STUDY 31

STUDY No. 31 - TITHING

The whole subject of tithing, or giving to God, seems to have been dropped from our pulpits for some unaccountable reason. It may be because we have all heard of the "spiritual beggar" type of person who pleads for large sums of money on a "give till it hurts" slogan. It can also cause embarrassment to the more sensitive Christian. or give non-Christians a wrong impression of our faith.

It is a great pity to neglect it, because giving to God is a real means of grace.

WHY SHOULD WE GIVE ANYWAY?

1 Corinthians 6:19, 20	To Whom do we belong? Why?
1 Chronicles 29:14	What belongs to God?
1 Corinthians 16:2 & 2 Corinthians 8:7	"All we have... "
Hebrews 13:16	The Apostle expects it of believers.
Luke 16:13 & 1 Timothy 6:10	What has love of money caused many to do? Why does it have this effect?

Paul outlines the whole principle of Christian giving in 2 Corinthians 8 and 9.
The same spirit of love and compassion, concern and desire to relieve need as manifested in Christ will be seen in a spiritual believer.

TO WHOM SHOULD WE GIVE?

2 Corinthians 8:5
Here we see an even higher form than monetary beneficence.

Deuteronomy 15:10, 11
Giving to the poor is something that pleases the Lord.

See also: Psalm 41:1, Luke 14:13, 14, 1 Timothy 5:3, 4
It is of course a personal matter to whom we give.

We should however think of our responsibility to the local Church, missionaries on the field, the widows and the poor, and evangelistic endeavours. There are many worthy recipients and we should make it a matter for earnest prayer that the LORD will guide us in giving to the causes of HIS choice for us.

HOW SHOULD WE GIVE?

Scripture is very clear with regard to the manner and attitude of our giving:

2 Corinthians 8:1-4
There are here a number of words describing how they should give. I will just start you off. Overflowing joy - with great sacrifice you find others!

2 Corinthians 9:5, 6, 11
Liberally, purposefully earnestly! Without grudging, but hilariously.

Someone has said that the right spirit in which to give is to say as the collection bag is passed, "Hallelujah, here is the collection bag".

The point is: willingly, as an act of worship (Exodus 25:2); secretly (Matthew 6:2-4); honestly - not like Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:14).

HOW MUCH SHOULD WE GIVE?

A tithe is a tenth, and this is what the Jews were required by their God-given law to give to God. This would be of course l0p in every £1 of our income or their produce. After and above this, they could if they wished bring a "free will offering".

These rules were "under the law' but we today are no longer under the law but under grace.
Should we give less?
Instead of stating an amount or percentage, the Holy Spirit has caused it to be written:

"As God hath prospered him" (1 Corinthians 16:2)

Some have pointed out that in view of 1 Corinthians 6:20 it isn't what we give, but what we keep back for ourselves that should concern us!

There is a wonderful promise. See Malachi 3:10

"For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not." (2 Corinthians 8:12)

THE EFFECTS OF RIGHT GIVING

It is pleasing to the LORD.	Hebrews 13:16
It brings relief to others.	2 Corinthians 9:12
It helps others to give.	2 Corinthians 9:2
We can given even more!	Luke 19:24-26

There is much more we could study on this subject of giving to God.
I think, however, sufficient study material has been considered to:

Emphasise the importance of this subject. Therefore don't neglect it in your ministry.
To point out that although it is neglected today, it is nevertheless true that giving to God is a very important key to spiritual progress in the life of any Christian;

We lose what on ourselves we spend.
We have as treasure without end,
Whatever Lord, to THEE we lend,
O Thou Who givest all.

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