Jul 30

Written by: tim
7/30/2009 3:03 PM 

 

It may be that “tithing” is one of the most awkward words we use in the church.  It ranks right up there with “personal evangelism” on the list of things we’re supposed to do but aren’t necessarily in the habit of doing.  One of the reasons I don’t enjoy bringing up the issue of money is the rampant unbiblical abuse of the issue that pastors and church leaders can impose on their congregations.  I want to stay as far away from that nonsense as possible.

 

One of the reasons I strongly believe I do need to bring up this issue and teach on tithing and giving is that this is a biblical principal that leads to wonderful spiritual blessing, growth and maturity.  I would like us to be able to grow in this area so that we may understand in greater terms what it means to abide in Christ.

 

What is a “tithe” anyway?  The term “tithe” could easily be said “tenth”.  The first time we see this take place is found in Genesis, “Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine. He was priest of God Most High, 19 and he blessed Abram, saying, "Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth. 20 And blessed be God Most High, who delivered your enemies into your hand."  Then Abram gave him a tenth of everything.” Genesis 14:17-20

 

Is tithing commanded?  In the Old Testament it certainly is. "'A tithe of everything from the land, whether grain from the soil or fruit from the trees, belongs to the Lord; it is holy to the Lord.” Leviticus 27:30 

 

In the New Testament it becomes a little less clear.  If you search for the word “tithe” or “tithing” you won’t find it.  Jesus never technically commanded the “tithe” to take place and yet there are multiple commands and appeals for God’s people to give freely, generously and sacrificially to the church and to the poor.

 

Here are two examples of teaching from the New Testament:

 

Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. 42 But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a fraction of a penny. 43 Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. 44 They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything--all she had to live on."

Mark 12:41-44

 

“6 Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 7 Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.”  2Corinthians 9:6-8

 

Taking the above texts to heart I believe we arrive at two very strong conclusions.  The first is that there is no specific amount that makes you better than anyone else in the eyes of Jesus.  He is concerned with our level of sacrifice.  Secondly, we are to search our hearts and then give without regret or compulsion.  It may seem strange at first but I have experienced the act of writing a check with the only reward being that I had brought a smile to His face.  No services rendered, no collection agency and no red sports car in my driveway, just joy.

 

But I already give of my time and talents.  You see, so often in the church we tend to emphasize the spiritual aspect of things, which we should.  The reality is that our faith is not only spiritual but physical and material as well.  It isn’t enough for us to just pray for someone in need, we should help them.  It isn’t enough for us to say that we’re, “saved by faith”, our actions must match our words (James 1:22-25; 2:14-26).  In the same way, it isn’t enough for us to offer verbal worship to God who has provided for us both spiritually and materially.  Our offering needs to be material as well.  I’m glad that you are offering God a portion of your time and I encourage you to do the same with your finances.

 

God delights when we give back to Him! “Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this," says the Lord Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it.” Malachi 3:10

 

I would not be fulfilling my role to you if I did not teach and encourage you to incorporate regular giving as a part of your worship and your relationship with the Lord.  You may already be tithing and giving 10% of your hard earned income or you may have moved beyond that according to the Lord’s provision in your life.  If you haven’t started the habit of regular giving I urge you to do so.  Ask God to show you where you can adjust your budget and make Him your first priority.

 

This is not a teaching on investments or risk/reward issues.  This is an issue of obedience and worship.  I am not telling you that everything in your life would be grand if you tithe because I’m convinced you will still experience hard times.  I understand that these are troubled economic times which is why I think this is all the more important!  I am telling you that the more you come in line with God’s Word and with God’s wishes for you, you will be blessed and you will experience an intimacy that you do not experience now. 

 

Finally, I’d like you to consider what happened under King Hezekiah’s leadership. 

 

“As soon as the order went out, the Israelites generously gave the firstfruits of their grain, new wine, oil and honey and all that the fields produced. They brought a great amount, a tithe of everything. 6 The men of Israel and Judah who lived in the towns of Judah also brought a tithe of their herds and flocks and a tithe of the holy things dedicated to the Lord their God, and they piled them in heaps.”

2Chronicles 31:5, 6

 

These people gave with joy and with sacrifice.  These people experienced victory, peace and prosperity as did their king.  I will never coerce, manipulate, mandate or extract a “tithe” out of you.  I do want you to experience every blessing that we have in Jesus and the victorious life He has called us to!

 

The Lord Bless you as you seek His face!