Lesson 3 Review: The Tithing Contract

 

Introduction

Memory Text: “‘Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house, and try Me now in this,’ says the LORD of hosts, ‘if I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you such blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it’” (Malachi 3:10, NKJV).

The tithing system existed even as far back as the days of Adam, men were required to offer God gifts for religious purposes before the definite system was given to Moses. Abram gave a tithe of all that he possessed, and Moses instructed the children of Israel to tithe all the increase of their grain that the field produces year by year. What does all this mean for us today?

What is the definition of the tithe?

Dictionaries define tithe as “a tenth part of something” or “10 percent”. The tithe is simply returning 10 percent of our income, or increase, to God.

What are some notable things about tithing?

1.       Neither Melchizedek nor Christ whom Paul refers to was of the tribe of Levi, so tithing precedes and follows the selection of the Levites

2.       ‘Tithing is not a Jewish custom and did not originate with the Hebrews at Sinai’

What other instance is there of tithing before Sinai?

Jacob promised to give God a tenth of all that God will give Him. This was in response to God’s promise to be with Jacob and bring him back home.

What can we learn from Malachi 3:10 about where our tithe should go?

God’s instruction was to bring all the tithes into the storehouse, but we know the storehouse initially was God’s sanctuary in the later words that read “ ‘that there may be food in My house’ ”.

How does the Seventh-day Adventist Church harmonize with the Biblical narrative of the tithe?

The Seventh-day Adventist has designated local conferences, missions, and unions of churches as storehouses on behalf of the world church and from which the ministry is paid.

What does God propose to do with the tithe according to Leviticus 27:30 and Numbers 18:21, 24?

God’s proposal is for the tithe to be used for the support of the gospel ministry.

Why is tithing so important?

‘Tithing is important because it helps us establish a relationship of trust with God.’ ‘A second big reason for financial faithfulness is to access the promised tangible blessings of God.’

Should tithing be on the Gross or the Net Income?

It is up to us to decide if the tithing should be on Gross or the Net Income. Each of us has to answer to God, and God alone, for our choices. “Everyone is to be his own assessor and is left to give as he purposes in his heart.”—Ellen G. White, Testimonies for the Church, vol. 4, p. 469.

What are several of the constituent elements of the tithe?

1.       The amount—which is tenth, or 10 percent, of our income or increase.

2.       Taken to the storehouse—the place from which the gospel ministers are paid.

3.       Honoring God with the first part of our income

4.       Used for the right purpose—the support of the ministry.

What does it mean to be faithful with our tithe?

We as Church members are to uphold the first three constituent elements in the previous question’s answer, the storehouse managers are to make sure that the tithe funds are used properly. The tithe is a full 10 percent of our increase, unlike the offerings that are discretionary on our part.

How should we see tithing?

No appeal is made to gratitude or generosity, it is a matter of simple honesty. God blesses and sustains us and asks for only a tenth, and then uses His tithe to provide for those in the ministry, as He did for the tribe of Levi during the time of ancient Israel.

In Conclusion,

The tithing contract is very important; it is our responsibility to return our faithful tithe to God. We are to return our tithe irrespective to the storehouse, it is the responsibility of the storehouse managers to know what to do with the tithe, and God will strengthen us and bless us with the blessings that come from faithful tithing in Jesus’ name.