3. The Tithing Contract - Jan. 14-20

Sabbath Afternoon - January 14, 2023

Reading for the Week

 Gen. 14:18–20; Mal. 3:10; Deut. 12:5–14; Lev. 27:30; 1 Kings 17:9–16; 1 Cor. 4:1, 2.

Prayer Thought

Tithing Is Ordained by God

Voluntary offerings and the tithe constitute the revenue of the gospel. Of the means which is entrusted to man, God claims a certain portion—a tithe. {CCh 274.1} 

All should remember that God's claims upon us underlie every other claim. He gives to us bountifully, and the contract which He has made with man is that a tenth of his possessions shall be returned to God. The Lord graciously entrusts to His stewards His treasures, but of the tenth He says: This is Mine. Just in proportion as God has given His property to man, so man is to return to God a faithful tithe of all his substance. This distinct arrangement was made by Jesus Christ Himself. {CCh 274.2} 

Memory Text

Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that [there shall] not [be room] enough [to receive it]. {Mal. 3:10}

This week's SS Lesson will dig deeper in the mine of truth concerning the contract God had instituted since then and extended in our present times. It also includes the origin, over flowing blessings and instructions given by God to His ancient people with its relevancy in this last days.

Study Outline

Sunday - January 15, 2023

What is the Tithe? Tithe Equals a Tenth 

Lev. 27:30, 32; Gen. 14:18-20; 28:13, 14, 20-22; Heb. 7:1-9 

Monday - January 16, 2023

How it should be given? Where Is the Storehouse? 

Mal. 3:10; Deut. 12:5-14; Exo. 23:14-17; 2 Chron. 31:11-21; Neh. 12:44-47; 13:8-14 

Tuesday - January 17, 2023

How should it be used? The Purpose of Tithing 

Lev. 27:30; Num. 18:21, 24; Ps. 24:1; Acts 20:35; Rev. 13, 14 

Wednesday - January 18, 2023

What Must be Tithed? Tithing on the Gross or the Net Income

1 Kings 17:9-16; 1 Kings 17:13, 14 

Thursday - January 19, 2023

An Honest or Faithful Tithe 

1 Cor. 4:1-2; Matt. 25:19-21; Mal. 3:10

Friday - January 20, 2023

Further Study and Meditation

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Sunday - January 15, 2023

What is the Tithe? Tithe Equals a Tenth 

Lev. 27:30, 32; Gen. 14:18-20; 28:13, 14, 20-22; Heb. 7:1-9 

“[…] for the Levites should receive the tithes in all our farming communities.” (Nehemiah 10:37)

Definite System Complying with God's Requirements

The tithing system reaches back beyond the days of Moses. Men were required to offer to God gifts for religious purposes before the definite system was given to Moses, even as far back as the days of Adam. In complying with God's requirements, they were to manifest in offerings their appreciation of His mercies and blessings to them. This was continued through successive generations and was carried out by Abraham, who gave tithes to Melchizedek, the priest of the most high God.  {CS 69.1}  

God's Plan: Simplicity and Equality of Tithing System

God's plan in the tithing system is beautiful in its simplicity and equality. All may take hold of it in faith and courage, for it is divine in its origin. In it are combined simplicity and utility, and it does not require depth of learning to understand and execute it. All may feel that they can act a part in carrying forward the precious work of salvation. Every man, woman, and youth may become a treasurer for the Lord and may be an agent to meet the demands upon the treasury. Says the apostle: "Let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him."1 Corinthians 16:2. {CCh 274.4}

Gospel Support of the Ministry

The tribe of Levi was chosen by the Lord for the sacred offices pertaining to the temple and the priesthood. Of the priest it was said, "The Lord thy God hath chosen him ... to stand to minister in the name of the Lord." Deuteronomy 18:5. One tenth of all the increase was claimed by the Lord as His own. . . .  {CS 70.2}  

It was to this plan for the support of the ministry that Paul referred when he said, "Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel." And later, in writing to Timothy, the apostle said, "The laborer is worthy of his reward." 1 Timothy 5:18.--AA 335, 336.  {CS 70.3} 

Designed as a Great Blessing 

The special system of tithing was founded upon a principle which is as enduring as the law of God. This system of tithing was a blessing to the Jews, else God would not have given it them. So also will it be a blessing to those who carry it out to the end of time. Our heavenly Father did not originate the plan of systematic benevolence to enrich Himself, but to be a great blessing to man. He saw that this system of beneficence was just what man needed.--3T 404, 405.  {CS 67.3} 

Consider the Following

Tithe is the tenth (10%) of something. For example, the tithe of $340 is $34. It’s that simple.

The tithe is mentioned for the first time when Abraham and his allies defeated the kings who had taken the people of Sodom as prisoners (Genesis 14:17-20).

Jacob mentioned it for the second time in the Bible (Genesis 28:20-22). Paul explained that Levi—whose tribe would receive the tithe eventually—also “paid tithes” (Hebrews 7:9).

Giving God the tenth of everything we get is a law that was established long before the Sinai laws. Therefore, it’s valid for believers of all times, not just the Hebrews.

Monday - January 16, 2023

How should it be given? Where Is the Storehouse? 

Mal. 3:10; Deut. 12:5-14; Exo. 23:14-17; 2 Chron. 31:11-21; Neh. 12:44-47; 13:8-14 

“Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house”. (Mal.3:10) 

The Treasury is Under God's Control

The Lord's treasury should be under God's control, and if He Himself should not care how it is handled, it would be impossible for us to correct the evil regardless of how hard we might try, and much less could we help Him by withholding that which is His. If we guard carefully that part of the Lord's work which is entrusted to us, we shall have all that we can do. Our only concern should be to find out where is His "storehouse," and then faithfully deposit His money there, and, if it is His "storehouse," He will, without a doubt, take care of His own, but if He does not care for the storehouse which you think is His, then either your conception of His storehouse is incorrect, or else He has moved it to another place. "Seek and ye shall find."  {2SC12: 9.1.6}

The Treasury is the Storehouse of the Present Truth

The tithes and the offerings are of the Lord's substance, and those who think that they can so manipulate them as to accomplish whatever end is desired, are deceiving themselves, not God, for His command is, "Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in Mine house. "Mal. 3:10.  The storehouse is the only place designated where one may bring the tithes and offerings and unload from his shoulders the heavy responsibility which a faithful stewardship imposes.  To do otherwise with them, is to leave one's account in the heavenly ledger standing in the red, even though one may appropriate them to some meritorious work of charity.  While it is yet today, therefore, flee from this sin of Achan before it is forever too late!  "As I live, saith the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel?" Ezek. 33:11.  {TN4: 43.3}

Consider the Following

The Bible talks about multi-year special tithes that had to be given to the poor (Deuteronomy 14:28-29). However, the regular tithe had to be given ALWAYS to the Temple treasury (Malachi 3:10; Nehemiah 12:44).

The treasury or storehouse was a special room attached to the temple where tithes were stored (2 Chronicles 31:11-12). When people lived too far away to carry the tithe of their sheep, grain, or fruits, they gave the equivalent cost instead (Deuteronomy 14:24-25).

Nowadays, the tithe is given in the local branches of the Present Truth.

Tuesday - January 17, 2023

How should it be Used? The Purpose of Tithing 

Lev. 27:30; Num. 18:21, 24; Ps. 24:1; Acts 20:35; Rev. 13, 14 

“For the tithes of the children of Israel, which they offer up as a heave offering to the Lord, I have given to the Levites as an inheritance;” (Numbers 18:24) 

Pay One-Tenth of the Increase to the Levites

Still further, we may find an unmistakable answer, and perhaps all the light we need on this question, by looking back to the Jewish economy, when the Promised Land was divided among the twelve tribes of Israel. Under God's direction, the tribe of Levi was not given an inheritance in the land as were the eleven tribes; that is, that which should have been the priests' was given to the common people, and in turn, the people were to pay one-tenth of their increase to the tribe of Levi. Therefore, that which the Levites received from their brethren was actually their own, because God had given it to them for an inheritance. Hence, as the tribe of Levi had no right to dictate to the eleven tribes what they were to do with their increase after it had been tithed, save to instruct them in all righteousness, so the eleven tribes had no right to dictate to the Levites what was to be done with the tithe, nor do we find in sacred history an account of their quarreling about the tithe or the increase, or of the Lord's laying a burden upon one to watch the other, but each were to please the Lord, and were themselves accountable to the Lord and responsible for that which He had entrusted to them. Thus it must be today.  {2SC12: 9.2.1}

Future Servants are Those Who Hear His Voice

Those who will today hear His voice and harden not their hearts as in the day of provocation, will He make His Future Servants.  

"Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit, saith the Lord of hosts." Zech. 4:6.  In other words, the workers will be "taught rather by the unction of His Spirit, than by the outward training of scientific institutions.... God will manifest that He is not dependent on learned, self-important mortals."  "The most weak and hesitating in the church, will be as David -- willing to do and dare." -- Testimonies,  Vol. 5, pp. 82, 81.  {TN4: 44.1-2}

Question to Ponder

"Please explain about the firstfruits offerings and tithe paying."

What system of tithing was first implemented during the early stage of the Davidian movement, and what was the required amount.

Ans.

“Solomon admonishes: "Honor the Lord with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase." (Prov. 3:9.) "Thou shalt not delay to offer the first of thy ripe fruits, and of thy liquors: the firstborn of thy sons shalt thou give unto Me." (Ex. 22:29.) "And this shall be the priest's due from the people, from them that offer a sacrifice, whether it be ox or sheep;...the firstfruit also of thy corn, of thy wine, and of thine oil, and the first of the fleece of thy sheep shalt thou give Him." (Deut. 18:3,4.) "That thou shalt take of the first of all the fruit of the earth, which thou shalt bring of thy land that the Lord thy God giveth thee, and shalt put it in a basket, and shalt go unto the place which the Lord thy God shall choose to place His name there." (Deut. 26:2.)

Consider the Following

The tithes were meant to support the Levites and the care of the needy amongst us. They also gave the tithe of those tithes to the priests (Numbers 18:23-26).

The 1st tithe and the 2nd tithe is taught and practice in the Scriptures.

The Levites and priests were in charge of the religious services full-time. This is the reason why the tithes are currently used to support the pastors and lay workers who are employed by the church.

Besides, our trust in God is strengthened when we give the 10% of our income, as we believe that He will bless the remaining 90%.

And then lay aside the 2nd tithe with offering. For many Present Truth believers practice the 20% allocation for their tithes.

For a deeper understanding on this subject, please click the link below or copy-paste to a browser:

1. https://sites.google.com/view/meatindueseason/the-tithes-and-its-used

2. https://sites.google.com/view/meatindueseason/plate-passing-on-the-sabbath

3. https://sites.google.com/view/present-truth-lessons-2020/lesson-22-elijah-and-the-storehouse

Wednesday - January 18, 2023

What Must be Tithed? Tithing on the Gross or the Net Income

1 Kings 17:9-16; 1 Kings 17:13, 14 

“[…] and of all that You give me I will surely give a tenth to You.” (Genesis 28:22)

Israel's Devotion - Sacred and Religious Purposes

"Now God requires, not less, but greater gifts than at any other period of the world. The principle laid down by Christ is that the gifts and offerings should be in proportion to the light and blessings enjoyed. He has said, 'For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required'." -- 3T, p. 392.

"Sin offerings, peace offerings, and thank offerings were also required in addition to the tenth of the increase....A promise is here given, that, if all the tithes are brought into the store-house, a blessing from God will be poured upon the obedient....No less than one-third of their income was devoted to sacred and religious purposes." -- 3T, p. 394, 395.

Lord the first-fruits of all His gifts, whether in the increase of their flocks or herds, or in the produce of their fields, orchards, or vineyards, or they were to redeem it by substituting an equivalent. How changed the order of things in our day! The Lord's requirements and claims, if they receive any attention, are left till the last....The majority of professed Christian’s part with their means with great reluctance. Many of them do not give one-twentieth of their income to God, and many give far less than that; while there is a large class who rob God of the little tithe, and others who will give only the tithe. If all the tithes of our people flowed into the treasury of the Lord as they should, such blessings would be received that gifts and offerings for sacred purposes would be multiplied tenfold, and thus the channel between God and man would be kept open." -- 4T p. 474.

Consider the Following

The “goods” that Abraham tithed (Genesis 14:16, 22) applies to animals; food; and such valuable items as gold, silver, and clothes. These were goods he did not possess before, thus indicating an increase. Therefore, tithe should be calculated on all financial and asset gains.

We must set our tithe aside as soon as we receive our income. It is God’s, and He must be first in our lives. We shouldn’t use our income until we’ve fulfilled our commitment with God.

Please take pain to study the difference between a house and a storehouse through the link below.  

Meat In Due Season - Plate Passing on the Sabbath (google.com)

Thursday - January 19, 2023

Faithful Tithing - An Honest or Faithful Tithe 

1 Cor. 4:1-2; Matt. 25:19-21; Mal. 3:10

“Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful.” (1 Corinthians 4:2)

Is it sin to withhold the tithe, and if so, should we pay our tithe to the "storehouse" if we know that it is not used rightly?

Ans..

The question is fully answered by the Spirit of Prophecy in the following quotations:

"The tithe is the Lord's, and those who meddle with it will be punished with the loss of their heavenly treasure unless they repent. Let the work no longer be hedged up because the tithe has been diverted into various channels other than the one to which the Lord has said it should go. Provision is to be made for these other lines of work. They are to be sustained, but not from the tithe. God has not changed: the tithe is still to be used for the support of the ministry." -- "Testimonies for the Church," Vol. 9, p. 250.

"The tithe...is the Lord's.' Here the same form of expression is employed as in the law of the Sabbath. 'The seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God.' God reserved to Himself a specified portion of man's time and of his means, and no man could, without guilt, appropriate either for his own interests." -- "Patriarchs and Prophets," pp. 526-7.

What was Elijah work related to the closing work for the Church?

The work of ancient Elijah, you know, was the closing work for typical apostate Israel -- the Church.  Likewise the work of Elijah of this day must be the antitypical closing work for His temple, the Church, before the great and dreadful day of the Lord.  ("Testimonies," Vol. 3, pg. 266.)

Moreover, if Elijah is a messenger, he is to have a message.  His message is to be heart-searching, for he shall turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the hearts of the children to the fathers -- the fathers shall long to see their children saved, and the children shall long to see their fathers saved.  And this revival and reformation shall in truth be crowned with the purification of the Church, with the Lord's slaying the antitypical false prophets of today (Isa. 66:16).  "For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?" 1 Pet. 4:17.  "For by fire and by His sword will the Lord plead with all flesh: and the slain of the Lord shall be many....And I will set a sign among them, and I will send those that escape of them unto the nations, to Tarshish, Pul, and Lud, that draw the bow, to Tubal, and Javan, to the isles afar off, that have not heard My fame, neither have seen My glory; and the shall declare My glory among the Gentiles.  And they shall bring all your brethren for an offering unto the Lord out of all nations upon horses, and in chariots, and in litters, and upon mules, and upon swift beasts, to My holy mountain Jerusalem, saith the Lord, as the children of Israel bring an offering in a clean vessel into the house of the Lord." Isa. 66:16, 19, 20.

Consider the Following

Let’s review the contract of the tithe:

1)      The amount: The exact 10% of all our income. No more and no less.

2)      Set that amount aside before using our income for other purposes.

3)      Bring it to the treasury of the church, indicating that it’s a tithe and not an offering.

4)      Using it for its rightful purpose: supporting the workers employed by the church.

We show our faithfulness to God by fulfilling the first three requirements. The fourth depends on the faithfulness of the church administrators.

Being a steward of the Lord is a privilege and a responsibility that brings blessings.

Friday - January 20, 2023

Further Study and Meditation

“God's plan in the tithing system is beautiful in its simplicity and equality… All may feel that they can act a part in carrying forward the precious work of salvation. Every man, woman, and youth may become a treasurer for the Lord and may be an agent to meet the demands upon the treasury […]

Let each regularly examine his income, which is all a blessing from God, and set apart the tithe as a separate fund, to be sacredly the Lord's. This fund should not in any case be devoted to any other use; it is to be devoted solely to support the ministry of the gospel.” E. G. W. (The Faith I Live By, August 26)

Questions to Ponder

1. Why did God commanded His people to "Bring all the tithes" when in fact it has been an ancient practice of His people, Israelites? What does it mean?

2. Why it is so important to understand the principles of tithing as it was in the Sabbath observance? 

3. How the ancient Israel related to our condition as a people with regards to tithing? Do we have characteristics which is the same or common? In what way?

4. Why we're commanded to bring all our tithes in the "storehouse" not in the "house"? What's the difference? 

5. What secret there is, in the statement - it's better to give than to receive? What if we don't have, how can we give then?

6. Why there is a need for the 1st and 2nd tithes to be consecrated to the Lord's storehouse? How do we do that?

7. Based on the statement above, E. G. W. (The Faith I Live By, August 26), How do we respond to God's plan with regards to the financial responsibility He had commanded?

From the Pen of Inspiration

A Contract With God

When a verbal or written pledge has been made in the presence of our brethren, to give a certain amount, they are the visible witnesses of a contract made between ourselves and God. The pledge is not made to man, but to God, and is as a written note given to a neighbor. No legal bond is more binding upon the Christian for the payment of money, than a pledge made to God.  {CS 315.1}  

Persons who thus pledge to their fellow men do not generally think of asking to be released from their pledges. A vow made to God, the giver of all favors, is of still greater importance; then why should we seek to be released from our vows to God? Will man consider his promise less binding because made to God? Because his vow will not be put to trial in courts of justice, is it less valid? Will a man who professes to be saved by the blood of the infinite sacrifice of Jesus Christ, "rob God"? Are not his vows and his actions weighed in the balances of justice in the heavenly courts?  {CS 315.2}  

SSL-Q1-L3-The Tithing Contract-Jan.-14-20-2023 (fliphtml5.com)