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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.”
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LESSON #12 – Tithing Key Text – Deuteronomy 8:18
LESSON # 12TITHING • 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.” • PRAYER:
REVIEW: • Last week we saw that God was particular about what we eat and drink as well as how we treat our bodies.
INTRODUCTION: • 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 that the earth and everything in it belong to the Lord.
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 storehouse – His church..
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 work.
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.