YAG 15th Retreat : Session 4
5 May 2012
YAG 15th RETREAT
Theme: Tithes and Offerings
Date: 4-5 May 2012
Title: Promise of Great Blessing
Session #4
1. The New Covenant Context
a) The messenger (forerunner) Malachi 3:1a
b) The Messenger-Messiah Malachi 3:1c
2. A special work of the Messenger-Messiah
a) He is like a refiner’s fire Malachi 3:2c
b) Like a launderer’s soap Malachi 3:2d
c) As a refiner and purifier of silver Malachi 3:3a
d) Purifying the sons of Levi Malachi 3:3b
3. Acceptance and approval of the offering after purification
a) Offering of Judah and Jerusalem will be pleasant to the LORD Malachi 3:4a
b) As in the days of old, as in the former years Malachi 3:4b
4. Returning to the Lord
a) Israel’s initiative Malachi 3:7a
b) God’s positive response Malachi 3:7b
5. Addressing the Problem of Robbing God
a) The charge of robbing God Malachi 3:8
b) Robbing God through tithes and offerings Malachi 3:8-9
6. Promise of Great blessings
a) But there must be a conscious giving of the tithe to the Lord Malachi 3:10
b) The tithe in the OT days was meant for the upkeep of God’s servants and the ministry of the Temple
Deuteronomy 18:1-8
c) Windows-of-heaven blessing Malachi 3:10
d) National blessing Malachi 3:11-12
7. Guarding the Heart in Giving
a) Giving is not to be seen as a means of obtaining God’s blessings
b) Giving is not to be practised perfunctorily
c) Giving is not to be practised out of fear
d) Giving is to be practised out of reverence for God’s name Malachi 1-2