Money, Money, Money

Dakota Community Church

November 26, 2006

All About the Bordens (Canadian Benjamins)

Introduction:

Last week we had a good crowd, again we had first time visitors - the offering was embarassingly low.

We have some faithful tithers in this congregation. We have a lot more casual supporters.

It is not the faithful that this message is for, although I hope it encourages you in your faithfulness.

It is not the recent convert that this for, although I hope you learn from it and move toward more full support of the church.

This one is for those who know what it takes to run a church – but you are keeping Gods money for your own pleasure.

Genesis 4:1-7

Adam lay with his wife Eve, and she became pregnant and gave birth to Cain. She said, "With the help of the LORD I have brought forth a man." Later she gave birth to his brother Abel.

Now Abel kept flocks, and Cain worked the soil. In the course of time Cain brought some of the fruits of the soil as an offering to the LORD. But Abel brought fat portions from some of the firstborn of his flock. The LORD looked with favor on Abel and his offering, but on Cain and his offering he did not look with favor. So Cain was very angry, and his face was downcast.

Then the LORD said to Cain, "Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast? If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must master it."

The first issue after the fall of man is about giving to God.

- God had instructed them on what to give.

- Cain wanted to do it his own way.

- The result was discord amoung the brothers and separation from God.

1. Your spirit needs you to tithe.

What is a tithe?

- 10 % of your total income is the tithe.

- According to scripture God considers it His money – not yours. (100%)

Leviticus 27:30-32

’A tithe of everything from the land, whether grain from the soil or fruit from the trees, belongs to the LORD; it is holy to the LORD. If a man redeems any of his tithe, he must add a fifth of the value to it. The entire tithe of the herd and flock—every tenth animal that passes under the shepherd’s rod—will be holy to the LORD.

Quick arguments: Some will tell you it is part of the Law.

Cain and Abel were instructed from the beginning, before the law, Abraham tithed before the Law was given, this is a principle that pre-dates the law.

Jesus told the Pharisees that they should tithe, and all of the New Testament standards require more than the law.

(The Law said do not murder, the NT says do not be angry or hate) The law said do not commit adultery, the NT says do not look lustfully.)

The arguments do not hold water.

Some say that the tithe was for the tithers, that they used it for a big party not for the priesthood. What do you think your life and spirituality revolves around? It is the church that God placed you in.

- Net or gross? Before or after the alimony? (That is between you and God but why do we want to get as close to the line as possible?)

- Definitely before your investments, mortgage, car payment, restaurant fund.

Why does your spirit need you to tithe?

(A.) Because of the law of sowing and reaping.

2Corinthians 9:6-8

Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.

(B.) Because of the spirit, soul, and flesh battle.

Romans 8:5-8

For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be. So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God.

Galatians 5:17

For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want.