Introduction

If ever there was a “hot-button” topic in churches today, this is it. Many arguments and disagreements have been had over this very issue. So, let’s take a look at what the Bible truly says about this subject.

I. What is the tithe?

a. It is the tenth part of something.

i. The word “tithe” in the Old Testament comes from the Hebrew word ma’aser, meaning “tenth”.

ii. The word “tithe” in the New Testament comes from the Greek word dekate, which also means “tenth”.

b. The command is that we are to give back to God a tenth of what He has blessed us with. (Deuteronomy 14:22- “Thou shalt truly tithe all the increase of thy seed, that the field bringeth forth year by year.”) (II Chronicles 31:5-6 – “⁵And as soon as the commandment came abroad, the children of Israel brought in abundance the firstfruits of corn, wine, and oil, and honey, and of all the increase of the field; and the tithe of all things brought they in abundantly. ⁶And concerning the children of Israel and Judah, that dwelt in the cities of Judah, they also brought in the tithe of oxen and sheep, and the tithe of holy things which were consecrated unto the LORD their God, and laid them by heaps.”) (Malachi 3:10- “Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it .”)

i. Note that tithing is not just a money issue. God has blessed us with more than just money:

1. time

2. resources

3. abilities & talents

II. Some misconceptions about tithing

a. “Tithing is just a command from the Old Testament. We live in the New Testament age.”

i. First of all, tithing is talked about in the New Testment as well. It is a concept that obviously carried over into New Testament times.

1. Jesus talks about the Pharisees paying tithes. (Matthew 23:23- “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 not to leave the other undone.”)

2. In the story of the Pharisee and the Publican, the Pharisee talked about how he paid tithes. (Luke 18:12- “I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.”)

ii. Even if tithing was only talked about in the Old Testament, would that make it not apply us today? Consider the 10 Commandments- they are only given in the Old Testament, yet we know that they still apply to us today. Why would the command to tithe be any different?

b. “Pastors don’t have to tithe since they are supported by the tithes of their church members.”

i. This is incorrect. The Levite priests who received the Israelites’ tithes (which were meant to support them) were commanded to tithe on the tithe! (Numbers 18:26- “Thus speak unto the Levites, and say unto them, When ye take of the children of Israel the tithes which I have given you from them for your inheritance, then ye shall offer up an heave offering of it for the LORD, even a tenth part of the tithe.”)

III. How does God feel about tithing?

a. If we don’t tithe, then we are robbing God. We are taking something that is not ours. (Malachi 3:8- “Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings.”)

b. If we are faithful in tithing, then we are putting ourselves in a position where God can bless us abundantly. (Malachi 3:10- “Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it .”)

Conclusion

I’ve only scratched the surface here, but it’s enough to give you something to think about. The subject of tithing is not just a scheme to get people’s money. (Yes, some people actually think of it that way.) Rather, it’s a form of worship. In obeying this command, we are honoring the Lord for who He is and what He has done and will do. There is no minimum age to start tithing. Whatever the Lord has blessed you with- income, time, resources, etc.- is what you need to tithe from. God is waiting to bless His people, but it starts with obedience.