“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.
TITHING was in force before Moses (Gen. 14:20; Heb. 7:9). It was incorporated into the law of Sinai (Lev. 27:30). Under grace it is not mentioned, but proportionate giving is enjoined. The believer now is not to be less particular in honoring God with his substance than a Jew under law. “The righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit” (Rom. 8:4). If I were a Jew under law, the tithe would be absolutely obligatory and the least I could give. Shall I as a believer, under grace, do less than if I were under law?
We rob God when we use what should be devoted to Him and to His work, for our own pleasure. Are we so faithful in setting aside the Lord’s portion that we can have His approval in this regard?
The New Testament precept is, “On the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him” (1 Cor. 16:2).
“We give Thee but Thine own,
Whate’er the gift may be;
All that we have, is Thine alone,
A trust, dear Lord, from Thee.”