Isn’t it refreshing to hear again about the blessing and power of the tithe? I had one lady tell me this week she had always tithed, but last year sort of drifted away from it. She said the series had stirred the passion again, and she was full proof the 90% goes farther than the 100% every time!

If you have been tithing for a long time like we have, it’s very encouraging to hear the stories! If you are a beginner, I hope the messages have been encouraging you to trust God completely in this matter of tithing.

If you’re a young person, I want to be the pastor who speaks the principles of tithing into your spirit, and it becomes a way of life for your entire life.

Church, hear me now in this. You can trust God in this matter. He is faithful. He is reliable. He would never lead us to do something that would harm us.

God meant it when He said, “try Me now in this,” Says the LORD of hosts, “If I will not open for you the windows of heaven, And pour out for you such blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it.” Malachi 3:10

Don’t let anyone rob you of God’s wonderful promise!

The tithe is not just 10% of our income, but it is the FIRST 10%. And that’s a very important point to get. Look at our text – Exodus 23:19a.

Today = 10 Truths About The Tenth

1. First Things Always Belong To God

The first-fruit of the crops, first-born, first things always belongs to God.

So the first-fruit of our day, the first-fruit of our income, belongs to God. God always wants our best right off the top. He doesn’t want our leftovers. He wants the first, and He wants the very best of what we have to offer.

2. The First Fruit is Always Sacrificed To God

When the Children of Israel came into the Promised Land, the very first city they attempted to conquer was Jericho. So Jericho became the First-fruits of the Promised Land. In essence, Jericho was their tithe. Therefore, Jericho belonged completely to God and was to be completely sacrificed.

They were not allowed to touch one thing that which was devoted to God.

Later on, God told them to take plunder of the cities they had captured.

But at Jericho they could were not to touch the tithe. They could not say, “God, we’ve been poor slaves for years and now we’re finally coming into our own. Just let us take a few things. We’ll give you our offering later.” God said, “No, give me the first-fruits now and I will give you MORE later.”

3. The First-Fruit Sets The Tone For The Rest of the Harvest

In other words, if I give God His tithe first, then the other 90% is blessed.

Jesus Christ is an example of this. He was the first-fruits of resurrection life. “But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the first-fruits of those who have fallen asleep.” 1 Corinthians 15:20

Jesus experienced victory over death first so that the rest of mankind could too. His experience was the first-fruits and set the tone for the rest of humanity and passed down God’s blessing.

4. The First-Fruit Has Redemptive Power

Not only did Christ pass down resurrection life, but complete forgiveness of our sins because He was the first-fruits sacrificed for us.

The number 10 actually means redemption. i.e. the 10 commandments.

So the 10% tithe buys back the other 90% and makes it blessed of God.

5. Abraham Had To Lay Down His First-born On The Altar First

If you know this amazing story, you know the Abraham waited 24 years for God’s promise to come to pass. At the ripe old age of 99 he had a son with his wife Sarah. It was a miraculous birth to be sure.

And then, when the boy was about 16 God told Abraham to do something strange, something that defied logic: “Take now your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you.”

At stake was the issue of whether Abraham was willing to lay down his first-born and trust God even though it made NO SENSE AT ALL.

God provided a lamb AFTER Abraham had climbed the mountain and laid the first-fruit of his body on the altar. The sacrificial lamb was not there until Abraham first laid it down.

And that’s exactly how it is with you and me in our finances. Tithing is a trust issue, even when it makes no sense to our natural mind.

6. The Tithe Is The First Part of The Whole

I took this loaf of bread and cut it up into 10 equal parts. Each piece of the loaf would be one tenth of the loaf or 10%, right?

But let me ask you a question. Which piece of bread would be the first-fruits of the loaf? It can only be one piece, and that would be the first one.

There can only be one first-fruit in our increase, and that’s exactly the piece that belongs to God.

Again, Exodus 23:19 “The first of the first-fruits of your land you shall bring into the house of the LORD your God.”

7. Every Time I Receive An Increase The First Part Belongs To God

I know I’m being repetitive, but it’s very important we get it. I want you to notice the emphatic language of Deuteronomy 14:22, “You shall truly tithe all the increase of your grain that the field produces year by year.”

The way that verse is worded begs the question Is it possible to be tithing,

but not truly tithing? Yes, absolutely. First fruits first bring God’s blessings and favor. And that’s the biblical pattern.

So people always ask, “do I tithe on the gross or the net? Do I tithe on this and on that?” I always say only tithe on what you want God to bless. It’s really that simple.

8. Purpose in Your Heart To Put God First In First-Fruits – 2 Corinthians 9

God doesn’t want us to tithe with a begrudging heart. He doesn’t want us to tithe out of a sense of arm twisting, but with a sense of expectancy and joy.

9. Expect God To Work Through First-Fruit Giving

Proverbs 3:9-10, “Honor the LORD with your possessions, And with the first-fruits of all your increase; So your barns will be filled with plenty, And your vats will overflow with new wine.”

10. Expect A Crop To Grow Through First-Fruit Sowing

Let’s wrap it up with a classic passage – 2 Corinthians 9:6-15.

You may feel the tithing message will bring you into financial bondage, when in fact it is meant to bring people into wonderful liberty!

Testimony:

After the Christmas break I sat down and scheduled my tithing commitment into my budget. I had been holding on to the belief that I wasn’t making enough to save for my living expenses and tithe too. I simply decided to trust God’s Spirit enough to let go of that belief, to let go of my fear and doubt, and made the decision to tithe. I realized I don’t have enough money to run the budget but I decided I would just leave my budget the way it is and the Spirit of God would find a way to make ends meet. It would be fine. The feeling and amazing sense of security and trust over my financial situation that I now have; it has transformed my life entirely. I have experienced a new kind of freedom and it’s truly liberating. I am happier every day! My mind feels clearer. I’m accomplishing a lot of other goals and finding success in many other parts of my life. All of a sudden my responsibilities feel somehow easier and more manageable. Quite dramatically I feel as if this amazing weight has been lifted off my shoulders—I don’t worry about money anymore. Oh My Lord, what a wonderful feeling this is!”

There were two men shipwrecked on an island. The minute they got onto the island, one of them started screaming and yelling, “We’re going to die! We’re going to die! There’s no food! No water! We’re going to die!” The second man was propped up against a palm tree and acting so calmly it drove the first man crazy. “Don’t you understand?! We’re going to die!” The second man replied, “You don’t understand. I make 100,000 dollars a week.” The first man looked at him quite dumbfounded and asked, “What difference does that make?! We’re on an island with no food and no water! We’re going to DIE!” The second man answered, “You just don’t get it. I make 100,000 dollars a week and I tithe 10 percent on that 100,000 dollars a week. My pastor will find me!”

I think testimonies about tithing are very encouraging to all of us. I love them. Here’s another one.

Testimony:

I first heard about tithing in July 1987. At the time I was living on welfare for health reasons and receiving $350 a month. It was a stretch, believe me, to tithe 10% of that. My monthly tithe was a paltry $35. Yet the story about tithing rang true for me. I wanted to do it right away, and I was very excited to get started. At first I had my challenges, but increasingly I received money, gifts, and so many opportunities came my way. Life opened up for me. One year after tithing, my lifelong dream came true and I met my future husband. Many miracles have happened since then. Money and opportunities come our way all the time. I’ve also learned how to manage my money a lot better since I started tithing. My spiritual life is very rich. In the 20 years since I’ve been tithing, I’ve learned that I never have to be overly concerned about money. I know I will always be taken care of by the Lord. I heartily believe that tithing works and encourage anyone to throw away your doubts and do as God said and give it a try! You will be so delighted at the results.

What does God’s Word say about tithing – Malachi 3:10.

This morning we’re going to focus on the word ‘storehouse.’

This issue of where to plant our tithe is something a lot of people struggle with.

Americans are the most generous givers in the entire world. There are 1.1 million non-profit organizations from churches, colleges, hospitals, Red Cross, United Way, Salvation Army, and thousands of other Christian groups that are humanitarian in focus and mission.

• Every year Americans give $125 billion {7% GNP} to NPO’s.
• 1-17 workers in American work for a NPO.
• $60 billion of the $125 billion goes directly to 380,000+ churches in USA.

Some Christians look at their 10% tithing as they would an investment for retirement. They think, I’d better not put all my eggs in one basket, so I’ll spread it around so it does more good.

• I’ll give some of it to my kids; they always need my help.
• I’ll give some of it to the Boys Scouts, and some to the United Way.
• I’ll give some of it to my church.

I understand the heart and reasoning behind it, but does that concept stand up to the biblical pattern? In the final analysis, that’s all that really matters.

1. The Storehouse Is The Place Where You Get Fed

Can you imagine going to a nice restaurant, and after you’ve eaten a great meal you just walk out without paying the bill. The waiter runs after you and says, “hey, you didn’t pay for your food.” You say, “oh, I know. There’s a little restaurant down the street. They’re not as popular as you are. You have plenty of customers. Besides that, I feel kind of sorry for them, so I’m going to go down there to pay my bill.”

God’s Word is very precisely ordered and written – Malachi 3:10a.

The ‘storehouse’ scripture refers to was literally a barn, and the barn belonged to God. In God’s storehouse they’d put the grain offerings. There were stalls there for all the animal sacrifices that were soon to be offered up to God.

God’s agreement was simple. If you take care of my barn, I’ll take care of yours!

Who do you thinks going to benefit the most from this relationship? Us or God? Without a doubt = US!

Proverbs 3:9-10 reads, “Honor the LORD with your possessions, And with the first-fruits of all your increase; So your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine.”

God clearly wants to bless us. But if His storehouse is empty and we are asking Him to fill ours, there’s a disconnect somewhere in that process.

The Children of Israel went through some very wonderful high times, and they also went through some very horrible low times. They had been taken captive by the Babylonian Empire and carried away from their homeland and the city of Jerusalem was basically destroyed. After many years Nehemiah came back with a remnant to rebuild the walls of the city. One of the first things they did to restore the blessing and favor of God was to restore the worship through their offerings.

Nehemiah 10:32-33 – This 1/3 shekel was a special offering, it was not tithe. Notice how specific the language is in #33: it was for “all the work of the house of our God.”

Maybe you’ve never thought about what the tithes are used for. I’d like to walk us through the distribution of some of the tithe offerings that we give to God on behalf of the ministries of Lakeview Church.

Our tithes pay the monthly mortgage payment = $76,000
Our tithes pay the monthly electric bill = $12,500
Our tithes pay the salaries of 11 pastors, 2 executive managers, 8 housekeeping team members, 12 administrative staff members. That’s a total of 44 staff members. Our tithes pay for the curriculum and all materials for children & youth.

The Israelites under Nehemiah’s leadership even cast lots to see whose turn it would be to bring the firewood for the sacrifices – Nehemiah 10:34.

Then they felt compelled to restore tithing – Nehemiah 10:35-39.

I have to ask you today. Are you neglecting the needs of the house of God?

Does God really expect me to bring an offering? Is that His heart for me? David said yes in Psalms 96:7-8,“Give to the LORD, O families of the peoples, Give to the LORD glory and strength. Give to the LORD the glory due His name; Bring an offering , and come into His courts.”

2. God Wants Me To Bring ALL The Tithe Into His Storehouse

God doesn’t want us to parcel it out, but He wants to take it out of our house and bring all of it into His house so that He can bless our house.

Deuteronomy 26:12-15 reads, “When you have finished laying aside all the tithe of your increase…then you shall say before the LORD your God: ‘I have removed the holy tithe from my house, I have not eaten any of it…nor have I removed any of it for an unclean use. I have obeyed the voice of the LORD my God, and have done according to all that You have commanded me. Look down from Your holy habitation, from heaven, and bless Your people Israel and the land which You have given us, just as You swore to our fathers,” a land flowing with milk and honey.”

Malachi 3:10-12.

Testimony:

About a year and a half ago I decided that I needed to make a firm commitment to tithe a full 10%. I had been a Christian for quite a while, but there was only one time that I had experimented with a committed tithe. I had occasionally given some money to the church, but never a consistent full tithe. So I decided I needed to make a firm commitment to tithe 10% of my gross income. The first interesting thing that happened was that I immediately received a gift for the exact same amount from a loved one. As I continued to tithe, I saw blessings come in the form of a used fax machine, a discovery of an inexpensive apartment, and a couple of extra duty assignments at work. In addition to that I just received a gift trip to Hawaii. Those are some of the more tangible ways God has honored my tithing. I still wrestle with it, because it’s not an easy thing per se, to just pull out your checkbook and give 10% away. And yes, it has produced some anger in me about “having” to do this, but I know it is a step of obedience. I also know that Christianity should not trumpet a “Prosperity Doctrine,” but I think we should let God speak for Himself in Malachi 3:10. God said it, I didn’t. It seems to promise good things to those who tithe. It doesn’t say the blessings will necessarily be material things, but I suppose we should let God bless us in any way He chooses….and if that’s with material blessings, then so be it!”

Closing Prayer: Deut 26:15 “Lord look down from Your holy habitation from heaven, and bless Your people Israel and the land which You have given us, just as You swore to our fathers, a land flowing with milk and honey.”

Tithing is the most basic form of biblical giving there is. Tithing is the most consistent way of dealing with our sins towards money; sins like greed, hoarding, self sufficiency and the like.

Tithing is a weekly, or for some of us, a monthly action that keeps drawing our hearts back towards Kingdom of God ministry.

Testimony:

At first I thought tithing was just a ministers way of getting rich. As I began to study the Bible and started learning about how tithing benefited the giver as well as the receiver, I was amazed. I used to give ‘somewhat,’ and therefore all I got was ‘somewhat’ results. Lesson learned! Now I tithe a full 10% of my gross income and all other channels that flow in. I believe tithing was responsible for obtaining my new apartment despite my tarnished credit history. I am starting over from scratch with not a stitch of furniture, but I’ve already been asked by people what I need. I believe that God’s going to help furnish my whole apartment. Tithing is a MUST for me….I am afraid not to tithe now. The blessings just keep coming and trust me, I am not about to stop them!

The standard classical passage on the subject of tithing is found in Malachi.

Malachi 3:1 – who is being prophesied about here? John the Baptist.

So what time period is the Old Testament Prophet Malachi pointing towards? The day of Jesus Christ. The birth of the New Covenant. The birth of the Church.

There are many people who look for tithing loopholes like tax loopholes. They claim tithing is not for today. That’s not what the Prophet Malachi said.

Malachi 3:2-3 – Notice the focus and subject matter = “offerings”

Malachi 3:4 – Does God care about our offerings? Does God care about our tithes?

You be the judge. There’s a story about Jesus watching people give their offerings. (Mark 12:41) “Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury.”

Jesus watched ‘how’ they put their money in, and ‘how much’ money they put in.

Why? Because giving can be a barometer of where we are at in our relationship with the Lord in terms of our obedience, faith, and trust.

But giving is NOT the only thing that God weighs. He watches over every other part of our life too – Malachi 3:5-6.

God said from generation to generation what He expects of us does not change. He still expects righteousness, justice, holy living, and tithing.

1. Tithing Is A Matter of Obedience & Faith – Malachi 3:7a.

Testimony:

Three years ago I had a real health problem that put me way behind financially. I felt it was too hard to tithe as everything I earned was going towards debt. When I did occasionally tithe it didn’t feel good. The breakthrough came when I heard and for the first time understood that tithing is all about my relationship with God and it mattered less about the amount that I gave and more about the Spirit in which I was giving, and for the first time I thought, “I can do this.” That helped me tremendously to get out of my own way and I started to tithe and stopped focusing on the lack and why I could not tithe. Every time I’d do it I would sing that song, “God loves a joyful giver, so give it all you’ve got, He loves to hear you laughing when you’re in an awkward spot, so when the odds add up against you, it’s time to stop and sing. Praise God, to praise Him is a joyous thing!” At this point for me, the feeling of abundance is more present than ever, and even though I’m still in debt I feel less bound by it.

When I don’t tithe I am are saying to God, “I don’t trust Your promise. I don’t really believe that you are going to take care of me.”

2. Tithing Is A Matter Of RETURNING What Already Belongs To God

Malachi 3:7 – Notice the word ‘return.’ 3 times it’s used in verse 7 for emphasis.

Understand this. When I tithe I am NEVER paying God. I am not doing God a favor by tithing. I am simply RETURNING what already belongs to God.

The bottom line is this. Everything I call ‘mine’ is really HIS! God allows me to make a pay check or a profit, and then He gives me 90% to keep for myself and only ask me to return 10%. That’s quite a deal if you ask me!

Here’s the truth. I would not have anything if it were not for God in my life!!

Acts 17:28 states, “for in Him we live and move and have our being,”

The ability to work, to earn, to be creative and build a successful business or run a successful organization is a God-given ability.

Tithing is a weekly acknowledgment of that fact!

And when I don’t tithe I am in reality ROBBING God – Malachi 3:8

3. Tithing Is A Matter Of Removing A Curse To Bring A Blessing

Have you ever had those times in your life when you actually felt like you were under some kind of a curse? Everything seemed to break down. Every thing seemed to go in reverse. Nothing good seemed to come your way.

Tithing helps break that uneasy feeling. But let me be clear. That is not to say that when I tithe there won’t be any lean times. I can actually count on it. There will most definitely be lean times even when I tithe.

What’s the answer? Paul gave it in Philippians 4:12,“I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.”

The difference for the tither is this. When I am going through seasons of need and lack I can with full confidence say, “Lord, I’m a tither. You promised to rebuke the devourer. Help me out here Lord.”
(Here Pastor Ron told a story about Jim’s pickup truck that stopped running.)

The curse is broken by the tithe, and sometimes the curse can be caused by ignoring the tithe and going our own separate way – Malachi 3:9 & 11.

4. Tithing Is A Matter of Corporate Blessing– Malachi 3:9b

Dorene and I don’t tithe just for our own sake. We also tithe for the sake of our kids. But we don’t just tithe for the sake of our kids. We also tithe for the sake of the blessings it brings upon our church.

What would happen to Lakeview Church if every member aligned their lives with the principle of the tithe and we had 100% obedience?

The answer is found in Malachi 3:10. Listen carefully. The windows of heaven are never opened just over your life alone, but they are also opened over the collective Body of believers known as Lakeview Church!

Nationwide the percentage of tithers who give God the full 10% are dismal. George Barna tells us somewhere around 6-7% of born-again people tithe.

Lakeview Church is around 35%. Comparatively speaking, we are doing pretty well. However, we’re still 65% away from 100% windows of heaven!

What would happen in our PERSONAL lives if we all, together, at one time, aligned ourselves with the Word of God?

Malachi 3:12 tells us what would happen – Malachi 3:12.

The Apostle Paul captures my feelings this morning in Philippians 4:17, “Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account.”

Does it pay to obey God in the tithe? Does it pay to follow the biblical directive and live our lives in compliance with Kingdom of God principles?

You be the judge – Malachi 3:13-15.

I know there are people who don’t believe in tithing. That’s between you and God. I’ll never stop loving you if you don’t tithe, and neither will God.

But will the fullness of the blessings flow? Will there be a sense in your life of walking under the umbrella of protection and provision from the Lord?

I love the feeling I get when I tithe. Won’t you join me?

1. Earn it honestly,
2. Give it generously,
3. Spend it wisely, and
4. Invest it carefully.

Today we are going to drill a little deeper down on the third area, which is about spending God’s money wisely.

What constitutes wise spending? And who decides? How do we know if we are handling our purchases in a God-honoring way?

I think the biggest key to being a wise spender is to take a hard look at our level of personal contentment.

The thing that drives most purchases on some level is a feeling of discontentment. We all have urges and that little voice in our head says, “I’m not happy, and I won’t be until I get xyz product.”

Here’s an actual advertisement for perfume at Macy’s:

“You want it. You want it bad. Sometimes so much it hurts. You can taste it. You feel like you would do anything to get it. Go further than they’d suspect. Twist your soul and crush what’s in your way. Then you get it. And something happens. You become the object of your desire. And it feels incredible.”

The truth is the vast majority of our American economy exists because of a general feeling of dissatisfaction and unhappiness.

Someone put it this way: “Millions of Americans are buying things they don’t need, with money they don’t have, to impress people they don’t like!”

Here’s the hard facts: Americans now consume twice as many goods and services, per person, than we did in 1945. We buy twice as many clothes, twice as many cars, appliances, books, magazines, and telephones (not to mention computers, televisions, fax machines, and cell phones). We buy houses almost 3 times larger than the houses of the families who moved into the suburbs in the mid-1940’s, and we fill them with twice as many home furnishings. We have so much stuff we created an entirely new storage industry that never even existed a mere 30 years ago. Why is that? Because we cannot be satisfied. It’s downright un-American to be contented! Contentment is really bad for the economy!

A thousand times a day, in a hundred different forms, the message of discontentment is calling to us from billboards, magazines, television, radio, newspapers, movies, Web sites, and telemarketers. And every single message without exception is this: “You are not happy. You do not have enough. You have not achieved the American Dream.”

The question I like to ask myself is, “When is enough, enough?” July 1994 my friend Terry Glasgow gave me this black antique radio as a gift…

The Apostle Paul paints the picture of contentment – Philippians 4:11.

1. Contentment Is A LEARNED State Of Mind

We are born with a built in state of discontentment. When we were hungry, lonely, bored, or scared we cried and our mom came running. We learned whenever we were discontent if we’d pitch a fit we’d get what we wanted.

Some of us still behave like infants until we get what we want.

Contentment is a learned quality that the Apostle Paul said brings peace of mind no matter what.

Paul said he had learned contentment in all seasons of life – Phil 4:12.

As a young man I lived in a constant state of discontentment with the cars I drove. In the first 11 years of our marriage I bought 14 different cars, 4 of which were brand new. At a time in our lives when we could least afford it, we spent far more than was reasonable on automobiles all because I could not be satisfied. One of the worst habits I had was cruising new car lots. Almost without exception when I got back into my car it felt like it had aged 5 years just sitting there in the lot. I’m embarrassed by my actions now, but the truth is I kept our finances tight by my on-going discontentment.

Someone said, “Success is getting what you want; contentment is wanting what you get.”

So how do we learn contentment? We have to have an “ah ha” moment. We have to see ourselves as we really are before we make significant changes.

And that’s hard for us. We have an infinite capacity for self-deception!

One day it clicked for me. I realized that I was out of control, so I prayed and asked the Lord what I could do about it. He put it on my heart to buy an 11 year old Cadillac for $1850 and I drove it for next 4 years without a single payment. I bought an 8 year old Cadillac the day I moved here for $6000 and I have been driving that car every day for 13 years.

Cars were my issue, and that’s how I felt I could change my spending habits. I’m NOT saying that’s the way you should do it with your cars, but for me, it was the right thing to do.

And it’s so freeing! I can’t tell you how good it feels to be free of the compulsion to buy another car when I really don’t need one.

How do we learn contentment? Prayer. Ask Jesus to help – Philippians 4:13.

2. Contentment Is Accepting The Basics As Our True Necessities

The 4 basics in America are:

1. food
2. clothes
3. house
4. transportation.

Beyond that, everything falls into the category of discretionary spending.

I don’t have to have a big screen TV to survive. I don’t have to take exotic vacations to exist. I don’t have to have 25 pairs of shoes and 15 suits.

All spending beyond the basics requires spiritual discernment and prayerful consideration on our part.

Jesus said our Heavenly Father is fully aware of our basic needs and He promises to provide them if we will but put Him first.

Matthew 6:31-34,“Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”

Paul’s advice is classic – 1 Timothy 6:6-10.

I want you to notice something. Paul does not say being rich is a sin, but the lust for being rich is the point at which sin enters in.

1 Timothy 6:9 “desire” {pathos} English word = pathological. 1. a mentally disturbed condition 2. behavior that is maladaptive and compulsive

3. Contentment Is Controlled Through Giving

One of the greatest ways to learn contentment is by giving away a part of our financial resources and thus denying ourselves in one way or another.

There is such a wonderful feeling of satisfaction and contentment when from time to time I say no to my own wants and desires and I give so that someone else may experience the blessings of God through me.

Giving produces a joy beyond any purchase I could ever make!

Recently, because of the Catalyst capital campaign, I’ve been challenging you to search your hearts about your part in giving to see the vision of reaching more families in our community for Christ.

So I began to look deeply into our own giving habits, and realized something for the first time. We give every month to 7 different Kingdom-of-God works.

1. We give our tithe to Lakeview Church
2. We support our fellowship with a monthly offering
3. We give monthly to Light for the Lost
4. We support North Central University with a monthly offering
5. We give to Cityview – our inner city church plant
6. We give to World Missions through Lakeview’s mission program
7. We pledged $40,000 to the Catalyst campaign

And when I realized the broad level of our giving I was just overwhelmed with gratitude. “Thank you God that we were able to even do such a thing.”

Someday I’ll get a better car. Dorene and I will still take vacations. We will still spend money on ourselves and at times we will splurge.

But we want to live in the Spirit-led zone with all of our finances. We want to exhibit a life style of contentment in the broadest sense of the word.

The subject of money has a certain feel to it, doesn’t it? It makes us a little nervous to talk about it. Our money is such a personal thing, and we all can get our dander up if we feel like someone else is poking their nose into our money matters.

But did you know that God has the right to poke His nose into our money, because in actuality our money is His money?

I heard this story from a pastor. He was driving his car with his little girl in the seat next to him. She was eating a bag of skittles that he had bought her, so he reached over and tried to take a few. She slapped his hand and said, “Mitts off dad!” He said in that instant it occurred to him that he probably had the financial resources to buy enough skittles to bury his daughter in them. He was the one who always bought her skittles, but now she was telling him he had no right to even so much as one of them. And then it hit him; that’s exactly how we treat God sometimes with our money!

I believe God wants to mess with our skittles because He wants to cause us to stop and think about the stewardship of our life.

Stewardship = oversight of something that belongs to someone else.

Our time, talents, and treasures all essentially are a gift from God.

Most of us are being moved along so swiftly in the stream of life that we don’t contemplate the ramifications of life stewardship.
James 4:14 says, “For what is your life ? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.”

Today: God, Money & You: The Stewardship of Our Money

Our text = 1 Corinthians 4:1-2
1 Corinthians 4:2 NLT reads: “Now, a person who is put in charge as a manager must be faithful.”

You are I are simply managers put in charged of resources God gives us. God made us. He gave us our unique abilities. And He expects us to take what’s He’s entrusted and invest it well.

There are basically 4 godly things you and I can do with God’s money.

1. Earn Money Honestly

Carol Everett was involved in the abortion industry in the Dallas/ Ft. Worth, Texas, area from 1977 until 1983. As director of four clinics, owner of two, Ms. Everett was responsible for the clinics’ daily operation as well as for all employee training programs.

I was really quite good at abortion marketing, and soon watched my employer’s abortion business more than double. When I realized how profitable the “business” was, I wanted more money. Because my employer would not give me an equity interest, I negotiated a more lucrative arrangement with the next clinic, I was paid $25.00 for each abortion that was done. The last month I was in the business we did 545 abortions. Multiply 545 times $25.00 and I made $13,625.00 in July, 1983.

Carol spoke at Lakeview Church three years ago this weekend. She said when she was still in the abortion business she attended a Methodist church, and to sooth her conscience about the type of business she was involved in, she tithed to her church. Carol said she felt good about the fact she was the biggest tither in the whole church.

Carol got out of the business when a crisis happened. Everything was rolling along just great, then we had a death. A 32-year-old woman hemorrhaged to death as a result of a cervical laceration. I finally realized, we weren’t helping women–we were destroying them. Women are told that abortion is a “choice.” Abortion is not a choice, but rather a skillfully marketed product sold to a woman at a crisis time in her life. And when she discovers the product is defective, it’s too late–the baby is dead!

Proverbs 13:11,“Wealth gained by dishonesty will be diminished,
But he who gathers by {honest} labor will increase.”

This is another reason I don’t think the lottery and gambling is God’s way of giving increase to His children.

Here’s the bottom line. We are to earn our money without cheating, lying, or taking advantage of others. Every time you and I get money someone had to give up money. If you earn money from your job, your employer gave up money for each hour that you worked. If you get money by selling something, the buyer gives up money to get what you are selling. All monetary transactions involve one person getting and one person giving.

So what happens when one of the people in the transaction is not honest? The other person loses. In fact, the other person gets robbed. Even if that other party is a big company, it is still robbery!

Proverbs 16:11 NLT says, “The LORD demands fairness in every business deal; He sets the standard.”

2. Give Money Generously

In Abraham’s covenant, a covenant that you and I are under because of Jesus Christ, God said Abraham – Genesis 12:2-3.

Top line = the promise of the blessing
Bottom line = the expectation of how we distribute the blessing to others

Nowhere in the Bible is stinginess, self-centeredness, hoarding, a me-first attitude ever condoned.

All of us want God’s blessing to rest on us. All of us want an open heaven and for Him to pour out such blessings we don’t know how to contain them.

Here’s Jesus ironclad promise to generous givers — Luke 6:38 NLT “If you give, you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full measure, pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, and running over. Whatever measure you use in giving—large or small—it will be used to measure what is given back to you.”

3. Spend Money Wisely

God blesses honest work. God blesses generosity. However, God also blesses the wise spending of the 90% that we live on after the 10% tithe.

Sometimes we take the tithing principle and we look at it in a narrow focus.

If I tithe, everything is going to fall into place financially for me.

Well if I didn’t earn the money honestly, then my tithe won’t be blessed. If I don’t spend the remain 90% frugally, then I still won’t be blessed.

Someone said, “We all know that a fool and his money are soon parted, but how did they ever get together in the first place?”

Part of the stewardship of God’s financial resources is spending that makes sense according to the level of your income.

Living within our means is a Christ honoring lifestyle.

What we spend our money on and how much we spend is really driven by our level of income. Extravagance is a relative term. What’s extravagance for one may be nominal spending for another.

Spending our money well is between you and God; and we will all give an account.

4. Invest Money Carefully

Someone suggest we live by 10-10-80 Rule. The first 10% goes to the church/K-o-G. The second 10% goes to yourself for your future. And the 80% goes to live off of right now.

I think that’s a pretty good formula, and I think it’s a biblical formula.

We spiritualize this parable, and rightly so, but let’s not miss the point. Jesus was talking about money – Matthew 25:20-21.

All money God entrusts into my care is a sacred trust. God expects us to be wise stewards/managers/overseers.

Investing money has one goal = to make it grow.

Look at the strong reprimand God gave to the one who did not see any growth in God’s money – Matthew 25:25-29.

Someone has said that if we took all the money in America and divided it equally among the entire population, within one year the millionaires would have it back in their pockets!

Do you know what the ultimate goal of saving and investing for the future is? To get to the place where the interest on your investments funds all your giving and your spending.

Proverbs 6:6-8 MSG,“look at an ant. Watch it closely; let it teach you a thing or two. Nobody has to tell it what to do. All summer it stores up food; at harvest it stockpiles provisions.”

If you don’t earn money honestly, you could end up in prison.
If you don’t give money generously, you will miss out on God’s blessings.
If you don’t spend money wisely, you might end up in bankruptcy.
If you don’t invest money carefully, you will never have income to live on in your retirement.

February 4 – March 18, 2007
During this seven week series Pastor taught about having the right attitude towards finances. There were testimonies from members sharing how their lives have been changed by these Biblical principles.

The Dimensions of Money

Brief Message Overview: Have you ever noticed the mysterious power that money possesses? Money seems to have the power to foster greed, fear, lust, pride, selfishness, self-centeredness, and almost every other vice known to mankind. Listen as Pastor Ron teaches about the different dimensions of money.

Notes for The Dimensions of Money

Have you ever noticed the mysterious power that money possesses? Money seems to have the power to foster greed, fear, lust, pride, selfishness, self-centeredness, and almost every other vice known to mankind.

Apostle Paul: “the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.”

A root = the core sustainer of life for all plants. If the main root of my life is the love of money, than my whole life will be tainted.

Money has the power to open a Pandora’s box of wickedness in our life. People will do almost anything for money. They will lie, cheat their family, and will steal, rob, and even kill for money.

Money has the power to shape the way we feel about ourselves, our life, our family, our future, and especially about our relationship with God.

Indy Star: 11.26.06
Money is the root of Anti-social Behavior: “A team of psychologists has discovered why money can’t buy happiness. Pictures of dollar bills, fantasies of wealth and even wads of Monopoly money arouse feelings of self-sufficiency that result in selfish and often anti-social behavior, according to the study published in the journal Science. ‘The mere presence of money changes people,’ said Kathleen Vohs, a professor of marketing at the University of Minnesota. ‘Money makes it possible for people to achieve their goals without asking for help, thus making them self-reliant to the exclusion of needing other people. In short, money changes people’s motivations.’”

Beginning today, and for the next 7 weeks, we are going to turn our focus on God, Money and You. Together we will be examining ungodly attitudes towards money that we all have to wrestle with. We will also be looking into a biblical mentality towards money.

Here’s what I know for sure. Everyone of us have to get the issue of money right if we expect to live a victorious Christian life.

I will go so far to say it is impossible to become all that God intends for us to become if we don’t settle this issue. I want God’s best for me & for you!

1. Money Has A Demonic Dimension To It

What would drive a person to sell their body? Why would someone risk prison time by selling illegal drugs; drugs that sometimes kill and usually destroys other people? What is it that drives people to cheat at business, rip off their family members, and lie on their taxes? In a word M.O.N.E.Y.

Where does this inordinate desire and passion for money come from? Its a demonic stronghold that every Christian has to come face to face with.

Jesus put it this way – Matthew 6:24.

Jesus taught there were only two master-Gods. The Lord was one master-God and mammon was the other master-god.

“Mammon” = a Syrian god of money and materialism. People bowed down to this false god. They worshipped it. They prayed for its success in their life. In short, it was a demonic stronghold and it held its sway over people.

When Jesus spoke of the god-mammon, they all knew what He was talking about.

Matthew Henry: “God says, “My son, give me your heart.” Mammon says, “No, give it me.” God says, “Be content with such things as you have.” Mammon says, “Grasp for everything you can.” God says, “Defraud not, never lie, be honest and just in all your dealings.” Mammon says “Cheat thine own Father, if you can gain by it.” God says, “Be generous.” Mammon says, “Hold to what you have. Giving undoes everything you’re trying to build.” God says, “Be careful for nothing.” Mammon says, “Be careful for every thing.” God says, “Keep holy thy sabbath-day.” Mammon says, “Make use of that day as well as any other for more money.” Thus the commands of God and Mammon are at odds, so that we cannot serve both. Let us not then falter between God and Baal, but choose you this day whom you will serve, and then abide by your choice.”

Jesus painted the picture as an either/or proposition. We either love God or we love money. There can be NO in between. We can’t love money a little bit and love God a little bit. With God IT’S ALL OR NOTHING AT ALL.

We will either be sold out completely to one or to the other, and every one of us have to decide which way it’s going to be in our life.

The Word is clear: 1 John 2:15, “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world the love of the Father is not in him.”
Paul said essentially the same thing in 1 Timothy 6:10, “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.”

2. Money Has A Spiritual Dimension To It

In this parable Jesus tells us about 3 men who were entrusted with money and then God basically stood back to see how they would handle the money that He deposited into their care.

This story teaches us that God cares about the money we have, because it actually is His money to begin with – Luke 19:11-27.

When we stand before God He will ask us, “how did you spend the time that I gave you on earth? How did you spend the talents that I invested in you? How did you spend the money that I gave you?”

Next week we’ll discover the 4 basic things we can do with our money: 1-earn it honestly 2-spend it wisely 3-give it generously 4-invest it carefully

Here’s what I KNOW. Money is every bit as spiritual as any other part of my life, and it is God’s money ALL TOGETHER!

There’s an interesting passage in Deuteronomy 8:17-19 that gives us a biblical perspective on where our money comes from: “if you say in your heart, ‘My power and the might of my hand have gained me this wealth…you shall remember the LORD your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth , that He may establish His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day. Then it shall be, if you by any means forget the LORD your God, and follow other gods, and serve them and worship them, I testify against you this day that you shall surely perish.”

There’s a song Nathan/Erik wrote that captures this concept so well: “Take my life, take all of me, take everything, it’s all for You. Take my dreams, take all my fears, take everything, it’s all for You, it’s all for You, it’s all for You. Jesus, I surrender. Jesus, I am Yours. Take everything I am and make me new oh Lord I pray, until all I have is all of You.”

3. Tithing Is The Strongest Antidote That Exist Against the god-Mammon

Why is that? Because tithing is a weekly reminder of who is in charge of our finances: whether it will be Almighty God or the mammon-god.

Every time we earn any money, we should immediately take out the first 10% and declare to God and to ourselves that money is NOT going to be our master, but it’s going to be our servant.

During this important series we’re going to drill down into the true nature of tithing and regain a fresh perspective for all of us on why tithing is so important and so very effective.

I will be sharing some powerful testimonies of tithing that will inspire you.

I am 24 years old and I came to the U.S. 5 years ago. It is not easy to start a life in a new country when the culture and language are different and you are illegal. A friend told me about tithing; I will never forget the date and the place where such a miraculous conversation took place, as it changed my life forever. I remember that at that time I was working long hours in valet parking, almost 7 days a week. Every day when I came home I would do the math and put aside in an envelope 10% of what I earned that very day. At the end of the month I tithed joyfully because I hadn’t spent the money and I was able to tithe. Nothing changed physically at that point, I had the same job, no legal status yet, little knowledge of English, but mentally and spiritually wonderful changes were starting to happen, which turned into miracles later on. One of my wishes was to have a better job, with excellent pay and a better schedule. I soon received a job with a great salary and a shorter work week. My immigration status is in process at the present, and God even sent a wonderful woman into my life. Tithing is not a myth. Tithing is a life style in which God is always placed first, so that God can place you first.