LESSON 12 Tithing Key Text Deuteronomy 8 18

LESSON #12 – Tithing Key Text – Deuteronomy 8: 18

LESSON # 12 TITHING • KEY TEXT: DEUTERONOMY 8: 18 – “But thou shalt remember the LORD thy God: for [it is] he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as [it is] this day. ”

REVIEW: • Last week we saw that God was particular about what we eat and drink as well as how we treat our bodies.

INTRODUCTIO N: • This week we shall see that God is also particular about how we use our possessions. Our first text is Deuteronomy 8: 18. • POINTS TO EMPHASIZE: • God gives us the power to get wealth. • This is quite logical; in Psalms 24: 1 it says

If God owns everything, is it possible that we could misuse His possessions? Notice Malachi 3: 8 -11. • POINTS TO EMPHASIZE: • A person can rob God not only of tithes but also of offerings. • By robbing God, we break the eight Commandment which says, “Thou shalt not steal”. • As a result, we live under His curse. • The tithe should be brought into God’s

If God owns everything, is it possible that we could misuse His possessions? Notice Malachi 3: 8 -11. • POINTS TO EMPHASIZE: • If we return to the Lord His tithes and give offerings as we are able, we have God’s promise that we shall receive more than we are able to use. • As a further promise, He will protect us as well as our possessions.

But what, exactly, is a tithe? Leviticus 27: 30 tells us. • POINTS TO EMPHASIZE: • Here, a “Tithe” is defined as one tenth of our possession. • Everything in our possession is to be tithed, whether it be seed, fruit, herd, flock or money. • In other words, we are to tithe that which is an increase to our possessions.

What was the tithe in Biblical times used for? Numbers 18: 20, 21 • POINTS TO EMPHASIZE: –Those who work as servants of God about the tabernacle, or church, are to have no inheritance. –The tithe is to be used for their support.

What was the tithe used for in the Christian era – the years after the cross? Let us look at 1 Corinthians 9: 13, 14. • POINTS TO EMPHASIZE: • Those who work in the temple should be paid by the temple. • Those who preach the gospel – ministers, should live by the gospel. • The tithes are for the purpose of supporting the ministry.

Proverbs 3: 9, 10 tells us which portion of our increase should be returned to the Lord. • POINTS TO EMPHASIZE: –Of our increase-that on which tithe should be calculated-we are to return to God His portion first. –If we do this, verse 10 says we will have plenty left over with which to

Notice how Jesus endorsed tithe paying in Matthew 23: 23. • POINTS TO EMPHASIZE • Jesus here teaches that it is important to return a tithe, even on little things. • However, in doing so we must not forget other just-as-important things, the law, judgment, mercy, and faith. • Thus, religion is a complete way of life, a balance. Nothing is missing.

What should be our priority in seeking to acquire possessions? Our last text is Matthew 6: 33 • POINTS TO EMPHASIZE: • If we seek the kingdom of God and His righteousness first, then • He will supply other things he sees we are in need of. • We will be rewarded, not only in this world, but in the world to come.

APPEAL: • May we put God first in our lives so that He can pour out upon us the blessings that each of us need.

PRAYER: • Thank God for giving us the power to get wealth. • Pray that we may always return to Him the tithe and offerings so that we do not rob Him and thus deprive ourselves of His blessing. • Remember the family’s needs.