Tithing: Consequences & Conclusions

Believers Not Learning How to Hear the Lord There is a stronghold of poverty in the church because of the mix of grace and law, that you are free to give as long as you have already fulfilled the law of tithing. Social Infrastructure Based on Money On a practical note, in Old Testament times, the tithes and offerings paid for government services, self-defense, disaster relief, roads, parties (festivals), and every need of society. Today, we pay taxes for these necessities. Not Giving God's Way is Contrary to Our New Nature There are at least four reasons the decision to tithe or not is a big issue. First, a lot of time, effort and manipulation is being used to get God's people to donate money, regardless of the need. Secondly, financially supporting something God isn't blessing can actually delay God's discipline in another's life, work or ministry. Third, not asking God what to do is ignoring His sovereignty in our lives. Fourth, deciding on our own is disobedience to the truth, and encouraging to the flesh. CONCLUSIONS Bereans (Acts 17:10-11) The Bereans were commended because they looked it up (in the Torah) for themselves, overcame the fear of man and their own traditions, and when they recognized the truth, they were willing to let go of their old ideas and act on what they were convinced of. Free to Give Only if Free Not to Give! We can't be free to give from the heart if it's a commandment and we must do it. It was for freedom we were set free. Are You Free to Give? Here's a little test: If you are currently tithing, or making regular donations to a ministry, group or person, ask the Lord each time if that is the amount He wants you to give. Then give Him an opportunity to speak.