Tithing

Foundational Truths

¡  God owns everything (Ps. 24:1; 50:10; Haggai 2:8)

¡  We are stewards called to “manage” the resources of God (Genesis 1:26)

¡  “Dominion” = “to reign over that which is owned by God.”

Basic definition

¡  “Tithe” = 10% of what a person earns or grow

¡  Deut. 14:22 – this includes the “increase”

Tithing before the Law

¡  Abram tithed the spoils of war in Genesis 14:18-20

¡  He tithed to Melchizedek, priest of the Most High God (Hebrews 7:1)

¡  But he only tithed this one time

¡  Jacob promised a tithe (Genesis 28:20-22) but there is no record of him ever paying it.

¡  Probably because there was no priesthood to tithe to.

Tithing under the Law

¡  All Israelites were to give 10% of everything they earned and grew to the Tabernacle / Temple.

¡  Leviticus 27:30 – the tithe is holy to the Lord

¡  Numbers 18:21-24 – the tithe was given to the Levites

¡  Numbers 18:26 – the Levites tithed from their tithe to Aaron (the high priest)

¡  Deut. 14:24-25 – it could be given in cash

¡  A small portion of the annual tithe was spent by the one offering it for a special meal to eat in fellowship with the Lord in Jerusalem  (Deut. 12:17-19; and 14:22-26)

¡  Every 3^rd year the tithe worked differently – Deut. 14:27-29 and 26:12-13

¡  In summary – 10% belonged to God and He gave specific directions as to how that 10% was to be used.

¡  God used it to care for the poor and needy and to sustain the ministry of His Temple.

The blessings of tithing

¡  Malachi  3:8-12

¡  God guarantees this blessing.

¡  The blessings will be uncontainable.

¡  The details of this promise were for Israel, but the principle is an eternal one. (Luke 6:38)

Jesus and Tithing

¡  The Law was fulfilled in Jesus (Matt. 5:17-19)

¡  To those under the Law He commanded the keeping of the Law (Matthew 8:1-4; 23:1-3)

¡  See Matthew 23:23 and Luke 11:42

¡  Those who are in Christ are not under the Law (Gal. 3:10-13) because its requirements were fulfilled in Him.

¡  The Law is done away with in Christ (Gal. 3:25-29; Heb 8:13)

¡  We are instead led by the Spirit (Rom 8:1-4)

¡  We are not under a LEGALISTIC obligation  to tithe.

New Testament Tithing

¡  VNB: The Law reveals the will of God

¡  The Old Testament moral principles remain – see Acts 15:28-29 and 21:25

¡  Everything we have belongs to God -  Acts 2:44-45; 4:32-37; 1 Cor. 6:20

¡  As a believer everything I am and have is to be used for His glory – 2 Cor. 5:15; Gal. 2:20; Mark 10:21

¡  The true New Testament tithe is 100%

New Testament use of the 100%

¡  Everything we spend must be in accordance with the will of God as we have submitted it all to His Lordship! (Matt. 6:33)

¡  Our priorities in spending must be :

• God’s Kingdom, which primarily includes the Church (1 Cor. 9:9-14)
• Our family’s well-being (1 Tim. 5:8; 2 Cor. 9:10)
• Generosity to the needy (1 Cor. 16:1-3; 2 Cor. 9:10)
• Mission (3 John 5-7)

 

How much should I give away?

A  TITHE

¡  God’s model is to give at least 10% to the Temple! Not by Law but freely and joyfully!

¡  Jesus’ model is to aim for 100%

¡  1 Cor. 16:2 – Give in proportion to our income

¡  James 1:5 – Seek wisdom as to our standard of living.

¡  Give the amount God convicts you to give – 2 Cor. 9:7

¡  How much should I give away?

OFFERINGS

¡  After having given an amount proportional to my income I should sow from my overflow (2 Cor. 9:11)

¡  These offerings can be to the Church, the needy, missions, etc.

¡  Blessings of generosity

¡  Proverbs 11:25

¡  Psalm 112:5

¡  Malachi 3:10

¡  Luke 6:38

¡  2 Cor. 9:11

¡  BUT MOST NB: Matt. 6:19-21