Wise People Tithe | Pastor Jake Sweetman

In this sermon, Pastor Jake teaches on the biblical wisdom of tithing from Proverbs 3:9–10: “Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops…” Rather than asking, “Am I required to tithe?” this message reframes the question: “What is the wisest thing I can do with the money God has entrusted to me?” Rooted in Proverbs 3:1–10, this sermon explores how honoring God with the first and best of our increase is an act of trust, worship, obedience, and discipleship. Tithing is not merely a financial practice—it is a spiritual formation practice that trains our hearts to depend on God as Creator, Sustainer, and Provider. Key Scriptures: - Proverbs 3:1–10 — Trusting the Lord, honoring Him with wealth, and receiving His provision - Proverbs 1:7 — The fear of the Lord as the beginning of wisdom - Proverbs 24:16 — The righteous may fall, but they rise again - Genesis 1:1 — The meaning of “first” and the principle of firstfruits - Deuteronomy 28:8 — The Lord’s blessing on barns and work - 2 Chronicles 31:5–10 — Israel bringing tithes and firstfruits to the house of the Lord - Malachi 3:10 — Bringing the whole tithe into the storehouse - 2 Corinthians 9:6 — Sowing sparingly and reaping sparingly; sowing generously and reaping generously - Philippians 4:17–19 — Giving as a fragrant offering and God supplying every need In this message: - Tithing is presented as wise living, not merely religious obligation - Proverbs 3:5–6 shows that financial obedience begins with trust - Firstfruits giving teaches us to give God the first and best, not leftovers - Sacrificial generosity is worship - God’s commands are expressions of His love and faithfulness - The local church is the biblical context for consistent, worshipful giving - Generosity forms us into people who trust God more deeply This sermon is a call to close the discipleship gap through obedience: to begin or renew the lifelong pattern of returning the first portion of our income to the Lord in faith, gratitude, and worship. 🌐 Follow Us: \- Website: cathedral-church.com \- Instagram: instagram.com/cathedral.church \- New to faith? Sign up for our 5 week daily devotional!