DCLM Higher Everyday 13 October 2023 — Pay Your Tithe
Topic: Pay Your Tithe
Text: Hebrews 7:5-9
6But he whose descent is not counted from them received tithes of Abraham, and blessed him that had the promises.
7And without all contradiction the less is blessed of the better.
8And here men that die receive tithes; but there he receiveth them, of whom it is witnessed that he liveth.
9And as I may so say, Levi also, who receiveth tithes, payed tithes in Abraham.
Key Verse: “And verily they that are of the sons of Levi, who receive the office of the priesthood, have a commandment to take tithes of the people according to the law, that is, of their brethren, though they come out of the loins of Abraham” (Hebrews 7:5).
Message
According to David Yonggi Cho, “We must give the precise amount. One-tenth of all our income. If we interpret the regulation of the tithe freely, as we like, and give thank offerings, Sunday offerings and alms out of the tithe, that is not paying all the tithe.” As tithing was relevant in the Old Testament Covenant, so it is today in the New Testament Church. Tithes are important because they are used to pay Church workers, grow the Church and promote the gospel worldwide.
God’s saints are not only required to give tithes and offerings generously and sacrificially but also encouraged to do so from a pure heart. Tithing applies to all Christians today as a symbol of how God calls us to live our lives as stewards rather than owners. Do not give because you fear to be punished or because you expect God to bless you for the act. Rather, give because God expects you to be a lot more generous due to the fullness of Christ’s work that we celebrate. Whether little or much, pay the tithe.
Quote: To live our lives as stewards
Challenge: Tithing is a test of your obedience as a steward.
Prayer for today: Make me a cheerful giver and tither, O God!
1. Admit that you are a sinner. "For all [humans] have sinned, and comes short of the glory of God....[and] the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 3:23)
2. Repent now. "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out ...[for] if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness " (Acts 3:19, 1 John 1:9)
3. Believe that God loves you and Jesus died for you. "God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet Sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8)
4. Invite Jesus into your life through prayer of faith. Jesus says, "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me" (Revelation 3:20)
