TITHING IS NOT A FORMULA TO GET RICH — IT IS AN ACT OF WORSHIP


TITHING IS NOT A FORMULA TO GET RICH — IT IS AN ACT OF WORSHIP

Main Text: Proverbs 3:9–10

“Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops.”

Introduction

Today, I want to speak about something that is sometimes misunderstood in the church: tithing.

Some people think, “If I give God money, God will give me more money.”

But tithing is not a formula to become rich.

We don't tithe because we are trying to make God our investment partner.

We tithe because God is worthy of our worship.

Tithing is not about buying God's blessing.
Tithing is about honoring the One who has already blessed us.


1. Everything We Have Comes From God

Psalm 24:1 says:

“The earth is the LORD's, and everything in it.”

Our money, our land, our business, our talents, our strength, and even our ability to work are gifts from God.

Sometimes we say, “I earned this.”

Yes, we worked for it—but who gave us the strength to work?

Who gave us the opportunity?

Who gave us the wisdom?

Who gave us life?

Everything ultimately belongs to God.

Therefore, when we give, we are simply recognizing:

“Lord, what I have belongs to You.”


2. Tithing Is Worship, Not a Transaction

Imagine someone giving ₹10,000 to God and saying:

“God, now You owe me ₹1 lakh.”

That is not worship.

That is a transaction.

We cannot put God in our debt.

God is not a bank.

God is not an ATM.

We don't give to God to control God.

We give because we love God.

Jesus said in Matthew 6:21:

“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

Your giving reveals something about your heart.

When we worship God with our money, we are saying:

“Lord, money is not my master. You are my Master.”


3. Tithing Teaches Us to Put God First

Proverbs 3:9 says:

“Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the firstfruits…”

Notice the word “first.”

God should not receive what is left over after everything else has been paid.

Tithing teaches us to say:

“God comes first.”

Before entertainment.
Before unnecessary spending.
Before luxuries.

We acknowledge God first.

This is why giving is an act of faith.

When we put God first, we are declaring:

“My security is not in money. My security is in God.”


4. Don't Give Because of Greed—Give Because of Gratitude

There is a difference between:

“I give so that I can become rich.”

and

“I give because God has been good to me.”

The first is motivated by greed.

The second is motivated by gratitude.

We should never preach:

“Give ₹1,000 and God must give you ₹10,000.”

God cannot be manipulated.

Instead, we should teach:

“Give faithfully because God is worthy.”

God may bless financially.
God may bless through opportunities.
God may bless through peace.
God may bless through relationships.
God may bless through protection and wisdom.

But God's blessing is not always measured in money.


5. God Looks at the Heart

Jesus watched people giving in the temple and spoke about the widow who gave two small coins.

Her gift was small in amount, but great in sacrifice.

Why?

Because God doesn't measure our giving only by how much we give.

God looks at the heart behind the giving.

A person may give a large amount and have a proud heart.

Another person may give a small amount with genuine faith and gratitude.

God sees the difference.

The value of the gift is connected to the heart of the giver.


6. Giving Should Never Be Manipulated

The church should teach people to give willingly.

2 Corinthians 9:7 says:

“Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion…”

That is powerful.

Not reluctantly.
Not under compulsion.
Not because someone frightened you.
Not because someone promised you instant wealth.

Give with a willing heart.

Because worship comes from the heart.


7. The Greatest Gift Was Not Money

God did not first ask us for money.

God gave us His Son.

John 3:16 says:

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son…”

Think about that.

Before we ever gave anything to God,

God gave Himself for us.

Therefore our giving is a response to His love.

We don't give to purchase salvation.

We don't give to purchase God's love.

We give because we have already received His love.


Conclusion

So today, let's change our understanding of tithing.

Tithing is not a get-rich formula.

It is not:

“I give so God will make me rich.”

It is:

“I give because God is worthy.”

It is gratitude.

It is obedience.

It is faith.

It is surrender.

It is worship.

When we tithe, we are saying:

“Lord, everything I have comes from You. My money belongs under Your authority. My business belongs to You. My family belongs to You. My future belongs to You. I trust You, and I honor You.”

Final Challenge

Don't ask only:

“How much will God give me if I give?”

Ask:

“What does my giving say about my relationship with God?”

Because the goal of giving is not simply getting more money.

The goal is getting our hearts closer to God.

Final Prayer

“Father, thank You for everything You have given us. Teach us to manage our finances with wisdom and integrity. Remove greed, fear, and selfishness from our hearts. Help us to give with gratitude, faith, joy, and a willing heart. May our giving become an expression of our worship and love for You. In Jesus' name, Amen.”

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