Establishing Foundations: Tithing

Tithing is a privilege and an absolute command given by God to meet the needs of the church, the poor and meet the needs of the ministry. In the Old Testament, the synagogue was funded entirely by Israel. The priests were to receive 10% of the income of the temple for their needs and the needs of the temple. The rest was kept in the "storehouse" to meet future needs of the nation.

The tithe was taken so seriously that if someone would leave on a trip for a season and returned, they were met at the gate of the city and required to pay tithe on all they had prospered before they could enter the city. Imagine today if we stood at the door of the church and needed to see pay stubs, and tithes, before access into the building. Tithing is a set amount, tithe meaning 10%. Offerings are beyond the tithe. We, as a church, have a pattern that concerns me. Whenever we have visiting ministry, it seems our tithe is affected. You do not give your tithe to visiting ministry but an offering that is beyond your tithe.

Many times we take trips, go on vacation, etc. Do we still tithe? Yes. Your paid vacation is also a form of increase. Many people forget to tithe if we don't have a service, or have time off. This starts a snowball running downhill.

First, the person is not in covenant with God as they have broken off the command of tithing. It shows that the commands of God are secondary and not at the forefront of our thoughts. I always make my tithe check my first check when paying bills and not the last.

The second result is that the ministry lacks in paying bills, paying the Pastor or leaders and is not in a position to meet the needs of the poor, etc.

The third outcome is that instruction and time needs to be taken to teach a basic truth, and the kingdom is not advancing. We, as a church, give an average of 12-18% of our income away each year. This is not a set amount given to a set organization, but is done as the Spirit orchestrates, like what we see in Acts.

The church (the people) is to tithe to the storehouse (or to the place from where you draw spiritual food). The storehouse is to distribute to the needs that arise. Nowhere in scripture does it state, or show an example that the storehouse is to tithe. This is a man made doctrine to help enforce the gospel of prosperity. If everyone would tithe properly, the storehouse would have an abundance to give to every good work. Don't rob God and be cursed Malachi 3:8-10. Provide for those who labor in church 1 Cor. 9:11-14. Put your treasure in the right place Matt 6:21. And give cheerfully 2 Cor.9:6-7 expecting increase Luke 6:38.