COMMAND #10 TITHE - PART 1
The word “Tithe” is simple to understand, it just means “a tenth.”
Tithing has been a practice of God’s people since BEFORE the Law and the Ten Commandments were introduced.
When we tithe, we are bringing the first tenth of all of our increase to God. Sometimes it has been said that, “tithing is an Old Testament practice that we don’t need to do anymore.” But when we look at the COMMANDS of CHRIST from the New Testament, we see differently.
JESUS COMMANDS US TO TITHE.
Here is the key: Not only did Jesus say that we should tithe, but tithe with the right heart, attitude and Spirit. Let’s take a look at these words of Jesus:
Matthew 23:23 (TLB) “Yes, woe upon you, Pharisees, and you other religious leaders— hypocrites! For you tithe down to the last mint leaf in your garden, but ignore the important things—justice and mercy and faith. Yes, you should tithe, but you shouldn’t leave the more important things undone.”
Question: According to this verse, what is Jesus instructing us to do? How is he instructing us to do that?
Jesus himself told us we should tithe. So, if you don’t tithe, who are you listening to?
Jesus teaches us to tithe as an act of worship not out of obligation.
1. WE SHOULD TITHE WITH THE RIGHT HEART. (God doesn’t want us to do anything out of religious duty but we should do it with the heart of God.)
Question: Why is it important to tithe with the right heart?
Tithing is a Holy moment.
Tithing determines how we value God, the Church, our families, and His mission in this world to reach the lost.
Here are 3 ways we can tithe with the right heart:
1. TITHE AND TREAT PEOPLE FAIR.
What does JUSTICE mean? (The Greek word is Krisis) Justice means to act or treat justly or fairly, moral rightness, conviction, moral principle determining just conduct. Question: Why do you believe Jesus wants us to tithe while treating others fairly?
This means we should tithe AND treat people right.
Matthew 5:23-24 NASB Therefore if you are presenting your offering at the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, 24 leave your offering there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and present your offering.
2. TITHE AND SHOW MERCY TO OTHERS.
What does MERCY mean? (The Greek word is eleos) Mercy means kindness, good will towards the miserable and the afflicted, compassion, a feeling of deep sympathy for another who is stricken by misfortune accompanied by a strong desire to alleviate the suffering.
Question: Why is it important to show mercy to others when we’re tithing?
Note: Thank God that He has put the tither in a position to help those that have been stricken by misfortune and alleviate suffering. When we tithe by faith, we determine that we are no longer going to be in the category of the afflicted, but in the category of those that help the afflicted. Our tithe can change our category.
3. TITHE WITH FAITH.
What does FAITH mean? Faith means conviction of the truth, belief, trust, that God exists and is our provider and bestower of eternal salvation through Jesus Christ, faithfulness (the character of one that can be relied on)
Question: What can tithing accomplish in our lives and in others when we do it with faith?
We cannot just bring our tithe without coming to Him with faith. God doesn’t want your money, He wants your faith.
Hebrews 11:6 NIV And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.
Have faith that you God will use your tithe to change lives, and to open the windows of heaven over your lives.
Malachi 3:10 NLT Bring all the tithes into the storehouse so there will be enough food in my Temple. If you do,” says the LORD of Heaven’s Armies, “I will open the windows of heaven for you. I will pour out a blessing so great you won’t have enough room to take it in! Try it! Put me to the test!
Here are some eye-opening stats about giving:
TITHERS ONLY MAKE UP 10–25 PERCENT OF ANY CONGREGATION ( Nonprofit Source, 2018 )
8/10 PEOPLE WHO GIVE TO CHURCHES HAVE ZERO CREDIT CARD DEBT ( Nonprofit Source, 2018 )
ON AVERAGE, CHRISTIANS GIVE 2.5% OF THEIR INCOME TO CHURCHES During the Great Depression, they gave 3.3%. ( Nonprofit Source, 2018 )
Let’s take some time to PRACTICE OUR FAITH today by sowing a seed in God’s
house.
Ask the Holy Spirit what you should give
Open “The Way World Outreach” app, and click Give
Give an offering with faith!