Exodus 4:28 Romans 13:9 1 Corinthians 6:10

“will a man rob god?” Malachi 3:8

It is possible to rob god Not in the same way as you rob a man Cannot use force to take something from Him Do not make Him poorer or less sufficient He has need of nothing Everything belongs to Him Man is only a steward “Render unto Caesar…” – Matthew 22:21

Why do men rob god? Does not love – Romans 13:9; Malachi 3:7 They did not acknowledge His Sovereignty – Malachi 1:14 Christian need to realize he is not his own – 1 Corinthians 6:19 They acknowledge His claim, but still withhold! Such is robbery!

How do god’s people rob him today? Some by withholding their heart’s affection – Malachi 3:7 Key to acceptable service – Matthew 22:37; Proverbs 23:26; 2 Corinthians12:14 A living sacrifice – Romans 12:1,2 To withhold is to deny “reasonable service”

Withholding reverence, godly fear, honor Malachi 1:6 “where is My honor?” Hebrews 12:28 “reverence & godly fear” Matthew 6:9 “Hallowed by Your name” 1 Peter 1:14 “as obedient children” Romans 3:18 “no fear of God” Psalm 10:4 “God is in none of his thoughts”

Withholding worship 1 Chronicles 16:28,29 “Give to the Lord the glory due His name; Bring an offering, and come before Him. Oh, worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness!” Romans 1:23 “and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man—and birds and four- footed animals and creeping things.”

Worship of man Humanism - Science Matthew 4:10 “You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.” Withhold Time Time which can be used to promote God’s cause

Failure to use opportunities given by god Matthew 25:14-30 “‘You wicked and lazy servant, you knew that I reap where I have not sown, and gather where I have not scattered seed…‘And cast the unprofitable servant into the outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’”

Withhold material possession from his service Malachi 3:8 “you have robbed Me!.. In tithes and offerings.” 2 Corinthians 9:7,8 “God loves a cheerful giver” Malachi 3:10 “Try Me now in this…” Returning to God results in blessings being restored.

Have You been robbing god? Have you been robbing God by withholding the affections of your heart? Have you robbed God by not obeying Him? If so, you are robbing yourself of eternal life!