NOTE: If you missed Sunday Jan 29th’s message, you can listen to it online here.
Jeff structured his message around five common questions that he hears regarding “tithing”. Those five questions are below, along with some discussion questions underneath each “tithing question.”
- What is tithing?
• The word “tithe” comes from a Hebrew word that means “the 10th part” (or 10%). How do we as Christians sometimes misuse the word “tithe” or “tithing”? Why does this matter?
• Read Leviticus 27:30, Malachi 3:10-11, and Deuteronomy 14:22-23 together. What stood out to you as you read these passages? What does the Bible say about tithing in these passages?
- What if I can’t afford to tithe?
• Jeff talked about “tithing” as a Spiritual Discipline (like Bible reading, prayer and fasting) that we may need to grow into, but that it’s important to start somewhere (even if you feel like you can’t afford it). What are your thoughts about this idea? Is there any danger that we need to be mindful of as we approach tithing in this way?
• The reality is that most (not all) of us can afford to tithe, we just choose not to. Why is it that we sometimes give God only our ‘leftovers’, as opposed to bringing the tithe right off the top as he instructs us to?
• Read Proverbs 3:9 together. What are our “first fruits” (or best parts)? How does this concept change the way that we should arrange the expenses of our lives?
- Isn’t tithing a requirement of the “Old Testament Law”? Aren’t we now living under grace instead?
• Have you ever asked or wondered about this question? What were your thoughts on this before hearing what Jeff had to say?
• Jeff argued that “The New Testament does not lower the bar on generosity & giving. It raises the bar.” How do you react to this idea? How does the New Testament raise the bar on this issue?
• Read Matthew 23:23 and 1 Corinthians 9:13 & 14 together, where both Jesus and the Apostle Paul affirmed tithing. As Christians, how should this impact the way we think about the tithe?
- Is the tithe only supposed to be for the church, or can I choose to tithe to other organizations & charities?
• Jeff argued (based on Malachi 3:10-11 and 1 Corinthians 9:13 & 14) that the tithe is to be given back to God through the local church (and should go towards funding the ministry of that local church), and we are to give generously over-and-above the tithe to other ministries and organizations as we feel led to give. Do you agree or disagree with this? How have you personally approached tithing and giving in your own spiritual and financial journey?
- What will happen to me when I tithe?
• What has your experience with tithing been? Has it been a regular practice for you, or not? If so, how have you experienced God as you have tithed? If not, what has held you back from honouring God with the tithe?
• Read Malachi 3:10-11 again. What does God promise will happen to you when you honour him with the tithe? What does it look like when God blesses your finances?
• What is God calling you to do in response to this teaching?
• The “Bottom Line” for Jeff’s message was this: 90% of your income blessed by God is greater than 100% of your income not blessed by God! Spend some time praying for one another, that we would all have the courage to trust God to take care of us and we are blessed when we honour him with the tithe.
