Leader Guide
Here at The Cove Church, one of our six core values is “We are generous.” For many people, generosity—especially the topic of tithing—can feel uncomfortable or confusing. Some think the church just wants their money. Of course, we have all heard or known churches that may have abused this area. We are sorry if you have experienced this kind of hurt. But the truth is, God doesn’t need our money—He wants our hearts. Scripture teaches that everything we have belongs to Him, and tithing is one way we express gratitude and trust. He invites us to be faithful and even tells us we can test Him in this area. This week we will look at what the bible teaches on this topic.
What you will need: A Bible or your Bible app, a notebook, pen, and highlighter. The verses highlighted below are linked so that you can easily access them during your study time.
Jump Start
Leader: This section is designed to get discussions started, examine God’s truth, and apply it to our week. Life Group leaders should not assume everyone in their group is a Christ follower. Because they are taking part in a Life Group, they must have some openness to know more and explore. Pray for the Holy Spirit to work and let Him lead you as well.
1. If you unexpectedly received $100 today, maybe a bonus from work or an unexpected refund, what would you do with it? Share a way you have been blessed by someone’s generosity—big or small.
2. Read Genesis 14:19-20, Deuteronomy 14:22. What does the word “tithe” mean? Why do you think giving back to God is such a hard concept today? How do we see Abraham modeling thankfulness to God in these verses?
Leader: Tithing is an action. It was never meant to be a burden but a way for us to acknowledge that it is all God’s and that we are giving back to Him what is already His. It shows our gratitude for His provision and that we trust Him.
3. Read Malachi 3:7-10, Numbers 18:24. Why would God invite us to test Him in this specific area? What do you notice about the purpose of the tithe—who was it for, and how did it bless the community? How might trusting God with your finances strengthen your faith in other areas?
Leader: This is the only time in Scripture where God says, “Test Me.” That shows us how much He wants us to experience His faithfulness firsthand.
4. Read Matthew 23:23. What did Jesus affirm about tithing in His words to the Pharisees? What did He say was even more important than giving? Why do you think God cares more about the attitude behind our giving than the amount?
Leader: We don’t like to hear about tithing in church and often say it shouldn’t be preached about. However, Jesus wasn’t throwing out the idea of tithing—He was affirming it and reminding people not to lose sight of mercy, justice and faithfulness.
Action Steps:
Reflect: When you think of tithing, what feelings come up—trust, fear, uncertainty, gratitude? Why? Pray and ask God to help you see tithing not as a rule to follow but a relationship of trust and gratitude.
Try: If you have never tithed before, consider starting somewhere—give a percentage or an intentional gift this week—ask God to help any fears you have in this area and ask yourself do I trust God enough to tithe?
Deeper Dive (Optional): Read Deuteronomy 16:17. How does this verse remind us that generosity looks different for everyone? How might this perspective remove the pressure or comparison we sometimes feel? What does it mean to give in proportion to what God has already done for you?
Leader: Tithing isn't about what God wants from us—it's about what He wants for us.