GRACE OF GIVING-II

Let us be filled with the grace of giving as mentioned in the Old Testament.

(A) FIRST FRUIT OFFERINGS GIVEN OUT OF LOVE FOR GOD.

 

(1) THE LORD'S TITHE.

• It went to support the priest's ministry.

• Numbers 18:26-29(click to read the verse),“When you receive from the Israelites the tithe that the Lord gives you as your possession, you must present a tenth of it as a special contribution to the Lord....Give it from the best that you receive."

(2) THE FESTIVAL TITHE

• It went to build religious celebration and mutual community in God's people.

• Deuteronomy 12:10-11(click to read the verse), "...The Lord will choose a single place where he is to be worshiped, and there you must bring to him everything that I have commanded: your sacrifices that are to be burned and your other sacrifices, your tithes and your offerings, and those special gifts that you have promised to the Lord." 

• Deuteronomy 12:17-18(click to read the verse)...are to eat these offerings only in the presence of the Lord your God, in the one place of worship chosen by the Lord your God. And you are to be happy there over everything that you have done."

(3) THE POOR TITHE.

• It went for the social welfare of those who couldn't provide for themselves.

• Deuteronomy 14:28-29(click to read the verse),...This food is for the Levites, since they own no property, and for the foreigners, orphans, and widows who live in your towns. They are to come and get all they need. Do this, and the Lord your God will bless you in everything you do." 

• Leviticus 19:9-10(click to read the verse)...leave them for poor people and foreigners. I am the Lord your God."

(4) OCCASIONAL TAXES.

• It went to pay for materials used in temple offerings.

• Nehemiah 10:32-33(click to read the  verse),..."Every year we will each contribute one-eighth of an ounce of silver to help pay the expenses of the Temple..."

(B) FREEWILL OFFERINGS

 

(1) FIRST-FRUITS OF CROPS/LIVESTOCK.

• The Israelites would bring the first fruits of Crops/Livestock to the Lord before they'd even finish harvesting. It was faith giving and totally voluntary.

(2) OFFERING FROM HEART.

• EXODUS 25:2,“Tell the Israelites to make an offering to me. Receive whatever offerings anyone wishes to give."

Let us not cheat our God in the matter of tithes and offerings as mentioned in Malachi 3:8

Let us strive to be a Cheerful Giver. 

#Inspired from the book, "Disciplines of a Godly Woman"