Why Does God Want My Money? | Shawn Johnson | Sermon Notes — Hello Pastor

Sermon Notes

Why Does God Want My Money?

Red Rocks Church • Nov 19, 2024 • 50 min

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

Summary

In this sermon, Pastor Shawn Johnson explores the biblical truth behind tithing and financial stewardship, addressing why God asks for our finances. Rather than wanting our money, God desires our entire heart and life so He can release His peace, purpose, and overflowing blessings in and through us. Believers are encouraged to take a faithful step of obedience by returning the first ten percent to God through the local church.

Themes

Tithing and StewardshipFinancial ObediencePutting God FirstTrust and FaithfulnessKingdom Building

Pastor's Points

1.

Tithing is not just about our money

2.

Tithing is not just Old Testament law

3.

Tithing is not generosity

4.

Tithing is returning

5.

Tithing is 10%

6.

Tithing is to God through your local church

Key Points

1.
Deuteronomy 14:23 teaches that the primary purpose of tithing is to learn to put God first in every area of life.
2.
God does not simply want our money; He desires our entire heart and life so He can work powerfully in and through us.
3.
Jesus explained in Matthew 6:21 that where our treasure is, our inner self, mind, will, and moral center will follow.
4.
Tithing predates the Old Testament law through Abraham and Jacob, and Jesus specifically affirmed its practice in Matthew 23:23.
5.
Tithing is fundamentally an act of obedience rather than generosity, returning to God what already belongs to Him.
6.
In Malachi 3:6-7, God calls His people to return to Him through faithful tithing, reassuring them of His unchanging character.

Sermon Moments

“"The purpose of tithing is to teach you to always put God first in your lives. He doesn't want our money; he wants our life because he knows when he has our life, the sky's the limit to what he can do in and through us."”

“"Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."”

“"Tithing isn't generosity, it's obedience... You're returning what God gave you in the first place."”

“"God says test me... He says, watch me bless your life in ways you won't even be able to contain."”

“"It always takes the same amount of faith no matter how much we have, and it's never easy at first, but I promise you it's one of those things you'll look back on and thank God you took that step of obedience."”

“"Rearrange your entire life around Jesus."”

“"God's not done with you yet. Your story is not over."”

This Week

Ask God directly in prayer what financial obedience looks like for you in this current season.

If tithing 10% feels overwhelming right now, start with a smaller percentage, make it recurring, and faithfully build toward a full tithe.

Rearrange your monthly budget and expenses to prioritize putting God first above daily spending and subscriptions.

Return the first 10% of your income faithfully to God through your local church as an act of worship and trust.

Practice biblical generosity beyond the tithe through offerings to support local and global ministry efforts.

Rest in the security of God's unconditional love, knowing His love for you does not depend on your financial capability.

Take God up on His invitation in Malachi 3:10 to test His faithfulness through financial obedience.

Remember This

God does not want your money—He wants your heart and life so He can bless you and work powerfully through you.

A Challenge for You

Ask God, "What do You want from me right now? What from me is obedience right now?" Get into His Word, let Him speak to your heart, and trust Him with your life and finances.

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