Steward Principles Continued
Common Misunderstandings
Gtcotr/ws102004
There are several misunderstandings common among Christians in this 21st century. Some of these misunderstandings center around key issues such as those dealing with Stewardship.
Stewardship is our care of God’s stuff
Let’s look at some of these common misunderstandings and see if we can bring some light to bear on the simple truth from God’s word.
First lets look at one of the greatest stewardship responsibilities, that which deals with how we view our money and God’s way of funding His work in the earth. Specifically, the issue of Tithing.
I. Tithing
A. A Common Misunderstanding
Tithing was instituted as a part of the Law of Moses which, as New Testament Christians, we are no longer expected to follow.
B. The Truth Is
Tithing is a part of the covenant of Abraham
The Old Testament Contains So Much More Than Just The Law
1. Genesis 14:20 Abraham gave ‘tithes of all’, more than 500 years before Moses gave the law.
2. Genesis 26:12ff Isaac enjoyed the blessings of the Covenant of Abraham at least 450 years before Moses gave the law.
3. Genesis 28:20-22 Jacob vowed to tithe on all of his increase over 430 years before Moses gave the law.
4. Leviticus 27 & Numbers 18 teach and explain tithing during the law which period lasted for approximately 1500 years.
Tithing is not a part of the 10 suggestions/commandments - it was already in practice under the covenant of Abraham and generally covered:
Under 1st Cmdt - No other Gods - Luke 18 YRRuler
Can’t serve God & money - Love … root of all evil
5. Kings and prophets from Hezekiah to Nehemiah, Amos and Malachi re-instituted the tithe and rebuked people for not tithing.
6. Malachi 3 declared God’s children robbers and thieves who were financially cursed, not by the law but by the breaking of covenant, because they did not bring the tithe Jacob promised.
7. Galatians 3
13 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:
14 That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
Jesus removed His followers from the curse of the law, not from the responsibilities of the covenant.
Tithing is a covenant responsibility.
17 And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect.
24 Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.
29 And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.
Tithes and Offerings Are Not Issues Of The Law, But Tenants Of The Covenant.
While Tithing is a covenant responsibility -
Offerings are kingdom opportunities!
This brings us to the next common misunderstanding concerning our stewardship responsibilities toward God with the money which is under our control.
II. Offerings (Next Week)
A. Another Misunderstanding
Offerings are unimportant.
B. The Truth Is
1. Tithing is a covenant responsibility
2. Offerings are kingdom opportunities
C. Three Biblical Reasons Why We Give Offerings
1. Follow The Lead
2. Sow Some Seed
3. Meet The Need
