Biblical Finances · Principles for Life

Tithes and offerings?

3 min read, approximately

Leviticus 27:30-32
“And all the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land, or of the fruit of the tree, is Jehovah’s: it is holy unto Jehovah. And if a man will redeem aught of his tithe, he shall add unto it the fifth part thereof. And all the tithe of the herd or the flock, whatsoever passeth under the rod, the tenth shall be holy unto Jehovah.”

The dilemma

Whenever tithes and offerings are discussed, there is great controversy. Debates begin and, worse still, people start seeking pretexts in the Word to claim that tithing has been abolished.

We often forget that you and I are part of a creation:

“Know ye that Jehovah, he is God: It is he that hath made us, and we are his; We are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.” (Psalms 100:3)

We also forget that everything that exists belongs to the Lord:

“For every beast of the forest is mine, And the cattle upon a thousand hills. I know all the birds of the mountains; And the wild beasts of the field are mine. If I were hungry, I would not tell thee; For the world is mine, and the fulness thereof.” (Psalms 50:10-12)

“Behold, unto Jehovah thy God belongeth heaven and the heaven of heavens, the earth, with all that is therein.” (Deuteronomy 10:14)

Stewards

God is the master and Lord of everything, and you and I are his stewards:

“For [it is] as [when] a man, going into another country, called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods. And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one; to each according to his several ability; and he went on his journey.” (Matthew 25:14-15)

That is right: you and I are the managers, not the Owner.

But how could we have become the Lord’s stewards without his sacrifice on the cross? (Romans 5:8)
And that is not all… The Lord has been so good that he has provided us with gifts, talents, strength, wisdom, and skill. Day after day he gives us a new day so that we can prosper in everything… That is his desire! (3 John 1:2)
Then… aren’t our tithes and offerings a response of affection and thanksgiving to the Lord?
Aren’t our tithes and offerings a response of gratitude to the Lord? (Genesis 14:18-20), (Genesis 28:22)

Furthermore,

“And unto the children of Levi, behold, I have given all the tithe in Israel for an inheritance, in return for their service which they serve, even the service of the tent of meeting.” (Numbers 18:21)

Does it bring us joy and gladness that our tithes and offerings help sustain various ministries in a church where the Word, the true Word of God, is preached?

What is our intention when we tithe and give offerings? What do we have in mind?

“[Let] each man [do] according as he hath purposed in his heart: not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:7)

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May God continue to bless you, and may you keep having an excellent day in Christ Jesus!