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.