Opening

• In Rogers, Arkansas, Little Hamlet where the Beaver Lakes flood gates open erratically every 4-10 years. It is a striking force because people come out to watch the water flow out. 

• In London, England, there is a retractable flood gate system. Millions of pounds spent to keep the overflow of flood water at bay.  

• If you’re not careful then an overflow of flood water is strong enough to kill you. It is enough to consume you. It is sad when it’s something that we don’t want

• People want the overflow of God’s blessing in your life. We want the blessing of God to shape the world around us.

• We want more of what only God can supply. However, we try to supply what only God can supply through our own means.

• God wants to open the floodgates in your life and overwhelms you with blessings. 

• The only issue is your stewardship is like a light switch. It is the signal to let God know you are ready for the overflow of blessing in your life. 

• You don’t own nothing you got but you manage what God owns that he is letting you use while you live.

Sermon Key Points

• God instructs his children on how to GIVE

• “Not that I seek the gift itself, but I seek the profit which increases to your account” (Philippians 4:17)

• If you obey and have a heart and desire for God then it will grant God’s great flourishing  in your life. 

• Malachi is the last book in the old testament and reads like an indictment from God and responses from the people

• Malachi 1:6 - “A son honors his father, and a servant his master. Then if I am a father, where is My honor? And if I am a master, where is My respect? 

• When God confronts his people…..we should only have one response…..”I’m Sorry”

• Martin Luther says there are 3 conversions that must happen: 1) conversion of the soul 2) conversion of the mind 3) conversion of the wallet

• Malachi 3:6- “For I, the Lord, do not change; therefore you, the sons of Jacob, have not come to an end.”

• Repentance is the invitation God extends to us. God hasn’t changed and we are the ones that rebel and change on God

• When you see the Son of God……he will make you turn your life around

• If you never repent or repent on an ongoing basis then you lose your spiritual vitality. Repentance is what initiates our spiritual vitality but obedience is what maintains our spiritual vitality. 

• Malachi 3:8- Will a man or woman rob God? 

• God answers their questions by bringing their attention to the area of life that most clearly manifests their rebellion. They have been withholding their tithes from God

• Your attitude towards your possessions is the clearest indication of a rather you have a healthy or unhealthy relationship with God 

• Jesus said you cannot SERVE God & money. The human heart can only serve 1 god at a time. You cannot serve God & money at the same time

• Tithe means “the first tenth”. The first tenth represents the whole thing and I thank you that you allowed me to keep the 90.

• Proverbs 3- Honor the Lord with your possessions and the first fruits of your increase

• Abraham willingly gave to God before the law required it. He willingly gave to God of what God gave to him

• Genesis 28:20-22- Jacob gives a tenth as well before the law

• Matthew 23:23- Jesus discusses the provisions of the Law

• You cannot mock God and ignore him and expect him to bless your life. (Malachi 3:9)

• God tells us to give him what is owed to him. When you trust God and he will take care of you.