00:26:22.539 If you're a deacon. 00:26:22.619 --> 00:26:23.699 Just stand up for a second. 00:26:23.700 --> 00:26:27.019 But there's a bunch of them who are not here this morning. 00:26:27.319 --> 00:26:28.900 And some of them that are still sitting probably. 00:26:29.620 --> 00:26:31.940 But seriously. 00:26:32.200 --> 00:26:34.600 God has called and gifted these guys particularly. 00:26:35.220 --> 00:26:36.960 To lead us in this. 00:26:37.720 --> 00:26:38.720 Alongside our elders. 00:26:38.900 --> 00:26:43.340 They do a great job faithfully stewarding our budget. 00:26:44.080 --> 00:26:47.799 And they would love to help you steward God's resources. 00:26:48.120 --> 00:26:49.319 That he's entrusted to you. 00:26:49.420 --> 00:26:50.440 It's part of their heart. 00:26:50.519 --> 00:26:51.160 It's part of their gift. 00:26:51.160 --> 00:26:52.180 It's part of their passion. 00:26:52.620 --> 00:26:53.700 You can talk with them. 00:26:54.840 --> 00:26:55.620 If you don't know where to start. 00:26:55.700 --> 00:26:56.920 Email me and I'll get you to them. 00:26:57.040 --> 00:26:57.759 Thank you guys. 00:27:01.320 --> 00:27:02.200 It's a big deal. 00:27:04.240 --> 00:27:06.840 God is calling us to repent. 00:27:07.640 --> 00:27:09.440 To return to him. 00:27:09.440 --> 00:27:09.920 Right? 00:27:09.920 --> 00:27:13.360 But it's a big deal. 00:27:13.360 --> 00:27:16.940 Not because Southwood has a budget problem. 00:27:17.259 --> 00:27:20.180 But because we have a heart problem. 00:27:20.680 --> 00:27:22.320 That's a huge deal. 00:27:22.700 --> 00:27:26.420 We're missing out on the blessing of knowing God more. 00:27:26.500 --> 00:27:30.300 As he provides so graciously for us. 00:27:30.460 --> 00:27:31.720 That's what's going on. 00:27:31.759 --> 00:27:34.120 The most important thing stays the same. 00:27:34.440 --> 00:27:36.360 God's unchanging character. 00:27:36.600 --> 00:27:38.700 His gracious generosity. 00:27:38.700 --> 00:27:40.059 Ask yourself. 00:27:40.059 --> 00:27:43.920 Do you give as though you have an eternally unchanging. 00:27:45.160 --> 00:27:47.019 Overwhelmingly generous father. 00:27:47.019 --> 00:27:49.440 That you can absolutely count on. 00:27:49.980 --> 00:27:51.299 Is that what your giving reflects? 00:27:52.440 --> 00:27:54.140 That you know him like that? 00:27:56.740 --> 00:28:00.180 I've always struggled with this attachment to money. 00:28:00.539 --> 00:28:01.720 In my own heart. 00:28:01.720 --> 00:28:07.039 I remember back when Christy and I got married just a couple years later. 00:28:07.779 --> 00:28:13.220 We were able at that time to pay off all of our student loans. 00:28:13.299 --> 00:28:15.019 And to be debt free. 00:28:15.019 --> 00:28:17.220 And it felt so good. 00:28:17.360 --> 00:28:19.640 I hated the feeling of being in debt. 00:28:20.039 --> 00:28:22.480 And it felt so good to be debt free. 00:28:22.579 --> 00:28:23.640 It's a great feeling. 00:28:23.640 --> 00:28:29.700 It's why Dave Ramsey has made millions off of people coming in to do the debt free scream. 00:28:29.820 --> 00:28:30.060 Right? 00:28:30.900 --> 00:28:35.320 Because it's just a great feeling not to have that. 00:28:35.400 --> 00:28:36.720 And I remember feeling that. 00:28:37.120 --> 00:28:45.620 And I decided then that I would use my money to prevent ever feeling that bad feeling again. 00:28:45.619 --> 00:28:52.079 I decided, committed to myself that I was going to find security. 00:28:52.239 --> 00:28:53.279 Not in making millions. 00:28:54.299 --> 00:28:58.199 But in having enough to provide for myself. 00:28:59.699 --> 00:29:01.459 I liked that feeling. 00:29:02.599 --> 00:29:04.379 I still like that feeling. 00:29:05.679 --> 00:29:10.839 And what God is speaking to my idolatrous heart this morning. 00:29:10.839 --> 00:29:15.579 Is that there's something so much better than that feeling. 00:29:16.039 --> 00:29:18.599 And there's an even better place to be than that. 00:29:18.699 --> 00:29:23.439 Where you're screaming out of the excitement of being debt free. 00:29:24.059 --> 00:29:29.119 And that's when you rejoice in a heavenly father who cares for you. 00:29:29.459 --> 00:29:33.299 Regardless of what the number in the bank account says. 00:29:33.299 --> 00:29:39.939 Who will supply all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. 00:29:39.940 --> 00:29:42.019 That's a greater inheritance. 00:29:42.259 --> 00:29:42.440 Right? 00:29:43.180 --> 00:29:45.559 That's a stronger security. 00:29:45.860 --> 00:29:51.160 A deeper joy than that other false one that I run after so often. 00:29:52.080 --> 00:29:53.940 That's what God's offering us. 00:29:54.259 --> 00:29:54.900 Southwood. 00:29:55.500 --> 00:29:57.840 That's what he wants us to enter into. 00:29:58.840 --> 00:30:02.059 You know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. 00:30:02.900 --> 00:30:04.320 That though he was rich. 00:30:05.140 --> 00:30:07.539 Yet for your sakes he became poor. 00:30:07.539 --> 00:30:13.139 That you through his poverty might become rich. 00:30:13.539 --> 00:30:14.359 What does it mean? 00:30:15.399 --> 00:30:19.879 That we become rich through Jesus' poverty? 00:30:21.779 --> 00:30:23.879 Rich there is what he starts with. 00:30:24.039 --> 00:30:24.139 Right? 00:30:25.099 --> 00:30:28.879 Jesus' riches in this passage are not primarily referring to money. 00:30:29.879 --> 00:30:33.019 But this amazing relationship with God. 00:30:33.460 --> 00:30:35.099 That he enjoyed in heaven. 00:30:35.240 --> 00:30:35.420 Right? 00:30:35.420 --> 00:30:38.580 That's what it meant that Jesus was rich. 00:30:39.039 --> 00:30:40.420 That's what he gave up. 00:30:40.680 --> 00:30:42.160 Making him poor. 00:30:43.120 --> 00:30:44.800 So that we through his poverty. 00:30:44.960 --> 00:30:46.720 His being rejected by God. 00:30:47.180 --> 00:30:49.660 Turned away from by his father. 00:30:50.519 --> 00:30:53.140 That we might become rich. 00:30:53.460 --> 00:30:55.420 Jesus didn't come so we could be millionaires. 00:30:55.420 --> 00:30:56.039 No rich. 00:30:57.039 --> 00:30:58.160 No rich. 00:30:58.680 --> 00:31:00.580 Means that we might know. 00:31:00.580 --> 00:31:03.200 That kind of relationship with God. 00:31:03.320 --> 00:31:05.700 That Jesus left in heaven. 00:31:06.120 --> 00:31:07.340 To come for us. 00:31:07.440 --> 00:31:07.640 Right? 00:31:08.200 --> 00:31:10.320 Do you hear God offering that to us? 00:31:11.160 --> 00:31:11.759 Friends. 00:31:12.039 --> 00:31:12.759 God is saying. 00:31:13.000 --> 00:31:13.920 That's why you give. 00:31:15.580 --> 00:31:17.039 Not for any other reason. 00:31:17.460 --> 00:31:19.060 Than that you're in relationship with me. 00:31:19.120 --> 00:31:20.279 And I'm inviting you deeper. 00:31:20.759 --> 00:31:21.440 Into that. 00:31:21.960 --> 00:31:23.160 Do you hear his promise. 00:31:23.160 --> 00:31:24.860 To meet us in our giving. 00:31:25.200 --> 00:31:26.420 With everything we need. 00:31:26.540 --> 00:31:26.800 Yes. 00:31:26.940 --> 00:31:27.759 Caring for us. 00:31:27.800 --> 00:31:28.320 Of course. 00:31:28.820 --> 00:31:29.880 But with himself. 00:31:30.320 --> 00:31:31.420 In relationship. 00:31:31.880 --> 00:31:33.480 Beyond what you can imagine. 00:31:33.480 --> 00:31:38.420 I'm not talking primarily about a bigger budget number for Southwood. 00:31:40.059 --> 00:31:41.380 But we've been praying for revival. 00:31:41.860 --> 00:31:42.059 Right? 00:31:43.360 --> 00:31:45.920 And we've been talking about revival. 00:31:46.259 --> 00:31:48.079 Praying that God would do that in our hearts. 00:31:48.180 --> 00:31:50.400 Bringing us into deeper relationship with him. 00:31:50.740 --> 00:31:52.319 Praying he'd do it in our community. 00:31:52.319 --> 00:31:53.880 That they would be transformed. 00:31:54.480 --> 00:31:56.240 And that will only happen. 00:31:56.240 --> 00:31:59.059 If God opens the floodgates of heaven. 00:31:59.460 --> 00:32:00.960 And pours down for us. 00:32:01.079 --> 00:32:01.779 A blessing. 00:32:02.019 --> 00:32:04.259 Until there is no more need. 00:32:04.500 --> 00:32:05.880 That he would pour down things like. 00:32:06.120 --> 00:32:07.380 Conviction of sin. 00:32:07.799 --> 00:32:09.559 And joyful repentance. 00:32:09.980 --> 00:32:12.500 And confident faith in Christ. 00:32:12.920 --> 00:32:14.099 Countless conversions. 00:32:14.279 --> 00:32:15.900 And baptism after baptism. 00:32:16.059 --> 00:32:18.460 And your neighbors and your friends coming in. 00:32:18.620 --> 00:32:19.740 And knowing Jesus. 00:32:20.359 --> 00:32:22.500 Divisions being healed in our community. 00:32:22.500 --> 00:32:24.539 And hunts full of people. 00:32:24.700 --> 00:32:26.140 Full of the Holy Spirit. 00:32:26.359 --> 00:32:27.700 That's going to require God. 00:32:28.019 --> 00:32:29.960 Pouring out the abundance of heaven. 00:32:30.380 --> 00:32:31.140 On us. 00:32:32.079 --> 00:32:33.200 You believe he'd do that. 00:32:34.460 --> 00:32:35.519 As we give. 00:32:37.200 --> 00:32:40.140 Can you believe that he actually comes again here. 00:32:40.779 --> 00:32:42.259 And invites us home. 00:32:43.259 --> 00:32:43.980 To repentance. 00:32:44.980 --> 00:32:46.279 To return to him. 00:32:46.279 --> 00:32:48.279 To restored relationship. 00:32:49.180 --> 00:32:50.880 Beyond what we've known. 00:32:52.500 --> 00:32:53.920 Won't we trust him. 00:32:54.539 --> 00:32:54.980 In this. 00:32:55.900 --> 00:32:56.440 Let's pray. 00:33:01.420 --> 00:33:03.279 Father we say we trust you. 00:33:06.779 --> 00:33:08.079 But we struggle. 00:33:11.220 --> 00:33:12.980 Because we trust ourselves. 00:33:14.759 --> 00:33:16.000 Our resources. 00:33:18.299 --> 00:33:20.099 And sometimes they feel safer. 00:33:20.099 --> 00:33:25.319 And doesn't seem safe to trust you. 00:33:26.719 --> 00:33:27.799 Would you show us. 00:33:28.480 --> 00:33:29.939 How glorious you are. 00:33:30.199 --> 00:33:31.399 How good you are. 00:33:31.480 --> 00:33:32.779 How generous you are. 00:33:34.259 --> 00:33:35.699 Would you invite us deeper. 00:33:35.839 --> 00:33:37.459 Into knowing more of who you are. 00:33:37.579 --> 00:33:37.879 Father. 00:33:38.539 --> 00:33:39.279 Teach us. 00:33:39.939 --> 00:33:40.539 To listen. 00:33:40.659 --> 00:33:41.279 And to obey. 00:33:41.279 --> 00:33:43.339 And bless us beyond. 00:33:43.980 --> 00:33:45.399 What we could ever ask for. 00:33:45.500 --> 00:33:46.779 For your glory. 00:33:46.779 --> 00:33:47.420 We. 00:33:47.859 --> 00:33:49.220 This church family. 00:33:49.220 --> 00:33:50.119 Need you. 00:33:50.680 --> 00:33:51.460 And together. 00:33:51.899 --> 00:33:52.440 Ask. 00:33:53.359 --> 00:33:54.559 For you to open our hearts. 00:33:54.680 --> 00:33:55.440 And our hands. 00:33:55.839 --> 00:33:57.299 We would give ourselves completely. 00:33:58.139 --> 00:33:58.899 For you. 00:33:59.960 --> 00:34:01.019 In Jesus name. 00:34:01.460 --> 00:34:01.720 Amen. 00:34:01.720 --> 00:34:07.279 For more information. 00:34:07.660 --> 00:34:08.599 Visit us online. 00:34:08.760 --> 00:34:09.900 At Southwood.org 00:34:09.900 --> 00:34:11.280 For more information. 00:34:11.340 --> 00:34:20.340 Visit us online. 00:34:20.340 --> 00:34:20.820 Visit us online. 00:34:20.820 --> 00:34:21.400 For more information. 00:34:21.400 --> 00:34:22.699 Visit us online. 00:34:22.699 --> 00:34:24.220 Visit us online. 00:34:24.220 --> 00:34:26.300 Visit us online.