Thanks for joining us for a weekly message from DuBois Light & Life Church. Today you will hear encouraging words, worship, and a message. Our goal is that you would find Hope, Healing, and Purpose in Jesus Christ.

This week features our VBS program before worship.

To Skip to the Sermon; "Everyone Obedient" go to 45:00 mins. <3

Live from DuBois Light and Life Church.

128 S 8th Street,

DuBois PA 15801

Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and our Website at DuBoisfmc.org, or download our app!

Seeking First the Kingdom in Our Finances

Jesus’ words in Matthew 6:33 are both a promise and a challenge: “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need.” The question for each of us is simple: What comes first?

Many times our excuse is, “I can’t afford it.” But God’s Word says otherwise. The truth is, both rich and poor struggle with giving—the poor often think they have nothing to give, while the rich think they have too much to give. Fear holds us back, and it cripples the church from stepping into its full calling.

God’s Financial Design

God’s plan is clear: Give first. Save second. Live off the rest.

When we trust Him with the first portion, we show that He—not money—is our source. Tithing isn’t about generosity; it’s about obedience. True generosity begins when we give above and beyond the tithe.

Why Tithing Matters

The Bible teaches that tithing serves a bigger purpose than just “keeping the lights on.”

Tithing:

Provides for God’s house

Declares our trust in Him

Reminds us He is our source

Connects our money to Kingdom purpose

Gives our work eternal significance

Transforms our money into seed

Crushes greed and self-reliance

Declares to our own hearts that God is first

To withhold is to cripple the mission of the church. To obey is to release God’s blessing.

The Danger of a Poverty Mindset

When the church only has “just enough,” it can’t fully live out its calling to meet the needs of the broken and hurting. Instead, those needs fall to governments and systems that were never designed to replace the role of the church. God’s design is for His people to live with more than enough so the church can reach more people, help other churches, plant new campuses, and support pastors and leaders who advance the Kingdom.

Some argue that tithing was part of the Old Testament law, but Jesus Himself affirmed it: “You should tithe, yes, but do not neglect the more important things” (Matthew 23:23). Tithing wasn’t abolished; it was affirmed. And now we give not from law but from grace—from what Christ has already done for us.

Obedience Unlocks Blessing

Malachi 3:10 makes God’s heart clear: “Bring all the tithes into the storehouse… If you do, I will open the windows of heaven for you. I will pour out a blessing so great you won’t have enough room to take it in!”

This isn’t about rules—it’s about trust. When we put God first, we invite Him into our finances. When we hold back, we grieve His Spirit.

The Choice Before Us

Every believer must decide: Will I live with my hands tightly closed, or wide open? Will I settle for doing ordinary things for God, or step into the extraordinary?

Tithing is not an act of generosity. It is an act of obedience. Generosity begins when we go above and beyond the tithe. And when we do, we not only honor God—we open the door for His church to thrive, grow, and impact the world with the Gospel.

As Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 9:7-8: “God loves a cheerful giver… and God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.”

Pray with us:

Father, thank You for every blessing You’ve entrusted to me. Forgive me for the times I’ve clung too tightly to what was never mine to begin with. Teach me to put You first in every part of my life, including my finances. Help me to give with open hands and a cheerful heart, not out of pressure, but out of obedience and love for You. May my giving be a seed that grows Your Kingdom, blesses others, and brings You glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.