Listen to last week’s sermon The Overflow Principle found in Malachi 3

The book of Malachi, the final book of the Old Testament, serves as a bridge between the prophetic traditions of ancient Israel and the coming revelation of the New Testament. Situated at a time when the Israelites had returned from Babylonian exile and were struggling with spiritual complacency, Malachi calls the people back to genuine devotion and obedience to God.

Historical Context

The Israelites, having returned from a 70-year exile in Babylon, faced the challenge of rebuilding not only their physical structures but also their spiritual commitment. Despite reconstructing the temple, their devotion to God waned. Malachi’s prophetic message addressed this spiritual apathy, urging the Israelites to honor God genuinely through their actions and offerings.

God’s Unchanging Nature

Malachi 3:6 emphasizes God’s immutable nature:

For I the Lord do not change; therefore you, O children of Jacob, are not consumed.

This foundational truth assures believers of God’s steadfastness and enduring mercy, contrasting human inconsistency with divine faithfulness.

The Call to Return

God’s invitation to return, as seen in Malachi 3:7, underscores His desire for a restored relationship with His people. Despite their history of disobedience, God offers reconciliation, demonstrating His love and commitment.

Tithing is presented not merely as a legal obligation but as an expression of gratitude and trust in God. It reflects the believer’s recognition of God’s provision and sovereignty. Pastor Eric highlights that tithing predates Mosaic Law, with examples from Abraham and Jacob, underscoring its foundational role in worship and devotion. (See Genesis 14:18-20 and Genesis 28:20-22.)

Practical Applications

Tithing as an Act of Gratitude

Tithing is a tangible expression of gratitude towards God. It acknowledges His blessings and provision, aligning the believer’s heart with God’s purposes. This act of giving is rooted in the recognition of God’s goodness and faithfulness, rather than compulsion or obligation.

Tithing as a Reflection of Repentance

God accuses the Israelites of robbing Him by withholding tithes and offerings (Malachi 3:8). This withholding reflects a deeper spiritual issue—a heart disconnected from God. Tithing, therefore, becomes an act of repentance, signaling a return to faithfulness and alignment with God’s will.

Tithing as a Trust in God’s Provision

Malachi 3:10-12 presents a unique challenge from God: to test Him in the matter of tithing. This invitation underscores a profound truth—trusting God with our resources invites His blessings and provision. It challenges believers to live by faith, confident in God’s ability to provide abundantly.

Pastor Eric uses a personal story involving his son and a bag of chips to illustrate the principle of giving. This narrative underscores the idea that God, who provides abundantly, asks for a small portion in return—not out of need, but as a test of faith and trust.

The principles outlined in Malachi chapter 3 challenge contemporary believers to examine their hearts and align their lives with God’s will. Tithing, as an expression of gratitude, repentance, and trust, invites God’s blessings and opens the door to a life of abundance and purpose. As believers embrace these principles, they move from a mindset of scarcity to one of surplus, living out the overflow of God’s provision in their lives.

Watch sermon here:

References

• The Holy Bible, English Standard Version.
• Alcorn, Randy. The Treasure Principle.
• Warren, Rick. The Purpose Driven Life.