HOW THEY USED TREASURES
Brenda Lineberger
Today’s Scripture: “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:19-21, ESV
Theme: God’s command to tithe is a test to see what we treasure most in our hearts.
THEY GAVE TO GOD
Abraham tithed out of honor and gratitude. Jacob tithed for and with a promise. Moses, at God’s command, instructed the children of Israel to tithe in order to maintain the tabernacle and support the priests.
Jesus and His disciples were supported by people who believed in Him and followed Him. They lived on “blessings” of food, a bed (other than the ground), or even coins to buy what they needed on their mission to introduce the Gospel of Christ.
TITHING
Tithing is sharing a very small portion of the many blessings we have received from God. Everything we have ABSOLUTELY does not belong to us. ALL are a gift from God, from the air we breathe, the ground we walk on, the food we eat, the clothes we wear, Everything! He is trusting us to steward His blessings and gifts and use them for good. That means to reserve a portion of what we have to help others and to carry out His commission to spread His Gospel. We are called to be the hands and feet of Jesus. The Church includes pastors, leaders, staff, and members working together to make that happen. No one person can do it alone. And (spoiler alert) God gives back way more than we give.
PARABLE OF THE TALENTS
In Matthew 25:14-30, Jesus tells a parable where a man gave a sum of money to his servants while he went out of town. When he came back, he checked to see what they had done with it. Two traded and increased the value. They were rewarded and told they did well with what he gave them, so now they would be trusted with more. It did not go so well for the one servant who hid his portion.
Make It Personal: In what ways do you see the value of being a good steward of the blessings God has given you?
Pray: Lord, I thank You for trusting me with the many blessings You have given me. I will not store them up but use them to bless others and support Your Church. You have always kept Your promises, and I trust in You. May our tithes, offerings, and prayers help to change lives, ease burdens and ultimately add souls to Your Kingdom. In Jesus’ Name, amen.
Read: Genesis 14:18-20, 28:20-22, Matthew 25:14-30
Weekly Memory Verse: “And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.” 2 Corinthians 9:8, ESV