Which other scriptures reinforce the commitment to support God's work and ministers? The Foundation in Nehemiah 10:37 “We will also bring the first of our dough, our contributions, the fruit of every tree, new wine, and oil to the priests at the storerooms of the house of our God; and we will bring a tenth of our land’s produce to the Levites, for the Levites are to collect the tithes in all our agricultural towns.” Old Testament Echoes of Provision • Numbers 18:21 — “I have given the Levites every tithe in Israel for an inheritance, in return for the work they perform.” • Deuteronomy 12:19 — “Be careful not to neglect the Levites as long as you live in your land.” • 2 Chronicles 31:4, 10 — Giving enables priests and Levites to “devote themselves to the Law of the LORD,” and God supplies “plenty to spare.” • Proverbs 3:9-10 — “Honor the LORD with your wealth … then your barns will be filled.” • Malachi 3:10 — “Bring the full tithe into the storehouse … Test Me in this,” says the LORD of Hosts. New Testament Continuity • Luke 10:7 — “The worker is worthy of his wages.” • 1 Corinthians 9:13-14 — “The Lord has prescribed that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel.” • Galatians 6:6 — “The one who receives instruction in the word must share in all good things with his instructor.” • 1 Timothy 5:17-18 — “Elders … are worthy of double honor … ‘The worker is worthy of his wages.’” • Philippians 4:15-19 — Generous partnership results in “fruit credited to your account,” and “my God will supply all your needs.” • Acts 4:34-35 — Gifts laid “at the apostles’ feet” met every need. • Acts 11:29-30 — Disciples sent relief “to the brothers … by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.” Heart Motives Behind the Gift • 2 Corinthians 8:5 — “They gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us.” • 2 Corinthians 9:6-8 — “God loves a cheerful giver … and God is able to make all grace abound to you.” Practical Takeaways for Today • Put God’s work first—give off the top, not the leftovers. • Support your local church consistently; it is today’s “storehouse.” • Honor pastors, missionaries, and teachers who labor in the Word. • See giving as partnership that bears eternal fruit credited to your account. • Trust God’s promise of provision; He still opens “the windows of heaven” for obedient givers. |
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