In this sermon about tithes, we are going to look at their origin, definition, and types according to the bible.
The issue of tithing in Christendom has been really misconstrued.
There is no denying the fact that 100 percent of the modern-day clergies are prospering from the tithes paid by their members.
The modern-day Christian is made to believe that, so long as he is able to tithe regularly; he will be blessed by God, as well as become very prosperous.
Consequently, because the modern-day Christians does not know the purpose of tithe and offerings; they continue to give away their hard-earned money to their so-called men of God.
And in so doing they think they have been able to please God so much.
That is why I am going to show you in this sermon, the origin, definition, and types of tithes according to the bible.
And as you learn, please don’t forget to share this sermon to also enlighten our fellow Christians out there; who are still deceived by the issue of tithes.
Origin of tithes in the bible
The origin of tithes in the bible can be found in Genesis 14:17-20.
According to that biblical passage, when Abram returned from his victory in the war against the Chedorlaomer; he met Melchizedek who was both a King and a Priest of the Most High God.
Melchizedek brought bread and wine to Abram and blessed him in the name of the Most High God.
And after the blessing, Abraham gave Melchizedek a tenth of all the loot he recovered in the war against Chedorlaomer.
Definition of tithes according to the bible.
From the origin of tithes we see in the bible above, Abraham gave the tenth of all the loot he recovered from Chardorlaomer to Melchizedek.
That ten percent is therefore to be taken as tithe.
In Genesis 28:20-22, Jacob promises to give a tenth of all he will have to God if he keeps him safe and provides for him.
In Deuteronomy 14:22 the bible says: “Set aside a tithe – a tenth of all that your fields produce each year”.
Nehemiah 10:38 shows us how the Levites who received tithes were also required to pay a tenth of all the tithe they received.
And from this knowledge, we can define tithes according to the bible as the tenth portion or percent of what human beings are able to produce or earn.
Types of tithes in the bible.
According to the bible in Deuteronomy 14:22-29, there are basically two types of tithes and they are:
- Annual tithes – Deuteronomy 14:22-26.
- Perennial tithes – Deuteronomy 14:26-29.
1. Annual tithes – Deuteronomy 14:22-26.
According to the bible, this type of tithe is to be done once a year.
The Bible says you should set aside your tithe – a tenth percent of what your field produces each year.
Then go to the place of worship; and there in the presence of God eat the tithes of your corn, wine, olive oil, firstborn of your cattle and sheep.
In the case where the journey to the temple is very far, the bible says you should sell all your tithe.
And when you reach the place of worship, use the money to buy whatever your heart desires; beef, lamb, wine, and beer.
And there in the presence of the Lord; you and your family are to eat and enjoy yourselves.
2. Perennial tithes – Deuteronomy 14:26-29.
According to the bible, this type of tithe was to be done at the end of every three years.
It says that you should bring the tithe of all your crops and store it in your towns.
And these tithes (food) are for the Levites, strangers (foreigners), widows, and orphans.
Tithes in the New Testament.
From the understanding we have gathered so far about tithing; the occupation of the Jews was predominantly farming.
And for that reason, the tithe was paid from the crops that were produced on their farm.
Because of this knowledge, so many Christians think that tithing should no longer be done in Christendom.
And in order to validate this claim, let us look at Jesus comments on tithes in the New Testament.
Jesus comments on tithing in the new testament.
The only time Jesus would comment on the issues of tithe in the New Testament is during His observations about how the teachers of the law – Scribes and Pharisees – were worshipping God.
In Luke 14:42, Jesus curses the Scribes and Pharisees who tithe mint and rue and all manners of herbs but neglect the weightier matters of the law which are justice and mercy.
He concludes by telling them that they should couple justice and mercy to their tithing in order to fulfill what the law of God demands.
And because of what Jesus said, the idea of tithing can never be ruled out in Christendom.
Christians ought to pay their tithes and also practice justice and mercy while doing so.
