This past Sunday I preached on tithing and stewardship from Psalm 24.
The earth is the Lord’s, and the Fullness thereof; the world and those who dwell therein.
After that sermon, I had several people thank me for “preaching on the tough subjects,” but that’s not why I preach on money.
Before that sermon, God used the text to work me over like the bad guy on an episode of Walker, Texas Ranger, but that’s not why I preach on money.
We received a HUGE offering on Sunday, but that’s not why I preach on money.
A man apologized to his wife after church because God convicted him of his failure to properly steward–not his money–his time with his family, but that’s not what I expected when I preached on money.
A man in our church was brought to tears telling me of God’s work in his life. He had no idea that the sermon was on tithing, but before church he had written his very first tithe check. God confirmed to him that tithing was the right thing to do. But I had no idea that would happen when I decided to preach on money.
So, why do I preach on money and stewardship? Because God decided that it was important enough to occupy large portions of Scripture and because Jesus himself talked about money even more than he talked about hell. I preach on money because we are a materialistic people who make things our gods and neglect to use our resources to give glory to the one true God.
You see, I hoped that God would work through the preaching of His word on Sunday, but I had no idea exactly how. I know that God accomplishes his purposes always. I preach on money for the same reasons I preach anything else; because God expects it and requires it. I preach and I pray for life-change, but life-change isn’t my responsibility, its the job of the Holy Spirit. I am called to be obedient in the preaching of the word, and so…I preach on money. What God chooses to do with that sermon is God’s business, and I praise him that he worked so mightily this week
