THE IMPACT OF TITHING Lesson 8 for February 24, 2018

Tithing is an expression of our faith and trust in God. When we return the tithe, we show that we are stewards instead of owners of God’s blessings. It’s important for us to know what tithing is, its purpose and how should it be used. What is the tithe used for? Does tithing benefit me? Who receives the tithes? Where should I give my tithe? Does tithing contribute to my salvation?

WHAT IS THE TITHE USED FOR? “And He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.’” (Mark 16:15) Economic resources are needed to fulfill the great commission Jesus assigned to His church. Since Abraham times–and probably before that–, tithing was God’s system to help the ministers work full time to spread the Gospel (1Co. 9:14). Why does God emphasize that we must bring “ALL the tithes” to the Temple (Malachi 3:10)? Every tithe is important. Financing the work is not a task for only some people. Both poor and rich people must be part of the Gospel work in a proportional way.

DOES TITHING BENEFIT ME? “‘Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,’ says the Lord Almighty, ‘and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.’” (Malachi 3:10 NIV) The blessings God has promised are not only material ones. God showers us with great spiritual blessings too (Ephesians 1:3): Joy, peace, the certainty of our salvation... Why does God want to bless us (Matthew 10:8)? The main reason we are blesses is that we may share those blessings with others. “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” (Acts 20:35)

WHO RECEIVES THE TITHES? “Do you not know that those who minister the holy things eat of the things of the temple, and those who serve at the altar partake of the offerings of the altar? Even so the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should live from the gospel.” (1 Corinthians 9:13-14) In the Old Testament times, the Levites received the tithes of the Israelites. Those tithes provided for them while they were looking after the people’s spiritual needs. The Levites also gave the tithe of the tithes to provide for the priests (Numbers 18:26). The apostle Paul used the same principle for those working in preaching the Gospel. Thanks to tithing, pastors and those working for the church can work full-time in advancing the work of the Gospel.

WHERE SHOULD I GIVE MY TITHE? “A priest descended from Aaron is to accompany the Levites when they receive the tithes, and the Levites are to bring a tenth of the tithes up to the house of our God, to the storerooms of the treasury. The people of Israel, including the Levites, are to bring their contributions of grain, new wine and olive oil to the storerooms, where the articles for the sanctuary and for the ministering priests, the gatekeepers and the musicians are also kept. ‘We will not neglect the house of our God.’” (Nehemiah 10:38-39 NIV) Tithes were gathered together and distributed according to the needs of the Levites, the priests, the gatekeepers and the singers. How can we apply that principle to today’s church? We must give our tithes to the local church treasury. Then, they are distributed to the Association, Union or Mission so the workers in that area can be paid. The tithe of the tithes is sent to the Divisions and the General Association for the same purpose. General Association Division Association / Union / Mission Local church

DOES TITHING CONTRIBUTE TO MY SALVATION? “Therefore no one will be declared righteous in God’s sight by the works of the law…” (Romans 3:20 NIV) Tithing and all our other duties cannot make us worthy of salvation. “So likewise you, when you have done all those things which you are commanded, say, ‘We are unprofitable servants. We have done what was our duty to do.’” (Luke 17:10). Salvation is an undeserved gift we receive by faith. Tithing doesn’t save us or contribute in any way to our salvation. Tithing is a manifestation of our faith.

“God’s plan in the tithing system is beautiful in its simplicity and equality.... All may feel that they can act a part in carrying forward the precious work of salvation. Every man, woman, and youth may become a treasurer for the Lord and may be an agent to meet the demands upon the treasury. Says the apostle: ‘Let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him.’ 1 Corinthians 16:2. Let each regularly examine his income, which is all a blessing from God, and set apart the tithe as a separate fund, to be sacredly the Lord’s. This fund should not in any case be devoted to any other use; it is to be devoted solely to support the ministry of the gospel.” E.G.W. (The Faith I Live By, August 26)