Jesus Is The Lord Our Provider Series

a. WHAT IS TITHING?

• God is calling His people to return to Him by tithing – giving 10% of their income.

• Tithing was not a part of the OT law – it was a principle from God.

• Abraham and Jacob both tithed before the law was given (Gen. 14:20 & 28:22).

• Jesus endorsed tithing in two places – in Matthew 23:23 and 22:21.

b. WHAT WILL GOD DO WHEN WE TITHE?

• He will open up the windows of Heaven and pour out a big blessing.

• He will rebuke the devourer. ILLUSTRATE.

• God says, “Put me to the test!” In other words – try it and see if it will work!

c. WHAT ABOUT PEOPLE WHO TITHE BUT STILL AREN’T BLESSED?

• We must be good stewards of the remaining 90%: “The earth is the Lord’s, and all its fullness, The world and those who dwell therein.” (Psalm 24:1).

3. THE PRINCIPLE OF FIRST FRUITS:

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths… Honor the Lord with your possessions, And with the firstfruits of all your increase; So your barns will be filled with plenty, And your vats will overflow with new wine.” (Proverbs 3:5-6,9-10).

• If we want God to bless our finances, we need to honour Him with the first 10%.

• A little boy gave his lunch (John 6:9) which Jesus multiplied to feed the 5,000.

BIBLE EXAMPLE: In 1 Kings 17:8-15, the Lord sent Elijah to a widow in Zarephath

The widow said, "I do not have bread, only a handful of flour in a bin, and a little oil in a jar; and see, I am gathering a couple of sticks that I may go in and prepare it for myself and my son, that we may eat it, and die." (v.12).

Elijah said, "Make me a small cake from it first, and bring it to me; and afterward make some for yourself and your son. For thus says the Lord God of Israel: The bin of flour shall not be used up, nor shall the jar of oil run dry, until the day the Lord sends rain on the earth.” (v.13-14).

• So she went away and did according to the word of Elijah; and she and he and her household ate for many days. (v.13).

• If the widow hadn’t honoured God and given her ‘first fruits’ to the prophet of God, she would have never experienced God’s provision.

• When we honour God with our first 10%, He stretches the 90% to go further than if we had kept the whole 100%.

4. THE PRINCIPLE OF LAYING UP TREASURE IN HEAVEN:

“But seek the kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added to you. Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Sell what you have and give alms; provide yourselves money bags which do not grow old, a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches nor moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Luke 12:31-34).

• When we give to God, or give to the poor, we are laying up treasure in Heaven.

• “One thing you lack: Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, take up the cross, and follow Me.” (Mark 10:21).

• Giving to the poor = not just street people. There might be someone in the church who is out of work and needs help. Discuss: “The Christian handshake” = with money in it…