Series: Buzz Words
Week: 3
Passage: Various
Title: What is Tithing?
Focus: Introduction to Sacrificial Giving
INTRODUCTION: In Matthew, Mark, and Luke 1 out of every 6 verses deals with money. Of the 29 parables Christ told, 16 deal with a person and his money.
#1: Tithing in the Old Testament (Lev. 27:30-33; Num. 18:21-28; Deut. 15:7-8 and Malachi 3:10)
• Explanation: "Tithe" in the OT meant a tenth (10%). There were 3 tithes in the OT…
o Two Every Year: Twice a year every person took 10% of produce, flocks, cattle, etc. and gave it to Levites (priests) as a “gift back to God”.
• People to priest: “Every tithe of the land… is the LORD's; it is holy to the LORD. every tithe of herds and flocks, every tenth animal of… shall be holy to the LORD.” (Lev. 27:30-33)
• Priests to God: “To the Levites I have given every tithe in Israel for an inheritance, in return for their service that they do… So you (Levites) shall also present a contribution to the LORD from all your tithes, which you receive from the people of Israel.” (Num. 18:21-28)
• The nation and the church were combined so the “tithe” was how God funded his earthly kingdom (temple, tabernacle, etc.).
o One every Third Year: Contributions for festivals, etc.
• A case could be made that the people in the OT gave 23%!
• Illustration: In other words, God said: "Throw a party and I'll pay the bill. However, do not forget whom it came from, those in ministry and the poor. Then you will be blessed."
• Application: Do not throw out OT giving. The followers of God were commanded to be generous with what God has given.
o “Be openhanded and freely lend him (the poor) whatever he needs.” (Deut. 15:7-8)
o “Test the Lord” (Malachi 3:10)
• Malachi 3 (Prophet): Malachi prophesied the people were having difficultly (nation) because they had “robbed me (God) in tithes and offerings” (Malachi 3:8). Malachi pleaded for the people to “test the Lord”, give to Him what was His for provision and protection. We are called to do the same!
#2: Tithing in the New Testament (Matthew 6:1-4; 25:1-46; 2 Corinthians 9:6-7)
• Explanation: NT “Tithing” is mentioned only 3 to 4 times (word “tithe” is never used). The command from Jesus and the Apostles is implied from OT teaching from OT law obligation. Jesus often affirmed and expanded upon OT principles. He made it clear we are to give (1) to those in need (Matthew 25:31-46) (2) cheerfully (2 Corinthians 9:6) and (3) Not for public recognition (Matthew 6:1-4).
• While the OT set precedence, those saved through faith should want to give as much as possible to support the gospel and the poor (be “like Christ”). In the NT rather than give a certain amount out of obligation, Christians are urged to give sacrificial financial gifts as well as talents and abilities entrusted to our care.
o “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” 2 Corinthians 9:7
• Reason we call offering “Sacrificial Giving” not “Tithe”. We give sacrificially over legalistically. This is a heart matter!
• Illustration: Two Apple – Don’t give God the core give him what he desires! He did this for you by dying on the cross!
• Application: A tenth was a good foundation for a financial return on what the Lord had already given. God is giving the people an opportunity to give more than those in the OT because they have been given salvation!
o Question: There is no temple or tabernacle… where do I give?
o Answer: The church is the new sanctuary. It is (1) where we attend (become members - CGC), (2) where we are taught, (3) where our children are taught, (4) where we worship and (5) the hope of the world! This is the place where the gift is to be brought first.
#3: Tithing Suggestions (Galatians 6:10 and Malachi 3)
• Application: Don’t tithe, sacrificially give! Test the Lord in these things! Sacrificially set aside in your heart what you will give (10% is a good start!) God given resources are intended are to be brought to the church first. Not taught!
o Galatians 6:10 “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.”
• Illustration: How you spend your money tells the story of who’s first in your life and whom you really worship. Too often God is nowhere to be found.
o If I were to see your checkbook, what would I see you worship?
• Application: Three fold…
o Put the Church First: Everything else what you have set aside to give to the church must be a gift above and beyond. This is in accordance with Scripture!
• You will never know how much God will bless you unless participate in the action that goes before it.
o The Saints Must Have Faith: To truly give sacrificially takes great faith and belief that God knows what He is doing. We can trust God when we participate in giving. He is faithful.
• “Try me now says the Lord of hosts.” Malachi 3
o Trust: "Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me.” John 14:1
CONCLUSION: A simple illustration from my kids = Three Jars (1st jar is 10% (first fruits) to God/His church, 2nd jar is 10% (the storehouse) to savings/Emergency, and 3rd jar is 80% (surplus) to what you “need”. Have faith and trust in the Lord!
Sacrificial giving is a discipline – We must set it in our hearts to be disciplined to do what is necessary to honor the Lord. Sacrificial giving is a decision – We have the ability to choose if we will honor Him with what we have. Sacrificial giving is defined – God has given us a standard in which to start. Will you ponder, participate, or go beyond?
