1 Peter 4:11“Speak as the oracles of God”

An offering of a tenth part of some personal income.

Christ is priest “after the order of Melchizedek” (Heb 5:6; 7:2-3). Abraham paid tithes to Melchizedek, so we

should pay tithes to Christ.

Christ is priest “after the order of Melchizedek”, but ONLY in the ways citied (Heb 7:2-3). Jesus did not come from a priestly lineage.

He had neither predecessor nor successor.

Therefore, He remains a priest continually.

“Walk in the steps of the faith which our father Abraham had…” (Rom 4:12). One of the “steps” of Abraham’s faith was

tithing, so we should tithe.

Shouldn’t we consider all of his “steps” of faith? He offered Isaac, animal sacrifices, circumcision. We are not to walk in the literal “steps” of

Abraham, BUT to “walk in the steps of [his] FAITH” (Rom 4:12).

Abraham’s faith obeyed God (Heb 11:8-10).

It was practiced many centuries before the Law of Moses was given. It was not merely a part of the Old Law to the

Israelites (Deut 5:3), it has been part of God’s “universal law” from the beginning of time.

There were other religious practices observed before the giving of the Old Law. Are we commanded to observe burnt offerings

& drink offerings, & circumcision (Gen 22:13; 35:14; 17:14)?

We follow the authority of Jesus Christ & His apostles (Col 3:17; 2 John 9-10; Phil 3:17; 4:9).

Christians are described as trustees, stewards of the possessions God has given them (1 Cor 4:1-2; 1 Pet 4:10; Tit 1:7; Luke 12:42; 16:1-13). A trustee is a person to whom legal title to

property is entrusted to use for another's benefit.

2 Corinthians 8, 9 “Abound in this grace” (8:7). “A readiness to desire” (8:11). “Out of what you have” (8:11). “A willing mind” (8:12). “According to what one has” (8:12). That there may be equality” (8:14).

2 Corinthians 8, 9 “A matter of generosity” (9:5). “Not as a grudging obligation” (9:5). “Sow bountifully” (9:6). “As he purposes in his heart” (9:7). “Not grudgingly or of necessity” (9:7). “Cheerful” (9:7). “Liberal sharing” (9:13).

Suppose that someone will not “purpose in his heart” to give what he ought to for the Lord’s work. Reinstitute tithing?

Demand more that 10% because we have greater blessings in Christ?

Let the Lord handle it (2 Cor 9:6-11).

1 Corinthians 16 The command to give. “Lay something aside”. When do we give? “On the first day of the

week”. Who should give? “Each one of you”. How should we give? “As he may prosper”. Why should we give? “That there be no

collections when I come”.

1 Corinthians 16 (Roy Cogdill)

Regularly: “On the first day of the week”. Individually: “Let each one of you lay something

aside”. Proportionately: “As he may prosper”. Preventatively: “That there be no collections

when I come” (suggesting a common treasury).

2 Corinthians 8, 9 (Roy Cogdill)

Liberally & cheerfully: “sow sparingly, reap sparingly; sow bountifully, reap bountifully…for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Cor 9:6-7).

Purposefully: “so let each one give as he purposes in his heart …” (2 Cor 9:7).

Sacrificially, “freely willing…beyond their ability” to take up a collection for the saints (2 Cor 8:1-5).

Giving will not impoverish us, it will bless us (2 Cor 9:10-11).

Jesus is the highest example (2 Cor 8:9).

“Take my silver & my gold, not a mite would I withhold. Take my life & let it be, always,

only, Lord, to Thee.”

Make sure your choice of words suggest the meaning God intended.

fellowship, ministry, grace, saint miracle witness/testify, tithing