October 11th-Session 4-Tithe, Offering, Alms Part 1 “More than one out of four professing American Protestants give away $0. The median annual giving for a Christian is $200 — just over half a percent of after-tax income. About five percent of Christians provide 60 percent of the money to churches and religious groups. Twenty percent of Christians account for 86 percent of all giving. Among Protestants, ten percent of evangelicals, 28 percent of mainline people, 33 percent of fundamentalists and 40 percent of liberal Protestants give nothing.” See Rob Moll, “Scrooge Lives!” Christianity Today, December 5, 2008, www.christianitytoday.com/ ct/ 2008/ december/ 10.24. html; Ron Sider, “A Lot of Lattés,” Books and Culture: A Christian Review, October 30, 2008, www.christianitytoday.com/ bc/ 2008/ novdec/ 5.11. Html. The question really boils down to how you view money and stewardship. That will determine how you give, sow, or withhold. If the church is not provided for first, we have no reason to give elsewhere. Kingdom sowing is the greatest investment you can ever make. Tithe-tenth; 10% (Store house, 10% represents the 100%) Some people believe that 10% is God’s and the rest is mine to do with what I want. Offering-something offered in worship or devotion to a deity. A contribution or collection with a designated purpose. Alms-Money, food or any other donations given to the needy or poor. (benevolence) It’s pretty clear that the tithing laws do not apply to New Testament believers today, however we find the principles of tithing, generosity, first fruits, stewardship and sacrificial giving are wonderful Biblically based principles that we all should know and walk in. (Romans 7; Dead to the law to marry another) (letter vs. Spirit) (law written on our hearts) (Christian Liberty vs. Law) (moral law, ceremonial law, Levitical law) 1. Abraham paid Tithe to Melchezideck (pre-law) Genesis 14:19 Hebrews 7:1-7 2. Jacob paid Tithe to God: (pre-law) Genesis 28:20-22 3. Tithe introduced as Law Leviticus 27:30 4. Offerings and Tithes Deuteronomy 12: 5-6 5. Tithe established for the Levites/paying church leaders (Why do we pay our pastors?) Numbers 18:21 “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 Galatians 6:6 Let him who is taught the word share in all good things with him who teaches. I Timothy 5:17-18 Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and doctrine. 18 For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain,” and, “The laborer is worthy of his wages.” I Corinthians 9:9-14 For it is written in the law of Moses, “You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain.” Is it oxen God is concerned about? 10 Or does He say it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written, that he who plows should plow in hope, and he who threshes in hope should be partaker of his hope. 11 If we have sown spiritual things for you, is it a great thing if we reap your material things? 12 If others are partakers of this right over you, are we not even more? Nevertheless we have not used this right, but endure all things lest we hinder the gospel of Christ. 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. Philippians 4:14-19 Nevertheless you have done well that you shared in my distress. 15 Now you Philippians know also that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church shared with me concerning giving and receiving but you only. 16 For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities. 17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account. 18 Indeed I have all and abound. I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things sent from you, a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God. 19 And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Acts 6:2-4 Then the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, “It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve tables. 3 Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business; 4 but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” 6. Tithe for festivals Deuteronomy 14:22 7. Tithe for widows, orphans, needy and sojourners Deuteronomy 14:28-29 “At the end of every third year you shall bring out the tithe of your produce of that year and store it up within your gates. 29 And the Levite, because he has no portion nor inheritance with you, and the stranger and the fatherless and the widow who are within your gates, may come and eat and be satisfied, that the Lord your God may bless you in all the work of your hand which you do. Acts 2:44-45 Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, 45 and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need. Acts 4:32-35 Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul; neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common. 33 And with great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them all. 34 Nor was there anyone among them who lacked; for all who were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold, 35 and laid them at the apostles’ feet; and they distributed to each as anyone had need. 8. Nehemiah reinstates the tithe Nehemiah 10:35-37 9. The principle of abundance Proverbs 3:9-10 Honor the Lord with your possessions, and with the first fruits of all your increase; 11 10So your barns will be filled with plenty, And your vats will overflow with new wine. Proverbs 11:24-25 There is one who scatters yet increases more; And there is one who withholds more than is right, But it leads to poverty. 25 The generous soul will be made rich, And he who waters will also be watered himself. John 10:10 The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. Deuteronomy 28: entire chapter Action Questions: 1. Is my heart aligned with earthly treasure or Kingdom purpose? 2. What seeds has God given me that need to be planted, cultivated, and harvested? 3. Have I aligned myself under the promises of God with my surrender and obedience? 4. What steps do I need to take before God to ensure I am walking in Biblical obedience in the area of finances?