TITHING / GIVING / FIRST FRUITS

Transcription

1 One-Tenth (10%) TITHING / GIVING / FIRST FRUITS Tithing is more than the money, God does not need our money It is also about obedience to God and Giving God the best of the best to bless Tithing is also a form of worship Yes, tithing is in the New Testament a) The purpose of tithing Deuteronomy 14:22-23 Tithing Principles 22 "You shall truly tithe all the increase of your grain that the field produces year by year. 23 And you shall eat before the LORD your God, in the place where He chooses to make His name abide, the tithe of your grain and your new wine and your oil, of the firstborn of your herds and your flocks, that you may learn to fear the LORD your God always. i. Very clear at the end of verse 23 Puts God first in our lives. We are to give God the first and best of what we earn. What we do first with our money shows what we value most in our lives. ii. By giving Him the first 10%, it immediately focuses our attention on Him. iii. Many principles regarding sacrifices and tithes are intended to encourage inward attitudes. If a person gives grudgingly, it shows he has a stingy heart. God wants us to be cheerful givers, who give with gratitude to Him. iv. Pray over tithes and offerings. Avoid being legalistic about tithing. Do it from the heart. v. Ask God to bless your tithes for the benefit of His kingdom. b) Leviticus 27: " 'A tithe of everything from the land, whether grain from the soil or fruit from the trees, belongs to the LORD ; it is holy to the LORD. 31 If a man wants to redeem any of his tithe, he must pay the value, plus 20%. 32 The entire tithe of the herd and flock-every tenth animal that passes under the shepherd's rod-will be holy to the LORD. 33 He must not pick out the good from the bad or make any substitution. If he does make a substitution, both the animal and its substitute become holy and cannot be redeemed.' " 34 These are the commands the LORD gave Moses on Mount Sinai for the Israelites.

2 c) Deuteronomy 12:5-7 5 But you are to seek the place the LORD your God will choose from among all your tribes to put his Name there for his dwelling. To that place you must go; 6 there bring your burnt offerings and sacrifices, your tithes and special gifts, what you have vowed to give and your freewill offerings, and the firstborn of your herds and flocks. 7 There, in the presence of the LORD your God, you and your families shall eat and shall rejoice in everything you have put your hand to, because the LORD your God has blessed you. d) Deuteronomy 12:11 Then to the place the LORD your God will choose as a dwelling for his Name there you are to bring everything I command you: your burnt offerings and sacrifices, your tithes and special gifts, and all the choice possessions you have vowed to the LORD. e) 2 Chronicles 31:11 Then they faithfully brought in the contributions, tithes and dedicated gifts. Conaniah, a Levite, was in charge of these things, and his brother Shimei was next in rank. f) Malachi 3: "Will a man rob God? Yet you rob me. "But you ask, 'How do we rob you?' "In tithes and offerings. 9 You are under a curse-the whole nation of you-because you are robbing me. 10 Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this," says the LORD Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it. NEW TESTAMENT a) Jesus reinforces the concept of the tithe in Matthew Matthew 23:23 "Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices mint, dill and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former. Notice Jesus said, "You should have practiced the latter (justice, mercy and faithfulness), without neglecting the former (tithing)." The fathers argued, and rightfully so, that Jesus word ends the discussion. Since Jesus said not to neglect the former that being tithing then no Christian should neglect tithing.

3 b) Luke 11:42 "Woe to you Pharisees, because you give God a tenth of your mint, rue and all other kinds of garden herbs, but you neglect justice and the love of God. You should have practiced the latter without leaving the former undone. c) 1 Corinthians 4:2 Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful In addition to tithing, giving is encouraged 2 Corinthians 8:1-15 Generosity Encouraged 1 And now, brothers, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. 2 Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. 3 For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, 4 they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints. 5 And they did not do as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us in keeping with God's will. 6 So we urged Titus, since he had earlier made a beginning, to bring also to completion this act of grace on your part. 7 But just as you excel in everything--in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us [1] --see that you also excel in this grace of giving. 8 I am not commanding you, but I want to test the sincerity of your love by comparing it with the earnestness of others. 9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich. 10 And here is my advice about what is best for you in this matter: Last year you were the first not only to give but also to have the desire to do so. 11 Now finish the work, so that your eager willingness to do it may be matched by your completion of it, according to your means. 12 For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what he does not have. 13 Our desire is not that others might be relieved while you are hard pressed, but that there might be equality. 14 At the present time your plenty will supply what they need, so that in turn their plenty will supply what you need. Then there will be equality, 15 as it is written: "He who gathered much did not have too much, and he who gathered little did not have too little." Points to be made: Verse 5 - they gave themselves first to the Lord Verse 8 Giving is a natural response of love. When you love someone, you want to give them everything. So why not show your true love to God by giving your tithes and offering

4 Four Principles of giving 1) Your willingness to give enthusiastically is more important than the amount you give. 2) You should strive to fulfill your financial commitments 3) If you give to others in need, they will, in turn, help you when you are in need 4) You should give as a response to Christ, not for anything in return. How you give reflects you devotion to Christ. Spiritual Rewards identified in 2 Corinthians 9: This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God's people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. 13 Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, men 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! Paul emphasizes the spiritual rewards for those who give generously to God s work. Those who receive your gifts will be blessed, will praise God and also pray for you. As you bless others, you will be blessed. Tithing, much more than just 10%. It is incredibly interesting that tithing is more than just about the amount, but the amount is the only thing we talk about with tithes. It has everything to do with the heart. The tithe is recognition of our obedience and submission to God and is given in thanksgiving for His faithfulness in providing all of our needs. Tithing is about your relationship with God Tithing is being obedient Tithing is trusting God Tithing is putting faith in God

5 The following article was obtained from Should You Tithe? WHO: Whoever desires to worship God. WHAT: Giving first 10% of income to God. WHEN: Whenever you receive income. WHERE: Where you have been fed the Word of God. WHY: To worship God and to receive His blessings. HOW: By faith, diligently, promptly, cheerfully. Why Tithe? 1. God claims the tithe is His. LEVITICUS 27:30 NKJ 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 to the Lord. The New Testament says nothing to change God's instruction on tithing. The tithe is holy and still belongs to God. 2. Tithing is worship of the Lord. Tithing is worship. It has always been more than just a tax. Tithing is recognition and worship of the One Who created and actually owns all. Worshiping God in a prescribed manner has existed since the Garden of Eden. Cain and Abel knew the correct way to worship God, but one of them chose not to worship that way. The correct way involved giving up something they owned in recognition of God in a prescribed manner. Worship cost them something then, as true worship always does. If we do not worship God with our money, we do not really worship God. Job, Abraham and his descendants, and others living before the giving of the Law, knew that worshiping God involved sacrificing of their substance. Any Christian who loves the Lord should desire to give everything to Him. We can and should give more than ten percent (a tithe). Tithing is just a starting place -- not a maximum limit. The tithe is like a birthday gift to a wonderful spouse, just a token reminder of their importance to you. Actually, they deserve much more -- more than it would be possible to give. Jesus is like that. He deserves more than you could possibly give. Tithing is only a reminder to you, and to Jesus, of the intent of your heart, and the place of importance He has in your life. Some may say they could show their love better by giving whatever they felt like, instead of a set amount such as ten per cent. However, the attitude behind that approach is wrong. Since the Garden of Eden man has been trying to do things his own way -- instead of the way God prescribed -- and man's way has always caused trouble. God said the tithe was His (Leviticus 27:30). He showed us through the Old

6 Testament Law (and never said otherwise in the New Testament), tithing was acceptable worship. Why try to invent a new method? Giving based on need is not Biblical tithing but giving of alms. (It is not worship but a good work.) Tithing is not to meet God's need (or the church's needs), but to worship God: to put Him in His rightful place: first! Which is more important: Jesus or money? 3. Tithing is God's method of supporting His ministry. First Corinthians 9:14 says those who preach the gospel should live from the gospel "even so" as the priests of the Old Testament lived from their temple service. God gave the tithe to them (Numbers 18:21). To be "even so" today requires tithing to continue. 1 CORINTHIANS 9:13-14 NKJ 13 Do you not know that those who minister the holy things eat of the things of the temple, and those who serve at the altar partake of the offerings of the altar? 14 Even so the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should live from the gospel. NUMBERS 18:21 NKJ 21 "Behold, I have given the children of Levi all the tithes in Israel as an inheritance in return for the work which they perform, the work of the tabernacle of meeting. 4. A blessing is promised if you do. Second Corinthians 1:20 says that all God's promises are Yes in Christ. So the blessings promised to the tither in the Old Testament, such as Malachi 3:10, are still available and valid for you today. 2 CORINTHIANS 1:20 NKJ 20 For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us. MALACHI 3:10 NKJ 10 Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house, and prove Me now in this," says the Lord of hosts, "If I will not open for you the windows of heaven And pour out for you such blessing That there will not be room enough to receive it. 5. Tithing is a continual reminder God is your source. Tithing acknowledges in a tangible way the Lord's ownership of us and all we have. It is recognition He deserves. Anyone who receives Christ Jesus must receive Him as He is: Lord. By definition a Christian is one who has received Jesus Christ. Since He is Lord, when we receive Him He becomes Lord of our life. As Lord of our life, Jesus has complete say about what we do with all our money, not just ten per cent of it. Anyone who claims Jesus as their Lord and does not give Him at least ten percent of their money should face the truth: money is their Ruler, not Jesus.

7 Which do you trust more: Jesus or money? 6. Tithing helps combat selfishness, greed, and materialism. Giving the first ten per cent every time we receive any income helps protect us from falling into these traps. Done faithfully, tithing forces us to trust God and depend on Him.

8 FIRST FRUITS In addition to tithing, it is important to offer the First Fruits of everything to God. Why would you want to give God leftovers to bless and not the best of what you have? a) Leviticus 23:9-10 Firstfruits The LORD said to Moses, "Speak to the Israelites and say to them: 'When you enter the land I am going to give you and you reap its harvest, bring to the priest a sheaf of the first grain you harvest. He is to wave the sheaf before the LORD so it will be accepted on your behalf; the priest is to wave it on the day after the Sabbath. On the day you wave the sheaf, you must sacrifice as a burnt offering to the LORD a lamb a year old without defect, together with its grain offering of two-tenths of an ephah of fine flour mixed with oil-an offering made to the LORD by fire, a pleasing aroma-and its drink offering of a quarter of a hin of wine. You must not eat any bread, or roasted or new grain, until the very day you bring this offering to your God. This is to be a lasting ordinance for the generations to come, wherever you live. a. The Festival of Firstfruits required that the first crops harvested be offered to God. The Israelites could not eat from their harvest until they had made this offering. b. Today, God still expects us to set aside His portion first, not last. c. By giving the leftovers, we are not allowing God to bless the best. b) Proverbs 3:9-10 Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine. c) Deuteronomy 26:9-11 He brought us to this place and gave us this land, a land flowing with milk and honey; 10 and now I bring the firstfruits of the soil that you, O LORD, have given me." Place the basket before the LORD your God and bow down before him. 11 And you and the Levites and the aliens among you shall rejoice in all the good things the LORD your God has given to you and your household. i. Give to God the first and best portion of everything. ii. Many people give God leftovers iii. Even though you may give sincerely and willingly, if you are not giving of the first fruits, you are in disobedience to God.

9 iv. God wants the first of our income to demonstrate the He is first in our life and that we recognize that all the resources belong to Him. v. Giving to God our firstfruits and tithes helps us 1) to conquer greed 2) to properly manage God s resources and be good stewards over all that God has given us 3) to be open to receive the special blessings God has for all of us. d) Numbers 18:8-12 Then the LORD said to Aaron, "I myself have put you in charge of the offerings presented to me; all the holy offerings the Israelites give me I give to you and your sons as your portion and regular share. You are to have the part of the most holy offerings that is kept from the fire. From all the gifts they bring me as most holy offerings, whether grain or sin or guilt offerings, that part belongs to you and your sons. Eat it as something most holy; every male shall eat it. You must regard it as holy. "This also is yours: whatever is set aside from the gifts of all the wave offerings of the Israelites. I give this to you and your sons and daughters as your regular share. Everyone in your household who is ceremonially clean may eat it. "I give you all the finest olive oil and all the finest new wine and grain they give the LORD as the firstfruits of their harvest. e) Seven Results of First Fruits Reference Dr. Ron Cottle (8/20/05) Exodus 23:20-31 (New King James Version) The Angel and the Promises 20 Behold, I send an Angel before you to keep you in the way and to bring you into the place which I have prepared. 21 Beware of Him and obey His voice; do not provoke Him, for He will not pardon your transgressions; for My name is in Him. 22 But if you indeed obey His voice and do all that I speak, then I will be an enemy to your enemies and an adversary to your adversaries. 23 For My Angel will go before you and bring you in to the Amorites and the Hittites and the Perizzites and the Canaanites and the Hivites and the Jebusites; and I will cut them off. 24 You shall not bow down to their gods, nor serve them, nor do according to their works; but you shall utterly overthrow them and completely break down their sacred pillars. 25 So you shall serve the LORD your God, and He will bless your bread and your water. And I will take sickness away from the midst of you. 26 No one shall suffer miscarriage or be barren in your land; I will fulfill the number of your days.

10 27 I will send My fear before you, I will cause confusion among all the people to whom you come, and will make all your enemies turn their backs to you. 28 And I will send hornets before you, which shall drive out the Hivite, the Canaanite, and the Hittite from before you. 29 I will not drive them out from before you in one year, lest the land become desolate and the beasts of the field become too numerous for you. 30 Little by little I will drive them out from before you, until you have increased, and you inherit the land. 31 And I will set your bounds from the Red Sea to the sea, Philistia, and from the desert to the River.[a] For I will deliver the inhabitants of the land into your hand, and you shall drive them out before you. 1) Verse 20 Releases the Holy Spirit - keeps you on target - brings you to the place and there is a place for you 2) Verses He will defeat our enemies and also not let any enemy go undefeated. 3) Verse 25 Blesses bread and water (Prosper and sustenance) Reference: 1Kings 17:13 4) Verse 25 Takes sickness away from you Reference: 2 Chronicles 30 5) Verse 26 Number of your days I will fulfill. Also releases the angel of God unto the offices of your life. Reference: Acts 12:1-7 6) Verse 30 Inherit the land. You will enter and fulfill your destiny. 7) Verse 31- I will deliver the inhabitants of the land into your hand.