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Proverbs 3:9, 10; Malachi 3:8; II Corinthians 9:7, 8; 8:24; Luke 6:38; Acts 4:32-35; Malachi 3:8-12; Galatians 6:7; Ephesians 4:28; Romans 12:1; [I Corinthians 16:2; Luke 21:1-4; II Corinthians 9:10]

When God is sovereign, we allow Him to have rule over all areas of our lives. One of the ways we demonstrate this attitude is in giving. First we must understand the law of receiving, giving and receiving. It is a law similar to gravity which works every time. God is the giver of all good things. Everything we have comes from God. He directs us in the Scriptures to give back of our firstfruits or tithe. In so doing, we will receive back from God. That is why the law is called "Receiving, Giving and Receiving."

Tithe means "tenth." God’s instruction is to tithe of the firstfruits of our increase. When we do so, we express God’s sovereignty in our lives. By giving back a small portion of all He has given us, we acknowledge He is our provider and sufficiency. Sometimes, our logic tells us we cannot "afford to tithe." This thinking makes us believe we have to rely upon ourselves for everything, denying God the opportunity to fully take care of our needs. God says in Malachi that when we withhold the tithe, we are robbing Him. How do we rob Him? Because we take away His ability to bless us freely. Tithes and offerings are for OUR benefit, not God’s. He does not need anything.

Giving of our firstfruits is a proof of our love and trust for God. We are not to give grudgingly or of necessity. God loves a cheerful giver. It should give us great joy to honor God by doing His will in tithing. The benefit to us is we will receive back more than we could ever give. No one can outgive God.

In addition to giving of our money, we should also give of our time and talents. When we do, God blesses us abundantly. We allow Him to open the windows of heaven and pour out blessings upon our lives. God can do so much for us when we obey His Word. In Malachi, He asks us to prove Him. He wants us to allow Him the opportunity to show what He can do to bless our lives.

In light of the tithe, we should consider the following:

Who? We, the believer’s, God’s children
What? At least 10% of of our firstfruits
Where? Acts 4 says the believers brought their tithes and offerings to the apostles who distributed them as they saw need. You should tithe where you believe it will be stewarded in the mostly godly manner and be a blessing to God’s people.
When? According to I Corinthians 16:2 — "Upon the first day of the week"
Why? Because it is God’s will. Also, in doing so, we receive His abundant blessings.


#243 Honor The Lord -- Tithes and Offerings -- August 19, 2001 ©2001 / Steven A. Michels 69:40 minutes
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"Honor The Lord -- Tithes and Offerings"- Rev. Steve Michels Proverbs 3:9, 10; Malachi 3:8; II Corinthians 9:7, 8; 8:24; Luke 6:38; Acts 4:32-35; Malachi 3:8-12; Galatians 6:7; Ephesians 4:28; Romans 12:1; [I Corinthians 16:2; Luke 21:1-4; II Corinthians 9:10] When God is sovereign, we allow Him to have rule over all areas of our lives. One of the ways we demonstrate this attitude is in giving. First we must understand the law of receiving, giving and receiving. It is a law similar to gravity which works every time. God is the giver of all good things. Everything we have comes from God. He directs us in the Scriptures to give back of our firstfruits or tithe. In so doing, we will receive back from God. That is why the law is called "Receiving, Giving and Receiving." Tithe means "tenth." God’s instruction is to tithe of the firstfruits of our increase. When we do so, we express God’s sovereignty in our lives. By giving back a small portion of all He has given us, we acknowledge He is our provider and sufficiency. Sometimes, our logic tells us we cannot "afford to tithe." This thinking makes us believe we have to rely upon ourselves for everything, denying God the opportunity to fully take care of our needs. God says in Malachi that when we withhold the tithe, we are robbing Him. How do we rob Him? Because we take away His ability to bless us freely. Tithes and offerings are for OUR benefit, not God’s. He does not need anything. Giving of our firstfruits is a proof of our love and trust for God. We are not to give grudgingly or of necessity. God loves a cheerful giver. It should give us great joy to honor God by doing His will in tithing. The benefit to us is we will receive back more than we could ever give. No one can outgive God. In addition to giving of our money, we should also give of our time and talents. When we do, God blesses us abundantly. We allow Him to open the windows of heaven and pour out blessings upon our lives. God can do so much for us when we obey His Word. In Malachi, He asks us to prove Him. He wants us to allow Him the opportunity to show what He can do to bless our lives. In light of the tithe, we should consider the following: Who? We, the believer’s, God’s children What? At least 10% of of our firstfruits Where? Acts 4 says the believers brought their tithes and offerings to the apostles who distributed them as they saw need. You should tithe where you believe it will be stewarded in the mostly godly manner and be a blessing to God’s people. When? According to I Corinthians 16:2 — "Upon the first day of the week" Why? Because it is God’s will. Also, in doing so, we receive His abundant blessings.