Whole Not Broke! "The Tales of Tithing"

Lesson Summary – 8 Sept 10

Lesson Text: Gen 28: 20-22
Sermon Series: Whole and Not Broke
Lesson Title: “The Tale of Tithing”

“Jacob vowed a vow: “If God stands by me and protexts me on this journey. On which I’m setting out, keeps me in food and clothing, and brings me back in one piece to my father’s house, then the Lord will be by God and this stone that I have set up as a pillar will be God’s house, and of all that you give me I will give you a tenth.” Gen 28: 20-22 NIV

Jacob is currently in Beersheba and has slept through the night. During the night, Jacob dreamed a dream in which God promised to give him the ground that he slept on, increase his descendants, protect him wherever he goes, and bring him back to the place where he slept. God promised to stay with Jacob until all He promised was accomplished. Upon hearing from God, Jacob negotiates with God regarding his everyday concerns.

Jacob’s concerns ~
• Safety
• Welfare
• Food
• Shelter
• Comfort

Jacob pledges to give God a tenth (tithe) of everything God gives him if God will take care of his everyday concerns.

What is this thing about tithing?
• Not about convincing you that tithing is right
o How to trust God with his money
o Tithing is connected to human concern; not about the spiritual, but everyday life and concerns
o Tithing is relational – Haggai 1: 7-11; 14b
 Think about your ways; make sure you are doing what you are supposed to do

Tales of Tithing

Story #1 – Overcoming Adversity – Mal 3:11
• Agrarian language
o Windows: clouds
o Pour: rain
o Room: harvest
o Pest, pestilence, drought
 Car repairs, appliances break down, bills
 Give back what belongs to me

Story #2 – Trust God, not money
• Trust God enough to have faith in the word of God
• Not about the money

Story #3 – Debt Free – 1Tim 6: 10; Matt 6: 21
• Tithing
o Disciplines
o Prioritizes
o Puts heart in order
o Causes you to love God
o Build trust
o Re-orders your life; God is first
• The love of money is the root of all evil; all kinds of things can grow from roots

Story #4 – Life Changing – Mal 3: 8-10; Prov 13: 22
• God says test Him in this
o Work the word
• Leave an inheritance