Contributor: Martins Olubiyi

Introduction:

In our last Bible studies, precisely fortnight ago we examined the purpose of prosperity. Last week we also studied that God’s people must prosper to fulfil the great commission. Today, we are going to study about God’s plan for financing the church and its outreaches via tithing.

Aim: The aim of this study is to examine the purpose of tithing and the blessings it attracts to those who obey this Biblical commandment.

Text: Malachi 3: 10-12. [New International Version (NIV)].

10 Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the LORD Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be enough room to store it.

11 I will prevent pests from devouring your crops, and the vines in your fields will not drop their fruit before it is ripe,” says the LORD Almighty.

12 “Then all the nations will call you blessed, for yours will be a delightful land,” says the LORD Almighty.

Tithe: What is it?

The concept of tithing was in practice before the old covenant was established. The first person to make a Tithe, which means a tenth (ten percent) of one’s increase was Abram (Genesis 14: 18-20). Abram’s tithe was not under the Law. The Law came more than six hundred years later. It was purely a voluntary act of gratitude to honour “The Most High God, Possessor of heaven and earth”. Abram simply appreciated God’s favour and gave up something of value to honour the One who had helped Him get the victory”. Tithing became a commandment under the Law as we read in our text in Malachi 3 vs 10; “Bring ye all the tithes……. 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.”

As we know, there are a lot of debates about the concept of Tithe. The aim of this study is not to delve into opinions of people, but to see from Biblical perspective, the purpose of tithing and the blessing it attracts to those who obey it as a commandment. Jesus said I have not come to abolish the law, ……., but to fulfil. [(Mat 5:17) KJV].

Abram tithed to honour God with his substance.

“An honouring occurs when something that is of value to the one doing the giving is freely or voluntarily giving to someone as a sacrificial gesture of thanksgiving or appreciation. Is God worthy to be highly esteemed for what He Has done and what He still does and what He still does in our lives that we would specially honour Him for it? If it was that way before the Law, how much more should He be esteemed under the New Covenant where we have been given a better covenant with all things in Christ (Hebrew 8: 6).” – Rev. Bill Miller.

Why the Need for tithe?

Tithing is a powerful way to plug in to what God is doing in the world. The combined tithes of a congregation provide the funds to support the outreaches of a church. Hence, we will be getting people saved, building up the body of Christ; Ministering to the poor; Supporting missions; perhaps sponsoring the gospel on radio or television, and helping to provide a living for the pastor and ministry staff – Malachi 3: 10

Where should we Tithe?

As a general principle, it is better to tithe to your local church. The local church is the primary means that God uses to bless people in the earth. The Local church is where the saints are cared for, and it is to be the base for all other outreaches. Various other ministries can and should be supported by offerings and other forms of financial support that comes from individuals and churches. But in most situations, the tithe should go to the local church. Mal 3:10; Heb 13: 17; Phil 4: 15.

Reasons and Purposes of paying Tithe.

Through our tithes, we able to have a part in God’s plan. We partner with God in carrying out His will. This brings great fulfilment and satisfaction- mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Mal 3: 11-12

Obedience to this commandment of Tithing opens the window of Heavens. Note there are three Heavens; one where the birds fly, or our atmosphere; another where the sun, moon and stars are; and the other where God dwells.

God pledges Himself to open the windows of heaven and pour us out the divinest blessings- overflowing blessings, “heaped up, pressed down, shaken together, running over,” that “there shall not be room enough to receive it.” Luke 6: 38.

The Six-Fold Blessings of Tithe:

• Excessive blessings in an overflowing dimension.
• God will rebuke devourers for your sake.
• Protected Results.
• Guaranteed harvest- Your labour is rewarded- ‘Seed time and harvest time’ Gen 8:22.
• You shall become a blessing to nations.
• You will be a delightful land.

Conclusion:

When we give tithes into our churches for the propagation of the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, then we get to be included in their eternal reward. We are the body of Christ. We all have a part to play. “…from whom the whole body, being fitted and held together by what every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the building up of itself in love.” – Ephesians 4: 16 (NASB).  It is not an offence to expect a return from God when we tithe. God emphasis in His word “Test Me”. All we need is an act of faith and to give our tithe with a cheerful hearth not as someone under coercion or duress. God loves a cheerful giver. (Cor 9: 6-7). Above all see tithing as a form of worship and honour to our God. (Prov 3: 9). Then watch out for the deluge of His blessing on your life.