Malachi 2:17-3:15
Give? - Silver City Church
Sermon Overview
“Give?,” from Malachi 2:17–3:15, confronts Israel’s accusation that serving God is vain and unprofitable, exposing their consumer mindset. God, weary of their blasphemy, declares His unchanging faithfulness: “I the Lord do not change; therefore you are not consumed” (3:6). Using tithing as a case study, He reveals their robbery of Him in worship and generosity, cursing their hoarding. Yet, in grace, He invites them to “return” and “test Me” with the full tithe, promising overflowing blessing (3:10). The sermon flips the perspective from “Profit?” to “Presence!”—from consumer to conduit—calling believers to repent of entitlement, give generously as worship, and trust God’s faithful provision, not circumstantial prosperity.
Key Takeaways
Israel wearies God by calling evil good and questioning His justice (2:17), revealing a heart obsessed with profit and prosperity. The sermon exposes this as blasphemy, accusing God of unfaithfulness when life doesn’t deliver their desired payoff.
God responds with comfort and warning: “I the Lord do not change; therefore you are not consumed” (3:6). The sermon highlights His immutability as the reason for mercy, inviting repentance and return despite Israel’s rebellion.
God uses tithing as a case study: “Will man rob God?” (3:8). The sermon shows their withholding of tithes reflects a heart that robs God of honor, worship, and trust, exposing consumer Christianity over covenant faithfulness.
God uniquely invites, “Test Me” with the full tithe (3:10), promising overflowing blessing. The sermon calls for a flip from consumer to conduit—giving as worship, trusting God’s presence over profit, and living open-handed for His glory.
Weekly Devotional
Day 1: Wearying God with Words
Scripture: Malachi 2:17
Devotional Idea: Repent of accusing God when life feels unjust.
Israel wearies God by calling evil good and questioning His justice (2:17). The sermon exposes this as entitlement, demanding profit from serving God. Reflect on times you’ve blamed God for hardship. The sermon calls this blasphemy rooted in a consumer heart. How can you trust His justice today? Confess any accusation and thank Him for His unchanging faithfulness.
Day 2: God’s Unchanging Nature
Scripture: Malachi 3:6
Devotional Idea: Rest in God’s immutability as the reason for mercy.
God declares, “I the Lord do not change; therefore you are not consumed” (3:6). The sermon highlights this as comfort—His faithfulness preserves us despite rebellion. Reflect on how God’s unchanging love sustains you. The sermon invites repentance with promise of return. Thank Him for His steadfast character, and ask for grace to return fully to Him.
Day 3: Robbing God
Scripture: Malachi 3:8
Devotional Idea: Examine your heart’s posture toward giving.
God asks, “Will man rob God?” (3:8), using tithing to expose Israel’s heart. The sermon shows withholding reflects a consumer mindset, robbing God of honor. Reflect on how you view money and giving. The sermon calls for a flip from consumer to conduit. How can you honor God with your resources today? Ask Him to reveal any area of robbery and renew your trust.
Day 4: Test Me in This
Scripture: Malachi 3:10
Devotional Idea: Trust God’s unique invitation to test Him with generosity.
God says, “Test Me” with the full tithe, promising overflowing blessing (3:10). The sermon emphasizes this as worship, not transaction. Reflect on your giving posture—consumer or conduit? The sermon calls for open-handed living. How can you give generously this week? Ask God to help you trust His provision and experience His blessing.
Day 5: Profit or Presence?
Scripture: Malachi 3:14-15
Devotional Idea: Shift from seeking profit to seeking God’s presence.
Israel complains, “It is vain to serve God. What is the profit?” (3:14). The sermon flips this to “Presence!”—valuing the Blesser over blessings. Reflect on whether you serve God for payoff or relationship. The sermon calls for a heart that delights in Him. How can you pursue His presence today? Ask God to transform your motives and fill you with joy in Him alone.
Reflection and Application Questions
- Reflection: How does Israel’s accusation in Malachi 2:17 reflect a consumer mindset, and where do you see this in your own heart?
- Reflection: Why does God’s unchanging nature in Malachi 3:6 bring both comfort and conviction?
- Reflection: How does the sermon’s call to flip from “Profit?” to “Presence!” challenge common views of giving and blessing?
- Application: Identify one area of your finances or time where you’ve been a consumer rather than a conduit; take a step toward generous worship this week.
- Application: Repent of any entitlement or accusation toward God, and thank Him for His unchanging faithfulness in prayer today.
Scripture References and Cross-References
- Main Scripture: Malachi 2:17–3:15
- Cross-References: Genesis 14:20 (Abraham’s tithe), Matthew 23:23 (Jesus on tithing), 2 Corinthians 8:1-5 (Macedonian generosity), Romans 2:4 (kindness leads to repentance), Deuteronomy 8:17-18 (God gives ability to produce wealth)
Westminster Confession Connection
Malachi 2:17–3:15’s indictment of robbing God through withheld tithes aligns with the Westminster Confession of Faith, Chapter 16, Section 2, which teaches that good works—including generous giving—are the fruit of true faith, done to God’s glory and in obedience to His command. The sermon’s call to flip from consumer to conduit reflects this, showing that withholding from God reveals a heart not fully surrendered. God’s invitation to “test Me” with the tithe underscores His unchanging faithfulness, rewarding obedience with blessing. The sermon’s emphasis on giving as worship echoes the Confession’s view that true faith produces cheerful, liberal stewardship, honoring God with all He has entrusted.
Westminster Confession Citation
Chapter 16, Section 2: These good works, done in obedience to God’s commandments, are the fruits and evidences of a true and lively faith: and by them believers manifest their thankfulness, strengthen their assurance, edify their brethren, adorn the profession of the gospel, stop the mouths of the adversaries, and glorify God… [Scripture proofs: James 2:18, 22; Psalm 116:12-13; 1 Peter 2:9; Matthew 5:16; 1 Timothy 6:1; Ephesians 2:10]
Catechism Connections
Shorter Catechism, Q. 104: What do we pray for in the fourth petition?
That God would give us all things needful for body and soul, and enable us to glorify Him in the use of them; and that He would prevent or remove the evils that we deserve for our sins, and make all things work together for our good.
Larger Catechism, Q. 141: The duties required in the eighth commandment are… truth, faithfulness, and justice in contracts and commerce… giving and lending freely, according to our abilities and the necessities of others… moderation of our judgments, wills, and affections concerning worldly goods… a provident care and study to get, keep, use, and dispose these things which are necessary and convenient for us…
Larger Catechism, Q. 142: The sins forbidden in the eighth commandment are… theft, robbery, man-stealing, and receiving any thing stolen… whatsoever doth or may unjustly hinder our own or our neighbour’s wealth or outward estate.
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Ramada Inn Conference Center