The great missionary George Muller lived by a simple but profound philosophy. He trusted God implicitly to provide for all his financial needs. Muller founded several orphanages in England and cared for hundreds of children.
Once, one of the orphanages ran out of food and the children had nothing to eat for breakfast. Muller was unflappable and calmly asked that the table be set and that the children sit down and say Grace as usual. As soon as they had finished thanking God for the meal something amazing happened.
There was a knock on the door and the local baker donated over a hundred loaves of fresh baked bread. Soon after the baker left, the milkman knocked on the door and donated an equal amount of milk. God responded to Muller’s unshakeable faith by providing for his needs.
The Bible tells us that God wants to care for us in a similar way. The Bible speaks of stewardship, managing the resources God has given us and acknowledging that all we have comes from Him. Let’s take a look at what the Bible has to say about tithe and stewardship.
Fact number 1. God owns everything in the world.
The Bible says: “For every beast of the forest is Mine, and the cattle on a thousand hills. I know all the birds of the mountains, and the wild beasts of the field are Mine … The world is Mine, and all its fullness.” Psalm 30:10-12.
“’The silver is Mine, and the gold is Mine,’ says the Lord of hosts.” Haggai 2:8.
Fact number 2. God makes this claim because He is both creator and redeemer.
The Bible says: “The earth is the Lord’s, and all its fullness, the world and those who dwell therein.” Psalm 24:1.
“But now, thus says the Lord, who created you, O Jacob, and He who formed you, O Israel: ‘Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; you are Mine.’” Isaiah 43:1.
Fact number 3. God entrusted the world into our keeping and we are to be faithful stewards of His resources.
The Bible says: “Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful.”
1 Corinthians 4:2. “He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much; and he who is unjust in what is least is unjust also in much.” Luke 16:10.
Fact number 4. It is God who gives us everything we own and also gives us the ability to get wealth.
The Bible says: “Then you say in your heart, ‘My power and the might of my hand have gained me this wealth.’ And you shall remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth.” Deuteronomy 8:17,18.
Fact number 5. We acknowledge God’s ownership by returning tithe and offerings to Him.
The Bible says: “Will a man rob God? Yet you have robbed Me! But you say, ‘In what way have we robbed You?’ In tithes and offerings. You are cursed with a curse, for you have robbed Me, even this whole nation. Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house, and try Me now in this,’ says the Lord of hosts, ‘if I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you such blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it.’” Malachi 3:8-10.
Fact number 6. The Bible describes tithe as set apart and holy.
The Bible says: “And all the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land or of the fruit of the tree, is the Lord’s. It is holy to the Lord … And concerning the tithe of the herd or the flock, of whatever passes under the rod, the tenth one shall be holy to the Lord.” Leviticus 27:30-32.
Fact number 7. The Bible tells us to set apart our tithe as soon as we earn our wages.
The Bible says: ‘Honour the Lord with your possessions, and with the firstfruits of all your increase; so your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine.” Proverbs 3:9,10.
Fact number 8. Jacob set an example of paying tithe to God of all that he owned.
The Bible says: “Then Jacob made a vow, saying, ‘If God will be with me, and keep me in this way that I am going … then the Lord shall be my God … Of all that You give me I will surely give a tenth to You.’” Genesis 28:20-22.
Fact number 9. While tithe is a tenth of what we earn, offerings are to be given according to our ability.
The Bible says: “Every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of the Lord your God which He has given you.” Deuteronomy 16:17.
And finally, fact number 10. More important than the amount given, God desires us to give with a cheerful and willing heart.
The Bible says: “And He looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the treasury, and He saw also a certain poor widow putting in two mites. So He said, ‘Truly I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all; for all these out of their abundance have put in offerings for God, but she out of her poverty put in all the livelihood that she had.’” Luke 21:1-4.
So, here they are – 10 important facts about tithing and stewardship.
1. God owns everything in the world.
2. God makes this claim because He is both creator and redeemer.
3. God entrusted the world into our keeping and we are to be faithful stewards of His resources.
4. It is God who gives us everything we own and give us the ability to get wealth.
5. We acknowledge God’s ownership by returning tithe and offerings to Him.
6. The Bible describes tithe as set apart and holy.
7. The Bible tells us to set apart our tithe as soon as we earn our wages.
8. Jacob set an example of paying tithe to God of all that he owned.
9. While tithe is a tenth of what we earn, offerings are to be given according to our ability.
10. More important than the amount given, God desires us to give with a cheerful and willing heart.
God promises to meet the needs of all who faithfully and willingly return tithes and offerings. In Philippians 4:19 we have the unshakeable promise that “…God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus”
Our heavenly Father owns the world and takes responsibility for providing for his children. Would you like to step out in faith by being a faithful steward?
