God’s Promise | You!
God’s people are to bring all that’s useful to a place reserved for the benefit of the community - a Storehouse.
Refer to Malachi 3:1-12 NLT
The seven offenses in verse 5 are all in violation of a promise/commitment made!
There was a promise to
• God,
• a spouse,
• a judge,
• a laborer,
• social etiquette, and
• live by God’s standard.
The only thing keeping the wrath of God at bay is HIS promise to them.
What He would like to do is “wipe [them] out”, but…
He never goes back on His word.
He has come to warn them and speak of the inevitable judgment if they don’t clean up their act and stop the practice of violating commitments.
God’s single
concern is the STOREHOUSE
Those seven violations (v.5) are despicable and are found described in other places in scripture as things God hates or detests.
In fact, the care of widows and orphans is referred to as “being at the heart of God’s agenda” (Ps. 10:14, 18), and as the “pure and undefiled religion of God” (James 1:27) and is mentioned over 35 times throughout the Bible.
To emphasize the problem of disobedience and disregard for Him and His guidelines, He condenses all the issues into one: GOD’S PEOPLE ARE ROBBING HIM!
That’s the explanation for their food shortage/spoilage. Everything will be full to overflowing if they would just stop robbing God.
How are they
Him?
They were under a curse because God didn’t come first! This is an agricultural curse turned into an illustration for the church of the Lord.
God made His point, and it was a faith issue.
When we’ve been beaten down, exhausted, hungry, alone, cast out, and left to die, are we supposed to get up, move on and be thankful?
Yes! Suffering is a preparation for the deeper purpose in our lives.
Romans 5:3-5 NLT
“We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. 4 And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. 5 And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.”
The Lord has said, “Test Me in this!”
Bring your confident hope of salvation to the church – the modern-day storehouse of God
Bring the offering of your pain experiences to the church.
Bring the offering of your special gifts and talents to the storehouse.
Bring your offering of time and space to the storehouse.
Bring your contributions to the church so God can supply the needs of others whom we profess to love as Christ loves.
Psalm 112:9
“They share freely and give generously to those in need.”
2 Corinthians 9:13
“As a result of your ministry, they will give glory to God. For your generosity to them and to all believers will prove that you are obedient to the Good News of Christ.”
The Big Idea
This modern-day storehouse, the church, is to be processing each of these offerings and targeting places for their effective usefulness in the community we serve – so that there will be a supply for the needs around us.
Then we watch the bountiful blessings of God shower over our community in
restored lives
healed attitudes
renewed relationships
stronger families and more!
God has stated that their problems are related to “faith-less-ness.” God has pointed out to the children of Israel that since they have abandoned respect and honor to Him, they have suffered the consequences.
It doesn’t have to remain this way. There is a way to get back on track, spiritually and be utilized by the Lord.
2 Chronicles 7:14:
“… if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land.”
God calls His people to do the following:
Humble themselves – get rid of the self-centered attitude,
Pray – spend time with the Lord,
Seek His face – confront His goodness and accept His discipline,
Turn from their wicked ways – repent,
Then God will forgive and heal their brokenness so that their blessings are replenished.
We are the STOREHOUSE OF GOD! And in this storehouse, we are taking collections of all that you have to give the Lord.
Enable His love through your gift!
The gift of time, space, experience, talent/gift, and, oh yes, even financial offerings are accepted.
2 Corinthians 9:7-8
“You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. ‘For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.’ 8 And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need, and plenty left over to share with others.”