Will a man rob God?
God established and honored a definite system of giving very early in the history of mankind.
Genesis 4:1-7: The Lord had respect to only Abel and his offering. Abel considered his flock and took the first and best and gave unto the Lord. “Firstlings” = firstborn, chiefest, best. Abel gave systematically or proportionately unto the Lord.
Abraham tithed.
Genesis 14:18-20.
Tithe means the tenth part, a proportionate amount. Tithing originated before the Law of Moses.
Jacob tithed before the Mosaic Law.
Genesis 28:20-22
Tithing continued during the Mosaic Law.
Deuteronomy 12:11
Tithing is mentioned in the prophecy of the New Testament age.
Malachi 3:8-10
These scriptures pertain not only to the Old Testament but also to the New Testament times. This chapter begins by prophesying of Christ and the gospel day (v. 1-3).
Tithes are to be brought into the storehouse or the local congregation to provide for a proper place of worship and also to provide for the needs of the local pastor.
I Corinthians 9:1-14
Offerings are that which is given beyond the tithe. (vs. 8)
Not giving as the Lord directs is robbery. (vs. 8)
There are blessings and rewards for obeying God. (vss. 10-11)
Jesus approved of tithing.
Matthew 23:23
As already proved, tithing did not originate under the Mosaic Law
Christ did not do away with this system of giving and it was not one of the Old Testament ordinances that was “nailed to the cross”.
Tithing was and is part of God’s financial system before, during, and now after the Mosaic Law in this gospel dispensation.
Hebrews 7:1-9
Abraham paid tithe to Melchisedec who was a type of Christ. (vss. 2-3)
Today we tithe to the true Christ. “And here men that die receive tithes” (vs. 8) Paul speaking of the sons of Levi or the Levitical priesthood of the Jews religion. (vs. 5) “but there he (Christ) receiveth them, of whom it is witnessed that he liveth.”
Do you tithe unto Christ?
God deserves the FIRST of ALL our increase.
Proverbs 3:9
We should give unto the Lord with the right attitude.
II Corinthians 9:7
Think of all the money people spend on tobacco, alcohol, gambling, and worldly pleasures yet grudge giving tithes and offerings unto the Lord. “Will a man rob God?”