STUDY 14

TITHES, OFFERINGS AND VOWS  


Tithes in the Church
Tithe is one tenth or ten percent of your total or gross income. It belongs to God. Mal. 3:8-12

A. Why do we pay tithes

1. God through Moses ordained that all the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land or fruit of the land be given to God. Lev. 27:30-32

2. God commanded us to bring our tithes into His storehouse. Mal 3:8-11

B. How do we pay our tithes

We must bring it into the house of God promptly and cheerfully with all our heart and gratefulness to God. Pay the tithe to the church where the whole truth is preached.

C. Benefits of tithing

1. God will rebuke the devourer for your sake. Mal. 3:10

2. God will open the windows of heaven and pour His blessings more than you can accommodate. Mal. 3:1

Unfaithfulness in the area of tithing can make a believer to lose lots of God’s blessing, because he is stealing from God directly.

Offering: Throughout the bible, God encouraged us to bring offerings to Him which is different from the tithes. Today we do not bring Sin, Burnt, Guilt offerings because Jesus has done it all for us. However we still bring thanks offering. It is an expression of gratitude to our God. More so, He is honored. Ps 50:23

1. God honors those who honor him: I Sam. 2:30, Ps 50:14

2. The Lord said "No one is to appear before me empty handed. Ex 23:15, Ex 34:20

3. Offer acceptable thanks offering unto the Lord Lev. 22:29

4. Give to the Lord that which is the Best an offering without defect Lev 22:17-25. Offer whatever you have for the Lord willingly without grudge. Lev 22:19, I Chron 29:6-17, II Cor. 9:6-8

5. Give generously. II Cor. 9:6-8; Lk 6 : 38, Gal 6 : 7-9, Prov 11: 24

6.  Be wise, obey God. Ex. 35:10

Vow: It is a voluntary promise to God to perform some service or give/do something pleasing to Him in return for some hoped for benefits. For example, Jacob vowed to the Lord: Gen. 28:20-22

1. When you vow you decide what you will give to the Lord Lev 27:2

2.  Do not be careless when you vow unto God. Pay what you vowed for our God is a no nonsense God and will still require it of you Ecc. 5:2-6; Ps 66:13-14

3.  It is better not to vow than to vow and not pay: Ecc 5:5 Num 30:2

4. When you vow and pay, God will Deliver you in your day of trouble, and will cut off your oppressors if you call on Him Ps 50:14-15; Ps 76:11-12  

 

MEMORY VERSE: Gal. 6:7-9