March 22, 2026

Series: Money Matters
Sermon 3: "Excelling in Grace: The Tithe Challenge"
Scripture: Malachi 3:10 & 2 Corinthians 8:7

“Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.”

‭‭Malachi‬ ‭3‬:‭10‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“But since you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you—see that you also excel in this grace of giving.”

‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭8‬:‭7‬ ‭NIV‬

Big Idea: Generosity is a grace that reflects God’s character and leads to abundant blessings.

Introduction: Everyone's teaching us how to secure the bag, but God's teaching us how to manage the blessing.

Prioritize the Principle

Tithing isn’t about pressure—it’s about priority.

“Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops;”

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭3‬:‭9‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Prove the Promise

Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this, says the Lord Almighty...

-Malach 3:10

Perfect the Practice

Giving isn’t a one-time transaction; it’s a lifelong transformation.

See that you also excel in this grace of giving.

-2 Corinthians 8:7

Pattern of Giving: 1 Cor. 16:1-4

1. Periodic (done at regular periods).
2. Planned (thought of in advance of the giving).
3. Proportional (giving in proportion to our blessings).
4. Private (not done to make us known as generous givers).

Conclusion: When we give God our first, He blesses the rest.

March 15, 2026

Series: Money Matters

Sermon: "The Tithe: A Test of Faith"

Scripture: Malachi 3:10-12

“Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it. I will prevent pests from devouring your crops, and the vines in your fields will not drop their fruit before it is ripe,” says the Lord Almighty. “Then all the nations will call you blessed, for yours will be a delightful land,” says the Lord Almighty.”

‭‭Malachi‬ ‭3‬:‭10‬-‭12‬ ‭NIV‬‬

““Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former.”

Matthew 23:23

Big Idea: Tithing is not just a duty but a divine invitation to experience God’s provision and blessings.

INTRODUCTION: What would happen if we actually put God first?

1. Tithe with Trust

“Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house."

-Malachi 3:10a NIV

2. Test the Truth

Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.

-Malachi 3:10b NIV

3. Triumph over the Thief

I will prevent pests from devouring your crops, and the vines in your fields will not drop their fruit before it is ripe,” says the Lord Almighty.

-Malachi 3:11 NIV

CONCLUSION: The blessed life is a God-first life!

March 8, 2026

Series: Money Matters

Sermon: "Seek First: Aligning Our Priorities"

Scripture: Proverbs 3:9-10 NIV & Matthew 6:33 NIV

“Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.”

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭3‬:‭9‬-‭10‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭6‬:‭33‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Big Idea: When we prioritize God in our lives, He takes care of our every need, including our finances.

INTRODUCTION: "Why worry? Put God first!"

“Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful.”

‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭4‬:‭2‬ ‭ESV‬‬

FIVE AREAS OF STEWARDSHIP:

1. Life
2. Time
3. Talents
4. Possessions
5. Finances

Money Prioritized: Dave Ramsey: Financial Peace University

1. Tithe
2. Expenses
3. Emergency Fund ($1000.00)
4. Retire Debt
5. Invest

When we tithe:

• We align our heart with God's heart.
• We align our priorities with God's priorities.
• We honor God by making Him first in our finances.

CONCLUSION: Honoring God first is not a hard thing, but a heart thing!