Scriptures:
Genesis 14
Matthew 3:16-17
Genesis 15:1
Hebrews 7
Malachi 3:10
Points:
1. Delight over Duty
2. Trust over Transaction
3. Simple Giving and Unparalleled Grace (It’s about God, not Gold)
The Big Idea: What if a simple act of faith could set you free from finance forever?
It’s Not About the Money:
Have you ever felt the weight of financial obligations pressing down on you, especially when it comes to giving? Perhaps you’ve wrestled with questions about tithing, wondering if it’s really necessary or if it’s just another religious burden. What if I told you that it’s not about the money at all?
Picture Abraham, the father of faith, standing in a valley of victory. He’s just won an impossible battle against overwhelming odds, rescuing his nephew Lot and reclaiming stolen possessions. In this moment of triumph, something extraordinary happens.
A mysterious figure named Melchizedek appears, bringing bread and wine. This isn’t just any king – he’s described as the “king of peace” and a priest of God Most High. In this encounter, we see a beautiful picture of Christ long before His earthly arrival. Melchizedek blesses Abraham, acknowledging that it was God who granted this victory.
And then, in a pivotal moment, Abraham gives a tenth of everything.
This act of giving wasn’t born out of obligation or an attempt to earn God’s favor. It flowed from a heart overflowing with gratitude and recognition that everything – including the victory – came from God. Abraham gave because he had already received, not to receive.
This story challenges us to shift our perspective. Too often, we approach giving with a transactional mindset: “If I give this, God will do that.” We negotiate, we calculate, we try to figure out the minimum requirement. But what if we’re looking at it all wrong?
The truth is, we are sons and daughters of the Most High God, not servants trying to earn His approval. Think about it – would a loving father make his children work for their inheritance? Of course not! Yet we often live as though God’s blessings are something we must earn through our good deeds or financial contributions.
Remember the powerful words spoken over Jesus at His baptism: “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” This declaration came before Jesus performed a single miracle or began His public ministry. God’s love and approval were based on relationship, not performance.
As children of God, we have access to the same affirmation, affection, and identity. We don’t have to prove ourselves worthy of God’s love or blessings. They are already ours through Christ.
So, what does this mean for our giving?
It means we give out of the overflow of what God has already done in our lives. We give because we’ve experienced victory we didn’t deserve. We give because everything we have is ultimately in His hands. We give as a response to grace, not as an attempt to earn it.
This shift in perspective changes everything. Instead of asking, “How much do I have to give?” we begin to ask, “How can I honor God with what He’s entrusted to me?” It’s no longer about percentages or obligations; it’s about trust and gratitude.
Consider this powerful truth: When we give as servants out of obligation, we give to man. But when we give as sons and daughters out of love and faith, we honor God.
Living this way requires faith, and faith can be scary. It means stepping out of our comfort zones and trusting God in areas where we can’t see the outcome. But here’s the beautiful promise: God says, “Do not be afraid, I am your shield and your very great reward.” When we live by faith, God becomes our protection and our provision.
This is the heart of true giving – not obligation, not manipulation, but a joyful response to God’s goodness in our lives.
So, how do we cultivate this kind of giving heart?
- Recognize the victories: Take time to reflect on the battles God has won in your life, the blessings you’ve received that you didn’t earn.
- Acknowledge God’s provision: Practice gratitude daily, thanking God for both big and small ways He provides.
- Trust over transaction: When facing needs, resist the urge to make deals with God. Instead, approach Him as a loving Father who delights in caring for His children.
- Give from overflow: Allow your giving to be a natural response to what God has done, not an attempt to earn His favor.
- Embrace faith: Remember that living by faith can feel uncomfortable, but it opens the door to experiencing God’s protection and provision in remarkable ways.
As we embrace this perspective, we find true freedom. We’re no longer bound by guilt, obligation, or fear in our finances. Instead, we discover the joy of partnering with God, trusting Him completely, and experiencing His faithfulness in every area of our lives.
Discussion Questions
- How does viewing God as ‘God Most High’ (with capital letters) change our perspective on His role in our lives and our approach to tithing?
- In what ways might we be living with a ‘servant mentality’ rather than a ‘son/daughter mentality’ in our relationship with God, and how can we shift our thinking?
- How does the story of Abraham’s tithe to Melchizedek challenge our understanding of giving as a response to God’s blessings rather than a transaction?
- What are some ‘victories’ in your life that you didn’t deserve, and how might acknowledging these change your attitude towards giving?
- How does the concept of ‘simple giving, unparalleled grace’ apply to areas of your life beyond financial giving?
- In what ways might we be trying to ‘negotiate’ with God in our lives, and how can we move towards a relationship of trust instead?
- How does the image of Melchizedek offering bread and wine to Abraham foreshadow Christ, and what does this tell us about God’s consistency throughout scripture?
- What does it mean to live with ‘big G’ God over all areas of our lives, and what areas might we be keeping as ‘small g’?
- How does understanding that ‘victory comes from the Lord’ change our approach to the challenges and battles we face in life?
- In what ways might God be calling you to step out in faith, even if it feels scary, as Abraham did after his tithe?
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