Tithes and Offerings: Bible study

Tithes and Offerings: Bible study

Posted on August 17, 2008 Updated on August 17, 2008

Dearly Beloved,

RENEW YOUR GIVING (Part 2)

“Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:6-7).

Since the temple ministry was suffering because of the non-payment of tithes and offerings of the people to the priests, God had to place a curse on them. The nature of this curse can be determined from the blessing in Malachi 3:11 – famine due to pests eating their vegetation and vines without grapes (cf. Deuteronomy 28:38-40).

The people were enjoined to bring their whole tithe to the temple so that they would receive God’s blessings (Malachi 3:10). This promise was a reaffirmation of the obedience/blessing relationship stipulated in Deuteronomy 28:1-14. It reminded the Israelites of the covenant God had made with them. They would receive agricultural blessings and a good reputation among other nations.

The New Testament does not specifically teach about tithe, but it does teach about generous giving (Acts 4:32-35; 2 Corinthians 9:6-12; Galatians 6:6; Philippians 4:14-19). The manner of this giving must be in (a) firstly giving of ONESELF (2 Corinthians 8:5); (b) one that, as much as possible, no other person knows about (Matthew 6:1-4); (c) giving in love (1 Corinthians 13:3); (d) accordance with one’s ability (Acts 11:29); and (e) without grudge (2 Corinthians 9:5, 7).

The measure of the New Testament giving is UNLIMITED – the more you give, the more you receive from God (Luke 6:38; 2 Corinthians 9:6). The tithe is a good place to begin in formulating a program for Christian stewardship. However, it should not stop there. God is ready to bless only those who are giving generously to the needy and the cause of the gospel. Many people have been robbing THEMSELVES of the blessings of God by not giving generously out of their possessions.

In His service,

Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor)

NB

If you want the full version of this study, or you have comments or/and reactions on the study, write a personal email to me at spiritualdigest@ yahoo.com. God bless you!

Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).
+234 805 515 9591
http://groups. yahoo.com/ group/spirituald igest2003