Is Tithing For Today?

The Principle of the Tithe, Part ½ 

Genesis 28:22 | Pastor-Teacher Scott E. Slaughter

Tithing is the first step of Grace Giving. It was the first method used by God to teach His people stewardship. It was the first method God used to finance His Kingdom work among men. It was and is the elemental principle of giving. If the principle of tithing is not settled in your heart and life you will never move beyond it. Talk of Grace Giving can fill the airwaves but unless God’s people solidify their belief in tithing they will never move beyond its essential concepts. For the sake of space, I am not quoting the Scripture passages. Please reference each one in your copy of God’s Word. 

Origin Of Tithing

Genesis 14:20; 28:22

Giving the tenth portion of one’s income and/or harvest predated the Mosaic Law by over 400 years. Before tithing was canonized in the Law of Moses, it was voluntary. We must remember that tithing was meant to signify a person’s recognition of God’s provision and blessings for life. The bottom line, as they say, is tithing is an issue of priority not amount.

What is Tithing?

The word “to tithe” means “a tenth.” It indicates the religious act of worship by which the believer gives 10% of his increase, i.e., income to God through the appointed overseers of His Worship. ( see: 1 Samuel 8:15,17). One’s tithe is to be given from the “first fruits” of income/harvest, not from what is left after all else has been given their portion. Again, tithing is an act of worship; therefore, one’s dedication to God and His Kingdom should precede the obligations to the kingdoms of men. This was Our Lord’s point when He spoke of  “rendering to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and God what belongs to God.” 

Helpful cross-references: Leviticus 23:10-14; Numbers 18:12; Exodus 22:29; Ezekiel 48:14; Proverbs 3:9

When we joyfully give the tithe, we acknowledge God as our ultimate Provider, our Source, the One who meets all our needs, to be first in our lives. He is Jehovah Jireh, “The LORD our Provider!” 

God’s View of Tithing

Tithing is God’s foundational method for financing His work on earth (Genesis 14 & 20). Objection #1: Why does God ask for my money; doesn’t He own everything? Answered: Yes, God owns everything and that is the point of tithing – to recognize God’s ownership and provision.

Objection #2: Can God not provide for His work in other ways besides my giving? Answered: Yes, God can provide for His kingdom work in all kinds of ways (and He does so) but He has chosen to use the tithes and offerings of His people.

In the next issue of The Coggins Courier, we will finish this little study by answering more important questions about the blessings of giving back to God.

Love you all in Christ, 

Pastor Scott