How to Tithe. Biblical. Theological. Historical. The Big Idea: Give to God first.

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1 How to Tithe Exodus 23:16, 19 The Big Idea: Give to God first. Learning Goal: Learners will discover that giving first to God and living on the remaining income can be challenging, but it has benefits for us, for others, and for the world. Biblical The ancient Israelites gave their tithes (10 percent) to the levitical priests for the support of the temple, its services, and the priests themselves (Numbers 18:2-28), including funds for the priests to distribute to those in need. (Deuteronomy 26:12). Tithes were an expression of devotion to God. Not paying the tithe was robbing God (Malachi 3.8). The 10 percent applied not only to money but also to animals, crops, and what people produced from them. The tithe was basic among other expected donations and freewill offerings; the Bible's teaching about giving to God goes way beyond tithing. The New Testament reaffirms the teaching that giving is a crucial aspect of one's relationship with God. Giving to those in need is particularly important and characteristic of the Christian life. Jesus was critical of the tithing Pharisee who thought he was better than others. Emphasizing the importance of giving everything to God, Jesus told a man who came seeking eternal life, to sell his many possessions and give the money in the poor. Theological Giving first to God is well -established in scripture. The ancient Israelites were to give the first fruits of their labor to God grain, dough, bread, wine, oil, sheep fleeces, honey, and the fruit of the soil and every tree. The annual harvest festival, the occasion for first- fruits giving, honored God, from whom the harvest comes. This major Jewish holiday is known as the Feast of Weeks or Shavuot and as Pentecost. First fruits giving may have been separate from tithing. First-fruits giving is a sign of our reliance on God. In taking the risk of giving away our first and best, we are setting priorities. We set our hearts first on God. All else that we do with what we have is done within the context of devotion to God and of using what we have for giving. Giving is central to who we are as human beings, created in the image of a giving God. Learning to give, we become who God intends us to be. Historical In Genesis 14:18-20, Abraham tithes to King Melchizedek of Salem, a priest of the "Most High God." Abraham tithed to Melchizedek in thanks for a recent military victory. Various societies of the ancient world practiced giving a tenth or defined percentage or measure of income, produce, or war booty. Similar to the ancient Israelite's practice of a tithe, kings used taxes to for the support of shrines and priests. So also, other religious cults expected tithes to their gods. Not only How to Tithe page 1

2 in ancient times but through the centuries, religious cults and secular rulers both competed and cooperated in collecting tithes. For the early church, as in the New Testament, the emphasis was on giving to the poor. Gentile Christians did not inherit the Jewish temple practice of tithing. Jewish Christians who continued to participate in the life of the temple might tithe there. After the destruction of the temple in 70 A.D., the tradition of tithing didn't make sense for the Christian movement, which had neither buildings nor a professional priesthood. As the church developed institutionally, finances to support the church itself became more the subject of church teaching and regulation. Contemporary/Cultural Regularly giving a significant amount of your income to others is countercultural. Most people contribute money to nonprofit organizations. Churches receive the largest portion of contributions but not very many people tithe. In 2004, six percent of people in the United States contributed 10 percent of their incomes; four percent tithed to churches. On average, people give about three percent of their incomes overall. People who regularly attend church tend to give more. Different generations not only give at different levels but also give for different reasons. Younger generations are less willing to give to churches. Individualism, consumerism, and mistrust of institutions and hierarchy seem to be important reasons. By contrast, values, such as trust, discernment, community, and knowing that you are not in control of everything are important in people's giving. These values enhance giving; giving enhances the strength of these values. George Barna, President of the Barna Research Group, a marketing research company, says that, more important than demographics or attitudes, spiritual life is "the greatest single predictor of the likelihood of donating" (visit Various societies of the ancient world practiced giving a tenth or defined percentage or measure of income, produce, or war booty. In ancient Israel, people gave tithes, an expression of devotion to God, for support of the temple, its services, and its priests, including funds for the priests to distribute to those in need. The Bible teaches giving more than a tithe and that giving is a crucial aspect of one's relationship with God. Giving to those in need is particularly important. First -fruits giving, a sign of our reliance on God, is well established in scripture. Giving a significant amount of your income to others is countercultural. Not very many people tithe. On average, people give about three percent of their incomes overall. Spiritual life is "the greatest single predictor of the likelihood of donating." Adolescent Connection Adolescents are on the lookout for hypocrisy. While the entry focuses on money, a good place to start the conversation is focusing on what is valued. Our world is filled with hyper-consumption and millions of marketing images. Children and youth as a whole in the U.S. have more expendable income than ever. But that hasn't happened without adults who model inadequate How to Tithe page 2

3 sharing and saving habits. Begin by asking simple questions. Why do people give to the church? What happens to the money people share? Does your congregation share its gifts with others? What spending model do adolescents see within your congregation? Remember if you tell adolescents that giving is about Christlike service for the good of the world, they'll look to see if that is really happening. Opening Prayer Loving God, we're here because we're curious, or doubtful, or burning with faith, or because our parents want us to understand the faith they treasure. Enter our hearts and minds with your Holy Spirit, that the learning we share this day be lively, full of grace, and fun! In Jesus name, Amen. Handbook Connection The idea of tithing is challenging to people. Most of that comes from a scarcity mentality versus an abundance mentality. Scarcity looks at what's left to give after I use what I want to. Abundance looks at what's there in the beginning from which to share. Promote an abundance mentality in your learners. Open The Lutheran Handbook II to "How to Tithe" on pages Read the opening paragraph. Decide what words define tithe. Write them in the margin. To illustrate that a tithe is 10 percent, write tithe" on one of your fingers. Read through the steps one by one. For each, write in the margin one challenge that might make you falter in that step (commitment, fear, planning, loss of interest, and so forth). Talk about these challenges and ask for suggestions on how to overcome them. Make your own "how to" list by establishing the steps for "How to Give Your Offering." Make sure that the following steps are included in the mix: receiving from God; deciding how much to give; check, cash, or plastic; using envelopes; getting ready for the offering plate; passing the plate; giving in other ways. Bible Connection: Fair Offerings Do you know where the idea of tithing originated? It comes from scripture and is very simple. Open the Bible to Exodus 23:16. That's tithing in a nutshell. Pretend that you are now a farmer. What crops do you wish to plant or which livestock do you wish to raise? When will you get paid for the crops or animals? (When they are "harvest-able.") What does the Bible say to do at that point? What is meant by "first fruits?" (That you give off the top, before any expenses are figured in.) As a farmer, could you (cleverly) give God the bruised tomatoes, the sickly moo-cow, or the locust-chewed grain? Read verse 19. Why does God demand the choicest fruits? Where do the fruits go? (To support the temple and to help the poor.) Give the farmer a sheet of paper and have him/her write the names of their crops on it. Then, How to Tithe page 3

4 indiscriminately, pick several crops to take back, saying "locusts, drought, cattle loose in the field." Announce that it's harvest time. Take off what they decide is their first fruits. Collect and compare them, taking note that some are tempted to give nothing. Explain that God is fair and so established the "tithe" not an equal amount for all, but a fair percentage. As for those who lost their crops, were they expected to give? Why not? Is that fair? Now choose a modern-day profession. What did you choose? What do you produce? What might the choicest first fruits be for you? What if you had a financial disaster? More Bible Connections Open the Bible to Mark 10: Read the parts of narrator, rich man, and Jesus. Why couldn't the rich man do what Jesus asked of him? (He loved his possessions.) Do you think it may have been different if Jesus asked him to tithe? (Answers will vary.) Why did Jesus ask the man to liquidate his assets and give it all away and then to follow him? (Because Jesus wanted him to rely on God rather than his wealth.) Have you heard this acronym: F.R.O.G.? It means "fully rely on God," which is what Jesus asked the rich young man to do. What does it mean to fully rely on someone? Imagine having to find your way around without the benefit of your eyesight. Who would you trust to be your guide? What "course" is God offering to guide us down? (Life, discipleship.) What makes you think you can rely upon God not to bump you into the wall? (God promises not to.) How is giving 10 percent of your income to God relying on God? (You trust in God that the other 90 percent is enough.) What possession do you have that might interfere with you relying on God? Closing Questions If we know from scripture that tithing is expected, but only four percent of church-goers tithe, then why do we learn about tithing? Why do you think people don't title? What can youth give 10 percent ofr especially if they don't work? Does God expect a tithe when you're unemployed or disabled? Closing Blessing May God love you and care for you, May God help you in your faith journey, May God look upon your gifts with gladnessand your service with joy. And now may Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (make the sign of the cross) bless you and keep you safe until we meet again! Amen. How to Tithe page 4

5 Learner Sheet: How to Tithe Exodus 23:16, 19 The Big Idea: Give to God first. Big Fun Idea Go 10-pin bowling. Ask for bumpers if your group is inexperienced that will make it much more fun! A strike (all 10 pins knocked down) is usually met with the most excitement and points. But this day keep an alternate scorecard and give 10 points for every frame where even just one of the pins gets knocked down! (That's10 percent!) Big Serving Idea A work week is often 40 hours. Giving God 10 percent is four hours per week serving others. Make your next service project that length. A good way to serve is to volunteer at one of the ministries your congregation supports (food pantry, homeless shelter). Another plan would be to help out at the church (paint a room, rake out the garden, or washing windows). Prayer Time Remember your partner's prayer needs record them here. Discussion Time One of the things people ask most about tithing is if they should give 10 percent of their income before or after taxes have been deducted. What do you think? What Bible verses or Lutheran teachings can you find to support that answer? Review Exodus 23:16. What can you as a young person tithe? What if you don't have a job, just an allowance? Review point 2 on page 159 in The Lutheran Handbook II. How can this suggestion help you think about your ability to tithe? Ask a parent, pastor, or office worker to showe you the benevolence section of your church budget. Where does the money go? Who is helped at church and beyond through your church's offerings? How could the church help them more? How could the church help more people? What do you think is the biggest challenge to tithing? Why don't most people tithe? Why should they? From HERE WE STAND Confirmation Series. Copyright 2008 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. Reprinted by permission under Here We Stand Annual License. How to Tithe page 5