T I T H E
One tenth (10%) of everything God gives us, belongs to Him. It is called tithe. (Leviticus 27:30)
The Bible first mentioned tithe in Genisis 14:20. Abraham learned this principle from his close relationship with God.(James 2:23) He taught this principle to future generations long before God revealed it in his written law. Because of these teachings, Abraham's grandson, Jacob, promised to give a tithe of everything he got from his work or business. (Genesis 28:22) As a result, they were the richest men of the entire region
Just as Abraham gave his tie to Melchizedek, God's high priest, believers of the new covenant should also give their tithes to Jesus Christ, their high priest the order of Melchizedek. (Hebrews 5:9, 10; 7:1-22) God later introduces this commandment in the law and his people practice it knowing that it holds the secret to their prosperity, protection and blessing. When God's people disobeyed this law, God told them that they had stolen from him and would be cursed. (Malachi 3:8-9) On the other hand, the only passage where God authorizes us to test him is in (Malachi 3:10). With this, he demonstrates his interest in blessing us abundantly and defending our resources from the devil. (Malachi 3:11; John 10:10)
In the New Testament, Jesus reinforces the importance of tithing and living a holy life that is pleasing to God. (Matthew 23:23). A good steward also knows that God should be first in his life and in his finances. A committed believer types to the church where he receives his nourishment and spiritual supervision.
O F F E R I N G S
Offerings show the commitment of the good steward because it is exceeds the minimum requirement of tithe. Offerings are not alms or money that we have left over. (Mark 12:41-44) They are expressions of the thankful heart and devotion to God. 1 (Chronicles 29:13-14; Psalm 96:8) They are seeds in the fertile fields of the work of God. (1 Corinthians 9:5-13) When they are sewn generously they reproduce the wealth that God has promised us. The Macedonians are an excellent example of the type of offering the God expects.(2 Corinthians 9:1-9)
(Master's Plan-Obed Jauregui)
