Beyond the Tithe: Malachi #6. An exposition of Malachi 3:6-15. This message by Pastor Rod Harris was delivered at Trinity Baptist Church on Sunday morning, September 20, 2015.
Intro:
This morning we come to deal with a very familiar passage of Scripture. In fact it is the only passage from Malachi most Baptists have ever heard preached. How many times have you heard a message on “storehouse tithing”? It’s a favorite passage of the “hunt and peck” method. That is the method of taking a subject and finding some Scripture passage to justify it. The problem is that too often – these passages are ripped from their context. It is interesting to note that this whole section on tithing comes in the midst of a discussion of God’s coming as a refiner and purifier. Of His coming to refine His people and expose “pretenders.” And just before discussion concerning the Great Day of the Lord. This passage is not “primarily” about tithing. Tithing is the example used but the discussion is larger than mere tithing. It’s more than just how much you give to the work of the Gospel.
The historical and theological context of this passage is extraordinary. It is incredible when you think about it. The people were guilty of great sin. The people had routinely and repeatedly bowed to pagan gods; the priest regularly offered blemished sacrifices; divorce was common place; marriage to unbelievers was the norm; tithing had all but disappeared and yet they had the nerve to question God’s love for them! In fact they accused God of loving them half-heartedly as evidenced by His not prospering them. In essence they were saying, “God, we’ve done our part but you have failed us. You have not lived up to your end of the bargain.” If it were not so tragic it would be funny.
But such was the perversion in Israel. They had not learned from the fall of the Northern Kingdom. The Babylonian Captivity failed to instruct them. The grace of God only seemed to embolden them.
Thus God sent His messenger to declare His truth. Malachi came with his “burden,” his weighty message. Throughout, Israel sees no wrong on their part – and from their perspective – God gets little right. Our text this morning is found in Malachi 3.
Text: Malachi 3:6-15
I’m convinced it is easy to allow tithing to so dominate this text that we miss the greater truth reflected here. A truth that is fundamental to Christian living.
Thesis: The whole of the Christian life centers on the unchanging character and nature of our God.
What is Israel’s problem throughout Malachi’s prophecy?
They misrepresent and misunderstand the character and nature of God.
“I love you” – “How have you loved us?”
“You’ve defrauded Me” – “How have we defrauded you?”
“You’ve robbed Me” – “How have we robbed you?”
Israel doesn’t get it. Because Israel doesn’t want to get it!
There are two great truths in this passage that have a direct bearing on the whole of the Christian life.
- The believer’s confidence rests in God’s unchanging nature. (3:6)
- The Believer’s transformation demands continuous reformation. (3:7-15)
Conclusion:
In light of the ever changing allegiance and fluctuating loyalties of the flesh we must set our course by that which never changes. We must fix our eyes on the author and finisher of our faith – the Lord Jesus.