Malachi 3:6-12; 1 Corinthians 16:1-4
Related Sunday School Lesson, Family Bible Series, Feb.22

If you believe the truth about giving, then freedom and joy are yours. If you reject the truth about giving, then you will find yourself imprisoned and bitter toward life, especially in financial matters. Perhaps there is no more poignant lesson on giving than Malachi 3:6-12. In those verses we learn that the basic premise of biblical giving is the “tithe,” a word that refers to ten percent of a person’s income. More precisely, this word refers not merely to ten percent of a person’s income but to the “first” ten percent. Malachi is not talking about something that is taken from the bottom, but rather, from the top.

If a person is interested in doing things God’s way, then tithing cannot be ignored. It has to be as integral a part of life as breathing. What does Malachi tell us about tithing? First, Malachi tells us that the tithe is to be given wholly, “Bring the whole tithe.” Ask someone if he or she tithes, and the answer may come back in the affirmative. However, ask this same person if he or she gives at least ten percent of their income to the Lord and the answer may change. Why? Because some people think that any gift, regardless of the giving-to-income ratio, is tithing. That is incorrect thinking. Don’t miss this. Anything less than ten percent is not tithing.

“The whole tithe” suggests three things. One, we are to give no less than ten percent of our income to the Lord. Two, we are to give ten percent of the full blessing that comes to us. That means figuring the tithe on gross income, not merely on the net. Third, tithing is not optional. The grammatical construction of the word translated “bring” tells us that tithing is commanded and that the responsibility to tithe is placed squarely on the shoulders of the individual. Tithing is God’s express will for His people. The inference is twofold. First, you have a duty to make it happen. Second, don’t hold it back (Ex. 22:29). Said another way, make sure you give it when you get it!

The tithe is to be given wholly. It is also to be given locally. Verse 10 says, “Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse.”

Another word for “storehouse” is “treasury,” in particular, the temple treasury. The word is preceded by the definite article, therefore, it has a singular sense about it. God did not want His children scattering the tithe in a variety of places or designating it for other causes – even good causes. The tithe was to be brought specifically to the temple treasury.

What does that mean today? It means that the tithe belongs in the local church. Certainly, a person can give to organizations and causes outside the local church, but such gifts are to occur through “offerings,” that is, giving that goes beyond the ten percent. Some argue against such an interpretation, and they are as free to do so as they are accountable for doing so, but according to my study of this passage in the original language, tithing through the local church is what Malachi 3:10 teaches and it’s what I practice.

My wife and I give more than ten percent of our income to the Lord and never less. However, the first ten percent goes to the Lord through the local church without designation. God has given to us freely, and we give back to Him freely. I trust the church I attend to do what is right with the tithes they receive. If I can’t feel confident about that, then I need to find another church to join – no kidding!

The tithe is to be given wholly and locally. It is also to be given purposefully. God said, “Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in My house.” Why food? The ancient Israelites had little or no money because they lived in an agricultural economy. Consequently, their tithe consisted of whatever they grew. Today’s economy is based on a monetary system. Consequently, our tithe is based on monetary income. The food brought to the temple in ancient Israel supported the work of the temple, just as the tithe today supports the work of the local church. That is God’s way, and that is what God expects from those who follow Him. When all of the Lord’s people practice tithing, the Lord’s work never lacks. However, many congregations struggle financially because the average member gives two percent to the Lord through the local church.

The tithe is to be given wholly, locally, and purposefully. It is also to be given expectantly. God said in verses 10-11, “Test Me now in this . . . if I will not open the windows of heaven and pour out for you a blessing until it overflows. Then I will rebuke the devourer for you.” Why the strong solicitation coupled with spectacular promises? Three reasons. One, we usually associate giving with loss. The idea that giving results in gain is so incredible that God goes out of His way to convince His followers to try it. Yet, is believing God about giving any less incredible than believing that wonderful truth we were taught as children, “Jesus loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so?”

Two, God gives this solicitation and these promises because we usually associate God with taking rather than giving. The truth is, God is much more of a giver than a taker.

Ancient Israel had little or no idea about the magnanimous character of the God they served. In this week’s lesson, God is saying, “Get to know Me. Understand that I am generous, that I am faithful, that My heart overflows with expressions of kindness. Understand that I am a giver and that those who trust Me are to be givers as well. Understand that the more you give away, the more I will give you to give away.” God is pleased to put His wealth in circulation, and He is pleased to multiply the wealth of those who joyfully and freely put into circulation whatever they have. In fact, it can be said that we are never more like God than when we give. Do you know the kind of open-handed God you serve?

Three, God gives this solicitation and these promises because we usually associate power with money. However, power is not in a bank account. Power is in the hands of God. He, alone, holds the power of heaven and hell. Just as He can release the power of heaven to assist us in producing wealth, He can also rebuke the power of hell in working against our increase (v. 11).

Unfortunately, there are those who view tithing as no longer necessary. They refer to it as Old Testament legalism that does not apply to the New Testament era of grace. However, Jesus Himself affirmed the validity of the tithe (Matthew 22:23), and that should settle the issue.

Nevertheless, if you insist on following the New Testament without regard to the Old, then consider the following examples of “grace-era giving.” In Mark 12:41ff, Jesus expressed deep appreciation not for tithers, but for a woman who gave “all she had to live on.” In Matthew 19:21, Jesus required one would-be follower to sell all he owned and give the proceeds to the poor. Further, Acts 4:34f records the recklessness of “grace giving” as members of the Jerusalem church sold land and houses to meet the needs of fellow Christians. Are you sure you wouldn’t be happier with the Old Testament idea?

Tithing is not a monetary matter; it is a spiritual matter. It is, bottom-line, a lordship issue. Who or what is Lord and ruler of your life? One’s attitude toward tithing goes a long way in providing the answer.

Quotations from the New American Standard Bible – Updated