Many Christian people today are robbing God. Many think they are tithing when actually they are not. Some think giving to this and to that, just so it is a good cause, can be considered as tithing. Others give outside their church for business reasons (hoping to find favor with a few people.) Let us see what the Scriptures say about the tithe:

       1. What is a tithe?

It is the tenth of one's income. It is associated in the Bible with the “First Fruits,” which were holy unto the Lord (Ex. 23:19). “All the tithe of the land is the Lord's (Lev. 27:30). It is the rent which we owe to the Lord for the use of all material substances which we hold as His stewards.

2.      When was the tithe instituted?

The first reference to the tithe in the Bible is in Genesis 14:20 where Abraham paid tithes to Melchisedec, King of Salem and Priest of the Most High God. The second reference is found in Genesis 28:22, where Jacob vowed the tithe to Jehovah. It was an established practice by many heathen nations before the time of Abraham, as secular history originally a Mosaic law, for Abraham gave tithes five hundred years before the written law was given to Moses.

3.      Who should pay tithes?

Every saint and sinner alike (Mal. 3:9), “Ye are cursed with a curse; for you have robbed me, even this whole nation.”

4.      Where should we bring our tithes?

Into the house of God. The place here God's people come together for worship. The church is God's house today *(1 Tim. 3:15; Heb. 3:6; 1 Pet. 2:5) “Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse” (Mal. 3:10).

5.      Have we the right to withhold a portion of our tithes for priests or charitable purposes?

“Bring ye all the tithe.” If one's tithes are diverted for private or charitable purposes, such as fraternal organizations, community chests, Salvation Army, etc., we are “robbing God, and His house goes unsupported.

6.      Is the tithe binding on us today?

Beyond a doubt. We acknowledge God's rightful sovereignty over us when we tithe to His house of which Christ is Head. 

7.      Did Jesus approve the tithe?

Yes! “Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done and to leave the other undone” (Mt. 23:23).

8.      What other New Testament passages teach tithing?

Hebrews 7:21 says: “Thou (Christ) are a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.” What kind of a priest was Melchisedec? He was a tithe-receiving priest. “And he (Abraham) gave him (Melchisedec) tithes of all.” Certainly Christ is a tithe receiving priest also (Heb. 3:6, 10:21).

9.      What blessing does God promise those who pay the tithe?

He will “Open you the windows of heaven, and pour out a blessing that there shall not be room enough to receive it” (Mal. 3:10). “And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes: (Mal. 3:11).

10.   What does He promise those who fail to pay the tithe?

Although not stated directly in this passage, it is implied. He promises just the opposite. This may be the answer to the epidemic, pestilences, famines, and personal difficulties, etc., in this and other lands. God will curse those who own not His sovereignty over them

In Conclusion

1.      The tithe has scriptural authority.

It is clearly taught in the Word of God, which is more than we can say of many methods of church finance.

2.      It is fair and business-like.

No one can claim that God is a hard landlord when he a

asks only one-tenth as His share. Then the giving of a definite amount puts the whole matter of giving upon a systematic and dependable basis.

3.      Tithing removes the reproach that attends many of the methods used to raise money.

We must always apologize for bazaars, supper, fairs and kindred forms of raising money, whose appeal is to selfish or worldly motives.

     4. Tithing will lift churches out of the attitude of a beggar.

We will stop talking about begging for the church, and the cause of God will be financed honorably and free from the stain of mendicancy.

     5. Tithing removes the necessity for spasmodic efforts and for high-pressure collections.

We have been doing much of our giving under the stress of dire necessity and under the influence of frenzied appeals. The tithe would keep the treasury of the Lord with ample funds all the while.

7.      Tithers usually go to the full measure of stewardship.

Those who are giving in a great way to the glory of God almost without exception, began their stewardship as tithers, this recognition of the right of God to their money led them to the glory of complete stewardship.

     8. Tithing has the promise of the divine blessing. (Mal. 3:10-11).

     9. Tithing breaks down the wall of partition between the sacred and the secular.

The man who in partnership with God will find the business of the six days becoming holy like the worship of the seventh.

     10. Tithing enables our churches to give themselves to the task of soul-winning.