Definition

The tithe is 10% of our total income given to God faithfully.

Scripture Reading

Leviticus 27:30-34, “30 A tithe of everything from the land, whether grain from the soil or fruit from the trees, belongs to the Lord; it is holy to the Lord. 31 Whoever would redeem any of their tithe must add a fifth of the value to it. 32 Every tithe of the herd and flock—every tenth animal that passes under the shepherd’s rod—will be holy to the Lord. 33 No one may pick out the good from the bad or make any substitution. If anyone does make a substitution, both the animal and its substitute become holy and cannot be redeemed.’” 34 These are the commands the Lord gave Moses at Mount Sinai for the Israelites.”

Main Points

  1. THE TITHE REPRESENTS OUR BEST: The people of Israel received strict instructions regarding tithing.  They were to give God their best both in agricultural and livestock, v. 33.
  2. THE TITHE WAS COMMANDED IN THE LAW OF MOSES: The instructions that Moses was given were God’s commands, not just His suggestions, v. 34.

Summary

Just as God commanded the Israelites to give a tenth of their best livestock and vegetation in the Old Covenant, we in the New Covenant should give God 10% of our best income.

Application

  1. Understand that tithing is not just a suggestion, but it is a command from God.
  2. Don’t pick and choose when and how you give to God, always give God your best 10%.

Confession

The tithe was “implied” with Cain and Abel; “revealed” to Abraham, “established” in the Law of Moses, and is still “relevant” for today.  It comes with a “blessing and curse,” it must be “qualitative,” a “priority,” and a “faithful” practice in our lives. The tithe “advances” the Kingdom of God, tests our “maturity,” breaks the attitude of greed through “obedience,” is “mandated” for all, and brings us into “partnership” with God and His Church.