Proverbs 3:9-10 Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.
‘Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase.’ Tithing is a Biblical doctrine that must still be adhered to. [1] Before the Law of Moses: It was practised 430 years before the law (Gen. 14:20; 28:22; Heb. 7:1-11). [2] Tithing under the Law of Moses: He commanded it (Lev. 27:30; Mal. 3:10). It had five purposes: (1) For Levites (Num. 18:21-24); (2) Tithes of tithes for priests (Num. 18:26; Neh. 10:37; 12:44); (3) Tithes of tithes every three years for the poor and the ministers (Deut. 14:27-29; 26:12-14); (4) To supply God’s house (Mal. 3:10); (5) To honour God (Pro. 3:9-10). It was brought: yearly, along with all other offerings for the feast (Deut. 12:6-7; 14:22-26). It belonged to God, not the people who paid them (Lev. 27:30-34; Mal. 3:8). [3] Tithing in the New Testament: Christ taught it (Matt. 23:23; Luk. 11:42; cp. Matt. 5:20 with Luke 18:11-12; see Matt. 10:10; Luke 10:7-8). This was teaching for the kingdom of heaven (Matt. 11:11-14; Luke 16:16). Paul Taught It: (1) Condemned sacrilege (Rom. 2:22), or robbing temples (Mal. 3:8-10) and using holy things (Lev. 27:1-34). (2) Teachers to be paid (Gal. 6:6). (3) God ordained the support of ministers (1Cor. 9:7-14; 1Tim. 6:17-18). (4) Christians to give as God prospers them (1Cor. 16:2). (5) Melchisedec priesthood is eternal and must be supported by the children of Abraham (Heb. 6:20; 7:1-11, 17, 21). (6) Children of Abraham in faith must walk in his steps (Rom. 4:12; Heb. 7:1-28). (7) Tithing is proof of obedience and appreciation of God’s blessings (Rom. 4:12; Heb. 7:6-10; 1Cor. 9:7-14; 1Tim. 6:17-18; cp. Mal. 3:8-10; Pro. 3:9-10; Gen. 14:20; Deut. 8:10-20).
To be continued…
Living the Word 