DEFINITION

The tithe is 10% of our total income given to God faithfully.

SCRIPTURE READING

1 Corinthians 16:2, “On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with your income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made.”

MAIN POINTS

  1. THE EARLY CHURCH MET ON SUNDAYS: The first disciples changed their main meeting day from the Jewish Sabbath (Saturday) to Sunday (the first day of the week) because it was the day Jesus raised from the dead.  That is why 2,000 years later Christians still make Sundays their main day of worship.
  2. SET ASIDE A SUM OF YOUR INCOME: Notice how Paul refers to the tithe by teaching, “set aside a sum of money in keeping with your income.”  This helps us understand that the early church followed Malachi’s instructions and gave one tithe from their total income like how Jacob did before the Law came with its different regulations in giving.
  3. PAUL COLLECTED THE TITHE: Since Paul was the Corinthian’s apostle and overseer he was trusted with the task of gathering the tithes and using them for God’s Kingdom. Just like in our times- Paul needed to provide for the teachers among them, care for the poor, and cover the church’s expenses.  So when you give your tithe the leadership collects it and uses it for the glory of God!

SUMMARY

Follow the pattern of the first disciples by setting aside your tithe and giving it to the church every time you receive increase.

APPLICATION

  1. Repent if you have not been faithful in setting aside your tithe every time you receive increase from God.
  2. Be faithful either in person or online to give your tithe to the church for the Kingdom of God!

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.