Putting God to the Test
by Gary Linton October 15, 2009 9 Comments
Tags: first fruits, putting god first, Sermon Outlines, ten percent, tithing
Written by Donnie “SAX” Sanders
I received an E-MAIL through my website, from a dear sister in the Lord. She was wrestling with the question of tithing on her gross income, which she didn’t feel she could afford. Here is my response:
Donnie Sanders
The answer is in God’s willingness to bless us, because of our decision to be faithful and budgeting our lives in our weekly blessings (God’s ten percent and your ninety percent). You are to give to God the first ten percent of your income, the first fruits and putting His kingdom first (Proverbs 3:9-10; Matthew 6:33). Ten percent is the Lord’s portion and yours is ninety. This is a covenant between you and Him.
God who has the power to cause us to get wealth (Deuteronomy 8:18) and He is the one who sends you the total sum weekly. He is actually trusting you to invest His portion (ten percent – the tithe) into His kingdom and the spreading of His Word. He gives you ninety percent of the total, right? Why not trust Him to cause your total to get even bigger (greater), because He sees He can trust you and that you are faithful? He said, “Try me and see if I will not open the windows of heaven and pour you out a blessing greater than you can receive” (Malachi 3:8-10). You will quickly find out the ninety percent constantly increases and is much better than the one hundred percent of your total.
The enemy wants to cheat you out of a blessing. He tells you, you can’t afford to pay a tenth (tithe). He is a liar. You can’t afford not to. Your tithe is your seed to invest into God’s vineyard. It’s really for your sake, to learn to trust God. Believe me – God doesn’t fail! He always keeps His Word and promises (Lamentations 3:22-23; 2 Corinthians 1:20; Hebrews 6:18).
When you keep your word and fulfill your end of the covenant, you are opening the door to allow Him to keep His Word and promise to you. This is how partnership in the gospel works, by being faithful to each other. We are talking about being faithful to God and Christ. It is the perfect formula for success. Try it – put Him first, then sit back and watch Him be the God of His Word that He says He is.
By the way, Get excited! When you give, give cheerfully, knowing that in your heart, you have just said, “I love and trust you Lord. I want to bless you and keep my covenant with you. I am excited about pleasing you. I know you love a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:6-7).
About the author
Donnie “Sax” Sanders is a Christian musician (saxophonist) who is doing the work of a musical Evangelist all over the world, preaching the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. Visit Donnie at www.donniesaxsanders.com.
9 comments
we share a very common believe on tithing. Please i would like to join your ministry. I am from kenya
Abraham gave tithe while the law was still in his loins (Hebrews 7:4-10). It was a principle instituted by God before the law and therefore continues after the law. The law merely picked it up. Read my article on tithing. http://bit.ly/FWHlM
The tithe is an old testament law that is no longer binding to the new testament Church. We have been given the Spirit of God, which means that our giving should be led by the Spirit. We are no longer under the curse.
- jared
I amm will to work with you in uganda that is africa , I wish you best of all God bless you so much
Referring to those who made an issue of tithing and neglected other things like justice, mercy and faithfulness Jesus said, “”These are the things you should have done without neglecting the others” (Matthew 23:23 NASB). So, we should not neglect anything including the tithe.
Dear Loved Ones in JESUS, Those of us who have experienced the blessings of obedience … giving of our tithes unto the LORD … have also experienced the blessings of GOD’S covenant promises… made in Malachi 3 … and are recipients of HIS FAITHFULNESS…from the windows of heaven … to keep HIS EVERLASTING WORD… SHOWING HIMSELF TO BE THE SAME GOD …YESTERDAY, TODAY AND FOREVER. HE SAID ” I CHANGE NOT “. I am sure the LORD does not care whether you call your giving .. a Gift … or tithes … knowing that you are giving out of the love and obedience in your heart …cheerfully … to support HIS church …and please HIM … by showing yourself obedient … with your GIFTS … exceeding the required ten percent of old. signed
” A CHEERFUL OBEDIENT GIVER OF TITHES and GIFTS “
I know tithing is promoted in many churches. However, many of the tithing teachings are incorrect and a misinterpretation of biblical scriptures.
My heart goes out the woman who is struggling financially. But to this woman and others I offer the following biblical TRUTHS/FACTS:
1. Christians are never commanded to tithe.
2. Tithing was abolished with the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus the Christ.
3. Giving replaced tithing; and no giving and tithing aren’t not the same.
4. The Bible/Apostle gives guidelines on how to give – it should be Spirit-driven and from the heart; it should not be a burden to the giver; giving should come from ones abundance (i.e., what’s left over when one has met his/her household expenses).
5. The Bible does not promote bad financial stewardship; neglecting ones household financial responsibilities to pay so-called tithes is bad financial stewardship.
I offer in a Spirit love and light, and I pray it is received as such.
Peace & Blessings.
Great teaching.
Giving is a worship unto God and when we give in an obedient manner we draw closer to God
Nice writing. You are on my RSS reader now so I can read more from you down the road.
Allen Taylor
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