Tithing: Malachi, Summary & The Transition

ADDITIONS TO THE LAW OF MOSES Malachi 3:10 Yet God still gives them one last chance. 3:16 Some in Israel respond to the above admonitions, and were remembered by God. 3:17 He promises to spare them as they serve Him. Malachi Chapter 4 1 God's judgment against the proud and the wicked: burning and total destruction, leaving neither root nor branch. 2 But a promise of healing and comfortable care to those who fear His Name. 3 Righteousness will be restored and victory given to those that bear His Name. 4 God reminds the people to study the Law of Moses. 5 Promise of a zealous Prophet to warn the guilty and revive the righteous. 6 His ministry will be on a heart level, which is God's complaint against Israel in this book (Malachi). 1. This rebuke is clearly related to the Israelites in general, and the priests in particular, failing to have done the whole Law of Moses. 2. Why is Malachi 3:8-12 so popular in church? A. It gives us something to do in order to gain God's blessing. B. It increases funds coming into the church. C. It clarifies our duty and responsibility toward God; all of which are CONTRARY to God's intended relationship with believers today. 3. God lists adultery, lying, cheating, stealing, divorce, laziness, etc. as grievances. Why is only tithing emphasized? Because verse 10 promises self-gratification. Summary of Additions to the Law of Moses 1. Tithing is always mentioned as a part of the whole. 2. Emphasis on caring for those in ministry, the poor and widow, and the foreigner. 3. As the time draws near to the coming of the Messiah, the scriptures reflect God's coming to an end with letting the Law define His relationship with His people. THE TRANSITION (New Testament, Pre-Resurrection of Christ, Under Law)