Tithing Responsibilities: The Church Storehouse vs. Ministries

The tithe is sacred and reserved by God specifically for the support of the gospel ministry, and it must be brought into His storehouse treasuryLDE 78.3+1. While there are many worthy lines of work, the tithe is not to be diverted to other purposes, as it is the appointed means for sustaining those who preach the word12LtMs, Lt 81, 1897, par. 1+1.

The Purpose of the Tithe

The Lord has set apart the tithe as His own to ensure that the work of the ministry is never hindered or left without supportCS 102.4+1.

• Support of the Ministry: The primary and essential use of the tithe is to sustain gospel laborers and provide wages for those who give themselves to the work of the ministryLDE 78.3+2.

• Meat in His House: Bringing the full tithe into the storehouse ensures there is "meat" in the Lord's house, allowing the work to advance both at home and in foreign fields Malachi 3:101MR 184.2+1.

• Prohibition of Misuse: The tithe should not be used for incidental church expenses, school buildings, or general charity, as these needs should be met through the gifts and offerings of the membersPaM 244.3+2.

The Storehouse and Local Church

Individual members have a responsibility to see that their tithes reach the treasury through the established church organizationTM 305.1+1.

• Faithfulness in the Local Church: Every member should be instructed to return a faithful tithe to the treasury, acknowledging their accountability to God6T 447.1+1.

• Role of Church Officers: Elders and deacons are responsible for ensuring that a faithful tithe is brought into the treasury to support the workTM 305.1+1.

• United Support: When churches are raised up, they bring in tithes that help the cause become self-sustaining and unify the work across different fields14LtMs, Lt 216, 1899, par. 12+1.

Distinguishing Between Tithes and Offerings

While the tithe has a specific restricted use, God also calls for voluntary gifts and offerings to support other vital ministries 😇.

• Gifts and Offerings: These are to be used for "other lines of work," such as supporting the poor, medical missionary efforts, church expenses, and building projectsCS 102.4+2.

• Specific Appeals: At times, special offerings are requested for specific needs, such as the work among the Jewish people or colored work in the South9MR 18.2+2.

• The Second Tithe: In some instances, a "second tithe" was used for purposes like supporting church schools, but this remained distinct from the primary tithe used for the ministry7MR 138.2+1.

The Blessing of Obedience

God promises a rich blessing to those who honor Him by being honest in their tithes and liberal in their offerings12LtMs, Lt 81, 1897, par. 1+1.

• Opening Heaven's Windows: The Lord invites His people to prove Him by bringing the tithes into the storehouse, promising a blessing so large there will not be room enough to receive it Malachi 3:101MR 184.2+1.

• Spiritual Prosperity: Faithful stewardship is a condition of prosperity and prevents the "devourer" from destroying the fruits of one's labor Malachi 3:11TM 305.1+1.

• Avoiding Loss: Withholding the tithe is regarded as robbing God and results in a loss of heavenly treasure and spiritual power Malachi 3:8CS 102.4+2.

In summary, you should return your tithe to the Lord's treasury through the church to support the ministry, while using your additional gifts and offerings to support the various other ministries and necessities of the cause1MR 184.2+2.