Why Should I Tithe?

As a pastor, I am often asked about tithing.  Is it important?  Is it necessary?  What does it mean?  These questions and many others often arise over this area of money and the church.  For some, there is a misconception about the church simply being takers or just after people's money.  That couldn't be further from the truth.  I am not going to try and rewrite an opinion or dialogue or debate the topic.  However, what I am offering here is a simple teaching outline I generally use in any setting to outline the importance of tithes and offerings unto the Lord.  I welcome any feedback or thoughts.

Rodney

The Habit of Tithing/Giving Offerings:

On every Lord’s Day each of you should put aside something from what you have earned during the week and use for this offering.  The amount depends on how much the Lord has helped you earn. (1 Corinthians 16:2[LB])

But just as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness . . .—see that you also excel in the grace of giving. (2 Corinthians 8:7)

*A “tithe” is giving the first part of my income (10% of the gross).

*An “offering” is anything I give in addition to my tithe.

Five Benefits to Giving

1.   Giving makes me like God.

. . .God so loved the world that he gave his only Son…(John 3:16)

2.   Giving draws me closer to God.

. . .For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (Matthew 6:21)

3.   Giving is the main ingredient to true wealth.

Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.  Command them . . . to be generous and willing to share.  In this way . . . they may take hold of the life that is truly life. (1 Timothy 6:17-19)

4.   Giving is an investment in eternity.

…Give happily to those in need, always being ready to share with others whatever God has given [you].  By doing this, [you] will be storing up real

treasure for yourselves in heaven—it is the only safe investment for eternity! (1 Timothy 6:18-19 [LB]).

5.   Giving blesses the giver.

A generous man will himself be blessed. (Proverbs 22:9)

A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed. (Proverbs 11:25)

Give, and it will be given to you . . .  For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. (Luke 6:38)

Why Should I Tithe?

1.   Tithing demonstrates that God has top priority in your life.

The purpose of tithing is to teach you to always put God in first place in your life. (Deuteronomy 14:23 [LB])

2.   Tithing is a reminder to you that your money/wealth was given to you by God.

But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth. (Deuteronomy 8:18)

3.   Tithing expresses my thanks to God.

Each of you must bring a gift in proportion to the way the Lord your God has blessed you. (Deuteronomy 16:17)

4.   God tells us that not tithing is robbing Him.

Will a man rob God?  Yet you are robbing me!  But you say, How have we robbed you?  In tithes and offerings. … Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse. (Malachi 3:8-10)

5.   Tithing gives God the opportunity to prove He wants to bless you

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 you will not have room enough for it. (Malachi 3:10)

THE ATTITUDE OF GIVING

1.   Give willingly (2 Corinthians 8:12)

2.   Give cheerfully (2 Corinthians 9:7)

3.   Give sacrificially (2 Corinthians 8:3-4)

4.   Give generously (2 Corinthians 9:6)