OUR DUTY IN TITHES AND OFFERINGS

L. T. NICOLA

[READING NO. 4, SUNDAY, MAY 17. — PART I.]

THE same God that ordained the gospel for the salvation of man, and commanded that it should be preached in all the world, also instituted a plan for its support. From early time God-fearing men acknowledged the tithe as belonging to the Lord. Abraham paid tithes. Jacob made special mention of this matter. God, in his instruction to his ancient people, made their duty very plain in this regard:—GCB April 1, 1896, page 698.1

And all the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land, or of the fruit of the tree, is the Lord’s: it is holy unto the Lord. And concerning the tithe of the herd, or of the flock, even of whatsoever passeth under the rod, the tenth shall be holy unto the Lord. Leviticus 27:30, 32.GCB April 1, 1896, page 698.2

This being the case, it becomes nothing less than theft and robbery to withhold the tithe and appropriate it for personal use.GCB April 1, 1896, page 698.3

The limit of this reading will not permit of a lengthy argument to prove the propriety of the tithing system. Indeed, this is not necessary. Our brethren and sisters all acknowledge the binding obligation of this duty; but though this is so, many are unfaithful and are robbing God, and, as a result, the individual is not prospered, and the work of the Lord suffers for the lack of means.GCB April 1, 1896, page 698.4

But there is more involved in the tithing system than many are aware. By it the genuineness of our faith in God is put to a practical test. When we say we believe God, and yet neglect to obey his word in one of its plainest declarations, we are guilty of gross unbelief and unfaithfulness. First, we deprive ourselves of the blessing promised those who faithfully perform this duty, — the blessing we so much desire, and for which we pray but do not live. Secondly, we place ourselves under the direct curse of Jehovah.GCB April 1, 1896, page 698.5

We are now in the time of the latter rain, but can we believe that these showers will be poured out on a people who are robbing God? — Nay, verily. The blessings are promised on the condition that all the tithes are brought into God’s storehouse. The Lord says:—GCB April 1, 1896, page 698.6

Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse that there be room enough to receive it. And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the Lord of hosts. And all nations shall call you blessed; for ye shall be a delight-some land, saith the Lord of hosts. Malachi 3:10-12.GCB April 1, 1896, page 698.7

This is a most cheering promise, but it is given on the condition that we bring all the tithes into the Lord’s storehouse that there may be meat in his house. It has been said that if all were faithful in the payment of the tithe, there would be an abundance of means for all the needs of the work. This means much, and should be taken to heart by all. But the Lord provides not only for tithes, but also for free-will offerings; that is, gifts made from the nine tenths that remain after the tenth has been paid.GCB April 1, 1896, page 698.8

God’s claims are large, but he gives us all we have in the first place. “For all things come of thee, and of thine own have we given thee..... I know also, my God, that thou triest the heart, and hast pleasure in uprightness.” 1 Chronicles 29:14, 17. Yea, in this very thing the Lord is testing the uprightness of our hearts.GCB April 1, 1896, page 698.9

Read also the following scripture:—GCB April 1, 1896, page 698.10

But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work: (As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor; his righteousness remaineth forever. Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;) being enriched in everything to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God. For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God. 2 Corinthians 9:6-12.GCB April 1, 1896, page 698.11

Note especially the statement in the eighth verse: “God is able to make all grace abound toward you.” Do we believe that? Then note what follows: “That ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work.” This is what the Lord would have his people do. But how can we have so much to give, may be asked. He answers by saying (tenth verse), “Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase [not lessen] the fruits of your righteousness.”GCB April 1, 1896, page 698.12

These things being so, what excuse can we have for any negligence or unfaithfulness? — Really none whatever. And is it not also plain that if we acted on this instruction, there would be an abundance of means in the Lord’s treasury for all the needs of the work, both for the home conferences and for the mission fields abroad? Let us plead for a turning to the Lord with all the heart. Let us cease robbing him in tithes and offerings, and move out as he has commanded. His word is:—GCB April 1, 1896, page 699.1

Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. Malachi 3:10.GCB April 1, 1896, page 699.2

This is the Lord’s counsel to his people. Now let us read in the following passage from the “Spirit of Prophecy,” what Satan is trying to get them to do:—GCB April 1, 1896, page 699.3

As the people of God approach the perils of the last days, Satan holds earnest consultation with his angels as to the most successful plan of overthrowing their faith. He sees that the popular churches are already lulled to sleep by his deceptive power. By pleasing sophistry and lying wonders he can continue to hold them under his control. Therefore he directs his angels to lay up their snares especially for those who are looking for the second advent of Christ, and endeavoring to keep all the commandments of God.GCB April 1, 1896, page 699.4

Says the great deceiver: “Go, make the possessors of lands and money drunk with the cares of this life. Present the world before them in its most attractive light, that they may lay up their treasure here, and fix their affections upon earthly things. We must do our utmost to prevent those who labor in God’s cause from obtaining means to use against us. Keep the money in our own ranks. The more means they obtain the more they will injure our kingdom by taking from us our subjects. Make them care more for money than for the upbuilding of Christ’s kingdom and the spread of the truths we hate, and we need not fear their influence; for we know that every selfish, covetous person will fall under our power, and will finally be separated from God’s people.” — “Great Controversy,” Vol. IV, p.339 (ed. 1884).GCB April 1, 1896, page 699.5

We now have before us the instruction given by the Lord, and also the counsel which Satan offers. Which shall we follow? God help us to appreciate the danger of the time, and so seek him that we may experience the fulness of the divine blessing, in the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in copious showers.GCB April 1, 1896, page 699.6

Much more might be written on this important subject, but as we turn to God with all our heart, and obtain the enlightenment of his Spirit, we shall also know our duty in tithes and offerings. When, on the other hand, the spirit of the world holds sway over the mind, the individual will be sure to follow the counsel of Satan, and the end of that is destruction. God is now testing his people, and it will soon be made manifest what is in the heart. Those that love him with all the heart will be faithful in all that he requires of them, while the half-hearted and careless will go farther and father from their Lord. “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” Galatians 6:7.GCB April 1, 1896, page 699.7