God First in the Tithe

Title: “God First in the Tithe”

Can you steal from God?

Malachi 3:8 Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings.

1. Exactly What Is a Tithe?

Compare: Genesis 14:20 with Hebrews 7:2.

A tithe is: 10% OF OUR INCOME

2. The Scriptural Principal of Tithing

Let us examine the following Scriptures:

• Abraham Commenced it - Genesis 14:18-20.

• Jacob Continued it - Genesis 28:20-22.

• Moses Confirmed it - Leviticus 27:30.

• Malachi Commanded it - Malachi 3:10.

• JESUS Commended it - Matthew 23:23.

• GOD Commissioned it - I Corinthians 9:14

• PAUL Conformed it - I Corinthians 16:2.

A study of these scriptures shows that tithing is a SCRIPTURAL PRINCIPLE. Abraham and Jacob tithed 500 years BEFORE the Law was instituted. Moses, Malachi, and Jesus spoke of tithing UNDER the period of the Law. The Apostle Paul explained tithing AFTER the Law.

Christians ought to tithe!

3. How Should Christians Practice Tithing?

Look up: II Corinthians 5:14. Under the Law tithing was commanded. Under Grace, we do not tithe legalistically, but because we love the Lord.

We should tithe, not because we must, but because we love the Lord!

4. Where Should a Christian Place His Or Her Tithe?

1. According to Malachi 3:10, the tithes were to be brought into the STOREHOUSE. For the Old Testament Jews, this storehouse was the treasury of the Temple at Jerusalem.

2. According to Acts 4:35,37 and Acts 5:2, the Christians brought their tithes and offerings to the APOSTLES' FEET.

3. According to I Corinthians 16:2, we are to lay up in STORE our giving. Subsequent verses show this storehouse was the church at Corinth, to whom the epistle was initially addressed

4. Today the storehouse for your tithe is your CHURCH. It is not God's plan for you to give your tithe wherever you decide.

5. Why Are We to Place Our Tithe into Our Church?

1. Malachi 3:10 - " that there may be MEAT in my HOUSE."

The tithes and offerings were used for the temple and the temple ministry (i.e., for the priests, etc.).

2. Read: I Corinthians 9:13,14. Verse 13 relates to the Old Testament practice, and verse 14 carries this principle over to New Testament churches. Your tithes and offerings are for the support, upkeep, and ministry of your church. Tithes should never be designated - they are to be left free for use as the church body decides.

6. What Does God Call Us If We Refuse to Tithe?

Malachi 3:8 - A THIEF.

7. What Promise Does God Give Those Who Faithfully Tithe?

Malachi 3:10b.

HE PROMISES TO OPEN THE WINDOWS OF HEAVEN AND POUR

OUT A BLESSING.

8. Whose Is the Tithe?

Leviticus 27:30 - It is the LORD'S.

Ten percent of your gross income IS NOT YOURS - it belongs to God.

9. How Can I Please My Lord When Tithing?

1. Matthew 6:33 - Give the Lord FIRST place in everything.

2. Proverbs 3:9 - Honor the Lord with my FIRST-fruits.

(This means to set aside the tithe first - before all other bills and expenses are paid. If you leave the tithe until last, God usually misses out.)

3. I Corinthians 16:2 - Bring the tithe on the FIRST day.

Other Notes

“God First in the Tithe”

Introduction

Turn to Malachi 3

Has someone every robbed stolen from you?

ILL: Someone stole Abbi’s bike

Another question: Can you steal from God? Are you able to go into the gates of heaven and scoop up a handful of gold?

Can you steal from God?

Malachi 3:8-10 Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings.

Yes you can steal from God. In tithes and offerings.

I want to speak to you about the importance of tithing to the Lord.

(Prayer)

I. The Principle of Tithing

(vs. 10) -Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse,

The principle is to bring the tithe.

[Pro 3:9 KJV] 9 Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase:

We should be willing to honor the Lord with our substance

[Lev 27:30 KJV] 30 And all the tithe of the land, [whether] of the seed of the land, [or] of the fruit of the tree, [is] the LORD'S: [it is] holy unto the LORD.

The tithe is the Lord’s

A. What is a tithe?

Tithe means a tenth. 10%

ILL: Who knew there was math in the Bible!

So what exactly do we tithe?

A tithe is 10% of everything God gives you.

[Pro 3:9 KJV] 9 Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase:

B. When do we tithe?

As soon as we receive it

Again-[Pro 3:9 KJV] 9 Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase:

C. Where do we tithe?

do we give it to the government? To the poor?

We give it to the house of God:

II. The Reason for the Tithe

(vs. 10) that there may be meat in mine house,

A. Tithing provides for the house of God.

B. Tithing honors God

Again-[Pro 3:9 KJV] 9 Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase:

C. Tithing is a way to show gratitude

III. The Blessing of Tithing

There are real tangible blessings when you tithe.

No I’m not preaching

Tithing is the act of giving a tenth of our income to the church and to the work of God. It is a practice that has been commanded by God throughout the Bible, and it is an act of obedience and worship that shows our trust in Him to provide for us.

These verses remind us that when we give, we should do so willingly and generously, and that God will bless us in return.

Malachi 3:8-10 also speaks about tithing, saying, "Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings. Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation. 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."

These verses make it clear that when we do not tithe, we are robbing God and will be cursed. But when we do tithe, we are blessed and God will open the windows of heaven to pour out blessings upon us.

Proverbs 3:9 also teaches us about the importance of tithing, saying, "Honour the Lord with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase:"

This verse reminds us that we should honor God with our money and our possessions, and that this includes setting aside a portion for Him through tithing.

Finally, 2 Corinthians 9:7 tells us, "Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver."

This verse emphasizes that when we give, we should do so willingly and joyfully. Tithing is not a burden, but an act of worship and trust in God's provision for us.

In conclusion, tithing is an important aspect of our faith and obedience to God. It is an act of worship and trust in Him to provide for us, and it is blessed by God. Let us all strive to give generously and joyfully to the Lord through tithing.

Malachi 3:8-10 Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings. Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation. 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.

I. The Lord Requires a Tithe

The Lord requires a tithe: Malachi 3:8 states that the Lord requires a tenth of all the produce of the land, whether grain or fruit, as a tithe.

This is a reminder that everything we have ultimately belongs to God and we are to give a portion back to Him.

A. A tithe is 10%

The Word tithe means a tenth

[Lev 27:30-32 KJV] 30 And all the tithe of the land, [whether] of the seed of the land, [or] of the fruit of the tree, [is] the LORD'S: [it is] holy unto the LORD. 31 And if a man will at all redeem [ought] of his tithes, he shall add thereto the fifth [part] thereof. 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.

II. Tithing is a Test of Faith

In Malachi 3:10, the Lord says that He will "open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it."

Tithing is a test of our faith in God's provision and our willingness to trust Him with our resources.

“Taste and see that the Lord is good”

III. Tithing Honors God

Giving a tithe shows that we recognize God as the source of all our blessings and that we are willing to honor Him with the first fruits of our labor.

A. Not tithing results in a curse

B. Tithing brings a blessing

IV. Tithing is a Way to Show Gratitude

Tithing is a way to express our thankfulness for all that God has given us.

It is a way to give back a portion of what we have received, recognizing that everything we have ultimately comes from God.

V. Tithing is a Way to Support the Work of the Church

Tithing is not just a personal matter, it also helps to support the work of the church.

The tithe is used to support the pastor, maintain the church building, and fund outreach and missions.

Tithing was used to support those that did the Lord’s work:

[Num 18:21, 24, 26, 28 KJV] 21 And, behold, I have given the children of Levi all the tenth[H4643] in Israel for an inheritance, for their service which they serve, [even] the service of the tabernacle of the congregation. ... 24 But the tithes[H4643] 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. ... 26 Thus speak unto the Levites, and say unto them, When ye take of the children of Israel the tithes[H4643] 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[H4643] [part] of the tithe.[H4643] ... 28 Thus ye also shall offer an heave offering unto the LORD of all your tithes,[H4643] which ye receive of the children of Israel; and ye shall give thereof the LORD'S heave offering to Aaron the priest.

The Application for New Testament Believers

There are some people who believe that tithing was just for the old testament Jews and does not need to be practiced by us, new testament believers.

Next week I’ll be preaching on a Wednesday night another “Hard Questions” Sermon

The question will be: How much of the OT Law applies to New Testament Christians?

I am very excited about this sermon. I’ve been studying it out incredibly in-depth. You won’t want to miss it.

But you might not think that tithing is for you. We are under the New Testament.

A. Abraham gave tithes 400 years before the Law

[Gen 14:18-20 KJV] 18 And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he [was] the priest of the most high God. 19 And he blessed him, and said, Blessed [be] Abram of the most high God, possessor of heaven and earth: 20 And blessed be the most high God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand. And he gave him tithes of all.

[Heb 7:1-2, KJV] 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; 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;

Abraham was not under the Old Testament Covenant

And yet he gave willingly.

This is a great example!

What did he give? 10% of the wealth (tithe)

When did he give it? Immediately after he recieved it?

Who did he give it to? The priest.

B. Jacob gave tithes before the law

[Gen 28:16-22 KJV] 16 And Jacob awaked out of his sleep, and he said, Surely the LORD is in this place; and I knew [it] not. 17 And he was afraid, and said, How dreadful [is] this place! this [is] none other but the house of God, and this [is] the gate of heaven. 18 And Jacob rose up early in the morning, and took the stone that he had put [for] his pillows, and set it up [for] a pillar, and poured oil upon the top of it.

Start here?->19 And he called the name of that place Bethel: but the name of that city [was called] Luz at the first. 20 And Jacob vowed a vow, saying, If God will be with me, and will keep me in this way that I go, and will give me bread to eat, and raiment to put on, 21 So that I come again to my father's house in peace; then shall the LORD be my God: 22 And this stone, which I have set [for] a pillar, shall be God's house: and of all that thou shalt give me I will surely give the tenth unto thee.

Jacob was not under the Old Testament Covenant

And yet he gave willingly.

This is a great example!

What did he give? 10% of everything God gave him. (he acknowledges it comes from God)

Who did he give it to? To God’s house.

He said as long as he is alive he will do this.

C. Jesus endorse the tithe.

[Mat 23:23-26 KJV] 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. 24 [Ye] blind guides, which strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel. 25 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess. 26 [Thou] blind Pharisee, cleanse first that [which is] within the cup and platter, that the outside of them may be clean also.

Jesus says tithing is not even one of the weightier matters of the law.

It’s just the most basic

STEWARDSHIP OF OUR TREASURE

The same principles of stewardship which apply to our time, talents, and testimony are given for the management of our MONEY.

ALL the money you have and receive IS FROM GOD, and IS GOD'S.

Look up: Deuteronomy 8:18. Even though we may earn our money through the labor we put forth, this verse tells us it is the "LORD thy GOD" Who gives us power (ability) to get it.

The stewardship of God's money is usually referred to in the Bible as:

TITHES and OFFERINGS

The following scriptures will teach you what the Bible says concerning tithes and offerings:

Exactly What Is A Tithe? Compare: Genesis 14:20 with Hebrews 7:2. It is: 10% OF OUR INCOME © What is a tithe from $500.00? $50.00. Is The Practice Of Tithing For New Testament Christians?

1. Some people (usually those who do not want to tithe) say tithing was an Old Testament practice for Jews only. It was given under the Law; and the Christian is not under the Law, but under Grace - Romans 6:14b. However, look at the following scriptures:

ABRAHAM JACOB MOSES MALACHI

Commenced it - Genesis 14:18-20.

Continued it - Genesis 28:20-22.

Confirmed it - Leviticus 27:30.

Commanded it - Malachi 3:10.

• JESUS

Commended it - Matthew 23:23.

GOD PAUL

Commissioned (ordained it - I Corinthians 9:14

Conformed it - I Corinthians 16:2.