Superficial versus. Spiritual Wisdom 1 Cor 2:12-13

 Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit that is from God, so that we may understand the gifts bestowed on us by God. And we speak of these things in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual things to those who are spiritual.

Paul opens the chapter reminding the church that he first came to them only with the wisdom of God not of man. He determined to be nothing before them except for Jesus Christ and him crucified. Paul was reminding the Corinthian church and us today in mount Zion Boko that when we come to Christ we are bound to grow in the basic facts of what God has done and even deeper teachings of God’s word.

This growth is a rigorous process. This wisdom has depth to it. A Christian who is maturing in his or her faith is not coming to church on Friday evening or Sunday, church school, or all the other activities, to be entertained by some clever, eloquent performer who orchestrates your emotions and makes you feel good. It is our responsibility to teach you. It is your responsibility to learn. That is why Paul says, "Yet among the mature we do speak wisdom, though it is not a wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are doomed to perish. But we speak God's wisdom, secret and hidden, which God decreed before the ages for our glory" (1 Corinthians 2:6-7).

Wow, Paul says though I did not come to you with eloquence, we speak wisdom among those who are perfect, among those who are well instructed in christianity, and come to some maturity in the things of God. They don’t only understand the plain history of Christ, and his crucifixion, which is basic doctrine, they also discern deep and admirable designs of the divine wisdom. It is not wordly wisdom but divine wisdom. To those who enjoy the gospel revelation; types are unveiled, mysteries made plain, prophecies interpreted, and the secret counsels of God published and laid open.

Listen to the details:

Point 1: There are two kinds of wisdom.

a) One is "temporal wisdom." It is the wisdom of this age. It is the wisdom of the rulers of this age. It is a wisdom that has limited horizons. It is propelled forward by the spiritual powers of darkness. It has a satanic dimension to it. And it is doomed to pass away.

What would be some examples of this temporal wisdom?

There are many labels we could throw around.

Naturalism tells us that we live in a closed universe of cause and effect. What we experience through our senses is all that there is.

Hedonism declares a universe that has no real meaning, so "eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow we die."

New Age Mysticism informs us that reality is found within ourselves and, with intense meditation, we will come to a greater awareness of who we are and how to function in relationship to others.

Materialism stimulates our inquisitive nature, promising that wealth and power is the purpose of living. "The one with the most toys wins."

Apostate Christianity belittles the historic biblical doctrines of the faith, yet still claims to be Christian.

There are those who still claim the name Christian but reject the notion of a Creator,  the God who sustains, who breaks into human history in the person of Jesus Christ and who reveals His truth in the Scriptures, which we hold to be "the only infallible rule of faith and practice."

All these worldly wisdom live within time. They don't really explain where we came from, why we are here and where we are going in a way that equips us with quality for the now.

b) The second kind of wisdom is eternal wisdom. This is the hidden wisdom of God. It is His natural and special revelation of himself. This lasts forever and is the ultimate ground of all being in which you and I can stake our very lives. Granted, at times, we distort it and misinterpret His wisdom. When we do so, we need to come under the authority of God's revelation, finding correction of our errors through our endeavor to more fully understand the wisdom that goes beyond our temporal, limited, finite, human rationality.

Point 2: None of the rulers of this age fully understand this.

Sometimes the phrase "rulers of this age" is used to describe evil, supernatural powers thought to control human destiny. It appears that here Paul is referring to human leaders, since, in verse 8, he says that these are the ones who crucified Jesus and since the contrast in this whole passage is between the believer who has the Spirit and the nonbeliever who does not have the Spirit.

Not many of the rulers of this world understand the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Power does have a way of corrupting. As has been said, absolute power corrupts absolutely. I do know that, when your citizenship is in the Kingdom of God and you bow your head before His sovereignty, there are those rulers of the kingdom of humankind who are threatened by your allegiance to the Lord. They do not understand this. The currency of the kingdom of humankind is a different currency.

Illus: My wife went to Egypt some few months ago and in returning she brought back some of their currency which she did not change. While in Egypt they were useful there but here in our country they are useless. Her plans was to give it to a visiting Doctor who came to the Hospital so that he can return with them. It is their currency and useful there but here it is irrelevant.

The eternal wisdom of the Kingdom of God is viewed as foolishness to the kingdom of this earth. It is currency that is irrelevant. It doesn't make sense. It is puzzling (confusing).

Don't be surprised when some people view you as odd when you are faithful to your Lord.

Point 3: No one can figure the eternal wisdom out on his or her own.

It is impossible to come to this truth of God without God's specific revelation. Paul paraphrases an Old Testament statement when he writes, "But, as it is written, 'What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the human heart conceived, what God has prepared for those who love him'-these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit; for the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God" (1 Corinthians 2:9-10).

This is the wisdom of the before time, end time and after time. Paul is saying that the most brilliant of persons living in time alone could never come up with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. In fact, the most brilliant persons who have ever walked the face of this earth cannot, in a clear and rational way, articulate the notion of before time and after time, much less be able to figure out the strange mysteries of the Creator, Sustainer God, who was before time, will be after all time is over and who functions in His triune nature here within the very midst of time. He is not only the alpha and the omega; he is everything between and that wisdom can only be revealed by His spirit.

Eternal truth is not perceived through the eye. We can see nature. It gives us wonderful pleasure. We enjoy art. Some of our most satisfying sensations come through the eye. We can study science. It is dependent upon observable data. However, when we see nature defaced into that which is ugly and observes science gone crazy in nuclear holocaust or physical disease or in legal transgression, we need healing that goes beyond our gifts of observation.

The moral word is not one of convenience alone. The ear can hear the great music, but there is a music of grace that goes beyond that which triggers the most rapturous of beautiful ecstasy.

The human heart can be filled with enormous piety, compassion and even love, but it cannot ultimately set right that which is wrong.

For all of this, we need God's revelation of himself.

Point 4: God has revealed His wisdom to us by His Spirit.

Tell me about yourself. Tell me your deepest inner thoughts, will you? I doubt that you will. They are secret, aren't they? They are your private thoughts. No one is going to know them, unless you reveal yourself honestly. And no one can make you do that, can they? You can play games, can't you? And you've done some of that. We all reveal facts about ourselves that fake people out. We all know how to do it, don't we? You can show off the knowledgeable or the ignorant you. You can show the wealthy or the poor you. You selectively choose to reveal what you want to reveal. That is your right, to own your own thoughts. No one has the power to rape your inner private self.

I notice this in my counseling ministry. There are layers on one's self that a person reveals. Seldom do they get down to the deepest level in the first interview or two. That is one reason why we advise long-term therapy. There is so much about a person that remains hidden.

Paul makes this human analogy when he writes, "For what human being knows what is truly human except the human spirit that is within? So also no one comprehends what is truly God's except the Spirit of God" (1 Corinthians 2:11).

You have no opportunity to know who God really is and what He is thinking unless He initiates His self-disclosure to you. He has done it. The result is the wisdom of God that you can only discover through His self-disclosure.

Point 5: You have received not the spirit of this world but the Spirit of God.

Paul writes, "Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit that is from God, so that we may understand the gifts bestowed on us by God. And we speak of these things in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual things to those who are spiritual" (1 Corinthians 2:12-13).

God has given you a tutor. If you have received Jesus Christ as Savior, you have the Holy Spirit in your life. He is the very essence of God himself, who has been given to you by God to impart not human wisdom, but spiritual truth. The Holy Spirit is not going to supernaturally teach me German language, or Chinese without my effort. Nor is the Holy Spirit going to do your physics for you or write your English literature paper or even fill out your annual tax forms. The Holy Spirit will give you wisdom that will help you use your time more wisely and maximize the intellectual gifts that are yours. He will help clear your mind, so that you can study. But the Holy Spirit's primary function is to interpret spiritual truth, so that you can come to Jesus Christ, grow in Jesus Christ, be enabled by Jesus Christ to face temptation, to be gifted in Jesus Christ and used by Jesus Christ in a way that validates your very creation.

Point 6: The unspiritual person does not receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit.

The unspiritual person does not receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit for they are foolishness to him. That person is not able to understand them, because they are "spiritually discerned" (1 Corinthians 2:14).

Why is this? The unspiritual person lives only in the temporal. The Kingdom of God understandings are moronic or idiotic to him or her. The spiritual person lives with a sensitivity to the eternal.

For example, when I teach from God's Word, if a person receives Jesus Christ as Savior, it will have a tremendous impact on how that person uses their money, sexuality and power; a nonbeliever becomes threatened. An unspiritual person rejects that. They accuse me of going from preaching to interfering in their business. It's their own business what they do with their money, their sex life and their power. They don't realize that every good and perfect gift they have comes from the Lord, and He owns it all, and He can take it back at any moment. They won't let go. It's theirs. They don't understand the joy of liberality, that sees one's self only as a temporary recipient and steward of what God has given. The concept of tithing is absurd. The fact that one could experience joy in giving himself or herself to the Lord and to others doesn't make any sense. The flip side is that the nonspiritual person doesn't understand why unlimited money, unlimited sex and unlimited power doesn't satisfy them.

I invite you today, if you have never received Jesus Christ as Savior, to open your life to Him; acknowledge your need of His forgiveness, His healing, His wisdom, letting go of that false pride, that arrogance which demands that you have your way as one living in the economy of this world's kingdom. Or if you have received Him but have restricted the Holy Spirit with a blanket of self-interest, elitism, arrogance, pride, doubt, party spirit, admit it for what it is. Repent! Welcome the Lord once again into the very center of your life. And live with the wisdom which comes from the Holy Spirit!

 

The Forgotten Secret of Christian Giving

 

I Chronicles 29:14-17

David is an old man about to die. But God has given him a great vision. It is the dream of building a magnificent temple for the worship of Almighty God. It will be the grandest building ever constructed. His fondest dream to is honor his God by building that palatial structure.

But God has other plans. We pick up the story in 1 Chronicles 28:2-3.

King David rose to his feet and said: ‘‘Listen to me, my brothers and my people. I had it in my heart to build a house as a place of rest for the ark of the covenant of the LORD, for the footstool of our God, and I made plans to build it. But God said to me, ‘You are not to build a house for my Name, because you are a warrior and have shed blood.’

David had the dream but because his hands were dripping with blood, God would not allow him to build the temple. It must be built by a man of peace. God chose Solomon instead. So in verses 9-10 David charges Solomon to seek the Lord with his whole heart because the Lord searches every heart and every thought of the mind. In verse 1 of ch 29 David said to the people ‘My son Solomon, the one whom God has chosen, is young and inexperienced. The task is great, because this palatial structure is not for man but for the LORD God.”

In essence he says there are two problems:

1. Solomon is too young.

2. The task is too great.

Without God’s help the project is impossible.

The King; David set a good example by giving for the project then he called the leaders to follow the example and they gave willingly for the project of the temple.

Notice two points in verse 9. First, they gave “freely.” That means there was no pressure. Second, they gave “wholeheartedly.” That means there was no limit. The same two signs may be found today whenever God’s Spirit is moving. People will give freely and won’t have to be pressured, enticed or intimidated. And they will give without limit to the work of the Lord. The next few verses record a psalm of praise composed by David on the spot. In verse 12 he reveals the secret of generous giving: “Wealth and honor come from you; you are the ruler of all things.” The details now follow from vs 14 to 17.

a. So David blessed the LORD before all the assembly: The generous giving made David rejoice and praise God. It wasn’t for the sake of the wealth itself, but because it demonstrated that the hearts of the people were really interested in God and in His house.

b. Blessed are You, LORD God of Israel, our Father, forever and ever: This is the first time in the Bible that God is addressed directly as a Father over His people.

c. Both riches and honor come from You: David could say this as a man who had a life full of both riches and honor. David knew that those things came from God and not from himself.

 

d. Who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to offer so willingly as this? David knew that both the ability and the heart to give were themselves gifts from God. He was actually humbled by having such a heart to give, both in himself and in the people of Israel as a group.

 

David says the people gave generously because they understood that everything they had came from God. In a sense, they were only giving back to God what he had given them in the first place. That’s why the people were able to give “willingly” and with so much joy. Generous giving is not difficult when we understand that everything we have comes from God.

All that we are and all that we have comes from God. Everything is a gift. Nothing is earned, everything is given.

Your life is a gift

Your health is a gift

Your career is a gift

Your intelligence is a gift

Your strength is a gift

Your personality is a gift

Your children are a gift

Your friendships are a gift

Your possessions are a gift

Your accomplishments are a gift

Your wealth is a gift.

You own nothing. Everything you have is on loan from God. He gives it to you for a little while and says, “Take care of it.” We hold on tight because we think it all belongs to us. Sooner or later we’ll understand that it doesn’t belong to us … and it never did. We are like little children holding so tightly to a few borrowed marbles. We grip them in our palm because we’re afraid of losing them. But sooner or later God himself begins to pry the marbles out of our hand. One by one he pulls our fingers off the things we think are ours. We may fight back, but he is stronger and he always wins. In the end he takes back that which belongs to him in the first place.

The Bible warns us over and over about the seductive power of money. First Timothy 6:10 reminds us that “the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.” The love of money corrupts us in so many ways. It makes us selfish, greedy, and envious. It causes us to forget our friends, trample on our co-workers, neglect our children, and ignore our wives. It seduces us with the promise of happiness, but then delivers nothing at all.

All that we are building here in Mount Zion Boko will one day crumble to the dust. Everything built by man must disappear. Nothing lasts forever. Then why build at all? If we seek immortality through bricks and mortar, we have deceived ourselves. This building project was never about the building, and it was never about the money. That was always secondary to providing ways for us to minister more effectively to the people God sends us. Buildings are ministry tools to allow us to help people meet Jesus and grow in him. All that remains of Solomon’s temple is the record of the love and sacrifice of the people who built it 3,000 years ago. That record will stand for eternity. The same is true for us. God records our faith and our love and our sacrifice. What we build will not last, but God will remember forever what we have done and why we have done it. And so we give gladly and freely to see the church move forward by faith.

When we give generously, we’re saying, “Lord, it’s all yours anyway.”

When we give generously, we’re investing in the Kingdom that cannot be shaken.

When we give generously, we are declaring, “There’s a lot more where that came from.”

When we given generously, we’re laying up treasures in heaven.

There is nothing we have given to God except what He has given to us. Romans 11:35 says “Or who has first given to Him And it shall be repaid to him?” We need to understand that God is the source, the means, and the goal of all things.

 

 

 

Increasing the borders. 1 Chronicles 4 :9-10

 

John 15 :7-8 « Ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. By this My Father is glorified that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.”

 

We are looking at the second part of Jabez’s prayer today. A man who looks at his own circumstance and makes a decision: “I was born for more than this.” And he prays, “Please, O God, enlarge my territory! Enlarge my land, enlarge my borders!”

Jabez did not just want growth for growth sake, or more space at the expense of someone else, or the promise of easy money. Why? Because the Bible says he was more  honorable. A honorable man will seek for blessing to be a blessing. He will seek for blessing to do more in God’s vineyard.

Jabez understood that the limit of his territory could limit what he could do for God. A small farm land could only support small quantity of animals or harvest. To increase his output, he needed more opportunity.  Because Jabez was looking for blessing so that he could be a blessing in God’s hand; we can call his cry for God to enlarge his territory as a holy asking. Asking for more territory for God can be called holy ambition; and this kind of passion honors the Father.

Can you imagine a mother being irritated with a child who asks, “What can I do to help you Mama?” In the same way, when you ask for greater opportunity for God, He responds with delight and favor.

Ask yourself, Am I asking God for more so that I can do more for Him?

God is waiting for each one of us to get hold of the greater vision for our lives- a vision that matches His own – and plead with Him for it to come true. To be more fruitful for God, we need more opportunity, and we need to see the opportunities already surrounding us that we have continually overlooked.

Who has set boundary lines in my life? Circumstances? Others? Me?

Andy Stanley says “For reasons known only to Him, God has chosen to work through men and women who are willing to make sacrifices for the sake of the “thing” He has placed in their hearts to do.

What is the thing God has placed in your heart? Are you willing to make sacrifices?

 

Jabez received and answer to his prayers

1.       God heard his prayer

2.       Jabez received blessings, expanded his frontiers, felt God directing him and was protected

3.       Many do not receive anything because they doubt (Jame 1:6-7)

4.       Others do not receive because they do not ask sincerely (James 4:3)

5.       Therefore let us get closer to God:

a.       With a sincere heart

b.       In full assurance of faith

c.       Having purified hearts

d.       And free of evil conscience (Heb 10:22)

 

BACK TO SCHOOL FOR THE FAMILY (Psalm 127:1-4)

 Psalm 127: 1-4

Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain. In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat— for he grants sleep to those he loves.

Sons are a heritage from the LORD, children a reward from him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are sons born in one’s youth.

INTRO.- Children are wonderful. How dull life would be without them! And remember we were once children too!

ILL.- It was the little girl’s first day at school and the teacher was making out her registration card. “What is your father’s name?” She said, “Daddy.”

“Yes, I know he’s your daddy, but what does your mother call him?” “Oh, she don’t call him anything. SHE LIKES HIM.”

ILL.- The teacher said, “Why don’t you brush your teeth? I can see what you had for breakfast this morning.”

Boy, “What did I have?” Teacher, “Eggs.” Boy, “You’re wrong! THAT WAS YESTERDAY!”

ILL.- Johnny’s first day of school the class was to put their right hands over their hearts and repeat the Pledge of Allegiance.

The teacher watched the children as he started the pledge, "I pledge allegiance to the flag..."

She stopped when she noticed Johnny’s right hand over the left side of his rear end. "Johnny, I will not continue until you put your hand over your heart,” the teacher said.

"Because whenever my Granny visits, she picks me up, pats me here, and says, ’Bless your little heart,’ and my Granny doesn’t lie!"

When we look at these illustrations, you can understand that our behaviors affect our children more. They carry what they learned from home to school just as they can bring what they learned from school back home. We therefore need to really school our children at home. Here we have three tips for the family for back to school:

1. Every child is home schooled.

Whether you send your kids off to school everyday or not they are still going to get the biggest chunk of their education from the life they see at home.

Many Christians are concerned that there is no prayer in schools but I am more concerned that there is no prayer in the home.

Deuteronomy 6: 5-9

Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.

The message, the truth, the life; must be yours before you can pass it on to the kids.

If not you will be teaching them:

- Religion

- Rules

- Regulations

That always leads to rebellion.

You are trying to teach your kids to swim by correspondence!

Proverbs 22: 6

Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.

Train them in there own unique way. You need to be involved; don’t try to remove what God put there. Steer it, guide it, encourage and develop it.

- Do not make comparisons!

2. Communication is critical.

When they want to talk – you need to take time to listen.

Parents it is vital that you get aware of what is going on in your kid’s life.

- What is being taught at school?

- What friendships are growing or dissolving and why.

- What do they enjoy, what do they fear.

- Are there any questions you can answer? No topic off limits.

Tell the truth about drinking and drugs and sex to your kids.

Deuteronomy 6: 7

Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.

Pray about things together. Tests, bullies, sports; any concern is a chance to live it.

Listen to this Father – Son communication.

Proverbs 4: 1-27 read

Listen, my sons, to a father’s instruction; pay attention and gain understanding. I give you sound learning, so do not forsake my teaching.

When I was a boy in my father’s house, still tender, and an only child of my mother, he taught me and said, "Lay hold of my words with all your heart; keep my commands and you will live.

Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or swerve from them. Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you. Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding. Esteem her, and she will exalt you; embrace her, and she will honor you. She will set a garland of grace on your head and present you with a crown of splendor."

Listen, my son, accept what I say, and the years of your life will be many. I guide you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths. When you walk, your steps will not be hampered; when you run, you will not stumble. Hold on to instruction, do not let it go; guard it well, for it is your life. Do not set foot on the path of the wicked or walk in the way of evil men. Avoid it, do not travel on it; turn from it and go on your way. For they cannot sleep till they do evil; they are robbed of slumber till they make someone fall. They eat the bread of wickedness and drink the wine of violence. The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, shining ever brighter till the full light of day. But the way of the wicked is like deep darkness; they do not know what makes them stumble.

My son, pay attention to what I say; listen closely to my words. Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart; for they are life to those who find them and health to a man’s whole body.

Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life. Put away perversity from your mouth; keep corrupt talk far from your lips. Let your eyes look straight ahead, fix your gaze directly before you. Make level paths for your feet and take only ways that are firm. Do not swerve to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil.

3. Encouragement is essential.

There are enough negative forces in the world. If you can’t find the positives and focus on them in your own kids – You have a problem – not the kids. You need to put in all your efforts to encourage them to do the things that are right. You cannot encourage them in words and you are doing something else; you must be intentional. Some parents focus on the negative forces; we encourage our children to do things which we know so well that are wrong. What do we expect from them tomorrow?

Your kids belong to God.

Proverbs 14: 1

The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down.

John 6: 66- 68

Simon Peter answered him, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We believe and know that you are the Holy One of God."

Every parent’s goal should be to be 50% as great as your 5 year old thinks you are and 50% as dumb as you’re 15 year old thinks you are.

Illustration:

Property Laws of a children

1. If I like it, it’s mine.

2. If it’s in my hand, it’s mine.

3. If I can take it from you, it’s mine.

4. If I had it a little while ago, it’s mine.

5. If it’s mine, it must never appear to be yours in any way.

6. If I’m doing or building something, all the pieces are mine.

7. If it looks just like mine, it’s mine.

8. If I saw it first, it’s mine.

9. If you are playing with something and you put it down, it automatically becomes mine.

10. If it’s broken, it’s yours.

Conclusion:

Joshua 24: 14-15

"Now fear the LORD and serve him with all faithfulness. Throw away the gods your forefathers worshiped beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the LORD. But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD."

It is your call – unless the Lord builds the house it is all in vain. Unless the Lord prepare your children, your education, the efforts you put all is vain.

Shalom

 

What is Your Decision?

Scriptures: Malachi 3:13-4:6

Introduction

A fictional tale is told in management seminars about a young manager who was to replace a retiring executive. The younger man approached the older, venerated leader and asked, "Sir, I know of the legend that you have become as a leader in this company. Could you give me some advice as I try to fill your shoes?"

The older man pondered the question and responded: "Three words: Make good decisions!"

"That is good advice," the young man replied as he wrote this down. "And what is the key to making good decisions?"

"One word," the veteran executive replied. "Experience."

"And how do I get this," the eager young man asked as he scribbled "experience" on his paper.

"Two words," the retiring man answered. "Bad decisions."

Each one of us is faced with hundreds of decisions each day. In these decisions we want to make good choices.

Why? Because we are the sum total of our decisions. We make our decisions, and our decisions make us. Mary Kay Ash said, "Be careful of the choices you make today. They will become your lifestyle tomorrow."

Each day we face choices regarding our walk with God. From the closing of Malachi's book let me explain four areas where we are forced to make decisions.

I. Will you render service to others? (3:13-15, 18)

Some of the people Malachi addressed were guilty of grumbling and complaining. They were talking to each other about their complaints against God. When confronted they denied any wrongdoing. This is the seventh time in the book they deny their errors. What were they talking about? Serving God was labor. It was useless. Worshipping, tithing, and serving had no purpose. It was all empty, vain, and futile.

This complaint rears its ugly head in our hearts today. Some people stop serving because they don't see any benefit. "I'm not getting anything out of it." Or, "I've been faithful, yet God doesn't bless me. And, what's more, evil people seem to prosper while good people suffer."

Malachi raised the bar on service. He showed that service distinguishes the righteous from the wicked (3:18). Righteousness in God's sight is more than a profession of faith. The righteousness of true faith will prove itself in a heart of service.

Serving God is serious business. He commands us to serve. Isn't it interesting that we want to be called a servant, but we don't want to be treated that way? We want people to look at our humility and say, "What a servant." But when treated like servant we complain and compare, just like the Israelites in Malachi's day. Then we say, "That's not fair. I'm not being treated right." But here's the thing: servants don't have rights. They have given up their rights. Servants don't talk about fairness. They serve.

By the way, all the great people of the Bible were called servants. God referred to Moses as "my servant Moses" (4:4). The ultimate servant is Jesus. We should follow His example.

Each day presents the choice of serving or not. What is your decision?

II. Will you revere God? (3:16)

Some of the people Malachi spoke to took God seriously. They "feared Yahweh and had high regard for His name" (v. 16). Fearing the Lord is a synonym for the heartfelt worship of God for who and what He is. Fearing the Lord is (1) a consciousness of being in the presence of True Greatness and Majesty; (2) a thrilling sense of privilege; (3) an overflow of respect and admiration; and perhaps supremely, (4) a sense that His opinion about my life is the only thing that really matters."

To esteem His name means to honor His person. There you acknowledge that the Lord is who He claims to be: the Sovereign God of the universe, the Creator of all things, and the Redeemer of humankind. He is to be held in awe. We are to tremble at the thought of offending Him in any way. He is not to be played with. He is a consuming fire and we should tremble in His presence.

God exists not just to meet our needs. If anything we exist to meet His demands. Again, He is the master; we are the servants. He has rights; we have responsibilities. He is to be worshipped; we are the worshippers. He's the Lord of Hosts, the Most High God, the King of Kings, the Lord of Lords, the Almighty. He is holy, holy, holy. The only proper response He deserves is one of great reverence and respect.

Each day presents the choice of fearing God or not. What is your decision?

III. Will you be rewarded by God? (3:17)

Benefits come with reverence of God. Verse 17 reveals five aspects of God's character that identify the rewards God offers to those who serve and fear Him.

A. God listens to us

"The LORD took notice and listened" (3:16). When we reverence God, He gives us His undivided attention. The image communicated is that of God leaning forward to take in everything that is being said about Him. When we turn to God, He tunes in to our frequency.

B. God remembers us

"So a book of remembrance was written before Him for those who feared Yahweh and had high regard for His name" (3:16). He remembers what we have done. In fact, the only thing God forgets is our confessed sins. God said, "Look, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands" (Isaiah 49:16). We write something on our hands so we won't forget it. God doesn't forget us. He remembers.

C. God claims us

"'They will be Mine,' says the LORD of Hosts" (3:17). The word mine is emphatic. Those who fear God belong to Him. When we come to faith in Jesus Christ, we transfer ownership. We are not our own. God owns us. We are a chosen people, a claimed people.

D. God treasures us

"'A special possession on the day I am preparing'" (3:17). Special possession means to set aside a thing or property. For example, you have many possessions, but those items of great value are placed somewhere for safekeeping. God treasures us in the same way. We matter to Him far more than we know.

E. God spares us

"'I will have compassion on them as a man has compassion on his son who serves him'" (3:17). Malachi is a book of warnings of God's judgment. But it also is a book of compassion in sparing those who serve, fear, and honor God. We deserve justice, but God grants us mercy. We don't receive what we deserve. We receive more than we deserve. God spares us.

Each day the evil one confronts us with assaults to deceive and destroy us through wrong thinking. He would have us not believe in these rewards. So we are faced with a choice: will we believe the lies of Satan or the words of God? What is your decision?

IV. Will you be ready for judgment? (4:1-3)

Make no mistake about it: There will be a day of judgment, symbolized by a fire. On this day God will intervene dramatically in the affairs of history. On that day sinners will be burned up the way fire burns and destroys dry grass. The phrase "not leaving them root or branches" (4:1) indicates a complete removal from the face of the earth. The wicked are like ashes under the feet of God's people. And the saints, in contrast, will see a new day: a day of rejoicing and celebration. Just as the rays of the sun bring warmth and health, God will bring wholeness to every aspect of life.

Malachi reminds us that the day is coming. On that day we will be treated either as sinners or saints.

Are you ready for the coming judgment? That day could be this day. Are you ready? Will you face judgment as a sinner - condemned to experience the wrath of God? Or as a saint - one who has trusted in Jesus Christ as Lord. What is your decision?

Conclusion

Will you render service to others? Will you reverence God? Will you be rewarded by God? Will you be ready for judgment? Will you remember God's law? What is your decision?

In his sermon "The Writing on the Wall," William Willimon tells the story of an aggravating funeral at a country church.

The preacher pounded on the pulpit and looked over at the casket. He would say, "It's too late for Joe. He might have wanted to get his life together. He might have wanted to spend more time with his family. He might have wanted to do that, but he's dead now. It is too late for him, but it is not too late for you. There is still time for you. You still can decide. You still are alive. It is not too late for you. Today is the day of decision."

Today is the day of decision. What is your decision?

 

How Do You Treat God? - Malachi 3

 Scriptures: Malachi 3:6-12

Introduction

The title grabbed my attention: "Our Church Was Robbed Recently." The story that followed said:

"We are thankful that no one was injured physically, but it will be some time before things are back to normal. It's clear that more than one person is responsible - in fact, there may actually be many people who have been party to the crime. Two things are most unfortunate about the robbery - one is that we have no assurances that it won't happen again, and that is a bit unnerving! The other unfortunate element is that we're certain that those who carried out the robbery are members of our church. It's bad enough to know that a theft has occurred, but it's really hard to imagine that professing Christians would actually steal from God and the ministries of his church. We can certainly hope that anyone who has participated in this act will repent and repay what has been taken. It's reported that some of the stolen money has been used for vacations, cars, boats, designer clothes, athletic equipment, homes, and even dining out. We don't have a complete list of all the suspects, but there is consolation in knowing that God does.

"You haven't read about this in the papers and hopefully you won't. I realize that some of you will disagree, but it would be difficult to get a conviction in the courts given the clever way in which the robbery was carried out. You are probably also interested in how much was taken. The amount is undetermined, but at the very least exceeds many thousands of Fcfa.

"By the way, the robbery happened in full view of the church during Sunday services. It happened as the offering plates were passed during Sunday school and worship. It also happened as people who didn't come simply didn't give the Lord's tithe."

The people in Malachi's day had treated God badly by robbing from him. They had become bored with God. Their worship had turned from relational to ritual. As a result they offered blemished sacrifices (1:6-14); the priests had become unfaithful (2:1-9); divorce was commonplace and easy (2:10-17); their words wearied God (2:17); businessmen were defrauding their workers, cheating their customers and taking advantage of widows, orphans and aliens (3:1-5).

But the most egregious treatment of God was that they were robbing God (3:6-12). How? By withholding their tithes, by giving the worst instead of the best, by giving the least and not the most. Their attitude was, "How little can I give and still keep God happy?"

The people proclaimed their innocence, but Malachi, like a prosecuting attorney, presented the evidence to back up the indictment (charge).

Five statements stand out to me in this passage.

I. The tithe is the minimum

"'Will a man rob God? Yet you are robbing Me!' You ask: 'How do we rob You?' 'By not making the payments of the tenth and the contributions'" (Mal. 3:8). The tithe comes from a Hebrew word that means one tenth. If you make $100 today, a tithe would be $10. It is simple math.

It gets more complicated, because in the Old Testament Law there were actually three tithes. The one to which Malachi referred was for the priests. A second tithe helped celebrate the annual sacred feast. The people used these funds to throw a party in honor of God. And then every third year the people would give another ten percent to help the poor. When you add that together, that equals about 23 percent of a household's income.

Tithing has always been the floor, not the ceiling, of giving to God's work. In other words, tithing is the place to begin, not the place to end in supporting God's kingdom business.

The tithe was recognized as God's. We should always refer to it as God's tithe not my tithe. People in the Old Testament didn't give a tithe but repaid it to the Owner of all things. Rarely does the Bible speak of giving a tithe, but rather of "taking," "presenting," or even "paying" tithes. No one ever said, "I feel led to tithe." The tithe was explicit and objective. It required no heart response. It was expected. Period. Offerings, on the other hand, were given from the heart when touched by God's grace. You can say my offering but the Tithe is God’s tithe.

II. The curse came from disobedience (v. 9)

"You are suffering under a curse, yet you - the whole nation - are still robbing Me" (Mal. 3:9). The Old Testament was written to the nation of Israel. God was addressing the nation. Because God's people robbed Him, they have put a curse on the whole nation. They did that to themselves.

But we must make one thing very clear: While there are spiritual and financial consequences for failing to give to God, we should never make the mistake of thinking that we will be "cursed" if we haven't tithed. "Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, because it is written: Everyone who is hung on a tree is cursed" (Gal. 3:13 HCSB). We rest in the new covenant Christ initiated in His blood. He freed us from the curse of keeping the law. And it's because of what He did for us that we should willingly and gladly obey.

III. The storehouse represents God's work (v. 10)

"Bring the full tenth into the storehouse so that there may be food in My house" (Mal. 3:10). In Israel the people brought their tithes of grain, olives, wine, and meat to be store in the Temple. These goods supported the priests and Levites, those serving God vocationally, since they did not have other jobs. The goods also met the needs of the poor in the community. And, thirdly, these goods met the expenses of the Temple operations.

Giving has always been God's way of financing his church.He expected his people to return to support the church with part of their income.

The tithe was not a legalistic regulation. It was to teach his people to put him first. "Each year you are to set aside a tenth of all the produce grown in your fields . . . so that you will always learn to fear the LORD your God" (Deuteronomy 14:22-23).

When we put God first in our giving, He will be first in every area of life. We pay God first. Too many reverse this process. If there's anything left, they give some to God. This is what was happening in Malachi's day. They were giving God the leftovers and, as a result, robbing God.

IV. The test challenges God to bless (v. 10)

"'Test Me in this way,' says the LORD of Hosts" (Mal. 3:10). God challenged His people to give according to the Law so that He could bless them. Do you realize that this is the only time in Bible where God puts out that kind of challenge? Too often we get hung up on the amount and miss the promise.

It's amazing to me that people who trust God for their salvation, their eternity in heaven, won't trust God with their finances. If we can trust God for our eternal destiny, don't you think we can trust God with our careers, our finances, and our giving?

V. The blessings are out of this world (v. 10)

"'See if I will not open the floodgates of heaven and pour out a blessing for you without measure'" (Mal. 3:10). This is an amazing passage of Scripture. No one can outgive God.

A young boy went to the store with his mother. The shop owner, a kindly man, passed him a large jar of suckers and invited him to help himself to a handful. Uncharacteristically, the boy held back. So the shop owner pulled out a handful for him.

When outside, the boy's mother asked why he had suddenly been so shy and wouldn't take a handful of suckers when offered.

The boy replied, "Because his hand is much bigger than mine!"

Conclusion

God's hand is bigger. His shovel is bigger. His wallet is bigger. His generosity is bigger. His love is bigger. Make a game of it. See if you can out-give God. That is the one game you hope you lose, and, in time, you will realize that you will always lose.

In the end, when we rob from God we are actually robbing from ourselves. We are robbing ourselves of spiritual blessings, of God's provisions, of a church that can meet the needs of others.

We are left with a choice: How will we treat God? Will we rob God by not giving our tithes, or will we be faithful in giving to God what is His?