The Truth About Tithing: Is It Still Required? | Bobby Schuller | Podcast Notes — Hello Pastor

Sermon Notes

The Truth About Tithing: Is It Still Required?

Bobby Schuller

Shepherd's Grove • Nov 5, 2026 • 24 min

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Take this message with you through a journey of Scripture, reflection, and prayer.

Summary

In this message, Pastor Bobby Schuller addresses the biblical truth about tithing and whether giving ten percent remains required for Christians today. Pointing to Scripture from Abraham's offering to Melchizedek to Jesus' instruction to give God what belongs to Him, Pastor Bobby clarifies that tithing predates the law and remains a vital New Testament practice. Ultimately, God does not demand our money because He needs it, but because He wants our undivided heart, freeing us from greed and opening heaven's provision through faithful stewardship.

Themes

TithingStewardshipGenerosityFaithfulnessHeart PostureDivine Provision

Pastor's Points

1.

Number one, to minister to the Lord.

2.

Number two, to equip the saints.

3.

Number three, to reach the lost.

Key Points

1.
Tithing predates the Old Testament law, demonstrated when Abraham gave a tenth of his possessions to Melchizedek as an homage to the Lord.
2.
In the New Testament, Jesus upheld the tithe by instructing His followers to render unto God what belongs to God.
3.
The primary biblical purpose of the tithe is to support worship and minister to the Lord rather than serving solely as charitable relief.
4.
Church resources and tithes should be prioritized in a threefold order: first to minister to the Lord in worship, second to equip the saints, and third to reach the lost.
5.
Malachi 3 reveals that withholding tithes is robbing God, whereas bringing the full tithe opens the door to overflowing divine blessing.
6.
Tithing is the single area in Scripture where God explicitly invites His people to test Him and experience His faithful provision.
7.

Sermon Moments

“Bobby Schuller explains that Abraham tithing ten percent to Melchizedek predates the Mosaic Law and serves as a foundational example of honoring the Lord.”

“Bobby points to Jesus' teaching on Caesar's coin ("Give unto God what is God's") as an explicit New Testament affirmation of the tithe.”

“Bobby notes that the person who least wants to tithe is often the one who needs to tithe the most because greed has a hold on their heart.”

“Bobby shares how his ministry staff sowed a sacrificial financial offering into YWAM Nepal during a season of struggle, which led to unexpected divine redirection and dramatic growth.”

“Bobby emphasizes that Malachi 3:10 is the only place in the Bible where God explicitly invites His people to test Him through giving.”

“Bobby illustrates the Rich Young Ruler story as an altar call where Jesus challenged false hope in riches to win the young man's undivided heart.”

“Bobby frames giving tithes as an act of sweet-smelling incense and pure worship offered directly to the Lord rather than to a human leader.”

This Week

Commit to tithing ten percent of your income faithfully as a practical act of worship and obedience to God.

Examine your heart posture toward finances, releasing any greed or false security found in material wealth.

Apply the kingdom principle of sowing a seed when facing financial difficulty or a specific area of need.

Direct your giving with the understanding that tithes primarily honor God and support church worship and discipleship.

Avoid withholding tithes due to cynicism or distrust, remembering that giving is offered unto the Lord Himself.

Consider giving beyond the baseline ten percent tithe through voluntary offerings to invite God's blessing.

Step out in faith and test God's promise of provision in Malachi 3 by prioritizing first-fruits giving.

Remember This

Tithing remains a required biblical practice of worship and obedience that frees believers from the grip of greed and invites God's miraculous provision.

A Challenge for You

God doesn't want your money—He wants your heart. Step out in faith, trust Him with your finances, and give generously as an act of worship.

These are personal sermon notes shared to help you remember the message — not a replacement for Scripture, your church, or your pastors.