Title: Can a Man Rob God?
Text: Malachi 3:8
Introduction
In the closing book of the Old Testament, God confronts the people of Israel with a jarring, almost scandalous question: “Will a man rob God?” (Malachi 3:8). For Israel, the indictment was clear: they were withholding tithes and offerings required by the Mosaic Law.
While the modern believer is no longer under the ritualistic constraints of the Mosaic Law, the underlying spiritual principle remains eternal. God is the Creator and Sustainer of all things; He deserves our total faithfulness and reverence. When we withhold what is rightfully His—be it our honor, our time, or our obedience—we fall into the same trap as ancient Israel. Today, we will examine how a person can fail in their spiritual responsibility, essentially "robbing" God of the glory He is due.
I. Robbing God of His Sovereignty: Taking Vengeance
Scripture: Romans 12:19
The first way we rob God is by usurping His role as the Supreme Judge. When we are wronged, our natural instinct is to retaliate, but Scripture is clear: “Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God.”
• Vengeance Belongs to God Alone: God is the only one with the perfect wisdom and justice required to execute judgment. As seen in Revelation 6:10, even the martyrs in heaven do not take matters into their own hands; they cry out for the Lord to judge.
• The Theft of Honor: When we seek revenge, we are effectively saying that God’s justice is insufficient or too slow. We "steal" the divine right of judgment and place ourselves on His throne.
• Application: We must respond with patience and faith. Trusting God means leaving the "verdict" in His hands and focusing on our calling to love even our enemies.
II. Robbing God of His Day: Neglecting Worship
Scriptures: Acts 20:7; Revelation 1:10; Hebrews 10:25
Under the New Covenant, the "Lord’s Day" (Sunday) became the focal point for the early church to celebrate the Resurrection. When we treat corporate worship as an optional hobby rather than a sacred priority, we rob God of the collective honor He deserves.
• A Time Dedicated to God: The early church gathered on the first day of the week for communion and teaching. This is not just a tradition; it is a spiritual necessity.
• Ways We Neglect Worship:
◦ Absence: Forsaking the assembly for trivial reasons.
◦ Irreverence: Arriving late, leaving early, or being physically present but mentally distracted.
• Application: Honoring God means giving Him our best time, not our leftover time. True worship requires preparation of the heart and a commitment to the body of Christ.
III. Robbing God of His Integrity: Unfulfilled Promises
Scriptures: Ecclesiastes 5:4-5; Malachi 1:14
We often make promises to God in moments of crisis or spiritual "highs." However, failing to follow through on those commitments is a direct affront to God’s holiness.
• The Weight of a Vow: Scripture warns that it is better not to vow than to vow and not pay. Malachi 1:14 describes the "cheater" who promises a valuable sacrifice but offers something blemished instead.
• Reflecting God’s Character: God is a covenant-keeping God. When we break our word, we fail to reflect His image. Our spiritual integrity is tied to the consistency between our lips and our lives.
• Application: Be cautious with your words. If you have made a commitment to serve, to pray, or to change a behavior, fulfill it with the same seriousness with which God fulfills His promises to you.
IV. Robbing God of His Provision: Lack of Generosity
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 16:1-2
While we are not under the "10%" legalism of the Old Testament, the New Testament standard is actually higher: proportional, sacrificial, and cheerful giving.
• The Principle of Stewardship: We are not owners; we are managers. 1 Corinthians 16 instructs us to give "as he may prosper." This acknowledges that everything we have—wealth, talent, and resources—comes from His hand.
• Ingratitude as Theft: When we are stingy or refuse to support the work of the Gospel, we display a heart of ingratitude. We act as if we are the source of our own success.
• Application: Examine your heart. Do you give out of a sense of obligation, or out of a recognition of God’s overwhelming grace? True generosity is an act of worship that honors God as our Provider.
See Also
- Lessons from the Fall of King Uzziah 2 Chronicles 26:16–19
- How to Manage Conflicts Between Brethren in the Church
- Why Should We Strive for Others?
Conclusion
Can a man rob God? The answer is a sobering yes. We rob Him when we take His vengeance, ignore His day, break our promises, and withhold the resources He has entrusted to us. However, the goal of this examination is not guilt, but restoration. God invited Israel to "return to Me," promising that if they did, He would "open the windows of heaven."
Let us commit today to living lives of absolute transparency and faithfulness, giving God the honor, the time, and the obedience that is rightfully His.
