A Christian devotional about the financial faithfulness of the church, urging believers to prioritize tithing and justice in their walk with God.
Scripture Reference
Romans 7:7 – “What shall we say then? Is the law sin? Certainly not! On the contrary, I would not have known sin except through the law.”
Matthew 23:23 – “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint and dill and cumin, and have neglected the weightier provisions of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness; but these are the things you should have done without neglecting the others.”
Luke 8:1-3
Sermon Highlights
Tithing Statistics – Only 5% of churchgoers tithe, indicating a lack of financial support in the Western Church.
Historical Context of Tithing – The significance of various tithes in the Old Testament, such as the Levitical tithe, feast tithe, and tithe to the poor, is presented to provide a fuller understanding of the concept of tithing.
New Testament Perspective – Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 23:23 is highlighted to show that tithing, while important, should be accompanied by justice, mercy, and faithfulness.
The Heart of Giving – Paul discusses how a true disciple of Jesus actively supports His ministry, prompted by a changed heart and a desire to give generously.
Quotes
“The church is broke because the church does not tithe.”
“If every Christian tithed 10%, faith organizations would have an extra 139 billion each year.”
“God wants to use my money.”
“Struggle is not an excuse to not trust God.”
Reflection Questions
1. How often do you reflect on your reasons for giving or not giving financially to the church?
2. Are there areas in your life that God may see as an idol due to your spending priorities?
3. What does God’s expectation of generosity mean in your personal walk with Him?
4. How do you interpret Jesus’ teaching on the balance between tithing and justice in Matthew 23:23?
5. In what ways can financial giving be seen as a part of worship and a reflection of devotion in your life?
Action Steps
1. Evaluate your current financial support to your local church and prayerfully consider regular tithing if you aren’t already doing so.
2. Reflect on the importance of generosity beyond finances, and seek ways to consistently live out justice, mercy, and faithfulness.
3. Study biblical teachings on giving and stewardship to understand God’s heart for your finances.
4. Implement a budgeting plan that prioritizes giving and aligns with your spiritual convictions.
Prayer
“Heavenly Father, help me to trust You with my finances and to understand the importance of giving back a portion of what You bless me with. Open my heart to be generous, just, and faithful. May my actions reflect my love and devotion to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”