Paul writes to Timothy: “You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain,’ and ‘The laborer is worthy of his wages” (1 Tim. 5:18, NKJV). He is quoting Moses in Deuteronomy 25:4 regarding the ox and Jesus from Luke 10:7 regarding the laborer. The phrase about the ox appears to have been a proverb, and it means it is fair … Continue reading –>
Memory verse quote. Does it surprise you to read in the Bible that the Lord said to Paul, His champion leader in the early Christian church, “the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should live from the gospel”? (1 Corinthians 9:14, NKJV). How does God’s church today fulfill that command? What is … Continue reading –>
There are two hymns in the SDA Hymnal that have the word “Tithe” in them: Hymn 634, “Come, All Christians, Be Committed” and Hymn 639, “A Diligent and Grateful Heart”. “Tithing is an important expression of faith” is in the first line of the introduction to this week’s lesson study: There is quite a listing of … Continue reading –>
As we saw in Malachi 3:10, God promised a great blessing to those faithful in their tithe. Yet God’s blessing is not one-dimensional. To emphasize, for instance, the accumulation of material assets as a blessing, at the expense of everything else, is a very narrow view of what God’s blessing really is. Blessing in Malachi is … Continue reading –>
Jesus commands us to “preach the gospel” (Mark 16:15) and to “make disciples”, “teaching them to observe all things” (Matt. 28:19-20, NKJV). Thus, God wants us to be involved in the most important work on earth: bringing people to Jesus. Funding this mission from resources entrusted to us by God is the steward’s responsibility. Participation deepens personal commitment in … Continue reading –>
Thou shalt truly tithe all the increase of thy seed, that the field bringeth forth year by year. Deuteronomy 14:22 KJV Tithing on your “increase” is different than tithing on your “gross” or “net” as an employee. This affects people who are self-employed and/or invest in their business. An illustration I use when giving a … Continue reading –>
Read for This Week’s Study: Mark 16:15; 1 Pet. 3:8-9; 1 Cor. 9:14; Rom. 3:19-24. Memory Text: “Do you not know that those who minister the holy things eat of the things of the temple, and those who serve at the altar partake of the offerings of the altar? Even so the Lord has commanded that those who preach the … Continue reading –>
Further Thought: God initiated all the covenants stated in the Bible and has taken the lead in drawing His people into these covenants (Heb. 8:10). The covenant promises reflect His grace, love, and desire to save us. A covenant with God includes many things: God, a recipient, conditions of the covenant, commitment to the conditions by both parties, … Continue reading –>
The long reign of Hezekiah is considered the high point for the tribe of Judah. Not since the reign of David and Solomon had Israel enjoyed God’s blessing so greatly. In 2 Chron. 29-31 is Hezekiah’s record of revival and reformation: “He did what was right in the eyes of the LORD” (2 Chron. 29:2, NIV). “The … Continue reading –>
We often talk about giving God tithe. But how do we give to God what He already owns? Read Leviticus 27:30. What two important points are found in this text in regard to tithe? “Tithe belongs to the Lord and therefore is holy. It does not become holy through a vow or a consecration act. It … Continue reading –>
