House Rules (4 Of 4, Stewardship)

(Examples of how this relates to local church realities and expenses)

Consistency to tithe always means we can focus on ministry and program investment because there is so much tithe stored up! KCC should be giving out of abundance and a $ deficit should make us feel ashamed.

3. LOVE FOR GOD AND THE CHURCH WILL LEAD US TO RESPOND TO HIS HOUSE RULES

Like most of you, I could do without picking up my socks, mowing the lawn or setting the table for dinner. But you know why I do it (and for the most part) don’t have to be told to do it? I love my wife! I love being able to help her and that’s what gives me joy in doing the things I’d rather not be bothered with. It’s a LOVE THING!

a. Numbers 31:48-54

In addition to the required taxation and tithe established by God, the leaders of the Army decided to give Grace gifts to God, over and above what they were required to give. Came out of battle so blessed, so protected, so rich, so thankful that…

E.g. – when we receive income that is not the result of our regular work, we may choose to give some of that gift to God as appreciation for the extra that he sent our way.

“We’re in the New Testament dispensation.” Some will argue, “That’s Old Testament. We’re not under law but under grace.” That is correct. However, with that statement we must also consider the place for Jesus’ words when he said in Matthew 5:17, “"Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish but to fulfill.” We still have an obligation to the O.T. It is still the inspired Word of God and we cannot simply dismiss our responsibility to its teaching and behave as if we have obligation to what it says.

God originally instituted tithing as a lawful instruction. However, while we are expected and instructed to tithe, it is not to be a meaningless, legalistic response. God intends the giving of tithes even in the New Testament, the new Covenant of the modern church. Matthew 23:23 "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe…and have neglected the weightier provisions of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness; but these are the things you should have done without neglecting the others.”

b. Malachi 3

This chapter focuses on God’s warning that he will purify his people. Verse 7…

The answer leads to teaching on tithing. (Read 8-15)

I have heard many stories and seen many situations where people who do not tithe are also facing significant financial pressure. Such realities relate to the curse that God says is the reward for those who rob him of his tithes and offerings.

There is reward for those who fear God and pay attention (10b, 16-18)

Our response to God’s instructions, OBEDIENCE, even in the matter of financial responsibility, is a measuring tool that speaks to our position in Christ as righteous or wicked. There is a book of remembrance in heaven that God will use to remember those who listen and obey and those who don’t.

The bottom line: if we are going to have God’s blessing. If God is to lavishly pour out his goodness in our personal and corporate lives, it includes our response to our financial resources and our willingness to purify our behaviour in this regard. People that do not take God’s instruction seriously cripple the church and her ability to be what God needs her to be, and to do what she should be doing.