Tithing

This morning we look at this well-known passage of scripture we will understand the truths of this portion by focusing on a few words.

Malachi 3:6 – 12

Tithe v10

Tithe known as ten or tenth. Leviticus 27:30-32 The tenth part from land, herds, flocks and other sources.

Tithing indicated Israel's devotion to God. The tithe was brought to the temple in Jerusalem in acknowledgement and appreciation of God’s provision for His people.

It belongs to the Lord.

It is holy. Separated for God.

It was a reminder that everything belonged to God and that he was the giver all possessions.

God’s request is only a tenth v10. The minimum. Anything less than that is like giving alms to a beggar. 50,000 – 5,000. 1,000 – 100. 10,215 – 1,021.50. God’s command is to bring the full tithe v10. No using part of the tithe for other purposes and wanting to give the rest later. It doesn’t happen.

And we are to bring the tithe into God’s store house so that there will be food there. So that those who do not have could be given.

When we tithe we tithe with the right attitude. Give whole heartedly. Remember even before God’s command to tithe Abraham gave a tenth of all he had to Melchizedek.

Rob God v8

The word rob comes three times within this passage. We have to ask the question as in the bible how we rob God.

Ps 24:1 says that the earth and all that is in it belongs to God. God has given the earth and all that is in it to us. We are not owners. We are stewards. As stewards when we deprive God of what is rightfully his we are robing God. According to this portion of scripture, when we hold back our tithes then we are robbing him.

God is not asking 100%. Yet we find it hard to give a tenth. Now some one can say my salary is so little. I have so many bills to pay, look into my children’s schooling, household expenses. I will just make a thank offering.

Well that is where we start robing God. He is expecting us to acknowledge that everything we have is his by our offering of a tenth.

When you hold back from God you are robbing yourself. You are depriving yourselves of the good things that God wants to give you. We don’t tithe for the sake of receiving but when we tithe we obey. And there is a reward for obedience 10b.

When we do not tithe we rob the church. When we bring our tithes to the church it is supposed to be used for God’s work. To evangelize, to nourish us, to help the poor and the needy, for the needs of the priests.

Store house v10

Store house – various items were stored here. Specially supplies and treasures. God says bring the tithe into the store house that there may be food. Tithes had three purposes – for sacrifice, the domestic needs of the Levites, and for whatever emergencies faced. Food for the Levites, the alien the fatherless and the poor.  Dt 26:12.

2 Chronicles 31:5, 11 says that offerings and tithes of the people were so much that King Hezekiah ordered store rooms to be built in the temple.

Today the church is God’s store house. The store house which cares for the spiritual needs of God’s people. It is from this store house that we receive our spiritual food. Giving to the church is a tithe. Giving to other Christian organisations is an offering.

Many Christians don’t tithe. Christians who are earning a lot don’t tide. They say they are giving their tithes elsewhere but they expect the church to do for them.

So we see that some tithe and some don’t. Some share the tithes between the church and various other organisations. Our meditation today is not to condemn those who do not tithe. It is to challenge everyone, to give God what is due to him. To honor him. To fear him. Not just by our words. But through actions. To experience the blessings he will pour out in return.

Tithing is a spiritual discipline we have to practice and develop. Do it consistently and systematically. When we tithe we are saying Lord you have the foremost place in my life. When we tithe we are trusting God wholeheartedly.

If you have not been tithing in the past, do not worry about the past. We cannot repay God. But we can start a fresh.

I have experienced God’s blessings in my life. I have experienced God providing for my needs. Not financial and material. But I can bear witness to God that he has never left me in want. If I am what I am today that is because I was taught the principle of tithing followed it and because God has not left me in need.

This is the only place that God gives his people permission to test him. Let us challenge ourselves this morning to test God by giving him our tithes. God may not pour out money, give you the latest mobile phones, TV and cars and bikes. But God will not keep you in want. Let us experience God’s providence in our lives. May God bless us all.