TITHE & OFFERINGS
INTERACTIVE BIBLE STUDY

Sharing one's hard-earned money is difficult for many people in today's economy. There are numerous demands on a person's finances and time, making every dollar very important. At the same time, many find the idea of donating money to a church or nonprofit organization appealing, however they do not see how it is possible to give as much and as often as the Bible teaches. Studying this topic more in-depth to understand the beauty and efficiency of a system designed by God can help make it a joyful priority and unlimited blessing.

"Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, 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" (Mal. 3:10-11).

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What is Tithe?

1
"And this stone, which I have set for a pillar, shall be God's house: and of all that thou shalt give me I will surely give the tenth unto thee" (Genesis 28:22).

"Thou shalt truly tithe all the increase of thy seed, that the field bringeth forth year by year" (Deuteronomy 14:22).
1
A tithe in the Bible is a tenth of your increase that is given back to God for His work.
2
"For this Melchisedec, king of Salem, priest of the most high God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him; To whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all; first being by interpretation King of righteousness, and after that also King of Salem, which is, King of peace" (Hebrews 7:1-2).
2
According to Strongs Greek and Hebrew Dictionary, the Hebrew word translated to tithe is ma?aser, which means a tenth part. The Greek word used in the New Testament is apodekatoo, and has to do with giving, paying or taking a tithe.

Modern dictionaries define tithe as the tenth part of agricultural produce or personal income set apart as an offering to God, for works of mercy, or for the support of the church.




How Is Tithe Used?

1
"And, behold, I have given the children of Levi all the tenth in Israel for an inheritance, for their service which they serve, even the service of the tabernacle of the congregation" (Numbers 18:21).

"Moreover he commanded the people that dwelt in Jerusalem to give the portion of the priests and the Levites, that they might be encouraged in the law of the LORD. And as soon as the commandment came abroad, the children of Israel brought in abundance the firstfruits of corn, wine, and oil, and honey, and of all the increase of the field; and the tithe of all things brought they in abundantly" (2 Chronicles 31:4-6).
1
In following the Biblical model, a regular tithe was used to support those appointed to minister spiritually to others, such as those who worked in the temple or who brought God's messages to the world.
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"At the end of three years thou shalt bring forth all the tithe of thine increase the same year, and shalt lay it up within thy gates: And the Levite, (because he hath no part nor inheritance with thee,) and the stranger, and the fatherless, and the widow, which are within thy gates, shall come, and shall eat and be satisfied; that the LORD thy God may bless thee in all the work of thine hand which thou doest" (Deuteronomy 14:28-29).
2
In addition to the regular yearly tithe, there were other tithes the Israelites paid, such as the third-year tithe. These special tithes had various uses and were separate from the main tithe used to support the work of those in the temple. Those blessed were taught to liberally share with others.




How Is Tithe Used?

1
"Am I not an apostle? am I not free? have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? are not ye my work in the Lord? ...Or I only and Barnabas, have not we power to forbear working? Who goeth a warfare any time at his own charges? who planteth a vineyard, and eateth not of the fruit thereof? or who feedeth a flock, and eateth not of the milk of the flock? Say I these things as a man? or saith not the law the same also? For it is written in the law of Moses, Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn. Doth God take care for oxen? Or saith he it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written: that he that ploweth should plow in hope; and that he that thresheth in hope should be partaker of his hope" ((1 Corinthians 9:1-10).
1
The apostle Paul worked hard to save souls. It was right for him to be supported by the believers. He says that this is what the Lord ordained or commanded them. God has shown repeatedly in scriptures that He is organized and puts systems in place to care for His body of believers.
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If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things? If others be partakers of this power over you, are not we rather? Nevertheless we have not used this power; but suffer all things, lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ. Do ye not know that they which minister about holy things live of the things of the temple? and they which wait at the altar are partakers with the altar? Even so hath the Lord ordained [command, set in order, prescribe] that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel" (1 Corinthians 9:11-14).
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It is our privilege to take care of our ministers, evangelists, Bible workers, administrative personnel, and others who's time and effort are devoted to saving souls.




What Are Offerings?

1
"And thither ye shall bring your burnt offerings, and your sacrifices, and your tithes, and heave offerings of your hand, and your vows, and your freewill offerings, and the firstlings of your herds and of your flocks" (Deuteronomy 12:6).
1
Offerings are given in addition to tithes. The Israelites had definite rules defined for tithes, but there were also calls for other offerings, which were voluntary.
2
"Every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of the LORD thy God which he hath given thee" (Deuteronomy 16:17).

"And he looked up, and saw the rich men casting their gifts into the treasury. And he saw also a certain poor widow casting in thither two mites. And he said, Of a truth I say unto you, that this poor widow hath cast in more than they all: For all these have of their abundance cast in unto the offerings of God: but she of her penury [poverty, lack] hath cast in all the living that she had" (Luke 21:1-4).
2
Offerings are expressions of gratitude to God and are given according to each person's ability. Those who have more, give more and those who have less, give less. God blesses and does wonders with even the smallest amount.




Offerings From the Heart

1
"And they came, every one whose heart stirred him up, and every one whom his spirit made willing, and they brought the LORD'S offering to the work of the tabernacle of the congregation, and for all his service, and for the holy garments... The children of Israel brought a willing offering unto the LORD, every man and woman, whose heart made them willing to bring for all manner of work, which the LORD had commanded to be made by the hand of Moses" (Exodus 35:21-29).
1
An example of freewill offering is provided in the building and maintenance of the Israelite temple. This project was not accomplished with tithe. This is important to remember because tithe is reserved for use in supporting the people involved with ministry. Church operating expenses, church building funds and other special projects are accomplished through freewill offerings. People give gladly to projects in which God brings conviction to their hearts.
2
"And the LORD stirred up the spirit of Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and the spirit of Joshua the son of Josedech, the high priest, and the spirit of all the remnant of the people; and they came and did work in the house of the LORD of hosts, their God" (Haggai 1:14).
2
Freewill offerings can be in the form of money, valuable items or your time. God will convict you of the right project for you to support and the amount to give. He will "stir up you heart".




To Whom Should Tithes & Offerings Be Paid?

1
"And verily they that are of the sons of Levi, who receive the office of the priesthood, have a commandment to take tithes of the people according to the law, that is, of their brethren, though they come out of the loins of Abraham" (Hebrews 7:5).

"And Kore the son of Imnah the Levite, the porter toward the east, was over the freewill offerings of God, to distribute the oblations of the LORD, and the most holy things" (2 Chron. 31:14).
1
The examples of tithing we have in the Bible (Old & New Testament) show the money or items being brought to the leaders for distribution (or to those appointed by the leadership to oversee the distribution). The Israelites brought tithes and offerings to the Levites/priests and the New Testament Christians brought them to the apostles or an appointed group/individual.
2
"Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye. Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come. And when I come, whomsoever ye shall approve by your letters, them will I send to bring your liberality unto Jerusalem" (1 Cor. 16:1-4 ).

"Having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles' feet" (Acts 4:37).
2
It is also important that gifts be handled responsibly and by someone trusted and approved. Careful planning ahead by the giver and responsible management by the overseer are both critical components of effective and successful nonprofit projects.

In modern times, this same system is effective and appropriate to follow. Many feel they can choose the recipient of their tithes and send them directly to various organizations. While they have good intentions in helping the needy, the Biblical model does not support this freedom with tithes. Even freewill offerings were usually brought to the leaders for distribution. This shouldn't discourage us from giving liberally directly to the various organizations we believe in, but rather these offerings should be in addition to tithe.




Why Should Tithe Be Paid?

1
"Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, 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" (Malachi 3:10-11).
1
God tells us to pay tithe and watch the abundant blessings that result. The blessings may be seen in your own life and in the lives of countless others who are added to God's kingdom as a result of hearing the gospel or who are comforted and encouraged to continue in their faith.
2
"The earth is the LORD'S, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein...He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully. He shall receive the blessing from the LORD, and righteousness from the God of his salvation" (Psalms 24:1-5).

"Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all things under his feet" (Psalms 8:6).
2
God created the earth and all that it contains. All things belong to Him. Humans are taking care of God's earth, which causes many to forget that their possessions actually belong to the Lord. We are called to be good stewards.




Why Should Tithe Be Paid?

1
"Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings" (Malachi 3:8).
1
As the commandment teaches "Thou shalt not steal", most understand the detestable nature of taking from another that which does not belong to them. This verse reveals a larger scope of what stealing can really involve. Not only is it unwise to think that something belongs to you that really doesn't (the earth is the Lord's), it is even worse to know that something is God's and to keep it from Him.




Tithe Supports Workers

1
"And at that time were some appointed over the chambers for the treasures, for the offerings, for the firstfruits, and for the tithes, to gather into them out of the fields of the cities the portions of the law for the priests and Levites: for Judah rejoiced for the priests and for the Levites that waited" (Nehemiah 12:44).
1
It is a wonderful thing for a person to dedicate their life to the Lord in serving other people. Contemplate the worth of people who study all week to provide you with an inspiring worship service at church, or who travel across the oceans to bring the gospel to other people. One who desires to see the soon return of Jesus and understands the importance of spreading the gospel, will appreciate and support those who are doing that very work.
2
"The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels [messengers] of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches" (Revelation 1:20).
2
Jesus is pictured in prophecy as standing among the seven lampstands (churches), pouring oil (Holy Spirit) into them so that they are a light to the world. As He does this He holds 7 stars in His hand. These stars are the messengers (angel means messenger) of the churches, the pastors, evangelists, etc. who Jesus uses to give messages to His people. He is pictured as especially holding up, protecting and guiding these dedicated workers.




Tithe Supports the Church

1
"For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!" (Romans 10:13-15)
1
Christ commands His followers to go spread the gospel, baptize and teach others His words. The Holy Spirit can reach everyone, no matter where they live or what their circumstances, and convict their conscience and transform their character. But, in order to live the kind of joyful and abundant life God has in mind for His followers, and to build up a church body that can accomplish so much more by working together in unity, God wants people to know Jesus Christ by name and understand His teachings. He accomplishes this through His church (Eph. 4:11-16).
2
"And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine..." (Ephesians 4:11-16).
2
An organized church (Christ's body) working together (like an eye, hand, leg, etc.) under Christ's direct leadership, will accomplish Christ's goals. He has chosen the church as His method of working in the world, and even though people in the church are imperfect, cooperation and support of it is ordained by God. A regular system of financial support is part of the function of each member of the body, making great movement and far-reaching actions possible.




What Should Accompany Tithing?

1
"Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe 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" (Matthew 23:23).

"And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God" (Romans 12:2).
1
Carefully obeying God's commands to pay tithes and offerings is important and should not be left undone. However, it is important to respond to all of God's love, which results in letting go of selfishness and walking in a new direction where God changes the heart and transforms the character. Following the letter of the law without the spirit of the law is not what God desires. God has always taught larger principles, such as mercy, fairness and kindness, that when nurtured and cherished in the life, will naturally result in details like tithing being faithfully and gratefully performed. God starts on the inside and works out. He is concerned with our minds and motives (see also Luke 18:9-14).
2
"Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver" (2 Corinthians 9:7).
2
A grateful, positive attitude and a sincere desire to give back to God should accompany every tithe and offering.




Your Greatest Offering

1
"Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour (Ephesians 5:1-2).
1
Christ offered Himself to God to save us from eternal death. This example stands before us as what one is willing to give when they love another.
2
"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service" (Romans 12:1).

"The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise" (Psalms 51:17).
2
Our greatest offering to God is to devote our entire being to Him, taking care of our bodies and minds, allowing God to transform our character, and doing everything we do to God's glory (1 Cor. 10:31).
First and foremost, God wants us to give Him our heart.




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