Bible Reference: Malachi 3:6-12, Matthew 23:23, Genesis 4:20 (Abraham and Mel-chizedek), Leviticus 27:30-31, Numbers 18:25-26 (Paying tithe of tithe).
- Meaning of tithe
Tithing means giving of ten percent of your annual earning, production or possessions.
Furthermore, payment of tithe may be daily, weekly or monthly but should be based on your total income for that period.
Tithing is an old testament concept. The tithe or tenth was a requirement of the law in which Israelite were to give 10 percent of the crops they grew and the live-stocks they raised to the tabernacle or temple (Leviticus 27:30, Numbers 18:26).
The old testament law required Israelite to tithe at different times and for various purposes; to support the Levites, to celebrate feast and to care for the poor of the land (Numbers 18:21-24, Deut 14:28-29).
Many Christians struggle with the issue of tithing. In some churches, tithing may be over-emphasized and in others, it may be rarely mentioned. Tithing is an old testament command to Israelite as seen in the book of (Leviticus 27:30-31).
The tithing according to the book of Malachi 3:10 is to provide meat in the house of God i.e payment of priest allowance, meeting of people’s needs, helping the needy, widow and less privileged.
Brethren, In Matthew 5:17-19 Jesus Christ spoke as follows “Think not that I come to destroy the law or prophet, I am not come to destroy it, but to fulfill it. Verily I say unto you, till heaven and the earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law till all be fulfilled”. Whosoever shall break one of these least commandments and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven; whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called the great in the kingdom of heaven.
However, Jesus said he came to fulfill the law; He obeyed the law to the latter.
Unfortunately, a lot of Christian leaders and Christians believe that Jesus did not say anything about tithing.
In Matthew 23:23; Jesus said” Woe unto you scribes and Pharisees hypocrites, for ye pay tithes of mint and anise and cummin and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy and faith: these ought ye to have done and not to leave the other undone”
Now, in the teaching of our Lord Jesus Christ in Matthew 5:17-19, Jesus Christ said Christian should make sure they obey the law of God to the latter and this include tithing. He stated that the scribes and the Pharisees were more interested in tithing because of the benefit and blessings they receive in tithing, but the welfare of others they set aside; what teaching about tithe do one expect from Christ more than this?
An offering is that which is freely given by Christian to support the work of the Lord, local church and ministries/mission. There is no attached percentage.
Brethren, after calculating the tithe of your total income, whatever you add to it is your offering. Hence, tithe and offering.
- Robbing God
Meaning of Rob
Rob: To steal, especially using force or violence
Rob: To forcefully take something that does not belong to you.
- Consequence of failing to pay tithe and offering.
- There is a curse from Jehovah God for those who fail to pay tithe (Malachi 3:9).
- Devourer takes over the person’s family.
- The person will not prosper in whatever he lays his hands upon to do.
- The business will face crises.
- There will be problems and troubles from neighbors.
Brethren, when one is involved in accident with your car, not that Satan want to take over your car, when there is quarrel between husband and wife, not that Satan want to marry the man or woman, When there is fire outbreak in a house, not that Satan want to take over the house. Satan does all this things for one to pay attention to him and to go with him to the lake of fire because he has been judged.
The enemy can dig a pit to waste our resources in the form of unprecedented situation that God would have resolved or prevented. Situations like accidented car, irreconcilable disagreement between husband and wife, fire out break etc.
Benefit/blessings of paying tithe and Offering.
1. Multiples blessings from Jehovah God
2. Protection and provision
3. Devourers will be rebuked in one’s life.
4. The business will be prospering.
5. People will honor and respect you.
Brethren, man cannot rub God and go scot free, it is not possible
In Ecclesiastes 12:13 “The whole duty of man on earth is to fear and obey God”.
Brethren, in the beginning of our Church, within the first 2 years of the Glory of the Lord Overcomers Mission (Overcomers Church), tithe and offering were not been taking or discussed in the church, reason been that other peoples might not say that the church was been established for the tithe and offering sake.
In the second year, God sent a message to us that we were depriving His children their blessings from God, immediately we introduce tithe and offering into the Church.
It is necessary that as children of God, we must obey His words or laws from Genesis to revelation. If you are not obeying, you are disobeying. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.
- Acceptable tithe and Offering
The Lord is not interested in tithe and offering from a dirty heart or source of income. Proverbs 21:27; “The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination, how much more when he bringeth it with a wicked mind” The first offering the Lord expects from anyone is his/her heart. It is after that individual has made Jesus his personal Lord and Saviour that any tithe or offering can be accepted and rewarded. Proverbs 15: 8 further assets: “The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord; but the prayer of the upright is His delight”. The scriptures refer to sinners as the wicked.
In addition, no one should be coerced or forced to pay tithe or offering, rather, genuine children of God should obey because it is the will of God.
FEAR AND OBEY GOD.