As we continue this mini-series on tithing, we dispel some of the myths we hear about tithing: That the church just wants your money (God uses both money and the church for his purpose and mission), that the church shouldn’t talk about money (since the Bible talks about money, we will), and that tithing is an outdated, Old Testament command that doesn’t matter anymore (even though Jesus and other authors of the New Testament speak about the importance of tithing). The significance of tithing is not in the money itself. The practice of tithing is significant because it puts God first in our lives, keeps us involved in the mission of the church, and gives us access and awareness of God’s blessings.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- How has God blessed you this past week?
- What questions, concerns, or confusions do you have about tithing?
- Read Malachi 3:6-17. It reads almost like a court case – God brings a charge against the Israelites, the Israelites ask for evidence or more information, and God provides a justification, the change He desires to see, and the blessing He will give when they change. If God were to bring a “charge” against you in a similar way, what would it be? What would He want to see change and what blessing might follow?
- What is a way you can “return to God?”