130 likes | 325 Views
Malachi 3:8 “Will a man rob God? Yet you are robbing Me! But you say, ‘How have we robbed Thee?’ In tithes and offerings .” Question : Are we robbing God if we don’t pay tithes?. Tithes & Offerings I. The Practice of Tithing before the Law of Moses
E N D
Malachi 3:8 “Will a man rob God? Yet you are robbing Me! But you say, ‘How have we robbed Thee?’ In tithes and offerings.” Question: Are we robbing God if we don’t pay tithes?
Tithes & Offerings I. The Practice of Tithing beforethe Law of Moses 1) Abraham gave a tenth (tithe) to Melchizadek – king of Salem and a Priest of the Most High God (Gen.14:17-20) 2) Jacob promised to give a tenth (tithe) to God (Gen. 28:20-22) • Both tithes were one time events. • Both were done without a commandment. • The practice existed in the ancient world.
Tithes & Offerings II. The Practice of Tithing inthe Law of Moses 1) The Levitical Tithe (Num. 18:21,24; Lev. 27:30-33) • The tithe is given for the maintenance of the tribe of Levi. • The Levites were not allowed to own land for production. • They were called to a priestly role. The tithe was their inheritance. 2) The Festival Tithe (Deut. 14:22-27) • The people were commanded to tithe from all the produce of their land once a year. • This tithe supported the Levite and the Lord’s feasts.
Tithes & Offerings II. The Practice of Tithing inthe Law of Moses 3) The Poor Tithe (Deut. 14:2-29) • This tithe was given every third year. • The tithe supported the Levite, the alien, the orphan, & the widow.
Tithes & Offerings II. The Practice of Tithing inthe Law of Moses Two Possibilities 1) The Law of Moses Taught Three Tithes 1. Annual Tithe – To the Levites (Num. 18:21-24; Deut. 14:27) 2. Annual Tithe – Feasts & Sacrifices (Deut. 14:22-27) 3. Every 3rd Year Tithe – For the Poor (Deut. 14:28-29) • These three tithes would work out to an annual giving rate of 23.3%
Tithes & Offerings II. The Practice of Tithing inthe Law of Moses Two Possibilities 2) The Law of Moses Taught One Tithe 1. Years 1, 2, 4, & 5 the tithe would be used for the festival of all the Israelites. The remainder would be given to the Levites. 2. Years 3 & 6 the tithe would be given to both the Levites & the Poor. 3. Year 7 the land would lie fallow. It was a Sabbath year. Thus, with no produce there would likely be no tithes.
Tithes & Offerings III. Tithing & the New Testament (Only Three References) 1) Matt. 23 :23 • Jesus rebukes the Pharisees because they tithe, but neglect the weightier provisions of the law. • In its context, Jesus states, “The scribes and the Pharisees have seated themselves in the chair of Moses.” (23:2) • That is, they have assumed the role of teacher & enforcer of the Law of Moses. Hence, they should practice the tithe.
Tithes & Offerings III. Tithing & the New Testament (Only Three References) 2) Luke 18:10-14 • The story of the Pharisee who prides himself in keeping the Law of Moses. • Pharisees, under the Old Covenant & the Law of Moses should tithe.
Tithes & Offerings III. Tithing & the New Testament (Only Three References) 3) Hebrews 6:19-8:2 • The Melchizadek Priesthood makes the Levitical Priesthood obsolete (11-12) • The Law of Moses is fulfilled in Christ & made obsolete (7:12, 16) • The Law of Moses appoints men as High Priests (7:28) • The Word of an Oath (coming after the Law) appoints a Son (made perfect forever) (7:28)
Tithes & Offerings IV. The Meaning of Malachi 3:8 1) Tithes: • Malachi is either referencing three tithes or one tithe designed for three purposes. • In either case, the tithe does not refer to money, but to produce; either grain, livestock, or oil. 2) Offerings: • Refers to at least Five Offerings in the Law of Moses • Sin Offering (Lev.4); Trespass Offering (Lev. 5:14-6:7); • Burnt Offering (Lev. 1:1-17; 6:8-13) • Peace Offering (Lev. 3:1-17); Meal Offering (Lev. 2:1-16)
Are we robbing God if we don’t pay tithes? NO! But if we aren’t practicing New Testament giving, we may be robbing ourselves!