This Tithes and Offering Exhortation series on spiritual and financial principles. In this session, we will look into the biblical concepts of “Tithe and Offering.”
These principles have been a cornerstone of many religious traditions for centuries, serving as a means of financial stewardship and an expression of faith.
Whether you are well-versed in these principles or new to the concept, we invite you to explore the wisdom found in the scriptures and the practical implications of tithing and offering in your life. Together, we will seek a deeper understanding of how these principles can contribute to our spiritual growth and financial well-being.
Tithes And Offering Exhortation
Our emphasis this week centers on one of the teachings of the word of God namely Tithe and Offering. We must say from the onset that the principle of tithing and giving offerings to the Lord is timeless. It came before the Law.
It applies to all ages, people, and dispensations. It was neither a peculiarity of the dispensation of law nor a priority of the dispensation of grace.
The beginning of tithing must be so thoroughly examined that all excuses will be rendered baseless and you will “be no more children tossed to and fro …by the sleight of men and cunning craftiness”.
But more than that, the blessing of tithing must be thoroughly explained so that we will all go into new green pastures of prosperity, plenty, and bountifulness.
Bible Practice of Tithing
Before the Law, saints of God gave their tithes unto the Lord. About 430 years before the Law was instituted, Abraham, the friend of God, was coming from one of his exploits when he met Melchizedek, the righteous King of Salem.
The conduct of these men in this dramatic meeting laid a proper foundation for a practice God decided to initiate for that time and all times. In Genesis 14:18-20 “Melchizedek King of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God.
And he blessed him and said: “Blessed be Abram of the most high God, possessor of heaven and earth: And blessed be the most high God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand. And he gave him tithes of all.”
Still, before the Law, Jacob, the grandson of Abraham also gave a tithe of all his possessions: “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” (Genesis 28:22). In the Law, in the days of Moses, God instituted
tithing and in this vein, He gave His irrevocable sanction to the practice of Abraham and Jacob. “And all the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the or of the fruit of the tree is the LORD’s: it is holy unto the LORD” (Leviticus 27:20). This is a command. And it is binding.
Also in the prophets, God, through Malachi, indicted the whole nation of Israel saying: “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”
(Malachi 3:10). And in the New Testament, we see the stamp of Jesus Christ on this noble and most rewarding practice. If tithing was wrong or questionable, Christ would not approve of it.
Backed by His knowledge of the counsel and mind of God in all matters, tithing inclusive, Jesus says: “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 judgment, mercy and these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone” (Matthew 23:23).
Thus this pivotal, yet much-misunderstood subject enjoys mention in practically every section of the Bible. What outstanding proof for all sincere seekers and worshippers of God. And what a challenge to those who wrest the truth of the word of God!
What is the secret of prosperity? Giving. What is the essence of Biblical giving? Biblical giving centers on the ability to earn material resources and the willingness to let these resources be used for the maximum benefit of the kingdom of God.
The believer is in charge of God’s material and financial assets and he is called to a life of giving. This kind of giving is over and above the tithe which is the minimum.
Christian Stewardship
A good grasp of the Bible’s doctrine of stewardship will lead us to surrender all our material wealth to God and give to Him in joy and gratitude. Stewardship is giving ourselves to God using our money for the glory of God and allowing Him to have first place in our lives.
Giving should not be done reluctantly but cheerfully. Giving is one of the greatest challenges of the Christian life and one of the greatest privileges that we enjoy as believers. However many are yet to discover the great potential of giving.
Many gospel churches and Christian ministries are always short of money. Church projects and evangelistic outreaches are often delayed as a result of a lack of funds. Why is this so? It is because many are yet to understand the Bible doctrine of stewardship and the Biblical principle of giving. The lack of money is not the problem; it is a hazy understanding of our responsibilities as stewards of God’s money.
Some Christians, however, think that the tithe is all God requires of them. But alas! they are wrong. Tithe is just the guide to the minimum giving God expects of you. God is generous with the manifold mercies so he deserves nothing less from you. The Christian can give more to the Lord by way of free willgiving, love offering, and sacrificial giving.
Giving a tenth (tithe) of your money (income) and even more (freewill offering, love offering, thanks offering) is a vital aspect of your Christian giving. This is because it does show, in practical terms, your acknowledgment of the fact that God owns everything. Your tithes, love offering, and freewill offering are “an odor of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, well pleasing unto God” (Philippians 4:18).
Tithe and offering are more than a duty that one does mechanically. A business partner expects dividends at the end of the month. Nobody expects a bank to pay interest on money that was not deposited with it. Yet some Christians expect God to bless them financially when they are not committed to Him in giving.
Many sing: “Take my silver and my gold, not a mite would I withhold” only to frown each time they are faced with an opportunity to demonstrate their love and commitment to God. Giving is not measured by the amount of money you give.
The Macedonian believer, despite their poverty, gave to the Lord: “How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality” (2 Corinthians 8:2).
There are cases of individuals who even make pledges to God without really knowing how to fulfill the pledge but soon find that God gave abundantly above what they even pledged. They were able to pay their pledge and have more left. This shows that giving is a venture of faith. And God is always faithful.
Manner of Tithing and Offering
What are the things you must bear in mind as you give your tithe and offering? One, you must give priority to giving to God as you draw your budget week after week or month after month.
You must cultivate the habit of giving to God first before you start spending on other personal or family needs. “Honour the Lord with thy substance, and with the first fruits of all thine increase: so shall thy barns be filled with plenty…” (Proverbs 3:9,10).
God expects you to give the first fruits of your increase or gain. In practical terms, that means you give to God before you start spending what God has given you.
Many people who are convinced and are willing to give often fail to pay their tithes and give their offerings. This is because they often think they can delay a little bit; and while feet-dragging, some other seemingly pressing expenses crop up and they find it difficult to fulfill their financial obligations to God. “First fruits” giving is the biblical pattern of giving Go God first.
Two, plan to give. Do not give haphazardly. Give systematically. Paul the Apostle instructed: “Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come” (I Corinthians 16:2).
Here the Apostle Paul exhorts believers to plan their giving so that everything “would be done decently and in order.” All it takes to plan is thoughtfulness and common sense.
The Bible helps make planning easy by instructing that each believer should put what he wants to give aside from what is earned weekly or monthly. The Church makes this possible by allowing members to give week after week.
It takes only a little stretch of the imagination to know that one can also pay one’s tithes or give one’s offering with cheques.
A trader or a businessman who makes profits or earns money many times in the month may decide to keep ten percent of what he earns in a tithe account which can be cleared and paid into God’s storehouse at the end of the month. There are no hard and fast rules. Each person can personally plan wisely on how to give systematically and regularly.201
Three, you must make conscious efforts to give despite your peculiar situation. The Bible says “Let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him..” (I Corinthians 16:2). Does God expect a millionaire to pay tithes? What of those who have little or no money?
The unchanging word of God remains true for all and sundry: “Let every one of you lay by him in store…” Whosoever you are, make conscious efforts.
A trader may adopt a method of giving that best suits him. Students are not exempted from giving, they are also expected to give. Those who are rich should not think that they are exempted from giving. The poor, too, should also make a conscious effort to give. We all should give.
Fourth give regularly and consistently. Believers are not only expected to give when there is an emphasis on giving in the Church. The scriptural method and pattern are echoed in the words of Apostle Paul, “Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come” (I Corinthians 16:2).
Some give only when they are reminded. Others give when they feel they have enough; while others give when they think they have some leftovers. We are not supposed to be irregular or inconsistent in our giving. We must give regularly.
Five, make giving part of your worship. As you come to the Church week after week you can make your worship more practical and enriching by giving at the worship service. God wants us to minister unto him not only in prayer and praises but also in giving. You can make it your resolve not to go to God empty-handed (Deuteronomy 16:16).
Finally, give graciously. It takes grace to give. Do not pay your tithes or give your offering mechanically. When the grace of God fills your life you will always be eager to give joyfully and heartily. Do not give as if you are under the law. Give graciously. Let the Spirit of God lead you in your giving and you will discover untold blessings that God reserves for the cheerful giver.
Giving is like investing in God’s bank and it is indeed a spiritual sacrifice that brings fruit to the account of the giver. God is interested in the material needs of your life. When you give to God you reap untold blessings from God.
The Bible says: “And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the Lord of hosts. And all nations shall call you blessed: for ye shall be a de- lightsome land, saith the Lord of hosts” (Malachi 3:11,12). Give to God today and He will fulfill His promise in your life.
Personal Questions
1. From our text and study, how does God expect us to manage the resources he has placed in our care?
2. According to 2 Corinthians 8:11, 12, how can we determine what to give to God in tithe and offering? 3. When does God expect us to give to Him – after we have taken care of all our needs or before doing so?
4. What lessons can we draw from I Corinthians 16:2 as regards giving?
Conclusion
Lesson 13 on “Tithe and Offering” has taken us on a journey through the rich tapestry of spiritual and financial principles found within the Bible.
We’ve discovered that tithing, offering, and generous giving are not mere obligations but opportunities to express our faith, gratitude, and commitment to a higher purpose.
Through the act of tithing, we acknowledge God as the ultimate source of our blessings and commit to honoring Him with our first fruits.
By giving offerings, we participate in supporting the work of the church and helping those in need, fulfilling our role as stewards of God’s resources.
