Why I Tithe
Partial Outline: FULL PDF HERE
Genesis 14:18-20 [First reference to tithing in the Bible.]
The word “tithe” means a tenth. To tithe means to honor God with 1/10th of your income—One penny out of every dime / One dollar out of every ten, etc.
I began to tithe shortly after I was baptized in 1968 when I heard my pastor (Dr. Henry Parrish) preach a sermon on tithing. [Thank God for preachers who aren’t afraid to preach about tithing! One of the best friends you have is someone who teaches you how to be rightly related to God and to money.]
I’ve never regretted tithing. The only thing I regret about tithing is I didn’t begin to tithe sooner!
Why I tithe… First, let me tell you these are NOT reasons why I tithe:
- I don’t tithe because I’m afraid God will clobber me if I don’t. I don’t tithe out of fear—I tithe out of love!
- I don’t tithe because God needs my money. God doesn’t need my money, but I certainly need His blessings!
- I don’t tithe because I’m trying to earn God’s favor. God loves me whether I tithe or don’t tithe!
I. It is SCRIPTURAL.
Principle of tithing is seen in the garden of Eden.
- It Commenced with Abraham (Gen. 14:18-20). Before the law.
- It Continued with Jacob (Gen. 28:20-22). Before the law.
- It was Charged by Moses (Lev. 27:30-32).
- It was Committed by Nehemiah (Neh. 10:37-39; 13:10-12).
- It is Challenged by Malachi (Mal. 3:8-10). Put God to the test! God has blessed my commitment to honor Him one tenth of all my income from the day I started.
- It is Commended by Jesus (Matt. 23:23).
II. It is SENSIBLE. Tithing makes “CENTS!”
A. Logic of tithing—Why would I do less under grace than an orthodox Jew was required under the law?
Partial Outline: FULL PDF HERE
