What is the Tithe?

Intro

TAGQ

Can I trust the Bible?

Why does God allow evil and suffering in the world?

What are spiritual gifts?

What is the Tithe?

Brandon, I brought my one, and you’re talking about money… You suck, preacher. Hey hey hey, let me get this out of the way.

I AM NOT ASKING FOR MONEY.

Today is not going to end with me passing the plate and shaking you down for money. That’s not how this is going to go. Here’s what I am going to ask for.

A few minutes of your attention and an open heart and spirit, b/c this idea of church and money always gets sticky doesn’t it? I mean, some of you, when I mentioned it, your skin started to crawl, and it’s because of people like Jesse Duplantis, Kenneth Copeland, Creflo Dollar, and Benni Hinn — all of which I would say are not good representations of the Gospel, or how God views money and the church. In fact, I would say those guys are false prophets, but I digress.

Jesus does have something to say about your money. So if you’re not a follower of Jesus today, then you get off scot-free. You don’t have anything to do here today, you can walk out with a free conscience; however, I think you’ll find God’s way is better.

Now, let’s set the stage for today.

What is the tithe?

Tithe simply means a tenth, but you’ve probably heard it in Christian circles and maybe even from people who have my job that 10% of your income belongs to God and the other 90% is yours.

That concept is inaccurate. The tithe is taken from ancient Israel, and it wasn’t just a tenth, it was...

10% Levitical and Priestly tithe. Levi inherited no land.

10% Festival Tithe

10% Charity Tithe, offered every 3rd year, levite, foreigner, orphan and widow.

If we are going to adopt the “tithe” practices from the OT accurately, then we need to up the percentage to nearly 23% per year. Ouch! Who’s got 23% of their income to give away? That’s a ridiculous amount.

Brandon, do I have to tithe to be a Christian?

But with the story we’re going to see today… Jesus wants something different than the 10% b/c if we’re being honest, the 10% is too easy.

Scripture

Mark 12:41 NIV

Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts.

Paint the picture

Some translations — The “temple treasury” of 12:41 was located in the Court of the Women.

Insert picture. Here’s what that looks like.

Not just for women, this is where everyone came to worship. The inner courtyard was for the Holy of Holies and only certain people could go in there.

Now in the women's court yard where 13 different trumpet-shaped chests.

Insert Picture. Describe the picture and the sound it would make as it hits the chest. You can imagine the sound in the courtyard of the silver and gold coins hitting these chests.

Silver and gold are what were expected to be deposited. Sheckle = daily wage. Gold = monthly wage.

Priests would stand near the chests and watch as people dropped their donations into the chests. So there is even an element of religious & social pressure to this thing. Which is not the way God designed things to work, and Jesus is going to make a very public point.

Mark 12:42–44 NIV

But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents.

Leptos - small bronze coin. The lowest form of offering you could have. And you know that some of those priests looked down on her as she brought that to the offering chest.

In fact, some of the disciples may have even taken notice of the small offering...and that’s when Jesus strikes

Mark 12:42–44 NIV

Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others.

Hold up, wait a minute… Jesus she only had two bronze coins I mean they’re worth nearly nothing. It’s ok Jesus, you’re the leader, not the financial guy, you’re not the CFO. Jesus looks at them and I think he smiles a playful knows exactly what he’s doing smile, and says.

Mark 12:42–44 NIV

They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.”

Jesus makes the point about generosity that I have tried to teach you over and over again.

The amount doesn’t count. The heart does.

Brandon, hold on… what about the 10%? I know I’ve heard people say that the first 10% belongs to God. I’ve been told if I give 10% God blesses the rest — true...kinda.

10% doesn’t belong to God. 100% belongs to God. Parable of the Shrewd Manager — Jesus makes the point that it’s all his. Not 10, not 30, not 50 — 100% belongs to the Lord, and you and I are just stewards of it.

Instead of tithing, followers of Jesus are charged with something called generosity.

Meaning it’s all available to God, and we are to give whatever He has called us to give. But listen, this requires a relationship with God. It’s not a flat % or number. That’s too easy, and it’s not what Jesus teaches, nor is it reflected in this story of the widow.

Do I have to tithe to be a Christian? NO.

When it comes to followers of Jesus, Paul says this…

2 Corinthians 9:6–7 NIV

6 Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 7 Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

Cheerful giver — now the only way to be a cheerful giver is to plan ahead. Make a plan for generosity.

2 Corinthians 9:10 NIV

10 Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness.

God is your source and he is my source. We don’t look to the boss or the business or more clients we understand this concept.

God provides the increase.

Giving to the church

2 Corinthians 9:11–12 NIV

11 You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. 12 This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the Lord’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God.

Giving can be an expression of thanks.

2 Corinthians 9:13–15 NIV

13 Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, others will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else. 14 And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you. 15 Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!

Let me put in context for our church. I am not passing the bucket I am just sharing what happens when you give here.

People find Jesus. Baptized 7 people last week. I prayed the salvation prayer this week on the phone with someone who was ready to accept Jesus. Kids are declaring Jesus as their Lord. Adults are returning to Jesus.

People find a family. When you give here we turn that around and build life groups, serving teams and create events that allow people to find a home. That’s what this is, we’re one big messy dysfunctional family, ya’ll.

People's lives are better. We turn a portion of your generosity out into the community. Both local and international.

Choices Women's Center —

Reach PH —

Impacto Guatemala —

Application

What’s Next? I want to be a part of what God is doing here.

Before you can do that you need to make a plan to be generous.

That means you go home today and you set a time to review your finances and create a plan to give. You decide on a percentage giving, not a number, rather percentage giving.

Does it have to be 10%? No.

It has to be spirit-led. If you’re ready to take this next step you go home, lay out all the finances and you pray this prayer, but don’t do it unless you are truly ready for the Lord to answer.

“Lord, give me a generous heart and show me what you want me to give.”

Do not pray this unless you are ready for him to answer, when he answers be obedient. Remember, the Lord loves a cheerful giver and you can be cheerful here knowing that it is going make a difference in this city and in the lives of images bearers of God.

Pastor John get the plates ready lol jk for realy though. When you take this step of faith in your spiritual journey, it’s a game changed b/c when you do it, you’re declaring that you’re the boss of your money.

“Lord, give me a generous heart and show me what you want me to give.”