The principle of tithing is one that can be traced throughout the entire Bible. In actuality, it was involved in the Garden of Eden, when mankind took of something which belonged to, or was designated for God (Genesis 2:16-17, 3:6). Abraham was used to initiate the tithe as we know it giving to Melchiszadek, a priest of God. Jacob also consecrated a tenth of his substance to God.

1. What Is Tithing?

        The tithe is the tenth of all things dedicated to sacred use. The scripture declares that the Lord owns everything. This includes all possessions (Psalm 24:1). By tithing, we acknowledge the ownership of God over all we possess. As one pays rent to the owner of a house to acknowledge his ownership. Leviticus 27:30 tells us that the tithe is holy. Holy means to be "set apart unto God." We must be conscientious to set apart that which belongs to God for His use.

   
   

2. What Is The History Of Tithing?

   1. Tithing existed before the law:

      1. Abraham - (Genesis 14:18-20)
      2. Jacob - (Genesis 28:22)

   2. Tithing existed under the law:

      1. The nation of Israel - (Leviticus 27:30-33, Numbers 18:20-32)

   3. Tithing existed under grace:

      1. Jesus confirmed tithing - (Matthew 23:23, Luke 11:42)
      2. Tithing was not created under the law, but prior to it - (Hebrews 7:1-21)

   
   

3. Is It Necessary For Believers To Tithe Today?

   1. Yes. God admonishes us to tithe. (Leviticus 27:30, Proverbs 3:9-10)

   2. If a person does not tithe and present offerings to God, he is robbing God. (Malachi 3:8-10)

        The tithe is not ours to give, it is already God's possession. If a person only tithes and does not present offerings, his is not giving anything at all to God.

   Malachi 3:8-10 "Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings. Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation. 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"

   
   

4. Where Is The Tithe To Be Given?

   To the storehouse of God (Malachi 3:8-10)

   1. The storehouse is where you receive spiritual nourishment.

   2. The storehouse to Israel was the Tabernacle.

   3. The storehouse to the New Covenant believer is the local church.

   
   

5. Is The Offering The Same Thing As A Tithe?

   1. No. It is a gift to God in excess of our regular tithe.

   2. It is given above and beyond that which is required.

   3. A distinction is made between the two in the Word of God. (Malachi 3:8)

   
   

6. What Are The Different Scriptural Ways Of Giving?

   1. Tithes - that portion given to God into the storehouse (the local church)

   2. Offerings - that which is given to support other ministries or in further support of the local church.

   3. Alms - that which is given as a gift to an individual.

   
   

7. What Attitudes Are To Be Present In The Hearts Of Those Who Give Unto God?

   1. Give "willingly" - (II Corinthians 8:3,12)

   2. Give "cheerfully" - (II Corinthians 9:7)

   3. Give "lovingly" - (II Corinthians 8:24)

   4. Give "thankfully" - (II Corinthians 9:11-12)

   5. Give with "pure" motives - (Matthew 6:24)

   
   

8. What Principles Are We To Follow In Giving?

   1. First, we are to give of ourselves to the Lord - (II Corinthians 8:5)

   2. According to our ability - (Acts 11:29, II Corinthians 8:5)

   3. Give regularly - (I Corinthians 16:1-2)

   4. Give systematically - (II Corinthians 9:7)

   5. Give as a ministry to the Lord and His saints - (II Corinthians 9:12-13)

   6. Give as unto the Lord and not to be noticed by men - (Matthew 6:2-4)

     There is a principle of blessing in that God desires that we might give in order to release the blessing of God upon us. Our attitude always affects the situation we are involved in, so we must be ever mindful to give out of a cheerful and willing heart. God desires us to give in a manner that will bring glory to Him.

1. What is tithing?
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2. What is an offering?
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3. What is an alm?
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4. Where do we tithe?
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5. Why do we tithe?
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6. What attitudes should prevail in our hearts as we give?
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     If you have not already done so, please consider trusting Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. For more information on Salvation Click Here to view "How can I get to Heaven?"

     

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Last modified: 10/22/2002