How can we apply the principle of tithing in today's financial practices? Foundational Verse “You must be sure to set aside a tenth of all the produce of your fields each year.” — Deuteronomy 14:22 Purposes God Built into the Tithe • Recognize God as owner of everything (Psalm 24:1) • Train the heart to fear the Lord (Deuteronomy 14:23) • Provide for worship, ministry, and those in need (Numbers 18:21; Deuteronomy 14:28-29) Timeless Principles Carrying into Today • The proportion: a full tenth of increase (Genesis 28:22; Malachi 3:10) • The priority: first before other spending (Proverbs 3:9) • The place: given where God’s name dwells and His work is done (Malachi 3:10; 1 Corinthians 9:13-14) • The posture: glad, willing hearts (2 Corinthians 9:7) • The promise: God supplies and protects the giver (Malachi 3:10-12; Luke 6:38) Practical Steps for Modern Finances 1. Calculate the “increase.” • Regular wages, freelance income, bonuses, investment gains. • Subtract business expenses, but not personal lifestyle costs. 2. Set aside 10 percent first. • Automate transfers or write the check before paying bills. • View it as returning, not “donating.” 3. Direct the tithe to your local church. • Scripture links the tithe to the storehouse that feeds you spiritually (Malachi 3:10). 4. Give above the tithe as offerings. • Mission work, benevolence funds, Christian schools, crisis relief (2 Corinthians 9:8-11). 5. Teach the next generation. • Include children in setting aside their own first-fruits to build lifelong habits (Proverbs 22:6). Common Questions Answered by Scripture • Net or gross? Honoring God with the “first” argues for the gross (Proverbs 3:9). • Debt first or tithe first? Trust precedes payoff; God’s promise to provide covers obedient tithers (Malachi 3:10; Matthew 6:33). • Seasonal or irregular income? Tithe when increase is received; calculate each instance (Deuteronomy 16:17). Blessings and Safeguards • Windows of heaven opened—material and spiritual provision (Malachi 3:10). • Devourer rebuked—protection from losses (Malachi 3:11). • Contentment and freedom from greed (1 Timothy 6:6-10). • A testimony that God is living and active (Philippians 4:19). Guarding the Heart While Giving • Avoid legalism—Jesus highlighted justice, mercy, faithfulness along with tithing (Matthew 23:23). • Maintain secrecy where possible—your Father sees in secret (Matthew 6:1-4). • Keep gratitude central—“Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!” (2 Corinthians 9:15). |
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