24-0714p - Detailed Summary

Preacher: Mike Mathis

Summary of Transcript (0:36 - 29:33)

(0:36 - 1:13) Malachi Series Introduction
The speaker introduces the third part of a series on Malachi, focusing on the theme "In What Way" asked five times in the book, specifically addressing the question of how the people have robbed God.

(1:14 - 1:42) Robbing God
Discusses Malachi 3:8-10 where God accuses the people of robbing Him by not giving tithes and offerings, leading to a curse on the nation.

(1:42 - 2:16) God’s Challenge and Promise
God challenges the people to bring their full tithes into the storehouse, promising blessings in return that would be so abundant there wouldn’t be room enough to contain them.

(2:17 - 2:44) Questioning with Attitude
Highlights the different attitudes with which questions can be asked, suggesting some might ask "in what way" with a sneering tone, potentially making the response less convincing.

(2:45 - 3:14) Questioning in Malachi
Explains the five instances of "in what way" in Malachi, focusing on the fifth question regarding robbing God, and how the response was about tithes and offerings.

(3:16 - 3:57) Malachi’s Fifth Question
Reiterates the question from Malachi where God accuses His people of robbery through their failure to tithe, and they ask in what way they have done so.

(3:57 - 4:21) Divine Blessing for Obedience
Continues with the promise of divine blessings for obedience in tithing, emphasizing bringing all tithes into the storehouse.

(4:23 - 4:59) God’s Desire to Bless
Discusses God’s desire to bless Israel, indicating that the people’s failure to tithe hinders this blessing.

(5:01 - 5:45) Modern Context of Tithing
Clarifies that while tithing was for Israel, modern Christians are not under the same obligation, referencing Abraham’s tithe to Melchizedek.

(5:47 - 6:19) Abraham’s Rescue of Lot
Describes the context of Abraham’s tithe, which occurred after rescuing his nephew Lot, along with the spoils of war.

(6:21 - 7:14) Melchizedek’s Interaction
Details Melchizedek blessing Abraham and receiving a tithe from him, which included more than just money but all the spoils.

(7:15 - 8:07) Tithing Beyond Money
Emphasizes that tithing historically included more than just money, referencing the biblical examples of giving a tenth of all possessions.

(8:10 - 10:57) Levitical Tithe
Talks about the Levites' right to tithes as per Numbers 18, where even the Levites offered a tithe of their tithes to the Lord.

(10:58 - 11:27) Distribution Beyond Levites
Notes that tithes were also given to support the stranger, fatherless, and widow, expanding the concept of tithing beyond just the priests.

(11:34 - 12:28) Third Year Tithe
References Deuteronomy where tithes in the third year were to provide for the Levite, stranger, fatherless, and widow.

(12:29 - 13:41) Contemporary Church Practices
Critiques modern church practices of focusing heavily on monetary offerings, recalling personal experiences with frequent collections in church.

(14:15 - 16:11) Melchizedek and Levi
Discusses the biblical account of Melchizedek, who received tithes from Abraham, and Levi, who was said to have paid tithes in Abraham.

(16:12 - 17:38) Change in Priesthood and Law
Explains the theological shift with Jesus as the High Priest from the tribe of Judah, indicating a change in the law regarding tithing.

(17:39 - 18:36) New Covenant Implications
Continues to clarify that the change in priesthood from Levi to Judah necessitates a change in the law, affecting the practice of tithing.

(18:37 - 19:29) Critique of Modern Tithing Doctrine
Critiques the insistence on tithing in contemporary churches, suggesting a misunderstanding or ignorance of the New Testament’s teachings on giving.

(19:30 - 21:05) Law’s Shortcomings
Discusses the limitations of the Mosaic Law in cleansing the conscience and the universal sinfulness of both Jews and Gentiles.

(21:06 - 22:39) New Testament Giving
Introduces New Testament guidelines for giving from 1 Corinthians 16, where giving is according to one’s prosperity, not a fixed tithe.

(22:40 - 24:07) Cheerful Giving
Cites 2 Corinthians 9, advocating for giving that is purposeful and cheerful, not out of obligation or grudgingly.

(24:07 - 25:59) Purposeful Giving
Encourages giving based on personal income and a relationship with God, emphasizing the personal nature of giving in the New Testament.

(26:22 - 27:04) Sixth "In What Way"
Mentions a sixth instance of "in what way" from Malachi, where God calls for the people to return to Him, and they ask how they should do so, highlighting confusion about returning to God.

(27:04 - 27:20) Misconceptions About Salvation
Discusses the various misconceptions about what one must do to be saved, emphasizing that God has clearly stated His displeasures throughout Malachi.

(27:23 - 28:00) Returning to God
Outlines what the Israelites needed to do to return to God, including offering blemish-free sacrifices, not giving stolen or sick animals, honoring God’s name, and being pleased with His table.

(28:00 - 28:50) The Purpose of the Storehouse
Clarifies that the storehouse was not just for money but for storing grain and food, suggesting that tithing involved more than monetary contributions.

(28:50 - 29:13) Invitation to Return
Reiterates God’s invitation in Malachi to return to Him, applicable to anyone who has strayed or not yet come to God, emphasizing the need for members to ensure they are pleasing God.

(29:13 - 29:33) Call to Action
Concludes with an invitation to stand and sing an invitation song, urging those in the congregation to reflect on their relationship with God and return to Him if necessary.