Tithes
Journey Through Genesis • Sermon • Submitted
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Some Things I Missed JTG # 1 - TITHES
Sunday, January 7, 2018
4:47 PM
I'm going to teach on something that I feel is very important, but not the most easy to teach and practice. That is the subject of TITHES or Giving to God.
Some people argue that tithes are not necessary for us under grace, others say, you only have to pay your 10% others say it doesn't matter how much you give, just so you give if you can.
I am going to preach tonight that all three of these arguments are false and unbiblical.
Giving is obligatory for a Christian PERIOD!!! Now this is not a legalistic statement. I plan tonight to give you reasons as to why it is obligatory and why it is not legalism.
Why do I have to Give?
Because God gave. It was a sign of His love and salvation for humanity
Because Abraham & Isaac paid tithes & offerings (This was before the law was given)Abraham paid tithes to Melchizedek found in Genesis 14:20 & Hebrews 7:2Now the word "tithe" used here is translated as "tenth" in most modern translations, and is a definition of the word "tithe"
Now Abraham gives a "tenth" before the law was given.
"Some have used texts like this to argue that such matters as tithing and Sabbath observance are actually part of the so-called "natural law" and are therefore binding on all people irrespective of whether they lived under the laws revealed at Sinai. Christians therefore tithe and obey the Sabbath because the foundation of these laws is natural revelation."
Paul Kissling, The College Press NIV Commentary – Genesis, Volume 2, ed. Terry Briley and Paul Kissling, (Joplin, Missouri: College Press Publishing Company, 2004), WORDsearch CROSS e-book, 93-94.
The flaw in this argument is that this was recorded in a book given to a people who had just received or would soon receive the law.
Abram's example of tithing shows us that giving back to God from what he has graciously given to us is the normally expected response of a person who understands just who God is. While the percentage of giving required of Christians ought not to be derived from this text, the attitude expressed by Abram in responding to God's gracious protection remains instructive.
Paul Kissling, The College Press NIV Commentary – Genesis, Volume 2, ed. Terry Briley and Paul Kissling, (Joplin, Missouri: College Press Publishing Company, 2004), WORDsearch CROSS e-book, 93.
Jacob vowed to give a tithe of all he possesed to Go in Genesis 28:22
Although tithing became a definite obligation in the Mosaic Law (Lev. 27:30; Num. 18:21, 24), here it is purely voluntary, a pattern which extends into the New Testament.
Kenneth O. Gangel and Stephen J. Bramer, Holman Old Testament Commentary – Genesis, ed. Max Anders, (Nashville, TN: Broadman Holman, 2003), WORDsearch CROSS e-book, 239.
The practice of tithing antedated the Law of Moses; for not only did Abraham tithe, but so did Jacob (Gen. 28:22). For this reason, many Christians believe that God's people today should begin their giving with the tithe. A godly deacon said to me once, "If the Old Testament Jew under Law could tithe, how much more ought New Testament Christians under grace!" The New Testament plan for giving is outlined in, but tithing is a good place to start.
We must be careful to give out of the devotion of our hearts, and not as a "bribe" for God's blessings. The late R.G. LeTourneau, well-known Christian manufacturer and philanthropist, used to say, "If you tithe because it pays—it won't pay!"
But Abraham provides us with a good example of giving. He brought his gifts to Jesus Christ in the person of Melchizedek. (See Heb. 7:1-10.) We do not give our tithes and offerings to the church, the pastor, or the members of the finance committee. If our giving is a true act of worship, we will give to the Lord; and, for that reason, we want to give our very best (Mal. 1:6-8).
Warren W. Wiersbe, The Bible Exposition Commentary – Pentateuch, (Colorado Springs, CO: Victor, 2001), WORDsearch CROSS e-book, 78-79.
Because God commanded it under the Law (Lev. 27:30; Num. 18:21, 24)All produce, flocks & Cattle was declared to be sacred to God. The produce could be redeemed by paying the value of them with a fifth part added.The animals every tenth that passed under the staff (as they were being counted) whether good or bad. Animals could not be redeemed, if you did switch, they were both to be given to the Lord. (this was given to the Levites)Some of these laws were adjusted and repeated in Deuteronomy 12, 14 & 26
Because Jesus Taught it (Matthew 23:23; Luke 11:42)Jesus in his series of woes to the religious leader in the fourth woe talks about their tithes. They pay tithe of mint, anise, cummin (Luke says mint, rue and all manner of herbs)Listen to what Jesus says - "These ought ye to have done"Now the main point of this verse isn't Jesus' teaching on tithes - but on how the religious leaders were focused on the minute things instead of what really matteredjudgment, mercy & faithLuke words it judgement and the love of God. Matthew 6 1-4 sermon on the mount - when you doest your alms (when you give) not if
Because Paul Taught it 2 Corinthians 8-9
1 Corinthians 16:1-2 (KJV) GIVING Possibly the NT Form but it seems to be above the tithes.
1 Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye.
2 Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.
Why do I Get to Give?Because it teaches Discipline - Teaches us to manage our money with priority. Because it teaches Dependence - We learn to depend upon Him instead of ourselves. (George & Violeta Prior's story)Because it shows Devotion - After all he has given to us, shouldn't we want to give to him cheerfully. Because it teaches Doctrine of Blessing (God blesses those who give - True statement)
Ecclesiastes 11:1-6 (KJV)
1 Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days.
2 Give a portion to seven, and also to eight; for thou knowest not what evil shall be upon the earth.
3 If the clouds be full of rain, they empty themselves upon the earth: and if the tree fall toward the south, or toward the north, in the place where the tree falleth, there it shall be.
4 He that observeth the wind shall not sow; and he that regardeth the clouds shall not reap.
5 As thou knowest not what is the way of the spirit, nor how the bones do grow in the womb of her that is with child: even so thou knowest not the works of God who maketh all.
6 In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thine hand: for thou knowest not whether shall prosper, either this or that, or whether they both shall be alike good.
Malachi 3:8-10 (KJV)
8 Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings.
9 Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation.
10 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.
Matthew 6:1-4 (KJV) Part of Sermon on the Mount
1 Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven.
2 Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.
3 But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth:
4 That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.
2 Corinthians 9:6-7 (KJV)
6 But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.
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.
What do I do Know - Application & ChallengeEvery one givesI dare you to trust Him!!!Give till it hurts!!!