There is much confusion today about tithing.  Many church members today do not understand the importance of tithing and the blessings they are missing by not doing so; possibly because they have not been taught by the pastors and teachers.  It is always unpopular when the pulpit starts talking about money.  Church members get upset and some draw the conclusion that’s all the preacher talks about even tho he seldom speaks about it.  It is also very possible that pastors and teachers don’t understand enough about it to teach the truth about it and the effect it can have on the Christian.  If people could just understand the importance of the tithe and how many blessings they are missing because they do not tithe.  Many churches today are in financial trouble simply because members will not tithe.  Some church buildings are not adequate because members will not tithe.  Much could be done to improve church outreach if members would only tithe.  More souls could be reached.  Many pastors and their families struggle because church members will not tithe.  Know this Christians, the “first fruits” belong to God.  Give it and be blessed.  Hold it back and suffer loss.  If Christians understood this they would eagerly await the next opportunity to give the tithe.

Tithe comes from the Greek “dekate”, meaning a tenth.  The Pictorial Bible Dictionary has this to say about tithe:  “Just when and where the idea arose of making the tenth the rate for paying tribute to rulers and of offering gifts as a religious duty cannot be determined.  History reveals that it existed in Babylon in ancient times, also in Persia and Egypt, even in China.  It is quite certain that Abraham knew of it when he migrated from Ur (Gen. 14:17-20).  Since Melchizedek was a priest of the Most High, it is certain that by Abraham’s day the giving of tithes had been recognized as a holy deed (see Heb. 7:4).  Dividing the spoils of war with rulers and religious leaders was widespread.  Samuel warned Israel that the king whom they were demanding would exact tithes of their grain and flocks (I Sam. 8:10-18).  When Jacob made his covenant with God at Bethel it included payment of tithes (Gen. 28:22)”.

Malachi, the last book in the Old Testament, has this to say: “Will a man rob God?  Yet you have robbed Me!  But you say, In what way have we robbed You?  In tithes and offerings.  You are cursed with a curse, for you have robbed Me, Even this whole nation.  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 3:8-10).

Some will say that’s still the Old Testament, that the New Testament does not teach tithing.  But if you think that you are wrong.  For Jesus Himself said in Matthew 23:23:  “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites!  For you pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faith.  These you ought to have done, without leaving the others undone.”  

God said in His Word, if you do not believe tithing will bring blessings, more than you can bear, “just try Me.”  Church, tithing works, try it and see!

Hugh G. Sherrill

ems-hugh43@comcast.net

Pastor Philippi Baptist Church

1444 SE County Road 18 Lake City, FLBy Hugh G. Sherrill

ems-hugh43@comcast.net