Stewardship

Scripture References Malachi 3 Leviticus 27 Deuteronomy 27 Deuteronomy 28 Isaiah 45 Introduction The group explored Malachi 3, where God accuses His people of “robbing” Him by withholding the tithe. Through lively stories about grandparents who lived through the Great Depression and modern habits of excess, the conversation pressed one core issue: our willingness to trust God with the first tenth of everything reveals whether we actually believe He is our Provider. Malachi promises either a curse or an overflow of blessing, and the men wrestled honestly with whether such consequences still apply under Christ. The study opened with light banter about volunteering at the church’s upcoming “At the Movies” outreach, then shifted to a question: “If your grandparents walked into your house today, what would they say you waste the most?” Answers–time on phones, eating out, bottled water, oversized houses–set the stage for a deeper look at stewardship. Key Points / Exposition 1. We Waste What Earlier Generations Guarded Grandparents who survived the Depression reused bacon grease, canned vegetables, washed foil, and ate every bite; few owned large homes or dined out. Illustration: one member listed 27 Apple devices he owns–laptops, tablets, watches–contrasting that excess with older relatives who hoarded scrap fabric and garden produce. The exercise highlighted how casually we now spend time, money, and resources. 2. “Will a Mere Mortal Rob God?” – Malachi 3:8 God’s charge is not merely “disobedience” but “robbery” because everything already belongs to Him. Withholding tithes signals a deeper issue: a lack of trust in God’s provision. Question posed: When finances feel tight, is my instinct to trust God more or to grip my money tighter? 3. The Curse of Withholding Malachi 3:9 ties national hardship to collective robbery: “You are under a curse–your whole nation–because you are robbing Me.” Leviticus 27 outlines the tithe requirement; Deuteronomy 28 lists graphic blessings for obedience and curses for rebellion (failed crops, debt, even family calamity). Discussion: Have we ever felt seasons where everything went wrong? Could some hardship be self-inflicted by ignoring God’s covenant principles? 4. Test God With the Tithe “Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse… Test Me in this… and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven.” God invites Israel to the only sanctioned “test” of Him–returning the full tenth. Promised results: abundant harvests, protected vines, and provision “more than you can store.” Purpose of blessing (v. 12): so “all nations will call you blessed” and recognize God’s goodness. 5. Do These Curses and Blessings Still Operate Today? Lively debate: Some argued Christ’s atonement removes direct curses, but God still disciplines to draw believers back. Others noted Isaiah 45 where God claims authorship of both prosperity and calamity–His character has not changed. Distinction suggested: vertical sins against God (e.g., robbing Him) may invite heavier consequences than horizontal sins against people. Consensus: Whatever form discipline takes, God’s goal is always reconciliation and His own glory, not spite. Major Lessons & Revelations Everything we possess is on loan from God; keeping the tithe is stealing, not savvy budgeting. Our first reaction when security is threatened reveals whether we trust God or wealth. God’s blessings are meant to showcase His goodness to outsiders, not just improve our lifestyle. Under the New Covenant, God still uses circumstances–even painful ones–to bring His people back to faithful dependence. What we protect most fiercely shows what we trust most deeply. Practical Application Examine this week where you are gripping resources instead of trusting God–time, money, possessions–and open your hand. Set aside the first ten percent of every paycheck and bring it to God before any other expense. Track one area of habitual waste (eating out, streaming, delivery apps) and redirect that amount to generosity. Share with a brother where you sense God’s discipline and pray together for renewed obedience. Conclusion & Call to Response The study ended with a sober reminder: God is not after our cash; He is after our confidence. When we hold everything loosely and return the tithe, we invite His protection and provision–not just for ourselves but as a witness to everyone watching. The challenge lingers: “What you protect most fiercely reveals what you trust most deeply.” Insights Grandpa survived the Great Depression; we can survive scrolling–trade screen time for kingdom time. Your wallet tells louder testimonies than your lips; generosity proves where your security truly sleeps. When money feels tight, open your grip; God can’t fill clenched fists. Comfort warns, ‘hold back’; faith whispers, ’test Me’–obedience unlocks floodgate blessings. What you defend at all costs is already your master; choose love over luxury. Stop treating tips like tithes; God’s invitation is total trust, not spare change.