Tithing

Malachi 3:10

This week’s topical discussion is in response to last week’s topical discussion where the question was raised, what should Christian leaders, pastors, and parents be teaching our young regarding the issues of tithing, abortion and homosexuality. Therefore, in and effort to address Biblical teachings on the requested topics, we will begin this series of discussions with tithing and approach the subject by defining tithing, the history of tithing and the benefits of tithing. The definition of tithing is “one tenth of money or possession (2 Chronicles 31:5-6).” “To tithe is to give a tenth of one’s money to God” (The Student Bible Dictionary P.227).

Research and study has concluded that tithing is obeying and worshiping God (Deuteronomy 14:22-29; Malachi 3:10) and anyone who fails to do so is robbing God (Malachi 3:8). According to the King James Bible, “the Hebrew word for “tithe” (ma’ser) literally means “a tenth part.” It can be concluded then that tithing is giving God a tenth of our earnings or possessions. Why? Because all that we acquire or own belongs to God. The question now becomes when did tithing begin? Genesis 14:18-20 is our earliest recorded history of tithing which began with Abraham where he gave a tenth of his spoils from the war of Chedorlaomer. This was Abraham’s display of his gratitude for Melchizedek’s help and grace. The concept of tithing predates the law of giving by more than 500 years.

It was God’s laws that required the Israelites to give a tenth of their cattle (livestock), what their land produced as well as a tenth of their earnings in acknowledgment of God’s blessings. Their tithes were to be used for worship and support for the priest. Another point of view on tithing is our ability to manage God’s resources given that everything belongs to Him, even man; God created man and man owes everything to God. The air man breathes belongs to God and He commands man to return to Him what was His first before entrusting it to man’s stewardship.

Now that we have discussed tithing by definition and the history of tithing, let’s discuss the blessings received from tithing. Malachi 3:10 states “Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.” Giving God His tenth is in obedience and faithfully trusting God’s Word that He will give an abundance of blessings both in this life and the hereafter. Another school of thought is there are more windows in any house than doors; God’s house (heaven) has an abundance of windows. Reflect on the analogy, and then count the windows and doors of your home, and then you will see the many blessings God has waiting to give as result of tithing and being obedient to His Word and laws.

The question now becomes, why is money generally associated with tithing? Money is associated with tithing because it is common in society as in the OT and NT and it contains important principles of our stewardship. The next question is what must believers know and teach regarding our stewardship? Believers must teach and know the following regarding tithing and our stewardship:
1. Everything we have belongs to God and we own nothing but what God has entrusted us with. Therefore we have no rightful ownership of what we claim to possess. It is through His grace, love and mercy that He continues to shed His blessings upon man.
2. Believers must decide within our hearts whether to serve God or money (Matthew 6:19-24; 2 Corinthians 8:1-5). The Bible clearly states that any form of greed is idolatry (Colossians 3:5). It also teaches that “the love of money is the root of all evil” (1 Timothy 6:10). Idolatry is looked upon as anything that is placed before God.
3. We are to know and teach that our giving should be in proportion to our income. Giving less is being disobedience to God’s law and in effect robbing God (Malachi 3:10).
4. We are to give generously and voluntarily. This message is taught both in the OT and NT. What is meant by giving generously and voluntarily? Consider what God done for humanity in giving His Son who willingly gave His life for man’s sins.
5. We are to give cheerfully (2 Corinthians 9:7); our model for giving cheerfully is recorded in 2 Corinthians 8:1-5 for all believers. Let’s briefly look at the model for Christian giving that all believers and churches should follow. They are: (a) We belong to God and what we have is held in trust for the Lord (v.5). (b) Make a basic decision to serve God and not money (v.5; Matthew 6:24). (c) Our giving is to help the needy (v. 14; 9:12; Proverbs 19:17; Galatians 2:10). (d) We give to advance God’s kingdom (1 Corinthians 9:14; Philippians 4:15-18). (e) We give to store up treasures in heaven (Matthew 6:20; Luke 6:32-35). (f) We give in reverential fear of the Lord (Deuteronomy 14:22-23). (g) As stated earlier, we give in proportion of our income (vv.3. 12; 12 Corinthians 16:2). (h) We give to show proof of our love (v 24) as this is to be done sacrificially (v 3) and voluntarily (9:7). (i) We do not give just money, but our service to reap increased blessings and faith (v 5; 9:6, 10-12). (j) We give to increase our good works (9:8; Ephesians 4: 28). (k) Finally, we give to increase our commitment to God, which activates God’s work in our financial affairs (Luke 6:38).
6. Finally, God has promise to reward man according to how we give to Him (Deuteronomy 15:4; Malachi 3:10-12; Matthew 19:21; 1 Timothy 6:18-19).

In concluding this topical discussion on tithing, it is our prayer that insight has been gained. Next week’s discussion will be on abortion.

Note: There is an article on Biblical Training for Believer go to my website under articles that bring into focus last week’s discussion.

Author’s contact:
Emails: wwhite@goodshepherdwritingandpublishing.com, white32852sbcglobal.net.
Blog: http://willie-writing.blogspot.com.
Website: www.goodshepherdwritingandpublishing.com