📖 SERMON 201 — OLD TESTAMENT GIVING
Preacher: Rev. G. S. Kok
Date: (not listed)
Text: Malachi 3:8–10 (Read also Malachi 1:6–14; 3:7–12)
Subject: OLD TESTAMENT GIVING
INTRODUCTION:
One of the most dangerous subjects for a minister to preach about is money. Ministers have been told not to preach on giving because doing so “makes enemies.” Some say nothing hurts a person more than touching his pocketbook.
Yet the Bible has much to say about giving. When we ignore God’s instruction on this subject, we commit a great sin and refuse to hear His Word.
There is a close connection between your pocketbook and your soul. What you do with money reveals the true condition of your spiritual life. You can judge your Christianity by your attitude toward giving.
A. Giving had to honor God.
1. It had to reveal respect and esteem for God.
2. The people of Malachi’s day failed in this.
They offered the lame and sick animals—what they could not use anyway.
3. When their giving did not honor God, it was an abomination.
It brought a curse, not a blessing.
B. Giving had to reveal sincere love and devotion.
1. It had to be voluntary, not forced.
2. It had to flow from obedience and consecration.
3. The prophets repeatedly declared that sacrifices of the ungodly were worthless.
“Obedience is better than sacrifice.”
A. Began early in biblical history.
1. Cain and Abel brought offerings.
2. Noah offered sacrifices.
3. Abraham built altars and sacrificed.
4. These may have arisen from repentant hearts recalling God’s covering of Adam and Eve.
B. Later prescribed under Moses.
1. At Sinai God made His will known.
2. Sacrifices formed part of the ceremonial law.
3. They foreshadowed Christ—the great sacrifice.
4. By them believers expressed hope for forgiveness.
5. They showed the costliness of redemption.
6. They were acts of worship to the Redeemer.
A. Early references.
1. Abraham gave tithes to Melchizedek.
B. Prescribed by Mosaic law.
1. Tithes were for the Levites who served in worship.
2. They supported tabernacle and temple services.
“That there may be meat in My house,” says the Lord (Mal. 3:10).
Not for God to eat, but for His servants.
3. Tithes are distinct from sacrifices.
4. The Lord claimed them as His own.
Withholding them meant robbing God.
5. Tithes had to be given willingly, not grudgingly.
6. God blessed faithful tithers.
A. Different from sacrifices and tithes.
1. Not offerings for sin.
2. Not support for worship or Levites.
3. Many confuse all types of giving—but Scripture distinguishes them.
B. Alms were for the poor.
1. God commanded care for the needy so none would starve.
2. Jesus addressed almsgiving in the Sermon on the Mount.
3. He warned:
Do not give to be praised by men.
Give secretly in the sense of not seeking human applause.
4. Almsgiving must spring from compassion.
C. Jesus did not mean that all giving must be hidden.
1. Otherwise tax deductions would violate His command.
2. The issue is motive, not visibility.
3. Many who refuse systematic giving hide behind a false use of Jesus’ words.
CONCLUSION:
Old Testament giving was extensive—sacrifices, tithes, alms, and special offerings. We would complain bitterly if required to bring all that ancient Israel brought. But thanks be to God:
He gave the one great sacrifice Himself—His Son.
Jesus became poor for us. He fulfilled all sacrifices so we no longer need to bring burnt offerings, sin offerings, or offerings for redemption.
Next Sunday, the text will show what the Lord teaches about New Testament giving.
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