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It is More Blessed to Give Than to Receive
I. Introduction:
Scripture Reading: Acts 20:35
Study references: Vol. 6, Review and Herald, pp. 344-364 articles by E. K. Slade.
1. Thirty two years ago, my father was standing aboard a ship looking up at the flag pole intensely waiting for the moment he had been anticipating for many years. That moment finally arrived when the ship changed flags to announce that it had finally entered the territorial waters of the United States of America. That flag represented freedom and liberty; freedom from the persecution of a communist state; liberty from its atheistic oppression.
On board that ship was my father’s chief persecutor during his three and a half year confinement in prison for his faith. When my father saw the flag raised, he, for the first time in that long journey over the ocean, revealed himself to that persecutor. He said, we are now under the protection of the Unites States. You will never again persecute me, nor my children. We now have liberty to serve our great God who has delivered us this day.
Although I cannot remember that day, I was also aboard that ship together with the rest of our family beginning a new life here in America.
2. This event reminds me of the experience the Jews had when they were allowed to return back to Judea after 70 long years in Babylonian captivity.
a. So for this morning, I would like us to consider the experience of the Jews when they had their opportunity to enjoy their new-found freedom after the Babylonian captivity and the valuable lessons we can learn from their experience.
II. Laboring Under a Curse
1. Cyrus gave the command to go back to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple. Ezra 1:1-4.
a. You could imagine the joy of that multitude of people (even though they were only a small portion of the group that originally went into captivity) when they were finally free once again.
b. One of the purposes of returning to Jerusalem was to rebuild the temple that had been destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar in 586 BC.
(1) As they encountered difficulties and unexpected delays, what did they begin to say? Haggai 1:2.
(a) How does God view these pleas for a delay in His work? "Prompt obedience is expected of those whom the Lord chooses and leads. Pleas for delay are a dishonor to God. And yet those who choose to follow their own way, often frame ingenious excuses in self-justification. Thus the Israelites declared that they had begun to rebuild, but that they were broken off in their work because of the hindrances devised by their enemies. These hindrances, they reasoned, were an indication that it was not the proper time to rebuild. They declared that the Lord had interposed difficulties to reprove their hot haste. This is why, in a communication through His prophet, He referred to them not as ‘my people,’ but as ‘ this people." Vol. 4 SDA Bible Commentary, p. 1175:2.
(2) What did the Lord, through his prophet, request them to do? Haggai 1:3-5.
(a) What does consider mean? To observe closely and carefully with the heart or feelings.
(3) To consider what? Your ways.
(a) God did not approve their ways of thinking that the time had not come to rebuild.
(4) What was the result of their claimed need for a delay? Haggai 1:6.
(a) They earned money alright but what was the result?
(b) Furthermore, God could not bless them at all. Haggai 1:7-11.
2. The Lord used another prophet to help these returned exiles realize the blessings they have been losing.
a. What message does He give them? Malachi 3:7.
(1) What did they depart from? From God’s ordinances. "Even from the days of your fathers ye are gone away from mine ordinances, and have not kept them." Malachi 3:7.
(a) What is another word for ordinances? An enactment or commandment.
(2) Seeing they had departed, God asks them to return. "Return unto me, and I will return unto you, saith the Lord of hosts." Malachi 3:7.
(3) Do they feel the need of returning? "But ye said, Wherein shall we return?" Malachi 3:7.
b. As if they did not understand clearly, they request God to clarify Himself and specify how they need to return. Malachi 3:8.
(1) Notice what God declared: "Yet ye have robbed me."
(a) What does rob mean? To steal. Let us read the commandment. Exodus 20:15.
(2) How were they robbing God? In tithes and offerings.
(a) Yes, when we withhold our tithes and offerings we are in open violation of the law of God—specifically the 8th commandment.
(b) What is the result of disregarding God’s law even on this point? Malachi 3:9.
[1] What is the final curse the rests upon such? Revelation 21:27.
[2] Why? Revelation 22:14.
(c) It was because they were cursed that they would earn money but it would end up in a bag full of holes and by the time they got home with it, it was already being emptied.
(d) I remember a farmer who made every excuse regarding tithing and offerings that could be made—(keep in mind that tithing was not the main issue in Haggai. It was the offerings at issue there as well). He always said he had no money. And it is true, he never did. God could not bless him financially or spiritually.
On one occasion, this farmer planted a large crop of Chinese cabbage which was going to yield about $20,000 worth of cabbage (1974 value). He figured he would pay off all his debts that he had incurred and afterward he would consider God. About two days before the big harvest, the temperature dropped to 17 degrees Fahrenheit for a solid week and froze all the cabbage. The $20,000 all rotted in the field. Why? Exodus 34:26.
[1] They do not see that it is God that gives them the ability to obtain wealth. Deuteronomy 8:18.
[2] Are the poor excused in this giving process? Luke 21:1-4
The widows two mites.
(e) This is seen in the experience of Elijah. 1 Kings 17:11-13.
[1] Isn’t this a part of the Elijah message for today with the promise of averting the curse that God will place upon the land? Malachi 4:5, 6.
[2] If that farmer had given to God His share first, God would have been able to grant His blessings upon that field. "Those who are selfishly withholding their means need not be surprised if God’s hand scatters their possessions. That which should have been devoted to the advancement of His work and cause, but which has been withheld, may in various ways be taken away. God will come near to them in judgments. Many losses will be sustained. God can scatter the means He has lent to His stewards, if they refuse to use it to His glory. Some may have none of these losses to remind them of their remissness in duty, but their cases may be the more hopeless." Vol. 4, Bible Commentary, p. 1182:9.
(3) And not only this, what else do they fail to see? "They fail to see that God gives to them in order that they impart to others." Signs of the Times, October 31, 1900:11.
(4) What if a person says that he cannot honestly see that he needs to give unto God both in tithes and offerings? "It is a heaven-appointed plan that men should return to the Lord His own; and this is so plainly stated that men and women have no excuse or misunderstanding or evading the duties and responsibilities God has laid upon them. Those who claim that they cannot see this to be their duty, reveal to the heavenly universe, to the church, and to the world that they do not want to see this plainly stated requirement. They think that by following the Lord’s plan they would detract from their own possessions. In the covetousness of their selfish souls they desire to have the whole capital, both principal and interest, to use for their own benefit.
"God lays His hand upon all man’s possessions, saying: I am the owner of the universe, and these goods are Mine. The tithe you have withheld I reserve for the support of My servants in their work of opening the Scriptures to those who are in the regions of darkness, who do not understand My law. In using My reserve fund to gratify your own desires you have robbed souls of the light which I made provision for them to receive. You have had opportunity to show loyalty to Me, but you have not done this. You have robbed Me; you have stolen My reserve fund. ‘Ye are cursed with a curse.’ Malachi 3:9." Vol. 6, Testimonies for the Church, p. 387:1, 2.
3. God can reverse these so called misfortunes. Malachi 3:11, 12.
a. But what is the condition for this reversal? Malachi 3:10.
b. Does this say to use the tithes for whatever purpose you may choose? No!
(1) What does it say? "Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse."
(2) How much of the tithes are to be brought to the storehouse? ALL!
(a) How much tithe is left over after all is brought to the storehouse? None!
c. What is the storehouse that all the tithes are to be brought to? Nehemiah 13:10-12.
(1) Because the tithe was not brought to the treasuries, the Levites could not do their appointed tasks so they went to support themselves some other way. Nehemiah 13:10, 11.
(a) It is good for those who are appointed to devote their entire life to the Lord’s work to learn trades just like the apostle Paul had to resort to on some occasions, but in doing so, what was being neglected?
[1] Nehemiah asked: "Why is the house of God forsaken?"
[2]"And has not the Lord a right to demand this of us? Did He not give His only-begotten Son because He loved us and desired to save us from death? And shall not our gratitude offerings flow into His treasury to be drawn therefrom to advance His kingdom in the earth? Since God is the owner of all our goods, shall not gratitude to Him prompt us to make freewill offerings and thank offerings, thus acknowledging His ownership of soul, body, spirit, and property? Had God’s plan been followed, means would now be flowing into His treasury; and funds to enable ministers to enter new fields, and workers to unite with ministers in lifting up the standard of truth in the dark places of the earth, would be abundant." Vol. 6 Testimonies for the church, p. 386:3.
(2) This is one of the very reasons (that some may devote their full time to the work of the ministry) why the tithing system was established by God.
(a) I say one of the reasons because the principle of tithing was instituted right in the garden of Eden, in the perfection of man when there was no need for evangelism. (Genesis 2:15-17.)
[1] Why did God forbid them to eat of this fruit? He gave everything else in the garden so why forbid this one? "The Lord created every tree in Eden pleasant to the eyes and good for food, and He bade Adam and Eve freely enjoy His bounties. But He made one exception. Of the tree of knowledge of good and evil they were not to eat. This tree God reserved as a constant reminder of His ownership of all. Thus He gave them opportunity to demonstrate their faith and trust in Him by their perfect obedience to His requirements." Vol. 6, Testimonies for the Church, p. 386:1.
[2] The principle of tithing fulfills the same purpose in our time. "So it is with God’s Claim upon us. He places His treasures in the hands of men, but requires that one tenth shall be faithfully laid aside for His work. He requires this portion to be placed in His treasury. It is to be rendered to Him as His own; it is sacred and is to be used for sacred purposes, for the support of those who carry the message of salvation to all parts of the world. He reserves this portion, that means may ever be flowing into His treasure house and that the light of truth may be carried to those who are nigh and those who are afar off. By faithfully obeying this requirement we acknowledge that all belongs to God." Vol. 6, Testimonies for the Church, p. 386:1.
(b) In order for the Levites to devote their full time to the work of the ministry, they were forbidden to obtain an inheritance like the rest of Israel. Deuteronomy 18:1, 2.
[1] Having no inheritance meant that they were not to obtain their livelihood by working the land or at other trades.
(c) How were they to be supported? Numbers 18:20-24.
[1] All the tenth in Israel was to be their inheritance.
[2] Keep in mind that the tithe was to go just for their support and not for the other needs of the sanctuary service and synagogues etc. These were to be supported by the offerings.
(d) This became a law in Israel. Leviticus 27:30.
(3) After Nehemiah brought about a reformation on the point of tithing and restoring the Levites to their ministry, what did the Jews do? Nehemiah 13:12.
(a) They brought all the tithe to the treasuries.
(b) These treasuries were not individuals that would receive the tithe directly from the people for their own personal use but treasurers were appointed over the treasuries in order to distribute among the other Levites. Nehemiah 13:13.
(c) Notice the word treasuries in verse 12. Does anyone have the marginal reading for the word treasuries? "storehouses."
(4) Therefore, when we read in Malachi 3:10 that in order to obtain the blessings from God we must bring the tithes and offerings to the storehouse, it means to bring them to a place which has a treasurer appointed who is "faithful" and whose "office" it is "to distribute unto their brethren."
(5) Furthermore, the storehouse is a place that once it receives the tithe, it does not use all the tithe for the Levites connected to that storehouse. The storehouse must send a tithe of its tithe to one central location in Israel. Nehemiah 10:38.
(6) This is what must happen in order for God to grant His blessing upon our lives and on our means.
III. Preparation for the Second Coming
1. Are we expecting Jesus to come soon?
a. What commission has God given us as a people before that joyful moment can be achieved? Mark 16:15.
(1) "At this time there should be representatives of present truth in every city and in the remote parts of the earth." Vol. 6 Testimonies for the Church, p. 24:1.
b. What means has God ordained that this commission is to be fulfilled? 1 Corinthians 9:7-14.
(1) "The apostle here referred to the Lord’s plan for the maintenance of the priests who ministered in the temple. Those who were set apart to this holy office were supported by their brethren, to whom they ministered spiritual blessings. ‘Verily they that are of the sons of Levi, who receive the office of the priesthood, have a commandment to take tithes of the people according to the law.’ Hebrews 7:5. The tribe of Levi was chosen by the Lord for the sacred offices pertaining to the temple and the priesthood. Of the priest it was said, ‘The Lord thy God hath chosen him. . . to stand to minister in the name of the Lord.’ (Deuteronomy 18:5). One tenth of all the increase was claimed by the Lord as His own, and to withhold the tithe was regarded by Him as robbery." Acts of the Apostles, p. 336:1.
2. How much did the Hebrews give in their religious services? "The contributions required of the Hebrews for religious and charitable purposes amounted to fully one fourth of their income. So heavy a tax upon the resources of the people might be expected to reduce them to poverty; but, on the contrary, the faithful observance of these regulations was one of the conditions of their prosperity." Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 527.
a. Since they gave fully 1/4 and in other places it says 1/3, should we give less? "In the days of Israel the tithe and freewill offerings were needed to maintain the ordinances of divine service. Should the people of God give less in this age?" Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 528.
(1) "The Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel." 1 Corinthians 9:14.
(2) Therefore, being faithful in our tithes and offerings is one way of hastening our Lord’s return. 2 Peter 3:12 mgn.
IV. Conclusion
1. These laws concerning the tithing system and offerings were not to pass away at the death of Christ. "But when Israel became a distinct people, the Lord gave them definite instruction upon this point: ‘All the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land, or of the fruit of the tree, is the Lord’s: it is holy unto the Lord. This law was not to pass away with the ordinances and sacrificial offerings that typified Christ. As long as God has a people upon the earth, His claims upon them will be the same." Review and Herald, May 16, 1882 Counsels on Stewardship, p. 67:1.
2. We are aware that "The wants of the cause will continually increase as we near the close of time." Vol. 5, Testimonies for the Church, p. 156:2.
a. But, does God accept all tithes and offerings? 2 Corinthians 9:6, 7.
b. "Voluntary offerings and the tithe constitute the revenue of the gospel. Of the means which is entrusted to man, God claims a certain portion—a tithe; but He leaves all free to say how much the tithe is, and whether or not they will give more than this. They are to give as they purpose in their hearts. But when the heart is stirred by the influence of the Spirit of God, and a vow is made to give a certain amount, the one who vowed has no longer any right to the consecrated portion. He has given his pledge before men, and they are called to witness to the transaction. At the same time he has incurred an obligation of the most sacred character to co-operate with the Lord in building up His kingdom on earth. Promises of this kind made to men would be considered binding. Are they not more sacred and binding when made to God? Are promises tried in the court of conscience less binding than written agreements with men?" Vol. 5, Testimonies for the Church, p. 149:1.
c. When you do make a vow, do you expect Satan to sit idly by? "When the divine light is shining into the heart with unusual clearness and power, habitual selfishness relaxes its grasp, and there is a disposition to give to the cause of God. None need expect that they will be allowed to fulfill the promises then made without a protest on the part of Satan. He is not pleased to see the Redeemer’s kingdom on earth built up. He suggests that the pledge made was too much, that it may cripple them in their efforts to acquire property or gratify the desires of their families. The power of Satan has over the human mind is wonderful. He labors most earnestly to keep the heart bound up in self." Vol. 5, Testimonies for the Church, p. 149-150.
3 What will be the result? "The idea of stewardship should have a practical bearing upon all the people of God. The parable of the talents, rightly understood, will bar out covetousness which God calls idolatry. Practical benevolence will give spiritual life to thousands of nominal professors of the truth who now mourn over their darkness. It will transform them from selfish, covetous worshipers of mammon to earnest, faithful co-workers with Christ in the salvation of sinners." Vol. 3, Testimonies, p. 387:2.
a. "The majority of professed Christians part with their means with great reluctance. Many of them do not give one twentieth of their income to God, and many give far less than that; while there is a large class who rob God of the little tithe, and others who will give only the tithe. If all the tithes of our people flowed into the treasury of the Lord as they should, such blessings would be received that gifts and offerings for sacred purposes would be multiplied tenfold, and thus the channel between God and man would be kept open. The followers of Christ should not wait for thrilling missionary appeals to arouse them to action. If spiritually awake, they would hear in the income of every week, whether much or little, the voice of God and of conscience with authority demanding the tithes and offerings due the Lord." Vol. 4, Testimonies for the Church, p. 474.
4. Let us not forget why God gives to us. "Well, says one, the calls keep coming to give to the cause; I am weary of giving. Are you? Then let me ask: Are you weary of receiving from God’s beneficent hand? Not until He ceases to bless you will you cease to be under bonds to return to Him the portion He claims. He blesses you that it may be in your power to bless others. When you are weary of receiving, then you may say: I am weary of so many calls to give. God reserves to Himself a portion of all that we receive. When this is returned to Him, the remaining portion is blessed; but when it is withheld, the whole is sooner or later cursed. God’s claim is first; every other is secondary." Vol. 5, Testimonies for the Church, p. 150:3.
6. Are you a faithful steward over the Lord’s goods that He has entrusted you with? Luke 12:37-44.
Other Statements
"The Lord has made us His stewards. He has placed His means in our hands for faithful distribution. He asks us to render to Him His own. He has reserved the tithe as His sacred portion to be used in sending the gospel to all parts of the world. My brethren and sisters, confess and forsake your selfishness, and bring to the Lord your gifts and offerings. Bring Him also the tithe that you have withheld. Come confessing your neglect. Prove the Lord, as He has invited you to do. ‘I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the Lord of hosts.’ Malachi 3:11." Vol. 9 Testimonies for the Church, p. 51-52.
"The minister should, by precept and example, teach the people to regard the tithe as sacred. He should not feel that he can retain and apply it according to his own judgment because he is a minister. It is not his. He is not at liberty to devote to himself whatever he thinks is his due. He should not give his influence to any plans for diverting from their legitimate use the tithes and offerings dedicated to God. They are to be placed in His treasury and held sacred for His service as He has appointed." Vol. 9 Testimonies for the Church, p. 247-248.
"A very plain, definite message has been given to me for our people. I am bidden to tell them that they are making a mistake in applying the tithe to various objects which, though good in themselves, are not the object to which the Lord has said that the tithe should be applied. Those who make this use of the tithe are departing from the Lord’s arrangement. God will judge for these things." Vol. 9 Testimonies for the Church, p. 248:3.
"One reasons that the tithe may be applied to school purposes. Still others reason that canvassers and colporteurs should be supported from the tithe. But a great mistake is made when the tithe is drawn from the object for which it is to be used--the support of the ministers. There should be today in the field one hundred well qualified laborers where now there is but one." Vol. 9 Testimonies, p. 248-249.
"The tithe is sacred, reserved by God for Himself. It is to be brought into His treasury to be used to sustain the gospel laborers in their work. For a long time the Lord has been robbed because there are those who do not realize that the tithe is God’s reserved portion." Vol. 9 Testimonies for the Church, p. 249:1.
"Some have been dissatisfied and have said: ‘I will not longer pay my tithe; for I have no confidence in the way things are managed at the heart of the work.’ But will you rob God because you think the management of the work is not right? Make your complaint, plainly and openly, in the right spirit, to the proper ones. Send in your petitions for things to be adjusted and set in order; but do not withdraw from the work of God, and prove unfaithful, because others are not doing right." Vol. 9 Testimonies for the Church, p. 249:2.
"Read carefully the third chapter of Malachi and see what God says about the tithe. If our churches will take their stand upon the Lord’s word and be faithful in paying their tithe into His treasury, more laborers will be encouraged to take up ministerial work. More men would give themselves to the ministry were they not told of the depleted treasury. There should be an abundant supply in the Lord’s treasury, and there would be if selfish hearts and hands had not withheld the tithes or made use of them to support other lines of work." Vol. 9 Testimonies for the Church, p. 249:3.
"God’s reserved resources are to be used in no such haphazard way. The tithe is the Lord’s, and those who meddle with it will be punished with the loss of their heavenly treasure unless they repent. Let the work no longer be hedged up because the tithe has been diverted into various channels other than the one to which the Lord has said it should go. Provision is to be made for these other lines of work. They are to be sustained, but not from the tithe. God has not changed; the tithe is still to be used for the support of the ministry. The opening of new fields requires more ministerial efficiency than we now have, and there must be means in the treasury." Vol. 9 Testimonies for the Church, p. 249-250.
"Those who go forth as ministers have a solemn responsibility devolving upon them which is strangely neglected. Some enjoy preaching, but they do not give personal labor to the churches. There is great need of instruction concerning the obligations and duties to God, especially in regard to paying an honest tithe. Our ministers would feel sadly grieved if they were not promptly paid for their labor; but will they consider that there must be meat in the treasure house of God wherewith to sustain the laborers? If they fail to do their whole duty in educating the people to be faithful in paying to God His own, there will be a shortage of means in the treasury to carry forward the Lord’s work." Vol. 9 Testimonies for the Church, p. 250:1.
"The overseer of the flock of God should faithfully discharge his duty. If he takes the position that because this is not pleasant to him, he will leave it for someone else to do, he is not a faithful worker. Let him read in Malachi the words of the Lord charging the people with robbery toward God in withholding the tithes. The mighty God declares: ‘Ye are cursed with a curse.’ Malachi 3:9. When the one who ministers in word and doctrine sees the people pursuing a course that will bring this curse upon them, how can he neglect his duty to give them instruction and warning? Every church member should be taught to be faithful in paying an honest tithe." Vol. 9 Testimonies for the Church, p. 250-251.
"‘Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be mean in Mine house, and prove Me now here with, 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.’ Verse 10." Vol. 9 Testimonies for the Church, p. 251:1.
Chapter 14 (Supplement)
The Tithing System in the Bible
Scripture Reading: Matthew 11:28-30
Study references: Vol. 6, Review and Herald articles beginning on p. 344 till p. 364.
I. Introduction:
1. Why does Jesus call people to come to Him? Matthew 11:28-30.
a. What is involved in finding rest to the soul? Jeremiah. 6:16,
b. How far back is the most ancient paths? Eden.
2. Eden is a picture of a perfect and holy state of man. When God finished Creation at the end of the six working days, how did He appraise His work? Genesis 1:31.
3. There, in this holy, perfect state, God taught man about:
a. Marriage
b. Diet.
c. The day of rest - Sabbath.
d. His educational work in conjunction with agriculture.
e. Then what did the Lord teach them? Genesis 2:15-17.
(1) Why did God forbid them to eat of this fruit? He gave everything else in the garden so why forbid this one? "The Lord created every tree in Eden pleasant to the eyes and good for food, and He bade Adam and Eve freely enjoy His bounties. But He made one exception. Of the tree of knowledge of good and evil they were not to eat. This tree God reserved as a constant reminder of His ownership of all. Thus He gave them opportunity to demonstrate their faith and trust in Him by their perfect obedience to His requirements." Vol. 6, Testimonies for the Church, p. 386:1.
(2) Is there something in our society today that corresponds to the tree of knowledge of good and evil, something that constantly reminds us that God is the owner of all our possessions? "So it is with God’s Claim upon us. He places His treasures in the hands of men, but requires that one tenth shall be faithfully laid aside for His work. He requires this portion to be placed in His treasury. It is to be rendered to Him as His own; it is sacred and is to be used for sacred purposes, for the support of those who carry the message of salvation to all parts of the world. He reserves this portion, that means may ever be flowing into His treasure house and that the light of truth may be carried to those who are nigh and those who are afar off. By faithfully obeying this requirement we acknowledge that all belongs to God." Vol. 6, Testimonies for the Church, p. 386:1.
4. How much of our possessions et cetera does God own?
a. Where does our life and breath come from. Acts 17:25.
b. Every beast is His. Psalm 50:10.
c. All silver, gold and every other precious thing is His. Haggai 2:8.
d. How does one even obtain strength to acquire wealth? Deuteronomy 8:18.
(1) "It is a heaven-appointed plan that men should return to the Lord His own; and this is so plainly stated that men and women have no excuse or misunderstanding or evading the duties and responsibilities God has laid upon them. Those who claim that they cannot see this to be their duty, reveal to the heavenly universe, to the church, and to the world that they do not want to see this plainly stated requirement. They think that by following the Lord’s plan they would detract from their own possessions. In the covetousness of their selfish souls they desire to have the whole capital, both principal and interest, to use for their own benefit.
"God lays His hand upon all man’s possessions, saying: I am the owner of the universe, and these goods are Mine. The tithe you have withheld I reserve for the support of My servants in their work of opening the Scriptures to those who are in the regions of darkness, who do not understand My law. In using My reserve fund to gratify your own desires you have robbed souls of the light which I made provision for them to receive. You have had opportunity to show loyalty to Me, but you have not done this. You have robbed Me; you have stolen My reserve fund. ‘Ye are cursed with a curse.’ Malachi 3:9." Vol. 6, Testimonies for the Church, p. 387:1, 2.
(2) When cared for in God’s appointed way, how does wealth react upon the person that has it? Proverbs 10:22.
(3) This tithing principle was needed even in Adam and Eve’s perfect state.
5. In Genesis chapter three sin entered in and they had to leave Eden.
a. Since they needed a reminder in their perfect state, how much more in their imperfect state?
(1) In Chapter four we read of the sacrifices they had to make to keep the Lord fresh in their memory.
(2) In the days of Abraham, he also had something of which the previous were principles—he gave tithes of all to Melchisedec. Genesis 14:18-20.
(a) Let us keep in mind that "Abraham is the father of all them which be of faith (Galatians 3:7, 8). The record of Abraham, then, gives instruction in faith, what it is, and what is does for him who has it." Lessons on Faith, p. 25.
(3) Later on, Jacob made a vow in similar lines. Genesis 28:22.
(a) "Jacob was not here seeking to make terms with God. The Lord had already promised him prosperity and this vow was the outflow of a heart filled with gratitude for the assurance of God’s love and mercy. Jacob felt that God had claims upon him which he must acknowledge, and that the special tokens of divine favor granted him demanded a return. So does every blessing bestowed upon us call for a response to the Author of all our mercies. The Christian should often review his past life and recall with gratitude the precious deliverances that God has wrought for him, supporting him in trial, opening ways before him when all seemed dark and forbidding, refreshing him when ready to faint. He should recognize all of them as evidences of the watch care of heavenly angels. In view of these innumerable blessings, he should often ask, with subdued and grateful heart, ‘What shall I render unto the Lord for all His benefits toward me?" Psalm 116:12." Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 187:3.
b. These were all experiences prior to the establishment of Israel as a nation.
II. Definite Tithing System Established in Israel
1. God chose tribe of Levi to minister in His name. Deuteronomy 18:1, 2, 5.
a. Having no inheritance meant that they were not to support themselves by working the land or at other trades.
2. How were they to be supported? Numbers 18:20-24.
a. The people were instructed to give one tenth of their increase to Levites.
b. Were the Levites also to give a tenth? Numbers 18:25, 26 , Nehemiah 10:38.
c. How much of the tithe went solely to the Levites? ALL!
(1) How much of this first tithe is left after all is given to the Levites?
3. This became a Law in Israel. Leviticus 27:30.
a. How was it considered if one chose not to give the tithe? Malachi 3:8,9.
(1) This rebuke also included the freewill offerings.
(2) Withholding tithes and offerings == robbery of God and breaking of the 8th commandment.
b. Notice the parallel between these two verses:
(1) "All the tithe . . . is the Lord’s." Leviticus. 27:30.
(2) "The seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord." Exodus 20:10.
c. God required a part of their time and money.
(1) God gave life so 1/7 of our time is His and so the same is with our income and possessions. He requires 1/10 when he gave all to us. Otherwise we would have nothing to give.
(2) Not only did God give us life originally but also He gave us redemption: ""And has not the Lord a right to demand this of us? Did He not give His only-begotten Son because He loved us and desired to save us from death? And shall not our gratitude offerings flow into His treasury to be drawn therefrom to advance His kingdom in the earth? Since God is the owner of all our goods, shall not gratitude to Him prompt us to make freewill offerings and thank offerings, thus acknowledging His ownership of soul, body, spirit, and property? Had God’s plan been followed, means would now be flowing into His treasury; and funds to enable ministers to enter new fields, and workers to unite with ministers in lifting up the standard of truth in the dark places of the earth, would be abundant." Vol. 6 Testimonies for the Church, p. 386:3.
d. This tithe was not to be used for any other purpose except for the Levites. If they wanted to build a sanctuary fine, but not with tithe money. (Exodus 35:20-29).
e. How were they to go to their three yearly meetings which were held at such a great expenses? Deuteronomy 14:22-27.
(1) "To promote the assembling of the people for religious service, as well as to provide for the poor, a second tithe of all the increase was required." Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 530:1; Deuteronomy 14:28, 29.
(2) How much did the Hebrews give? "The contributions required of the Hebrews for religious and charitable purposes amounted to fully one fourth of their income. So heavy a tax upon the resources of the people might be expected to reduce them to poverty; but, on the contrary, the faithful observance of these regulations was one of the conditions of their prosperity." Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 527:1.
(a) Since they gave fully 1/4 and in other places it says 1/3, should we give less? "In the days of Israel the tithe and freewill offerings were needed to maintain the ordinances of divine service. Should the people of God give less in this age?" Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 528:4.
4. Where were they to bring the tithe and offerings? Malachi. 3:10.
a. What is the storehouse. Was it every individual Israelite? No, for every individual was to take it somewhere.
(1) The Levites had each a portion, a city as an inheritance. Numbers 35:1-8.
(a) It was there that they were to bring it. Nehemiah 10:37.
(2) They in turn were to tithe their tithe and take it to their headquarters. Nehemiah 10:38.
(a) Was wherever they felt like it the place? Deuteronomy 12:5-8, 13, 14.
(3) Even had treasurers were appointed to overlook this money and to distribute it appropriately. Nehemiah 13:10-13.
(a) These treasuries of the Levites in v. 13 (margin) is the storehouse of Malachi 3:10.
b. If they disobeyed, they were cursed, but if they obeyed, they were correspondingly blessed. (Malachi. 3:8-12).
(1) Are the poor excused? The widows two mites. Luke 21:1-4.
5. What did Jesus say of this system of tithing when on earth? Luke 11:42 (Matthew 23:23)
a. "But when Israel became a distinct people, the Lord gave them definite instruction upon this point: ‘All the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land, or of the fruit of the tree, is the Lord’s: it is holy unto the Lord. This law was not to pass away with the ordinances and sacrificial offerings that typified Christ. As long as God has a people upon the earth, His claims upon them will be the same." Review and Herald, May 16, 1882 (Counsels on Stewardship, p. 67:1).
6. This system was referred to by the Apostle Paul. 1 Corinthians 9:7-14 (especially v. 13,14)
a. "The apostle here referred to the Lord’s plan for the maintenance of the priests who ministered in the temple. Those who were set apart to this holy office were supported by their brethren, to whom they ministered spiritual blessings. ‘Verily they that are of the sons of Levi, who receive the office of the priesthood, have a commandment to take tithes of the people according to the law.’ Hebrews 7:5. The tribe of Levi was chosen by the Lord for the sacred offices pertaining to the temple and the priesthood. Of the priest it was said, ‘The Lord thy God hath chosen him. . . to stand to minister in the name of the Lord.’ (Deuteronomy 18:5). One tenth of all the increase was claimed by the Lord as His own, and to withhold the tithe was regarded by Him as robbery." Acts of the Apostles, p. 336:1.
III. Conclusion.
1. We are aware that "The wants of the cause will continually increase as we near the close of time." Vol. 5, Testimonies for the Church, p. 156:2.
a. But, does God accept all tithes and offerings? 2 Corinthians 9:6, 7.
b. "Voluntary offerings and the tithe constitute the revenue of the gospel. Of the means which is entrusted to man, God claims a certain portion—a tithe; but He leaves all free to say how much the tithe is, and whether or not they will give more than this. They are to give as they purpose in their hearts. But when the heart is stirred by the influence of the Spirit of God, and a vow is made to give a certain amount, the one who vowed has no longer any right to the consecrated portion. He has given his pledge before men, and they are called to witness to the transaction. At the same time he has incurred an obligation of the most sacred character to co-operate with the Lord in building up His kingdom on earth. Promises of this kind made to men would be considered binding. Are they not more sacred and binding when made to God? Are promises tried in the court of conscience less binding than written agreements with men?" Vol. 5, Testimonies for the Church, p. 149:1.
c. When you do make a vow, do you expect Satan to sit idly by? "When the divine light is shining into the heart with unusual clearness and power, habitual selfishness relaxes its grasp, and there is a disposition to give to the cause of God. None need expect that they will be allowed to fulfill the promises then made without a protest on the part of Satan. He is not pleased to see the Redeemer’s kingdom on earth built up. He suggests that the pledge made was too much, that it may cripple them in their efforts to acquire property or gratify the desires of their families. The power of Satan has over the human mind is wonderful. He labors most earnestly to keep the heart bound up in self." Vol. 5, Testimonies for the Church, pp. 149-150.
2. What will be the result? "The idea of stewardship should have a practical bearing upon all the people of God. The parable of the talents, rightly understood, will bar out covetousness which God calls idolatry. Practical benevolence will give spiritual life to thousands of nominal professors of the truth who now mourn over their darkness. It will transform them from selfish, covetous worshipers of mammon to earnest, faithful co-workers with Christ in the salvation of sinners." Vol. 3, Testimonies for the Church, p. 387:2.
a. "The majority of professed Christians part with their means with great reluctance. Many of them do not give one twentieth of their income to God, and many give far less than that; while there is a large class who rob God of the little tithe, and others who will give only the tithe. If all the tithes of our people flowed into the treasury of the Lord as they should, such blessings would be received that gifts and offerings for sacred purposes would be multiplied tenfold, and thus the channel between God and man would be kept open. The followers of Christ should not wait for thrilling missionary appeals to arouse them to action. If spiritually awake, they would hear in the income of every week, whether much or little, the voice of God and of conscience with authority demanding the tithes and offerings due the Lord." Vol. 4, Testimonies for the Church, p. 474:2.
3. Let us not forget why God gives to us. "Well, says one, the calls keep coming to give to the cause; I am weary of giving. Are you? Then let me ask: Are you weary of receiving from God’s beneficent hand? Not until He ceases to bless you will you cease to be under bonds to return to Him the portion He claims. He blesses you that it may be in your power to bless others. When you are weary of receiving, then you may say: I am weary of so many calls to give. God reserves to Himself a portion of all that we receive. When this is returned to Him, the remaining portion is blessed; but when it is withheld, the whole is sooner or later cursed. God’s claim is first; every other is secondary." Vol. 5, Testimonies for the Church, p. 150:3.
a. "They fail to see that God gives to them in order that they impart to others." Signs of the Times, Oct. 31, 1900:11.
b. "Freely ye have received, freely give." Matthew 10:8.
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