2. KEY TEXT: DEUTERONOMY 8:18 – “But thou shalt remember the LORD thy God: for [it is] he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as [it is] this day.” PRAYER:

3. Last week we saw that God was particular about what we eat and drink as well as how we treat our bodies.

4. This week we shall see that God is also particular about how we use our possessions. Our first text is Deuteronomy 8:18. POINTS TO EMPHASIZE: God gives us the power to get wealth. This is quite logical; in Psalms 24: 1 it says that the earth and everything in it belong to the Lord.

5. POINTS TO EMPHASIZE: A person can rob God not only of tithes but also of offerings. By robbing God, we break the eight Commandment which says, “Thou shalt not steal”. As a result, we live under His curse. The tithe should be brought into God’s storehouse – His church..

6. POINTS TO EMPHASIZE: If we return to the Lord His tithes and give offerings as we are able, we have God’s promise that we shall receive more than we are able to use. As a further promise, He will protect us as well as our possessions.

7. POINTS TO EMPHASIZE: Here, a “Tithe” is defined as one tenth of our possession. Everything in our possession is to be tithed, whether it be seed, fruit, herd, flock or money. In other words, we are to tithe that which is an increase to our possessions.

8. POINTS TO EMPHASIZE: – Those who work as servants of God about the tabernacle, or church, are to have no inheritance. – The tithe is to be used for their support.

9. POINTS TO EMPHASIZE: Those who work in the temple should be paid by the temple. Those who preach the gospel – ministers, should live by the gospel. The tithes are for the purpose of supporting the ministry.

10. POINTS TO EMPHASIZE: – Of our increase-that on which tithe should be calculated-we are to return to God His portion first. – If we do this, verse 10 says we will have plenty left over with which to work.

11. POINTS TO EMPHASIZE Jesus here teaches that it is important to return a tithe, even on little things. However, in doing so we must not forget other just-as-important things, the law, judgment, mercy, and faith. Thus, religion is a complete way of life, a balance. Nothing is missing.

12. POINTS TO EMPHASIZE: If we seek the kingdom of God and His righteousness first, then He will supply other things he sees we are in need of. We will be rewarded, not only in this world, but in the world to come.

13. May we put God first in our lives so that He can pour out upon us the blessings that each of us need.

14. Thank God for giving us the power to get wealth. Pray that we may always return to Him the tithe and offerings so that we do not rob Him and thus deprive ourselves of His blessing. Remember the family’s needs.