There have been many debates here and there on seeds, tithes, first fruit and offerings. Some have said it is an old testament practice while others said we are to practice it as believers as well.
Without going deep into the theology and the doctrine of these matters, one question that we can ask ourselves that will resolve, if we are sincere, all our differences is that why did God set it up in the first place? To what end was the directive given?
If we know the purpose I believe it will resolve so many things in our heart.
I have always used this means to resolve all confusing/controversial issues in the scriptures and it works.
Is it an act that determines our relationship with God or an act that flows out of our relationship with God?
Let us read some scriptures and try to answer the question simply. I am not an apologetic and I don’t claim to be one. Some people have the ability and I just share my understanding of the matter, while open to more light, because of the folks that we lead to show where we stand on the matter.
Pardon me we won’t go into a detailed study just few scriptures to give us direction but the principle is consistent if we are to search ALL the scriptures. Thank God the scriptures says by two or three witnesses a matter will be established…smiles. So let us look at two or three scriptures.
No 1: Abraham and Jacob gave tithes as an act of faith not an instruction from God. It was a freewill offering. Gen 14:16-20, Heb 7:9-10
No 2: Moses was asked by God to take offering of the people for the building of the tabernacle in the wilderness.Gen 35:4-5,21-35
No 3: God commanded the priests and Levites not to have any possession or inheritance. He said he will be their inheritance. Then God commanded the people of Israel to bring offerings and pay tithes for the upkeep of the priests/levites and for the upkeep of the temple. Numbers 3:5-12, Leviticus 27:30, Numbers 18:8; 20-21
No 4: The new church in Jerusalem took offerings for the upkeep of everyone that was in service to God and those that were in need.
We saw examples of how they gave to travelling ministers.
We saw Paul raise offerings from churches for the Jerusalem church who was in great need at the time.
We also saw Paul teach many churches that those who are benefiting from the spiritual ministry of a minister should also minister carnal things to them.
He also taught that who live for the gospel, should live by the gospel.
1Corithians 16:1-2, 2 Corinthians 9:6-7, 2 Cor 8:1-15, Acts 2: 44-45, 4:32-37, 11:28-30 and 1 Cor 9:9-18
No 5: Even Jesus Christ supported taking offerings for the purpose established by God. He also was in support of giving of tithes but his emphasis was on being right to do right and not putting tradition over the word of God. Luke 11:42, Luke 21:1-4, Mathew 25:35-46
So what are our take aways from this short treatise?
1. Let us start with answering our simple question asked at the beginning.
Why did God set up giving of offerings/tithes and the likes in the first place?
I believe God made a provision for the care of those who are called and have committed their lives to His work, the needy/poor in the church and also to the care/expansion of the church(gospel).
2. Giving is more blessed when it is of faith and done with a heart of love towards God. It was before the law came.
It shouldn’t be seen as basis of our relationship with God but as an outflow of our relationship with him.
God needs us more than he wants our tithe or offerings. He requests for everything.
3. It is right for us to take care of those that are truly called of God into the ministry who has committed their lives to the service of God especially if we are benefiting from their ministry.
Like Paul we should also remember ministers that are in hinterlands who are in great need but can’t do much because of the work of our father.
We should support them with our finances, materials, words of encouragement and prayers. They are at the front line of the battle.
It is not wrong for them to have a bit of comfort while they are focused on the work.
We can give their children scholarships for their education, take care of their health bills and so on. It is a gift of love and not of compulsion. Do as you are able.
4. It is also right to support projects that are targeted at the expansion of the kingdom. Gospel focused projects.
5. On question of honorarium, it is right for the people inviting a minister to take care of his/her transportation and upkeep for the period he/she will be ministering.
It is wrong to say that he is doing service to God and because of that treat him/her shabbily. It doesn’t glorify God.
We shouldn’t put the minister under pressure and at the same time what we will be giving shouldn’t be such a gift that will now put the church under immense pressure. It should be as led or as available.
On the part of the minister, he shouldn’t charge for his ministrations or refuse to come for an event because they didn’t ‘pay’ or refuse a gift because it is small.
Let there never be a time that you won’t minister to the people of God because of money issue. He should act as led and as honourable/proper.
5. I have received so many questions on where do I give and how do I give.
Give offerings anywhere as led, directed by leaders and as available. Don’t give grudgingly. Give out of love and faith.
Give your tithes to your local church or any ministry you are being fed spiritually directly, I believe it is to the upkeep of the church you are being fed spiritually week in and week out.
Give sacrificially; you give special seeds, firstfruits offering, and others as led but not in compulsion. Don’t ever give out of fear, if you are not able don’t give.
Finally, God is not MMM that gives you particular % on the money you give. He will bless you that is the promise.
Don’t give like you are playing lottery or giving to a money doubler. God isn’t in that business.
Don’t give because you are made to feel guilty, God doesn’t see you as guilty. Don’t fall for manipulations and don’t borrow to give. Give what you have.
Give with a cheerful heart and you can be sure that God will bless you. It is more blessed to give than to receive. So when you receive, give out of it as well.
Let there never be a time that you have enough and even more than enough and someone around you is seriously lacking. You have enough give to your church, give to missionaries, give to the needy/poor.
I pray that God will bless you abundantly. He will put in your hands seeds to give and breads for you to eat. He will satisfy you and oil you continually. You will not know dryness. You are blessed, you are a blessing.
Shalom.
By Omoniyi Temitope Mayowa
18/01/17 by 8:31pm
*CAVEAT*: The above is not an excuse or justification for manipulations, laziness and profligacy that is rampant in our generation, Paul had words for them as well but this is not the focus of this SHORT treatise so I shouldn’t be misunderstood. We have only looked at what is right and not what is wrong.
*Ensure you read the scriptures mentioned*
