Support of the Ministry

God’s Portion and it’s Purpose

What is one way in which we are commanded to honor God?

“Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops.” Proverbs 3:9.

What part of one’s income has the Lord especially claimed as His?

“A title of everything from the land, whether grain from the soil or fruit from the trees, belongs to the Lord, it is holy to the Lord.” Leviticus 27:30. [One tenth]

For what support and for what work was the title devoted in Israel?

“I give to the Levites all the titles in Israel as their inheritance in return for the work they do while serving at the Tent of the Meeting.” Numbers 18:21. [Tenth]

How does Paul say the gospel ministry is to be supported?

“If we have sown spiritual seed among you, it is too much if we reap a material harvest from you? If others have the right of support from you, shouldn’t we have it all the more?

But we did not see the right. On the contrary, we put up with anything rather than hinder the gospel of Christ. Don’t you know that these who work in the temple get their food from the temple, and those who serve at the altar share in what is offered on the altar” In the same way, the Lord commanded that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel.” 1 Corinthians 9:11-14. 

Fundamental Basis of Tithe Paying

Upon what fundamental basis does the requirement of tithe paying rest? 

“The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.”

Psalm 24:1.

Who is it that gives man power to get wealth on this earth?

“But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives the ability to produce wealth, and so confirm his covenant, which he swore to your forefathers, as it is today.”

Deuteronomy 8:18.

What statement of Christ shows that man is not an original owner, but a steward of God’s goods?

“Again, it is like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted his property to them.” Matthew 25:14. (Also 1 Corinthians 4:7.)

History of Title Paying

How early in the history of the world do we read of title paying?

“This Melchizedek was king of Salem and priest of God Most High. He met Abraham returning from the defeat of the kings and blessed him, and Abraham gave him a tenth of everything. First, his name means “king of righteousness,” then also “king of Salem” means “king of peace.” “Without father or mother, without genealogy, without beginning of days or end of life, like the Son of God he remains a priest forever.” Hebrews 7:1,2.  (See Genesis 14:17-20.) [Melchizedek /Michael]

What vow did Jacob make at Bethel?

“Then Jacob made a vow, saying, “If God will be with me and watch over me on this journey I am taking and will give me food to eat and clothes to wear so that I return safely to my father’s house, then the Lord will be my God and this stone that I have set up as a pillar will be God’s house, and of all that you give me I will give you a tenth.”

Genesis 28:2-22.

Curse or Blessing

Of what is one guilty who withholds the title and freewill offerings?

“Will a man rob God? Yet you rob me. “But you ask, ‘How do we rob you?’ “In titles and offerings.” Malachi 3:8.

Concerning what does the Lord ask us to prove Him, and upon what conditions does He promise great blessings?