The Biblical Teachings on Tithing: A Divine Ordinance and Blessing

The Bible beautifully teaches that tithing is a sacred and divine arrangement from God, intended to sustain His work and bless His people. It is a fundamental principle for those who desire to honor Him with their substance.

Here is what the Bible reveals about tithing:

A Divine and Ancient Ordinance

Tithing is not a request of man, but a direct ordinance from God, established for the support and continuation of His work in the world. Its practice dates back to ancient times, even before the giving of the law at Sinai:

• Abraham, the father of faith, gave a tenth of all to Melchizedek, the priest of the Most High God, demonstrating a recognition of God's proprietorship Genesis 14:18-20+1.

• Jacob likewise vowed to give a tenth to God if He would be with him and provide for him Genesis 28:20-22.

This system is divine in its origin and combines simplicity with utility, making it accessible for everyone to participate in the precious work of salvation.

The Purpose of the First Tithe

God has a specific plan for the use of the tithe, primarily for the support of His ministry:

• Sustaining the Priesthood: In ancient Israel, God explicitly stated, "I have given the children of Levi all the tenth in Israel for an inheritance, for their service which they serve, even the service of the tabernacle of the congregation" Numbers 18:21. This principle continues, ensuring that those who proclaim the message of truth are sustained in their sacred work.

• Filling the Storehouse: The Lord commands, "Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house" Malachi 3:10. This "storehouse" is the designated place for tithes to be gathered and used according to God's arrangement, to ensure the means are available for the gospel ministry in all fields. The tithe money must be kept sacred and is not to be diverted for other purposes, even those that seem good, as this would cripple God's work.

The Second Tithe for Feasts and Charity

Beyond the first tithe, the Bible also reveals a "second tithe," which served different, yet equally important, purposes:

• Religious Feasts and Fellowship: God commanded, "Thou shalt eat before the LORD thy God, in the place which he shall choose to place his name there, the tithe of thy corn, of thy wine, and of thine oil, and the firstborn of thy herds and of thy flocks; that thou mayest learn to fear the LORD thy God always" Deuteronomy 14:23. This practice provided for thank offerings and feasts at yearly festivals, drawing people together for instruction and encouragement in God's service Deuteronomy 16:11-14.

• Support for the Needy: Every third year, this second tithe was used at home to entertain the Levite, the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow, ensuring they could "eat within thy gates, and be filled" Deuteronomy 14:28-29, 26:12. This special provision created a fund for charity and hospitality, demonstrating God's care for all members of society.

The Blessings of Faithfulness and the Consequences of Withholding

God clearly outlines the spiritual and temporal results of our faithfulness in tithing:

• Abundant Blessings: The Lord challenges us to "prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it" Malachi 3:10. He also promises to "rebuke the devourer for your sakes" Malachi 3:11, and that "all nations shall call you blessed" Malachi 3:12. Honoring the Lord with your substance and the first fruits of all your increase ensures that your "barns be filled with plenty" Proverbs 3:9-10.

• Robbing God: Conversely, withholding tithes and offerings is seen as robbing God, leading to a curse: "Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings. Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation" Malachi 3:8-9. This highlights the serious nature of this duty and God's desire for our honest dealing with Him.

A Heartfelt and Systematic Practice

Tithing is a reflection of our love for God and our commitment to His kingdom:

• First and Foremost: God claims the tithe as His own and instructs us to set it apart first, not as a remnant after personal expenditures Proverbs 3:9.

• Systematic Giving: We are encouraged to lay by in store systematically, "On the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God has prospered him" 1 Corinthians 16:2.

• Self-Denial and Consecration: Tithing, along with offerings, calls for self-denial and consecration. It reveals the true state of the heart and helps overcome selfishness, covetousness, and love of ease. It is a demonstration that we are truly subjects of Christ's kingdom, acknowledging Him as the proprietor of all we possess.

In essence, the Bible presents tithing not as a burden, but as a privilege and a divine method for us to participate in God's great plan for humanity, ensuring His work is sustained and allowing us to experience His promised blessings.