Summary
Pastor Miles Ornelas teaches from Malachi 3:7-15 on how believers find their way back to God after drifting spiritually. He explains that while God never changes, people do drift away, and God's invitation to return is always open through repentance and renewed trust. He addresses the issue of robbing God through withholding tithes and offerings, clarifying that while tithing is not mandated for New Testament salvation, giving reflects trust in God's provision and is a principle believers should embrace. He challenges the congregation to test God by trusting Him with their finances and whole lives, warning against the cynicism that says serving God is useless, and pointing to Jesus as the only way back to rest and true blessing.
Scripture References
Malachi 3:7-15 (the main passage on returning to God and tithing)
James 4:8 (draw near to God and He will draw near to you)
Leviticus 27:30 (the tithe belongs to the Lord)
Nehemiah 13:10-11 (the Levites not receiving their portions)
2 Corinthians 9:7 (God loves a cheerful giver)
Hebrews 13:16 (do not neglect to do good and share)
Mark 12:17 (render to Caesar and to God)
Psalm 23 (the Lord as shepherd who provides)
1 Peter 5:7-8 (cast your cares on God, the devil prowls like a lion)
Jeremiah 6:16 (ask for the old paths and find rest)
John 14:6 (Jesus is the way, truth, and life)
John 10:9 (Jesus is the gate)
Matthew 7:13-14 (the narrow gate and difficult way)
Mark 8:36 (what profit to gain the world and lose your soul)
Philippians 3:7-8 (Paul counts all as loss compared to knowing Christ)
Main Themes
God's Immutability: God never changes in His essence, knowledge, will, or purpose, which is why His people have not been consumed despite their unfaithfulness.
Returning to God: The way back to God involves repentance, renewed obedience to His Word, and wholehearted trust rather than double-mindedness.
Giving and Tithing: While New Testament believers are not under the law, the principle of generous giving reflects trust in God's provision and honors Him as owner of everything.
Testing God's Faithfulness: God uniquely invites His people to test Him by trusting Him with their finances and lives, promising to open the windows of heaven and rebuke the devourer.
The Good Way versus the Wrong Way: Following Jesus on the narrow, difficult path leads to rest and eternal security, while worldly success apart from God ends in loss and emptiness.
Cynicism and Worldliness: Israel wrongly concluded that serving God was useless and unprofitable, being deceived by temporary worldly success rather than eternal treasure in Christ.
Key Takeaways
