Importance Of Tithing

Abraham paid tithes to Melchizedek who represented the Most High God (Genesis 14:20; Hebrews 7:4). Jacob promised to tithe to God as recorded in Genesis 28:22, “And this stone, which I have set for a pillar, shall be God’s house: and of all that thou shalt give me I will surely give the tenth unto thee.” From these two biblical sources, the biblical teaching of tithing preceded the Law of Moses. Malachi equates failure to bring tithes and offerings as robbing God. The teaching of tithing is biblical.

Malachi 3:8-10 demonstrates the importance of tithing. In many churches in America, the majority of believers do not tithe. Israel gave tithes on multiple things. McGee said, “There are several rather important things that we do need to correct in our understanding at this point. To begin with, the people of Israel did not give just one tithe, as you would discover if you would examine the Scriptures carefully.”1 Israel was not tithing properly and for them to withhold their tithes and offerings, it was seen by God as them robbing God. Hindson said, “The specific nature of their offense could have taken three formats: (1) not paying their tithes and offerings at all; (2) withholding a part

The offering was also expected. Many people miss the offering part of Malachi 3:8-10. God said for people to bring their tithes and offerings. There were many Old Testament offerings. They gave offerings above their tithes. The New Testament teaches the importance of giving love offerings and faith offerings. Acts 4:32-37 was an example of a love offering. People in Jerusalem had needs. The church sold their “possessions” and gave to the church (storehouse) to provide for their needs. The possessions were likely their extra lands and items. They gave out of love for their fellow Christians. After the completion of Paul’s First Missionary Journey, he and Barnabas took a love offering back to the Church at