1. Will a man rob God? (6-9)

God extends to mankind a gracious invitation: 'Return to me and I will return to you.' How can we return? We can take a step toward God by bringing to him our tithes. We thus acknowledge his ownership of our lives. Abraham offered a tithe to Melchizedek and thus pledged his total allegiance to God Most High (Ge 14). We must come to God with repentant hearts, bringing our tithes as our acknowledgment that we and all we have belong to him.

2. I will throw open the floodgates of blessing (10-18)

God invites people to test him. He will bless those who bring their tithes to him with so much blessing that they will not have room to hold it. But he will punish those who rob him, those who have no fear of God in their hearts. He will make a distinction between those who serve God and those who do not.

Application: Lord, you made me and redeemed me; I belong to you. I believe that you bless those who come to you acknowledging your ownership of life.
One Word: Don't rob God; test him in this