How can we apply the principle of giving "tithes" in our modern context? Key Verse “Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in My house. Test Me in this,” says the LORD of Hosts, “and see if I will not open the windows of heaven and pour out for you blessing without measure.” – Malachi 3:10 Setting the Context • Old Covenant Israel was an agrarian society; the tithe (a literal tenth) supplied the priests, funded temple worship, and provided for the stranger, fatherless, and widow (Leviticus 27:30–34; Deuteronomy 14:28–29). • While civil and ceremonial structures have changed, the underlying principle—God claims the first and best of His people’s increase—remains unchanged (Proverbs 3:9–10). • Jesus affirmed tithing’s legitimacy while condemning empty ritual: “But you have neglected the weightier matters of the Law… these you should have practiced without neglecting the others” (Matthew 23:23). The Principle of the Tithe in Scripture • Ownership: “The earth is the LORD’s, and the fullness thereof” (Psalm 24:1). Returning a tithe acknowledges His ultimate ownership. • Priority: The “firstfruits” principle sets giving at the beginning, not the leftovers (Exodus 23:19; 2 Chronicles 31:5). • Proportionality: A tenth is equitable—everyone participates, whether income is great or small (Genesis 28:22). • Purpose: Sustaining ministry, aiding the needy, and celebrating God’s goodness (Numbers 18:21; Deuteronomy 14:23). Jesus and the Tithe • Jesus’ words in Matthew 23:23 and Luke 11:42 show His expectation that tithing continues, yet is inseparable from justice, mercy, and faithfulness. • Hebrews 7:8 speaks of tithes being received by the One who “lives,” linking the practice to Christ’s ongoing priestly ministry. Grace Giving in the New Testament • Believers under the New Covenant are urged toward generosity that is free, willing, and joyful: – “Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion” (2 Corinthians 9:7). – “On the first day of every week, each of you should set aside a portion of your income” (1 Corinthians 16:2). • The tithe serves as a baseline, not a ceiling. Early believers often exceeded ten percent, meeting one another’s needs (Acts 4:34–35). Practical Application Today • Start with the tithe as the minimum expression of obedience, then grow in offerings as God prospers you. • Give the tithe to your local church—the modern “storehouse” where you are spiritually fed and where ministry flows out to the community. • Budget firstfruits: transfer 10% the moment income arrives; this disciplines the heart and clarifies priorities. • Include all forms of increase: salary, bonuses, dividends, harvests—whatever God uses to enrich you. • Teach children to tithe from allowances; early habits cultivate lifelong faithfulness. • In times of financial strain, maintain the percentage; trust God to stretch the remainder. Heart Attitudes That Honor God • Cheerfulness: “God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7). • Faith: Tithing tests our trust that God can do more with 90% than we could with 100%. • Worship: Giving is an act of adoration, not a mere transaction (Philippians 4:18). • Stewardship: Recognize yourself as a manager, not an owner (Luke 16:10–12). Blessings Attached to Faithful Giving • Material provision: “My God will supply all your needs” (Philippians 4:19). • Spiritual growth: Where your treasure is, your heart follows (Matthew 6:21). • Kingdom impact: Resources fuel evangelism, discipleship, and mercy ministries (2 Corinthians 9:12–13). • Eternal reward: “Store up for yourselves treasures in heaven” (Matthew 6:20). Common Objections Addressed • “Tithing is Old Testament Law.” – Abraham tithed 400 years before the Law (Genesis 14:20); Jesus endorsed it post-Law (Matthew 23:23). • “I can’t afford to tithe.” – Scripture answers: “Honor the LORD with your wealth… then your barns will be filled” (Proverbs 3:9–10). Obedience precedes provision. • “I give time and talents instead.” – Those are vital, yet Scripture calls for tangible substance (Malachi 3:10; 1 Corinthians 16:2). Next Steps for Faithful Stewardship • Calculate your next paycheck now; set aside the first ten percent. • Automate giving to remove procrastination and fear. • Review annually; ask God how He might lead you beyond the tithe into sacrificial generosity. • Keep records; celebrate testimonies of God’s provision to strengthen faith in your household. Bringing the whole tithe today aligns us with timeless biblical principles, fuels the mission of the church, and invites God’s promised blessing over every area of life. |
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