The Bible is our guide in any doctrine, reproof and correction and instruction in righteousness.
2 Timothy 3:16 All scripture [is] given by inspiration of God, and [is] profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
The days of old is for admonition and ensample. We need to study what God has planned in the old days, things that He wants us to continue to follow today.
1 Corinthians 10:11 Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.
How much is a tithe
Hebrews 7:1 For this Melchisedec, king of Salem, priest of the most high God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him;
7:2 To whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all; first being by interpretation King of righteousness, and after that also King of Salem, which is, King of peace;
Lev 27:32 And concerning the tithe of the herd, or of the flock, [even] of whatsoever passeth under the rod, the tenth shall be holy unto the LORD.
Example:
10,000 x .10 = 1,000 tithe
Should I pay my debt first then calculate the tithe?
Proverbs 3:9 Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase:
3:10 So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.
God wants us to honor Him first and above all things return what is due to Him before we pay anything else.
What is offering and how much
Deuteronomy 16:17 Every man [shall give] as he is able, according to the blessing of the LORD thy God which he hath given thee.
2 Corinthians 9:6 But this [I say], He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. 9:7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, [so let him give]; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.
Luke 6:38 Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.
2 Corinthians 9:6 But this [I say], He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.
Proverbs 11:24 There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and [there is] that withholdeth more than is meet, but [it tendeth] to poverty. 11:25 The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.
An offering is anything that our heart purposes to give. The more you disburse, the more is returned back at you. The Bible says it and it real.
Where do you give the tithe to? Who collects it?
Hebrews 7:1 For this Melchisedec, king of Salem, priest of the most high God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him;
7:2 To whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all; first being by interpretation King of righteousness, and after that also King of Salem, which is, King of peace;
Numbers 18:24 But the tithes of the children of Israel, which they offer [as] an heave offering unto the LORD, I have given to the Levites to inherit: therefore I have said unto them, Among the children of Israel they shall have no inheritance.
Hebrews 7:5 And verily they that are of the sons of Levi, who receive the office of the priesthood, have a commandment to take tithes of the people according to the law, that is, of their brethren, though they come out of the loins of Abraham:
The tithe is for the Levites who serves in the tabernacle. They got no inheritance for the Lord is their portion. The Lord designed that they get sustained through the 10 percent increase of their 11 brethren. This is also a test of loyalty whether their brethren would follow God’s economy or become covetous and fail to return what does not belong to them. The levites in the office of priesthood received the tithe.
The levites who were sustained by tithes also gave their tenth to Aaron.
Numbers 18:26 Thus speak unto the Levites, and say unto them, When ye take of the children of Israel the tithes which I have given you from them for your inheritance, then ye shall offer up an heave offering of it for the LORD, [even] a tenth [part] of the tithe. 18:28 Thus ye also shall offer an heave offering unto the LORD of all your tithes, which ye receive of the children of Israel; and ye shall give thereof the LORD'S heave offering to Aaron the priest.
Where do you bring the tithe to?
Malachi 3:10 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].
The storehouse is defined as God’s house. During the time of the Israelites, it was the sanctuary. Today, it is the church body. The priest (minister) in the church body is equal to the levite in the days of ancient Israelites.
What is the tithe and offerings for?
Inheritance of the Levites
Numbers 18:20 And the LORD spake unto Aaron, Thou shalt have no inheritance in their land, neither shalt thou have any part among them: I [am] thy part and thine inheritance among the children of Israel.
18:21 And, behold, I have given the children of Levi all the tenth in Israel for an inheritance, for their service which they serve, [even] the service of the tabernacle of the congregation.
Jesus is their portion and inheritance
Tithe belongs to Jesus
Therefore, the tithe is the Levite’s portion and inheritance
Purpose:
For the service they serve in the tabernacle of the congregation
1 Cor 9:13 Do ye not know that they which minister about holy things live [of the things] of the temple? and they which wait at the altar are partakers with the altar? 9:14 Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel.
Does the priesthood still continue this day? Who is our High Priest?
Hebrews 7:1,2,9, 7:1 For this Melchisedec, king of Salem, priest of the most high God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him; 7:2 To whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all; first being by interpretation King of righteousness, and after that also King of Salem, which is, King of peace; 7:9 And as I may so say, Levi also, who receiveth tithes, payed tithes in Abraham.
Hebrews 7:21-24, 7:21 (For those priests were made without an oath; but this with an oath by him that said unto him, The Lord sware and will not repent, Thou [art] a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec:) 7:22 By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament. 7:23 And they truly were many priests, because they were not suffered to continue by reason of death: 7:24 But this [man], because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood.
The priesthood still exists today in the office of Jesus Christ our High Priest. But Jesus is no longer seen as a human being walking on Earth therefore, He has representatives here on earth. He selected the 12 to be dedicated to spread the gospel to all nation, tongues and people. These 12 dedicated their lives solely for that purpose and they also lived according to God’s economy of sustaining His levites of old. Who are they today? They are the ordained ministers who dedicated their lives to preach the Word in season and out of season. They have no inheritance like the disciples but go anywhere and do anything to help build the kingdom of God.
What happens when you give?
You will be blessed in many ways
Malachi 3:10 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].
Temporal - you will lack nothing but all your needs will be provided
Spiritual – you will receive more understanding in spiritual things
Emotional – you feel peace knowing you are following God’s path
Luke 6:38 Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again
2 Corinthians 9:6 But this [I say], He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.
Obedience makes you wise
Proverbs 28:7 Whoso keepeth the law [is] a wise son:
You will become a faithful steward and can be trusted with greater things
Luke 16:10 He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much.
Your prayers will be answered
Proverbs 15:8 The sacrifice of the wicked [is] an abomination to the LORD: but the prayer of the upright [is] his delight.
The work of God prospers
Proverbs 17:8 A gift [is as] a precious stone in the eyes of him that hath it: whithersoever it turneth, it prospereth.
You will become part of hastening the Lord’s return
The Lord’s ministry of spreading the gospel has needs that need to be sustained in many ways. This is what the tithe and offerings are for. The more means being supplied in the treasury, the more ways can the message be distributed all over the world.
You will be safe and protected, your discernment will become clear
Ecclesiastes 8:5 Whoso keepeth the commandment shall feel no evil thing: and a wise man's heart discerneth both time and judgment.
Malachi 3:11 And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the LORD of hosts. 3:12 And all nations shall call you blessed: for ye shall be a delightsome land, saith the LORD of hosts.
You are practicing self-denial
Many are tempted to keep back what belongs to God in order to use it for their personal use. But when you follow the command of God, you are practicing self denial. Instead of feeling bad for giving, you become happy doing your duty.
You are killing any spirit of coveteousness in you
Coveteousness is one of the signs in the last days. This spirit must be removed from every Christian’s life.
2 Timothy 3:1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. 3:2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
Many could not return what’s due for God because they feel it an amount is taken from their accounts. They want to keep as much money as possible in order to feel secure yet they could not discern that this is the spirit of covetousness. Their love is not in obedience but to their money.
For the love of money is the root of evil and surely it is true.
1 Timothy 6:10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
We must let go of covetousness but be ready to give
1 Timothy 6:17 Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; 6:18 That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; 6:19 Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.
1 Timothy 6:7 For we brought nothing into [this] world, [and it is] certain we can carry nothing out.
What happens if you do not return the tithe or give offering?
Malachi 3:9 Ye [are] cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, [even] this whole nation.
Deu 11:26 Behold, I set before you this day a blessing and a curse; 11:27 A blessing, if ye obey the commandments of the LORD your God, which I command you this day: 11:28 And a curse, if ye will not obey the commandments of the LORD your God, but turn aside out of the way which I command you this day, to go after other gods, which ye have not known.
Deut 14:22 Thou shalt truly tithe all the increase of thy seed, that the field bringeth forth year by year. 14:23 And thou shalt eat before the LORD thy God, in the place which he shall choose to place his name there, the tithe of thy corn, of thy wine, and of thine oil, and the firstlings of thy herds and of thy flocks; that thou mayest learn to fear the LORD thy God always.
You rob God and break the 8th commandment
If you do not return the tithes and offerings, you rob God and the commandment says thou shalt not steal. Exodus 20:15. Also, we do not want to be cursed. We want to be blessed.
There will be no more light from God that will be revealed to you.
Luke 16:29 Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them. 16:30 And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent. 16:31 And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.
This also means that if we reject the light, darkness will occupy our hearts and devour our whole life.
Matthew 6:23 But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great [is] that darkness!
What really will happen to the minister when the church fails to return the tithes and offerings:
Many people have promised to give and how many times they have promised to give yet they failed to fulfill.
Deut 12:11 Then there shall be a place which the LORD your God shall choose to cause his name to dwell there; thither shall ye bring all that I command you; your burnt offerings, and your sacrifices, your tithes, and the heave offering of your hand, and all your choice vows which ye vow unto the LORD:23:21 When thou shalt vow a vow unto the LORD thy God, thou shalt not slack to pay it: for the LORD thy God will surely require it of thee; and it would be sin in thee.
Can we return God’s tithes to those who are upholding false doctrines and principles? Or in short to any apostate church?
Joshua 6:18And ye, in any wise keep [yourselves] from the accursed thing, lest ye make [yourselves] accursed, when ye take of the accursed thing, and make the camp of Israel a curse, and trouble it.
1 Corinthians 6:17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean [thing]; and I will receive you,
We cannot in any way, shape or form support any church that upholds any doctrine, practices or principles that are contrary to Bible or we shall become partakers of their apostasy.
I am poor and I cannot give the tithes and offerings
Even the smallest amount is acceptable to God. The poor widow proved it.
Mark 12:41 And Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury: and many that were rich cast in much.
12:42 And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing.
12:43 And he called [unto him] his disciples, and saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury:
12:44 For all [they] did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, [even] all her living.
Prove the Lord and He will do wonders as promised He will open the windows of heaven and pour out the blessings.
Malachi 3:10 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].
1 Kings 17:9 Arise, get thee to Zarephath, which [belongeth] to Zidon, and dwell there: behold, I have commanded a widow woman there to sustain thee.
17:10 So he arose and went to Zarephath. And when he came to the gate of the city, behold, the widow woman [was] there gathering of sticks: and he called to her, and said, Fetch me, I pray thee, a little water in a vessel, that I may drink.
17:11 And as she was going to fetch [it], he called to her, and said, Bring me, I pray thee, a morsel of bread in thine hand.
17:12 And she said, [As] the LORD thy God liveth, I have not a cake, but an handful of meal in a barrel, and a little oil in a cruse: and, behold, I [am] gathering two sticks, that I may go in and dress it for me and my son, that we may eat it, and die.
17:13 And Elijah said unto her, Fear not; go [and] do as thou hast said: but make me thereof a little cake first, and bring [it] unto me, and after make for thee and for thy son.
17:14 For thus saith the LORD God of Israel, The barrel of meal shall not waste, neither shall the cruse of oil fail, until the day [that] the LORD sendeth rain upon the earth.
17:15 And she went and did according to the saying of Elijah: and she, and he, and her house, did eat [many] days.
17:16 [And] the barrel of meal wasted not, neither did the cruse of oil fail, according to the word of the LORD, which he spake by Elijah
When you give, your blessings will multiply abundantly. The examples we have from the old tell us that whether rich or poor our duty remains the same.
Many has claimed that the system of tithing has been abolished in the cross
Colossians 2:14 Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;
The system of sacrificial offering was abolished in the cross because when Jesus died, He became the antitype or fulfillment of the sacrificial offering done in the sanctuary. The system of tithing is not part of the sacrificial offering or ceremonial law. When Jesus was on earth, He did not rebuke the pharisees for continuing to practice the system of tithing. What he rebuked them was for their inability to exercise the other heavier matters of the law, judgment, mercy and faith.
Matthew 23:23 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier [matters] of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.
Is God really reminding all His people today to return the tithes and offerings?
Malachi 3:7-8 Even from the days of your fathers ye are gone away from mine ordinances, and have not kept them. Return unto me, and I will return unto you, saith the LORD of hosts. But ye said, Wherein shall we return? (8) Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings.
Haggai 2:8 The silver [is] mine, and the gold [is] mine, saith the LORD of hosts.
Is tithing and giving offerings only for the adults.
Prov 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.
We do not own anything in this world. Everything is just a trust. We cannot rob God for breaking 1 command is like breaking all of His laws.
Some give tithes and offerings and feel that they have helped not understanding that this is a duty. There is to be no credit from ourselves unless you go the extra mile and do more than what is required. Some people from our former church saying they have helped yet they only have returned what is required.
They say I give you money. But that’s the Lord’s money not your money. If you say you give your money it should not be the tithes and offerings. That’s extra from what you are supposed to return.
Also, when you give tithes and offerings, it is not for you to dictate the minister what to do with it like say, please visit my family I will give you tithes to pay for your trip. The minister has his ministry priority list.
When you work in the world, the company won’t tell you that you should use your salary to pay for this and that. The company gives you the free will choice on how you use the money.
Special Ministry Needs requires help
2 Kings 12:4 And Jehoash said to the priests, All the money of the dedicated things that is brought into the house of the LORD, [even] the money of every one that passeth [the account], the money that every man is set at, [and] all the money that cometh into any man's heart to bring into the house of the LORD,
12:5 Let the priests take [it] to them, every man of his acquaintance: and let them repair the breaches of the house, wheresoever any breach shall be found.
12:9 But Jehoiada the priest took a chest, and bored a hole in the lid of it, and set it beside the altar, on the right side as one cometh into the house of the LORD: and the priests that kept the door put therein all the money [that was] brought into the house of the LORD.
12:10 And it was [so], when they saw that [there was] much money in the chest, that the king's scribe and the high priest came up, and they put up in bags, and told the money that was found in the house of the LORD.
12:11 And they gave the money, being told, into the hands of them that did the work, that had the oversight of the house of the LORD: and they laid it out to the carpenters and builders, that wrought upon the house of the LORD,
12:12 And to masons, and hewers of stone, and to buy timber and hewed stone to repair the breaches of the house of the LORD, and for all that was laid out for the house to repair [it].
12:15 Moreover they reckoned not with the men, into whose hand they delivered the money to be bestowed on workmen: for they dealt faithfully.
I have done enough to give to the Lord. I have given you lots of money, im done helping.
Prove 11:24 There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and [there is] that withholdeth more than is meet, but [it tendeth] to poverty.
When you say you have done or given enough, then the Lord shall be done with you as well.
For those who are coveting, if you want to ask God for something, you expect Him to give you yet you are not giving. How do you expect God to give when you don't?