Tithing: Part 1

“Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need.” Malachi 3:10 ESV 

The tithe means first tenth; it’s a tenth of the produce of the earth or increase which is consecrated and set apart to God for His house so that there is supply to carry out His work. In principle the church is the storehouse in the New Testament (1 Corinthians 16:1-2, 2 Corinthians chapters 8 and 9, Hebrews 7).

The debate among Christians to tithe or not to tithe seems to be an ongoing discussion in the church. Although we are not obligated to the tithe as a legalistic law it must be observed as a principle of honoring God with our first fruits. God’s Word must be considered in light of Biblical principle rather than a list of do’s and don’ts.

The reason to tithe is a matter of obedience to a principle of the spiritual law of sowing and reaping. I have witnessed the outpouring of God’s blessing and fulfillment of this promise my own life and household for over 34 years of consistently practicing it. The Lord accuses the people of robbing from Him for failure to tithe; what a serious indictment against His people. “Will man rob God? Yet you are robbing me. But you say, ‘How have we robbed you?’ In your tithes and contributions.” Malachi 3:8 ESV. Let’s commit to honor God with our tithes and contributions and no longer rob from Him. When we withhold the tithe we are actually robbing from ourselves the blessing He desires to give us. 

TODAY’S PRAYER 

Heavenly Father, thank you that every instruction from your word is intended for our good and well-being because you have our best interests at heart. Give us a revelation of the tithe so we can wholeheartedly live by and practice this principle of obedience to your Word.

God Bless,

Pastor Matt