Lesson 4: The Tithe is Relevant for Today.
Definition
The tithe is 10% of our total income given to God faithfully.
Scripture Reading
Matthew 23:23, “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former.”
Main Points
- JESUS COMMENDED THE JEWS FOR TITHING: The Jewish leaders were rebuked for many things, but being faithful in tithing was something Jesus complemented.
- TITHING BY ITSELF IS NOT ALL GOD WANTS: God wants more than just our wallets, He also wants our hearts. We should practice both tithing and justice, mercy, and faithfulness. It's not “either/or” but rather “both/and.”
Summary
Jesus was concerned with people giving their best to God in tithing and He wanted people to be full of love for others. Therefore, we should do both today as well.
Application
- Be faithful in tithing.
- Don’t hide your disobedience behind giving money, be sure to both tithe and be obedient to all of God’s other commands.
Confession
The tithe was “implied” with Cain and Abel; “revealed” to Abraham, “established” in the Law of Moses, and is still “relevant” for today. It comes with a “blessing and curse,” it must be “qualitative,” a “priority,” and a “faithful” practice in our lives. The tithe “advances” the Kingdom of God, tests our “maturity,” breaks the attitude of greed through “obedience,” is “mandated” for all, and brings us into “partnership” with God and His church.