Tithe: Training wheels for generosity

20/07/2025 - Matthew Destry Addressing the Elephant in the Room Suspicion is healthy. But cynicism can harden your heart. Today, I want us to ask: What if giving to God isn’t a scheme, but a spiritual practice? Main Narrative Text: Genesis 14:17–24 After his return from the defeat of Chedorlaomer and the kings who were with him, the king of Sodom went out to meet him at the Valley of Shaveh (that is, the King’s Valley). And Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine. (He was priest of God Most High.) And he blessed him and said, “Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth; and blessed be God Most High, who has delivered your enemies into your hand!” And Abram gave him a tenth of everything. And the king of Sodom said to Abram, “Give me the persons, but take the goods for yourself.” But Abram said to the king of Sodom, “I have lifted my hand to the LORD, God Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth, that I would not take a thread or a sandal strap or anything that is yours, lest you should say, ‘I have made Abram rich.’ I will take nothing but what the young men have eaten, and the share of the men who went with me.” Key Points – The tithe is not law first—it is worship first. The Tithe is Worship The Tithe is a Heart Shaper The Tithe is a Declaration of Dependence The Tithe Points Beyond Itself Pastoral Note: Tithing on Low Income It’s not about the size of the gift. It’s about the posture of the heart. Bonus Section: Is Tithing in the New Testament? In Matthew 23:23, he critiques the Pharisees for tithing their herbs meticulously while neglecting “the weightier matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness.” He says: “You should have practised the latter, without neglecting the former.” “They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need.” (Acts 2:45) “No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had.” (Acts 4:32) “On the first day of every week, each 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.” (1 Corinthians 16:2) Jesus is our true Priest “Lord Jesus, our great High Priest, You gave everything for us. Make us generous like You. Break greed, fear, and pride in our hearts. Teach us to worship You with all we have. Amen.”