The Invitation to Trust

DCC Small Group Discussion Guide: The Invitation to Trust

Scripture Focus

Malachi 3:10 (NKJV)
“Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house, and try Me now in this,” says the Lord of hosts, “If I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you such blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it.”

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Devotional

Throughout Scripture, we are commanded not to put the Lord our God to the test. Yet in Malachi 3:10, God gives us a startling invitation: “Test Me now in this.”

What seems like a paradox is actually a powerful challenge from the heart of God.

He calls His people to bring the tithe and witness His faithfulness—not as an act of doubt, but as an act of trust, obedience, and faith. God is not inviting us to question Him; He is inviting us to step into a deeper experience of His provision.

Tithing did not begin under the Law—it predates it.
•Genesis 4:3–4 – Cain and Abel brought offerings; Abel honored God with faith.
•Genesis 14:18–20 – Abraham gave a tenth to Melchizedek.

“He gave him a tenth of all.” — Genesis 14:20

This reveals that tithing is not merely a requirement—it is a relational response. It is worship. It is trust. It is declaring that God is our Source.

When we give, we are not earning God’s favor—we are responding to His faithfulness. We are saying, “Lord, I trust You more than what I can see or hold.”

What an incredible invitation from a faithful God.

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Group Discussion Questions

Understanding the Word
1.Why do you think God makes an exception in Malachi 3:10 by inviting His people to “test” Him?
2.How does understanding that tithing existed before the Law change your perspective on giving?
3.What does this passage reveal about God’s character?

Heart Check
4.What emotions or thoughts come up when you think about trusting God with your finances?
5.Are there areas in your life where you trust God easily—but others where it’s more difficult? Why?
6.What does it practically look like to trust God as your Source?

Faith in Action
7.How can giving become more of an act of worship rather than obligation?
8.What is one step of obedience God may be asking you to take in your giving?
9.Share a testimony (or expectation) of how God has been or could be faithful in provision.

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Application

Ask yourself honestly: Do I trust God with every area of my life, including my finances?

Honor Him not from pressure, but from love, faith, and reverence. Let your giving become an act of worship and a testimony that your confidence is in the Lord.

Then watch as He proves Himself faithful in ways that deepen your trust in Him.

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Prayer

Father, thank You for being faithful in every season of my life. Help me to trust You fully and to honor You with everything You have placed in my hands. Teach me to walk in obedience, not out of religious duty, but out of love and faith. Let my giving be an expression of worship and dependence on You. Open my eyes to see Your faithfulness more clearly, and strengthen my heart to follow You without fear. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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Leader Notes (Optional for Facilitators)
•Keep the tone grace-filled, not pressure-driven.
•Emphasize relationship over legalism.
•Encourage honesty—this topic can be sensitive.
•Celebrate small steps of faith and obedience.