The Heart Behind the Tithe

Ridin’ The River 10-26-25

Sermon Title: “The Heart Behind the Tithe: Why Christians Give”

Text: Malachi 3:8–10 (NLT)

“Should people cheat God? Yet you have cheated me! But you ask, ‘What do you mean? When did we ever cheat you?’ You have cheated me of the tithes and offerings due to me. You are under a curse, for your whole nation has been cheating me. Bring all the tithes into the storehouse so there will be enough food in my Temple. If you do,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, “I will open the windows of heaven for you. I will pour out a blessing so great you won’t have enough room to take it in! Try it! Put me to the test!”

Introduction

Money is one of the most sensitive topics in the church—but also one of the most spiritual. Jesus spoke more about money than almost any other topic because He knew how deeply it connects to our hearts.

Tithing is not just about paying bills or funding ministries—it’s a heart issue, a trust issue, and an act of worship.

- Money Is Deeply Personal

Money represents more than just currency — it represents security, success, and control. People work hard for it, depend on it for daily needs, and often tie their sense of identity or stability to it.

So when the church talks about money, many people feel:

Exposed, because it touches an area they guard closely.

Defensive, because they fear being judged for how they spend.

Suspicious, because they’ve seen money misused or manipulated.

That’s why Jesus said in Matthew 6:21 (NLT):

“Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.”

Money reveals the heart’s priorities, and few things feel more personal than that.

- People Have Seen Money Abused in Religious Settings

Sadly, some churches and leaders throughout history have misused funds, manipulated giving, or preached prosperity without accountability. This has caused many believers to be cautious, skeptical, or even bitter about giving.

When people have been hurt or disillusioned, they naturally become protective.

This is why transparency, stewardship, and integrity are vital in the church. Paul said in 2 Corinthians 8:20–21 (NLT):

“We are traveling together to guard against any criticism for the way we are handling this generous gift. We are careful to be honorable before the Lord, but we also want everyone else to see that we are honorable.”

Trust must be built — both spiritually and practically.

- Money Competes with God for Our Devotion

Jesus made a striking statement in Matthew 6:24 (NLT):

“No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.”

Money isn’t evil — but it can easily become an idol. It promises power, pleasure, and independence — the very things that tempt us to live apart from God.

So when the church talks about giving, it’s not really about taking people’s money — it’s about challenging idols. That confrontation can feel uncomfortable, even threatening, because it exposes where our trust really lies.

- Money Touches Every Area of Life

Our relationship with money affects:

Our marriages and families,

Our priorities and values,

Our peace of mind,

Even our witness to others.

Because it’s so intertwined with life, any conversation about giving feels deeply invasive if not handled with grace and love. But that’s also what makes it such a spiritually revealing topic.

- Money Reveals the Condition of the Heart

Jesus often used money as a spiritual diagnostic tool. When the rich young ruler asked what he needed to do to follow God, Jesus told him to sell his possessions and give to the poor (Matthew 19:21).

Jesus wasn’t after the man’s wealth — He was after his heart. The man walked away sad, proving that his possessions possessed him.

Money is sensitive because it’s one of the clearest mirrors of our faith, trust, and priorities.

- Money Is a Spiritual Issue, Not Just a Financial One

Many Christians separate the “spiritual” from the “financial,” but Scripture never does. Giving, stewardship, and generosity are acts of worship, not bookkeeping.

Paul says in Philippians 4:18 (NLT):

“At the moment I have all I need—and more! I am generously supplied with the gifts you sent me. They are a sweet-smelling sacrifice that is acceptable and pleasing to God.”

When the church teaches about money, it’s teaching about discipleship — what it means to trust God with everything.

- Money Challenges Our Faith

Tithing and generosity are ultimately tests of trust. When we give, we’re declaring, “God, I believe You’ll provide for me even when I let go of what I could keep.”

That’s why God said in Malachi 3:10,

“Put me to the test.”

Few other areas of life make our faith so tangible. It’s easy to say “I trust God,” but giving proves it. And that’s exactly why it feels sensitive — because it stretches our faith.

In Summary:

Money is sensitive in the church because:

It’s personal and tied to identity.

It’s been misused at times.

It competes with God for our devotion.

It impacts every part of life.

It reveals the heart.

It’s a spiritual, not just financial, issue.

It tests our faith and trust in God.

Final Thought

Tithing is more than a financial transaction-it’s an act of worship, a step of obedience, and a demonstration of trust in God.

When handled biblically and with integrity, teaching about money isn’t about guilt — it’s about growth. It’s an invitation for believers to experience the freedom, blessing, and joy that come from putting God first in every area — even the wallet.

Today we’ll look at why Christians should give, what the Bible teaches about tithing, and how giving blesses both the giver and God’s Kingdom.

1. The Principle of the Tithe: God Owns It All

Scripture: Psalm 24:1 (NLT)

“The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it. The world and all its people belong to him.”

The first truth we must embrace is that everything belongs to God. The tithe—literally “a tenth”—is not about giving God what’s ours; it’s about returning to God what is already His.

In the Old Testament, the tithe was a tangible reminder that Israel’s harvest, livestock, and income came from God’s hand. It trained their hearts to depend on Him, not their possessions.

Application:

Every paycheck, every opportunity, every blessing is from the Lord. When we tithe, we acknowledge His ownership and express our gratitude.

Tithing isn’t about money—it’s about lordship.

2. The Purpose of the Tithe: To Support God’s Work

Scripture: Numbers 18:21 (NLT)

Numbers 18:21 “As for the tribe of Levi, your relatives, I will compensate them for their service in the Tabernacle. Instead of an allotment of land, I will give them the tithes from the entire land of Israel.”

The Levites' work was essential for the spiritual well-being of Israel.

They were responsible for the maintenance of the Tabernacle, teaching the Law, and performing sacrifices. This phrase highlights the principle of labor and reward, a theme that runs throughout Scripture.

The Levites' service was not just ritualistic but involved teaching and guiding the people in God's ways, similar to the role of pastors and teachers in the church today.

The Levites, one of the twelve tribes of Israel, were set apart for religious duties and did not receive a land inheritance like the other tribes. Instead, God provided for them through the tithes, which were a tenth of the produce and livestock of the Israelites.

This system ensured that the Levites could focus on their spiritual responsibilities without the burden of agricultural labor.

In the Old Covenant, the tithe supported the priests and the temple—the place of worship. Today, giving supports the local church—the body of Christ—as it ministers to the community, teaches God’s Word, and helps those in need.

Application:

When you tithe, you’re helping keep the lights on, yes—but you’re also:

Fueling missions.

Equipping ministry.

Feeding the poor.

Teaching the next generation.

Your giving makes eternal impact.

3. The Promise of the Tithe: God’s Blessing

Scripture: Malachi 3:10 (NLT)

Malachi 3:10 “Bring all the tithes into the storehouse so there will be enough food in my Temple. If you do,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, “I will open the windows of heaven for you. I will pour out a blessing so great you won’t have enough room to take it in! Try it! Put me to the test!”

This is one of the few places in Scripture where God says, “Put me to the test.”

That shows how deeply God wants His people to experience His faithfulness.

In every other situation, testing God is considered sinful (see Deuteronomy 6:16, Luke 4:12). But here, God says, “Put me to the test.”

He’s not asking for blind obedience — He’s inviting us into a personal demonstration of His faithfulness.

When we tithe, we’re saying:

“Lord, I believe You can do more with 90% blessed than I can with 100% unblessed.”

When you honor God with your first and best, He promises to take care of the rest.

That doesn’t always mean financial riches.

Many misunderstand Malachi’s promise as a guarantee of financial wealth. But the word “blessing” in Hebrew (berakah) means a state of divine favor — not just material gain.

God’s blessings often include:

Peace in your home (Isaiah 32:18)

Provision for your needs (Philippians 4:19)

Wisdom for decisions (James 1:5)

Health and strength (3 John 1:2)

Joy and contentment (1 Timothy 6:6)

Spiritual fruitfulness (Galatians 5:22–23)

When you tithe, you open the door for God’s favor to flow freely in your life.

New Testament Connection:

Paul echoes this in 2 Corinthians 9:6–8 (NLT):

2 Corinthians 9:6–8 “Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.”

Notice the pattern:

Generous sowing → generous reaping

Cheerful giving → divine provision

God’s blessing → enables more generosity

This isn’t a transactional promise (“give to get”) — it’s a cycle of grace and generosity. God blesses you so you can be a blessing.

4. The Practice of the Tithe: From Law to Love

Some say, “Tithing was under the Law, and we’re under grace.” That’s true—but grace never gives less; it always gives more.

Before the Law, Abraham tithed to Melchizedek (Genesis 14:20). In the New Testament, Jesus affirmed the principle of tithing:

Matthew 23:23 (NLT)

“What sorrow awaits you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you are careful to tithe even the tiniest income from your herb gardens, but you ignore the more important aspects of the law—justice, mercy, and faith. You should tithe, yes, but do not neglect the more important things.” (NLT)

“You should tithe, yes, but do not neglect the more important things.”

So tithing didn’t end with the Old Testament—it was transformed.

We no longer give out of obligation but out of love and gratitude.

Application:

Grace giving means:

We give willingly (2 Corinthians 9:7 “You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.”)

We give regularly (1 Corinthians 16:2 “On the first day of each week, you should each put aside a portion of the money you have earned. Don’t wait until I get there and then try to collect it all at once.” )

We give proportionally (a percentage, like the tithe)

We give sacrificially (because Christ gave everything for us)

5. The Power of Giving: Reflecting God’s Heart

Ultimately, God is the greatest Giver.

Scripture: John 3:16 (NLT)

“For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son…”

When we give, we reflect the nature of our Heavenly Father. Generosity is one of the clearest marks of a mature believer.

Conclusion (Expanded): “Putting God First Opens Heaven’s Windows”

Tithing is not about the church trying to take something from you — it’s about God wanting to get something to you. It’s an invitation to step into a deeper relationship of trust and blessing.

From Genesis to Revelation, God’s principle never changes: when His people put Him first, He provides everything they need. The tithe is one of the clearest, most tangible ways to demonstrate that God truly comes first in your life.

In Malachi, God said, “Bring all the tithes into the storehouse so there will be enough food in my temple.” Notice He didn’t say, “Give Me a tip when you can.” He said, “Bring Me the first and the best.” Why? Because the first tenth is a declaration that God is your source, not your paycheck, not your employer, not your ability.

When you tithe, you are saying,

“Lord, You gave me everything I have. Before I spend on myself, I’ll honor You first.”

And God responds by saying,

“If you do, I will open the windows of heaven for you.”

That’s not just poetry — that’s a promise.

The “windows of heaven” speak of unlimited divine supply. God promises to release what only He can provide: opportunities, protection, favor, and peace. When we give, we don’t lose — we sow. We’re planting seed into the soil of God’s Kingdom, and in due season, He brings the harvest.

You may not always see it immediately in your bank account, but you’ll see it in your life — in your peace of mind, in your home, in your health, in your spiritual walk. The blessing of tithing is not always measured in dollars; it’s measured in God’s faithfulness.

He blesses your resources, stretches what you have, and protects you from losses you didn’t even know you avoided. He changes how you think about money — turning greed into gratitude, worry into worship, and scarcity into faith.

That’s what the tithe does: It aligns your heart with Heaven, your finances with faith, and your priorities with God’s purpose.

A Practical Challenge

If you’ve never tithed before, God gives you an open invitation in Malachi 3:10 —

“Try it! Put me to the test!”

That’s not manipulation; that’s mercy. God is saying, “Let Me prove Myself faithful in your life.”

So start today — not out of fear, not out of obligation, but out of faith. Start by bringing God your first and best.

Give with expectation, not because you want something back, but because you trust the One who gave you everything to begin with.

And as you do, watch what God does. Watch how He meets your needs. Watch how He blesses your home. Watch how He gives you peace that money can’t buy. Watch how He opens doors you never could on your own.

Closing Reflection

Tithing is not a financial transaction — it’s a spiritual transformation. It’s where your heart and your treasure come together to declare,

“God, You are first in my life.”

And when God is first, everything else falls into place.

So as we bring our tithes and offerings, remember:

We’re not just funding a church — we’re fueling a mission.

We’re not just giving money — we’re expressing faith.

We’re not just following a rule — we’re building a relationship.

And that’s why we give — because He first gave to us.

Final Scripture: 2 Corinthians 9:8 (NLT)

“And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.”

Closing Prayer (optional)

“Lord, thank You for being our Provider. You have given us life, salvation, and every good thing. Today we choose to put You first — not just with our words, but with our wealth. Teach us to trust You in every area, to give with cheerful hearts, and to live under the open windows of heaven. May our giving bring glory to You and blessing to others. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

So the challenge is simple: Put God first. Return the tithe. Trust His promise. And watch Him open the windows of heaven in ways that money can never buy.