#179-G124 ~ Galatians 6:6 ~ What does the Bible teach us about giving?
Here we continue our study in Galatians 6:6. Our subject in this passage is spiritual giving.
Galatians 6:6 Let him that is taught in the word [students] communicate [KOINONEO = distribute, as in giving out. In this case providing support.] unto him that teacheth in all good things [in all kinds of ways].
If I don’t talk about this I’ve deprived you of something important you need to know. As we review these I’m going to give you some more info.
1st Principle:
There was a time when God’s people–Israelites were commanded [it was a national law] to give tithes [plural].
Malachi 3:10
10 Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse [the temple treasury], that there may be meat [food] in mine house [the temple], 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 [rain], that there shall not be room enough to receive it.
This was a part of their system of government. It was for ALL Israelites—God’s people at that time. This has now changed! God didn’t change but His policy for his people did. No such commands are given to us today! Israel had not one but three tithes.
1st Tithe: For the high priest and the Levites.
Numbers 18:21 & 24
21 And, behold, I have given the children of Levi all the tenth in Israel for an inheritance, for their service which they serve, even the service of the tabernacle of the congregation. 24 But the tithes of the children of Israel, which they offer as an heave offering unto the LORD, I have given to the Levites to inherit: therefore I have said unto them, Among the children of Israel they shall have no inheritance.
2nd Tithe: For the national feasts and sacrifices.
Numbers 14:23-27
23 But the Levites shall do the service of the tabernacle of the congregation, and they shall bear their iniquity: it shall be a statute for ever throughout your generations, that among the children of Israel they have no inheritance. 24 But the tithes of the children of Israel, which they offer as an heave [TERUMAH] offering unto the LORD, I have given to the Levites to inherit: therefore I have said unto them, Among the children of Israel they shall have no inheritance. 25 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, 26 Thus speak unto the Levites, and say unto them, When ye take of the children of Israel the tithes which I have given you from them for your inheritance, then ye shall offer up an heave [TERUMAH] offering of it for the LORD, even a tenth part of the tithe. 27 And this your heave [TERUMAH] offering shall be reckoned unto you, as though it were the corn of the threshingfloor, and as the fulness of the winepress.
3rd Tithe: For the poor of the land.
Deuteronomy 14:28-29
28 At the end of three years [every third years] thou shalt bring forth all the tithe of thine increase the same year, and shalt lay it up within thy gates: 29 And the Levite, (because he hath no part nor inheritance with thee,) and the stranger, and the fatherless, and the widow, which are within thy gates, shall come, and shall eat and be satisfied; that the LORD thy God may bless thee in all the work of thine hand which thou doest.
None of this was optional! It was a tax. It was required! This is quite unlike our situation today in spiritual giving.
We’ll continue with more on this next time.
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