June 2, 2013

A Tithe vs An Offering

There was at least three differences between a tithe and an offering for an Old Testament Israelite...

1. The tithe was 10%. The offering was any amount given above and beyond the tithe. Here’s an example...In the book of Ezra, when the Temple needed to be rebuilt (because it had been destroyed by Israel’s enemies) the Israelites were asked to give freewill offerings (Ezra 1:4,6; 3:5; 7:16; 8:28). These offerings were to be given above and beyond their tithe. 

Application: Returning the tithe is where we start. Once we have the tithe down, we are free to give an offering above and beyond the tithe. If we aren't tithing, we have no business giving an offering. The tithe comes first, then the offering as we're able.

2. The tithe was mandatory, an offering was not (unless God prompted them to give one). When it came to offerings the Israelites could give or not give as they felt led by God, but not so with the tithe. The tithe was required whether they felt like returning it or not. 

Application: We don't have to feel led to return the tithe. We should return it whether we feel like it or not. We give offerings as we feel led, but not so with the tithe.

3. The Israelites could not designate their tithe (i.e. I would like my tithe to go towards missions, or the building fund, or kids church, etc.) The tithe belonged to God so only he could designate its use, and he said the tithe was earmarked for funding the local church. But an offering was different. The offering didn't come out of the 10% that belonged to God, but out of the 90% God let them steward. That belonged to God too, but God allowed some freedom in how it was used. They were free to designate an offering, but not the tithe. 

Application: We're to return the tithe, undesignated, to our local church. God has already designated the tithe to meet the basic needs of the local church (i.e. The tithe funds the various programs of the local church, and provides for the pastors who lead the church spiritually and minister to the needs of the people).

Note: They Israelites were never to take their tithe and use it as an offering. For example, when the Israelites were asked in the book of Ezra to give free will offerings to help rebuild the Temple, that was not an invitation to start using their tithes to do it. They were to tithe first, then give a free will offering, as they felt led, above and beyond the tithe. 

Application: We want you to give to our missions fund, our building fund, our New Day Ministry Endowment Fund and our annual Special Christmas Offering. But not if you can't do so above and beyond the tithe. You tithe first, then give an offering above and beyond the tithe as you're able to do so. 


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