3-Minute Church: The Why Behind the Tithe
Scroll to read a recap of Pastor Lee Cummings’ sermon from April 6, 2025
LET'S BREAK IT DOWN…
Let’s be honest—talking about money in church can make people uncomfortable. But it shouldn’t. Why? Because tithing isn’t just about money. It’s about trust, obedience, and faith.
At its simplest, tithing means giving the first 10 percent of your income back to God. It’s a spiritual habit rooted in Scripture and still just as relevant today. Tithing is a declaration that says, “God, you come first in every part of my life—including my finances.”
Tithing Is a Matter of the Heart
God doesn’t need our money. He owns everything already. What he wants is our hearts. Few things reveal who—or what—we trust more than how we handle money. When we tithe, we’re putting God in his rightful place: first.
“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matt. 6:21).
Tithing is a spiritual realignment. It centers our hearts on what truly matters: God’s kingdom. Without it, we drift. We start to rely on ourselves, chase comfort, or prioritize things that don’t last.
God Actually Invites Us to Test Him
In Malachi 3:10, God says something surprising:
“Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse . . . Test me in this . . . see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.”
This is the only time in Scripture where God says, “Test me.” He’s essentially saying, Try it. Trust me. See if I won’t provide for you. Tithing requires faith, yes—but it also leads to freedom: freedom from fear, freedom from the pressure to control everything, and freedom to live generously.
It’s Not about What You Don’t Have
A common excuse is, “I just can’t afford to tithe.” But the truth is, we can’t afford not to.
We all give our “first” to something. The first cut of our income might go to bills, shopping, debt, or entertainment—but it’s still going somewhere. The question is: Who gets your first?
God isn’t asking for what you don’t have. He’s asking you to honor him with the first of what he’s already given you. Tithing isn’t about income level. It’s about priority and obedience.
Tithing Fuels the Mission
In the Old Testament, tithes supported the temple and the priests. Today, they support the local church—ministries that preach the gospel, serve the poor, disciple believers, and reach the lost.
When you tithe, you’re not just giving to a church. You’re investing in life change. Every testimony, every salvation story, every child taught about Jesus—it’s all part of what your giving makes possible.
Tithing Is Worship
We sometimes forget this: tithing is worship. According to Hebrews 7, when we give, there’s more happening than we can see. Scripture says that Jesus himself receives our tithes in heaven. Every act of giving is an act of faith that says, “Jesus, you’re alive, and you are Lord over every part of my life.”
A Challenge for Today
If you’ve never tithed before, let this be your starting point. If you’ve gotten inconsistent, it’s time to realign. Talk with your spouse, set a goal, and rearrange your budget if needed—but take the step.
Tithing isn’t about guilt. It’s about faith in action. It’s a way to live out what we say we believe.
“Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matt. 6:33).
Let’s be people who don’t just honor God with our words—but with our wallets too. Because where our treasure is, there our hearts will be also.
Tap to watch Pastor Lee Cummings’ full sermon on Youtube.
Here's a 5-day Bible reading plan and devotional guide based on this sermon:
Day 1: The Heart of Giving
Reading: Malachi 3:6–12
Devotional: God's unchanging nature is a cornerstone of our faith. As we read Malachi 3, we're reminded that God invites us to test Him in the area of giving. This isn't about manipulation but about aligning our hearts with His Kingdom. Reflect on how your giving habits reflect your trust in God. Are there areas where fear or doubt are holding you back? Remember, God promises to "open the windows of heaven" for those who faithfully give. Today, consider how you can take a step of faith in your giving, trusting that God will provide for all your needs.
Day 2: The Power of Alignment
Reading: Matthew 6:19–24
Devotional: Jesus teaches us that where our treasure is, there will also be our heart. This profound truth echoes the message from Malachi about the tithe being a heart issue. As you read today's passage, consider what your spending and giving habits reveal about your priorities. Are you aligned with God's kingdom values? Take time to pray, asking God to reveal any areas where your heart might be misaligned. Remember, serving God and money simultaneously is impossible. Choose today to realign your heart fully with God's purposes.
Day 3: Overcoming the Love of Money
Reading: 1 Timothy 6:6–10, 17–19
Devotional: The love of money is a subtle but dangerous spiritual disease. Paul warns us about its destructive power, capable of leading believers astray. Today's reading challenges us to find contentment and to be rich in good deeds. Reflect on areas in your life where the love of money might be taking root. How can you cultivate a spirit of generosity to combat this? Remember, true wealth is found in a life fully surrendered to God. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you loosen your grip on material possessions and to find your security in Christ alone.
Day 4: Living by Faith
Reading: Hebrews 11:1–6
Devotional: Faith is the foundation of our relationship with God. The author of Hebrews reminds us that without faith, it's impossible to please God. As you read about the heroes of faith, consider how your own faith is being expressed in tangible ways. Are there areas where God is calling you to step out in faith, perhaps in your giving or in pursuing His calling? Remember, faith often requires us to act before we see the results. Today, identify one area where you can exercise your faith more boldly, trusting that God rewards those who earnestly seek Him.
Day 5: Storing Up Treasures in Heaven
Reading: Luke 12:13–21, 32–34
Devotional: Jesus' parable of the rich fool starkly contrasts earthly and heavenly perspectives on wealth. As you read, reflect on how you define "rich toward God." Are you investing in eternal things or solely focused on temporary gains? Jesus reminds us not to fear, for it's the Father's good pleasure to give us the kingdom. This promise should free us to be radically generous. Today, consider how you can use your resources—time, talents, and treasures—to invest in God's kingdom. Ask God to help you loosen your grip on earthly possessions and to find your security in His unfailing provision.