Tithing and Stewardship

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Tithing and Stewardship

Every Christian needs to know the standard for giving to the Lord’s work.  Those who do not, give haphazardly and spasmodically, guided only by emotions and moods.  That standard is to be found in the “Holy Bible”.  All scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good work.  (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

You are instructed by the Word of God, and the Bible to bring 10% of your income to the church. You will quickly raise the question, does that mean net or gross?  Well, my response is, how do you want to be blessed, in net or gross?  Net blessing will have a whole lot of things taken out of the blessing before it gets to you, it’s gross.

What is Tithing?

1. The word “tithe" means a tenth… one tenth of the annual produce of one’s land or its equivalent in money. 
2. Genesis 14:20 Abram gave tithes to all he had.
3. Jacob promised God a tenth.  Genesis 28:22”...I will surely give the tenth unto thee.”
4. Leviticus 27:30 Giving a tenth of land, fruit or seed, increase.
5. The children of Israel brought tithes of all things. 2 Chronicles 31:5”...and the tithe of all things brought they in abundantly.”
6. I will gladly bring a tent or tithe of my income and possessions. 

To whom does all of my money and other possessions belong?

1. 1 Timothy 6:7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.”
2. God gives me the ability and skill to earn my money; so, all I have I owe to God.
3. Haggai 2:8 “The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, saith the Lord of host.”
4. Psalm 24:1 “The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.”

Our church asks you to tithe to God through this church but we also want you to live abundantly as you were designed by God to do.  Therefore, our pastor teaches us that we are responsible to God not for just 10% of our earnings but for how we use an handle the other 90%.  Regular classes are held on Biblical Principles Of Financial Management and Debt Free and Prosperous Living.  Listen to 3 John 1:2, “Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth. “God designed the believers to have something in the soul and something in the pocket.  

When Do I Bring My Tight? 

1 Corinthians 16:2 “Upon the first day of the week let everyone of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered. Him…”

The Bible plan is that I be systematic in my giving.

Where do I Bring My Tithe?

1. Malachi 3:10 “Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house…” 
2. The storehouse is God’s house, the local church I attend, where I receive my spiritual food.  The work of the local church is carried on by the tithes and offerings given by God’s people.
3. The treasury (Luke 21:1-4)

What Should be my Attitude in my Giving?

1. 2 Corinthians 9:7 “Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give”not grudgingly, or of necessity; for God loveth a cheerful giver.”
2. I will purposely give my tithe.  I will set it aside to give before my budget or spending for anything else.  Giving to God’s work must come first. 

What is the Relationship Between Giving and Receiving?

1. 2 Corinthians 9:6 “...He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.”
2. Acts 20:35 “I have shewed you all things, how that so laboring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, it is more blessed to give than to receive.”
3. Malachi 3:8-11 “Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me.  But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings. Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruit of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the fields, saith the Lord of hosts.”
4. Luke 6:38 “Give and it shall be given unto you; good measure pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again. 

Does God Want Me to Prosper?

1. Psalm 35:27 “...which hat pleasure in the prosperity of his servant.”
2. Deuteronomy 8:18 “... it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth.”
3. Money in itself is not evil.  It is the love of money and what it is spent for that brings trouble.  You must also be sure that you get your money the proper way.  

1 Timothy 6:10 “For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. 

Thoughts On Giving

“Tithe”

Abraham commenced it.  Gen. 14:20

Jacob continued it  Gen. 28:22

Malichi commanded it  Mal. 3:8-10

Christ commends it.   Matt. 23:23

When eating out it is customary to give a tip to the person serving your table.  However, you still must pay the bill before you leave the restaurant.  The TITHE is the bill that’s what you owe God.  The Offering is the tip.  It says that you appreciate the quality of the service. 

Leviticus 27:30 “And all the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land, or of the fruit of the tree, is the Lord’s: it is holy unto the Lord.”

Leviticus 27:32 “And concerning the tithe of the herd, or of the flock, even of whatsoever passeth under the rod, the tenth shall be holy unto the LORD.”

Tithing is based on Faith and your love for God.  You have placed your faith in God and you are now asked to commit to tithing.

The Church Expects You to Tithe and You can Expect The Church to Tithe

Just as we ask you to give 10% of your income to the church, the church follows the Biblical example by giving 10% from Tithes and Offerings for our Missions.  Our Missions Budget for each year is 10% of the previous year’s income. 

Numbers 18:26 “Thus speak unto the Levites, and say unto them, When ye take of the children of Israel the tithes which I have given you from them for you inheritance, then ye shall offer up a heave offering of it for the LORD, even a tenth part of the tithe.”

The Seed Bed Principle

When a farmer’s crop has been harvested and sold he immediately begins to prepare for the next crop.  He’ll take a percentage of the profits and buy seed for the coming planting season.  In other words, he takes a percentage of the “income” to bring about the “on come”.  He’ll invest a “handful” to reap a “wagon full”. By right, should I expect a harvest?

Why Didn’t Jesus Have More to Say About Tithing?

Jesus’ primary and definitive statement on tithing is Mathew 23:23. “Woe to you, teachers of the law of Pharisees, you hypocrites!  You give a tenth of your spices  - mint, dill and cummin.  But you have neglected the more important matter of the law – justice, mercy and faithfulness.  You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former (NIV)

To Jesus, Tithing was a given, it was automatic and it was understood by all that it was to be done.  The people were already doing it so that’s why He didn’t tell them to do it.  You don’t tell somebody to do what they are already doing.  Jesus wanted them to be full service believers and have them know that tithing is only the starting point; then comes offerings and actions.  Tithe and serve. Tithe and obey.  Tithe and live right.  Tithe and study the Word.  Tithe and pray.  Tithe and love. Submit and commit to tithing but do not omit the other important matters. 

https://my.bible.com/search/plans?query=TITHING