Tuesday: A Statement of Faith
As we saw yesterday, faith is a process, a dynamic experience that, ideally, grows and matures. And one way God is “finishing” our faith and bringing it to completeness is through the act of tithing. Rightly understood, tithe returned to God is not legalism; when we tithe we are not working or seeking to earn our way to heaven.
Instead, tithing is a statement of faith. It is an outward, visible, personal expression of the reality of our faith.
After all, anyone can claim to have faith and to believe in God, and even to believe in Jesus. As we know, “even the demons believe” in God (James 2:19, NKJV). But to take 10 percent of your income and give it back to God? That is an act of faith.
Read Luke 11:42. What does it mean when Jesus implies that tithing is not to be left undone? How does tithe relate to the weightier matters of the law?
Tithing is a humble expression of dependence on God and an act of trust that Christ is our Redeemer. It is recognition that we have already been blessed “with every spiritual blessing in Christ” (Eph. 1:3, NIV) and a promise of more.
Read Genesis 28:14-22. What was Jacob’s response to God’s promise?
“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.” – Ellen G. White, Counsels on Stewardship, p. 73.
In what ways have you discovered for yourself the true spiritual blessings that come from paying tithe? How has paying tithe helped increase your faith? |
''But to take 10 percent of your income and give it back to God?'' Is it only the income that we tithe or whatever the Lord blesses us with?
Lastly the lesson writter uses the words ''paying tithe''. To me this brings a negative connotation. We mostly pay for something we use or for somerhing in return. I will reiterate the words of Malachi 3:7,10. The Bible uses two words ''returning'' and ''giving''. Is the use of the word ''paying''same as the ''returning and giving''?
Several years ago wise person explained me the the difference between paying tithe and returning tithe. You see, "paying" tithe connotates God has had to earn the tithe, as if it were a wage or a reward. Whereas, "returning" tithe connotates giving back to God that which was His to begin with. You see, we are returning to Him a small portion of which He has given us from His heart. We can't begin to pay for that.
The idea of tithe paying is appalling (strong word huh?) When I pay Tithe, Who do I pay and what am I paying for? How about using the term 'Returning the tithe" seeing it already belongs to God?
I think we can be a little more flexible in our judgement of those who use the term "pay". See my comment further down.
Paying tithe has been a blessing in my spiritual and financial lives, i have learned that my responsibility with God is above everything for he is the source of all my blessings praise be his name. He poured his blessings on me endlessly.
Esther Moran
I have learned that I don't own anything! I don't pay tithes, I return the tith to its rightful owner .
It is not like paying tax, an obligation. It is an act of love, and you feel joy to serve your God through it. You return it because you love Jesus by faith.
God has NEVER failed me yet: from childhood until now, every test and of my faith was met with God’s promises being filled—“abundantly...above that which I expect or believe”! MY God keeps ALL of His promises! “My faith has found a resting place, not in a man made creed. I trust the Ever-Living One!!!!!”
In James 2:14 on: I've learnt that faith without works is dead... So by returning tithe to the rightful owner is the works of the faith as well.
No! Paying and returning are two different things.
Paying can only aply to things that we can own permanently but we return things that are ours to the rightful owner...
In short I can say; the income we earn we are just special owners of which in faith we should or we have a duty to return to the general owner who is God Almighty. We cannot pay things that we can't own but we can return. In psalms we are told that all things are not ours but God. Thank u.
While there is a semantic difference between "paying" and "returning" and it is useful to explore those differences, we should be careful about how we apply them to the thoughts of others. English is a very flexible language and I am sure that many people say they are "paying" their tithe, who in their hearts are "returning" their tithe.
I pay tithe by an automated direct debit system on my bank account. It shows up on my bank records as a payment, like all of my other payments. But in my heart I am returning my tithe.
For us in the faith that have the understanding of the semantics as it relates to tithing, it is okay. However, we have to be careful to send the correct message to unbelievers, especially those who think it is ridiculous to give back a tenth to the Lord.
We may not discuss tithing in our everyday witnessing endeavors, but if and when we do, using the term 'pay' can be a deterrent.
When unchurched people bring the issue up with me, the distinction between "paying" and "returning" is lost completely. It is simply money in the hand that you no longer have. My usual response is to ask them about some of the discretionary payments eg alcohol/cigarettes/entertainment/horses/lotto etc. Usually the comparison is quite revealing. Mind you on the couple of times the topic has been brought up, it has been by people I know very well. And the main issue has been accountability of the church, not the size of the tithe.
Hope I’m not too late
Return tithe raises a feeling that God pretends to give us things when they remain his. I believe God genuinely gives us things and we can choose to give some of the things to him and to others in need.
I'm with you Maurice, I'm in no mood to play word games on this. Returning, paying, giving what ever you want to call it, the act is there and we should accept it from the heart. We are admonished to speak in such a Christlike way that patience, comfomfort, and love will be seen by our children. People we come in contact with church members, or unchurched are children of God. Here is the quote:
Even the church.
The issue of returning 10% of one's income or increase as tithe generally appears straight forward. As today's lesson indicates only 10% for Tithe is stressed at the expense of offerings. In most Local Church Bible study sessions I have attended, the hotly debated and contested issue is the 10% plus for offering that believers are also required to return apart from tithe. I know that Malachi 3:8 clearly talks about both (i.e. Tithe & Offering). How I wish today's lesson could adequately discuss offerings as well. Based on scriptures, please share your reflections and insights on offerings as well to help others who may not see why and how the two (tithe & offerings) are related