SDA Sabbath School Lesson 8--1st Quarter 2018--The Impact of Tithing

[Wally]

Lesson 8 February 17-23

The Impact of Tithing

Commentary in Navy                  Inspiration in Maroon

[Richard Myers]

Sabbath Afternoon   Feb 17

Read for This Week’s Study: Mark 16:15; 1 Pet. 3:8, 9; 1 Cor. 9:14; Rom. 3:19-24.

Memory Text: “Do ye not know that they which minister about holy things live of the things of the temple? and they which wait at the altar are partakers with the altar? Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel.” 1 Corinthians 9:13, 14

As we saw last week, tithing is an important expression of faith. It is one way to reveal, or test, the reality of our profession. “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? ” 2 Cor. 13:5.

The first biblical reference to tithing is Abraham’s giving tithe to Melchizedek (Gen. 14:18-20, Heb. 7:4). The Levites also took the tithe for their services at the temple (2 Chron. 31:4-10). Today the tithe is for the support of the gospel. When rightly understood, it serves as a spiritual measurement of our relationship with God.

Amen. "The tithe is for the support of the gospel." How do conference leaders justify using it to support "another gospel" which is no gospel at all. What is the result of supporting false gospels? Does it hurt anything? If so, what does it hurt?

The impact, use, importance, and method of distribution in tithing are designed for our spiritual growth in supporting God’s work and providing the financial foundation for preaching the gospel. This is God’s plan and has been called the first step that a faithful steward takes.

This week we will continue our look at tithing: its distribution, what it means to others, and what impact it has on our spiritual lives.

Study this week’s lesson to prepare for Sabbath, February 24.

[Richard Myers]

Sunday February 18

Together We Fund the Mission


Jesus commands us to “preach the gospel” (Mark 16:15) and to “make disciples”, “teaching them to observe all things” (Matt. 28:19, 20). Thus, God wants us to be involved in the most important work on earth: bringing people to Jesus. Funding this mission from resources entrusted to us by God is the steward’s responsibility. Participation deepens personal commitment in presenting Christ to others. Every disciple, steward, and worker is to bring the entire tithe for this sacred work. We must pray for unity to be faithful in funding the mission, just as a successful mission strengthens our unity of faith.

What is God’s approved financial plan for accomplishing this mission? What does “the whole tithe” mean? (Mal. 3:10, NIV).

"Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse." Mal. 3:10.

What does the phrase “that there may be meat in my house” mean? (Mal. 3:10).

As we have seen, people have been paying tithe since the days of Abraham and Jacob (Gen. 14:20, 28:22) and probably before.

Tithe is part of a system that funds God’s church. It is the greatest source of funding and the most equitable method for carrying out His mission.

In today’s cultures, the majority of Christians give relatively little to fund the mission of God. If every Christian gave an honest tithe, the result would be “almost unimaginable, simply astonishing, nearly beyond comprehension.” - Christian Smith and Michael O. Emerson, Passing the Plate (New York: Oxford University Press, 2008), p. 27.

It surely would for Babylon, but what about for God's church? Would it be beyond comprehension? Why would God's truly converted children not pay and honest tithe? Is this what the author is saying? Do Seventh-day Adventists not pay an honest tithe? If so, why not? We need to get to the bottom of this.

In every age God has had people who were willing to fund His mission. All of us have a responsibility to understand and work together to finance this global task. We cannot afford to be disorganized, careless, or haphazard about funding the mission. Our challenge is far greater than when the people and the Levites said to Nehemiah, “ we will not forsake the house of our God” Neh. 10:39, and more daunting than what faced believers in the 1800s. Today members and clergy must be united spiritually and pull together financially in a way that meets global objectives and funds the mission.

Why is the church not united spiritually? "We cannot afford to be disorganized, careless, or haphazard about....." presenting the gospel truth. "Can two walk together, except they be agreed?" Amos 3:3. They cannot if they do not agree on the foundation of our faith, the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Enoch walked with God. He was of one mind with God. The prophet asks, “Can two walk together, except they be agreed?” If we are of one mind with God, our will will be swallowed up in God’s will and we shall follow wherever God leads the way. As a loving child places his hand in that of his father, and walks with him in perfect trust whether it is dark or bright, so the sons and daughters of God are to walk with Jesus through joy or sorrow....
 
The followers of Christ are to manifest to the world the characteristics of their Lord. They must not become careless or inattentive to their duty, or indifferent as to their influence, for they are to be representatives of Jesus in the earth....
 
Those who do not walk in all faith and purity find the thought of coming into the presence of God a thought of terror. They do not love to think or speak of God. They say in heart and by their actions, “Depart from us, O God; we desire not the knowledge of thy ways.” But through faith in Christ the true Christian knows the mind and will of God. He understands by a living experience something of the length and depth and breadth and height of the love of God that passeth knowledge.
 
The soul that loves God loves to draw strength from Him by constant communion with Him. When it becomes the habit of the soul to converse with God, the power of the evil one is broken, for Satan cannot abide near the soul that draws nigh unto God. If Christ is your companion, you will not cherish vain and impure thoughts; you will not indulge in trifling words that will grieve Him who has come to be the sanctifier of your soul....

Those who are sanctified through the truth are living recommendations of its power, and representatives of their risen Lord. The religion of Christ will refine the taste, sanctify the judgment, elevate, purify, and ennoble the soul, making the Christian more and more fit for the society of the heavenly angels.  TMK pg 250. 

Think about the vast extent of the Adventist mission in the world (see Rev. 14:6, 7). How should each one of us understand his or her own responsibility in regard to helping fund this work?

Yes, we who are truly converted want the gospel to go to the whole world. And, when it does, Jesus will come. Why then would we not want to sacrifice all we have, not just 10% in order to help others know Jesus and to hasten His coming? What if the proclamation of "another gospel" was being broadcast around the world? How would you feel about sacrificing all for that? Unless we discuss this subject, many will not sacrifice all they have to those who have perverted the gospel of grace.

Shall we begin to list those who are preaching "another gospel"? Why not? If I were to list some organizations that support openly false theology, many would recognize this. But, included in that group would be ministers who are paid by the tithe. What? No objection? Silence as to the tithe being used to support heretical theology, false gospels? How about union leaders who allow the teaching of evolution in schools they are responsible for?

Yes, we support the church with tithes and offerings, but we do not do so without attempting to correct the unholy use of the tithe.

[Richard Myers]

Monday February 19

The Blessings of God


As we saw in Malachi 3:10, God promised a great blessing to those faithful in their tithe. Yet God’s blessing is not one-dimensional. To emphasize, for instance, the accumulation of material assets as a blessing, at the expense of everything else, is a very narrow view of what God’s blessing really is.

Amen! What does God give immediately to those who will give the whole heart to Him? He purifies the heart, makes it as white as snow. The Holy Spirit takes possession of the "new heart" and brings with Him, love, joy, and peace that passes all understanding. Do we compare that to a monetary blessing? Of course not. Those who have their minds on money instead of love, joy, and peace have not yet experienced true conversion. Yes, not having money to buy food presents a difficulty, but when we are in a converted state things are vastly different. God is in absolute control of what ever happens. Nothing happens He does not allow to happen, and all things work together for good to those who love Jesus supremely. Therefore, nothing disturbs the peace of those who are truly converted.

Blessing in Malachi is spiritual as well as temporal. The meaning of God’s blessing is evidenced by salvation, happiness, a peace of mind, and God always doing what is best for us. Also, when we are blessed by God, we are obligated to share those blessings with the less fortunate. We have been blessed in order to bless others. Indeed, through us God is able to extend His blessings elsewhere.

Indeed, the living water which is given to us, we share with others who are seeking it. Every true disciple is born into the kingdom of God as a missionary. He who drinks of the living water becomes a fountain of life. The receiver becomes a giver. The grace of Christ in the soul is like a spring in the desert, welling up to refresh all, and making those who are ready to perish eager to drink of the water of life.

Read 1 Peter 3:8, 9.

3:8   Finally, [be ye] all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, [be] pitiful, [be] courteous: 
 3:9   Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing. 

What is Peter saying to us about the relationship between being blessed and being a blessing to others?

From tithing a double blessing comes. We are blessed, and we are a blessing to others. We can give out of what we have been given. God’s blessings toward us reach inwardly and to others outwardly. “Give, and it shall be given to you. . . . For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again” (Luke 6:38).

Read Acts 20:35.

I have showed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive. 

Amen!  Who is not blessed when he helps another? One does not have to be a converted Christian to experience this happiness. Have you ever saved another's life? What does that feel like? What feeling comes when sharing the love of Jesus with another who receives that love? There is no greater joy!

How does this apply to tithing as well?

Is the tithe paid out of fear or expecting a return? If so, the joy is not received, especially when one knows the tithe is going to preach false gospels. But, if the tithe is paid out of love for God, and knowing that there are faithful ministers spreading the gospel of grace, then there is joy in giving.

The greatest blessing tithing teaches us is to trust God (Jer. 17:7). “The special system of tithing was founded upon a principle which is as enduring as the law of God. This system of tithing was a blessing to the Jews, else God would not have given it them. So also will it be a blessing to those who carry it out to the end of time. Our heavenly Father did not originate the plan of systematic benevolence to enrich Himself, but to be a great blessing to man. He saw that this system of beneficence was just what man needed.” - Ellen G. White, Testimonies for the Church, vol. 3, pp. 404, 405.

Think about times you have been blessed by the Lord through the ministry of someone else to you. How then can you go and do likewise for others?

Comfort others wherein ye have been comforted. God gives to us that we may give to others. Let's say that there are no faithful pastors in the church of God. Elijah thought that he was the only one. He was wrong, and so would we be if we thought that. But, let's just say that is the case. Then why would we feel good about paying tithe? Because this is God's church. It will see revival and reformation. Do you doubt this? That would be foolish. Why doubt that God can cause dry, dry, dry bones to come to life? Does not the Bible tell us that this not only can happen, but will happen? Where do we read of this promise to the modern day House of Israel?

So, then, even if there were no faithful pastors, which there are, then we would want to make sure there is support for them in the church when their dead bones are brought to life by the pouring out of His Spirit upon His church (Eze. 36:22-25). Come let us reason together. This truth begins with believing what God has promised. If you doubt God's Word, then how can there be love, joy, and peace?

Let us support the faithful pastors and after we have done what we can do to see the tithe is properly used, let us leave the matter in God's hands. He is well able to take care of the false shepherds in His church. Some will be converted. Now is that not a hopeful thought! There are Sauls in this our day!!

[Richard Myers]

Tuesday February 20
Purpose of the Tithe



Paul writes to Timothy: “Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward.” 1 Tim. 5:18. He is quoting Moses in Deuteronomy 25:4 regarding the ox and Jesus from Luke 10:7 regarding the laborer. The phrase about the ox appears to have been a proverb, and it means it is fair for the ox to eat grain while working. In the same way, the second proverb means that devoted laborers who preach the gospel should be rewarded with wages.

Amen!! A labourer is worthy of his hire, if the man is doing the work entrusted to him.  If he is not, then what?

God creates and operates in systems. He has designed solar systems, ecosystems, digestive systems, nervous systems, and many more. The tithing system was used by the Levites (Num. 18:26) in caring for the tabernacle and for their support. The modern-day equivalent would be those who devote their lives to preaching the gospel. God’s tithing system is His chosen means for supporting the ministry, and it has been in use throughout salvation history. Supporting such laborers with tithe, then, is foundational and fundamental to God’s work.

Amen!

What does Paul mean and what is the moral implication of the phrase “the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel.” 1 Cor. 9:14? What does 2 Corinthians 11:7-10 teach about the need to support those who spread the gospel?

When Paul said, “I robbed other churches, taking wages of them, to do you service” (2 Cor. 11:8 ), he was speaking ironically of receiving wages from a poor Macedonian church while ministering to a rich Corinthian church. His point to the Corinthian church was that those preaching the gospel deserve to be paid.

But, he did not want them to think he was working for them to be paid, therefore he did not take a tithe from them. That was not his motive for laboring with them. What did Paul do with his earnings? Did he use the tithe paid to him to play golf, or tennis? Did he buy a fancy home? Did he have a stable of horses? Let those who are paid by the tithe rightly live a life of sacrifice as did our Master. Set an example for those who pay a faithful tithe. And, make sure that the gospel you preach is the gospel of grace which was preached by Paul, and Jesus Christ. Be worthy of your calling and your hire, then you can in good conscience call for a faithful tithe, especially to those who are poor.

Tithe is to be used for a particular purpose and must remain so. “The tithe is set apart for a special use. It is not to be regarded as a poor fund. It is to be especially devoted to the support of those who are bearing God’s message to the world; and it should not be diverted from this purpose.” - Ellen G. White, Counsels on Stewardship, p. 103.

Yes, the church is well aware that the tithe is to go the ministry. They regulate it. They decide that it is for themselves, not for the poor. But, where is the call for it to go only to those who are "bearing God's message"? To pay tithe to those who are bearing Satan's message is so very wrong. Paul says those who preach "another gospel" are accursed, yet they are being paid by the tithe. "But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed." Galatians 1:8,9.

The tithe is holy and is to be used for a holy purpose. Administrators who hire and fire pastors are guilty of paying their tithe to support those who are accursed. Why are they guilty? Because they have not done anything to correct the matter. God holds them accountable for the wrong use of the tithe twice over. Once for being negligent in their work of supervising the pastorate. Second for paying tithe without attempting to correct the wrong use of it. "If the conference business is not managed according to the order of the Lord, that is the sin of the erring one. The Lord will not hold you responsible for it if you do what you can to correct the evil. But do not commit sin yourselves by withholding from the Lord His own property. 'Cursed be he that doeth the work of the Lord deceitfully' or negligently." 2SAT pg 74.

Read Leviticus 27:30.

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 unto the LORD. 

Amen!!

In what ways is the principle seen here applicable to us today?

Again, we read the tithe is holy. It is holy in the hands of those who give it, even more so, it is holy in the hands of those who are responsible for calling for it, then for giving it to the minsters. And, lastly, when received by the ones who say they have been called of God, it is still holy in their hands and is to be used for the holy purpose of taking the gospel of grace to the world. If the minister is taking a holy message to the world, then praise God. If he is taking a false message, then he is accursed as Paul has spelled out. But, if he is taking tithe to spread "another gospel" then he is twice accursed since the tithe is holy and is not being used for a holy purpose.

Some do not believe Scripture when it says  "we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad." 2 Cor. 5:10. Because we understand that God is not going to burn someone for eternity, does not mean we do not believe that unrepentant sinners will be punished for every sin, Satan being punished the greatest. They all will be punished by fire. Let the unfaithful ministers take more seriously their study of the Bible, that they may understand the gospel of grace, is our prayer. When we understand how important is the work of the minister in feeding the flock with the truth, we will understand how important is the true purpose of the tithe.

[colporteur]

Wednesday February 21

The Storehouse



Think what would happen if people were to send their tithe to wherever they wanted. If everyone did that, what would happen to God’s work? Hence, why is it important that we send our tithe to where it belongs?

Perhaps the conferences that the people had confidence in would flourish and those with corrupt leadership would dry up and have to start over grass roots. It is interesting the words that EGW used regarding tithe to the local conference. She said that the local conference is the best place to send tithe. It is interesting that she did not say the "only place."  She herself sent a good deal of tithe other than to the local conference.

[Richard Myers]

Wednesday February  21

The Storehouse


God has a storehouse for wind (Jer. 10:13), water (Ps. 33:7), and snow and hail (Job 38:22), over all of which He has total control. But God’s most precious storehouse is the one involving tithe. “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.” Num. 18:21. This verse is the first mention of where the tithe is kept and is known today as “the storehouse principle.” God further instructed the Israelites to bring the tithe to a place of His choosing (Deut. 12:5, 6). During the time of Solomon, tithe was returned to the Jerusalem temple. The Israelites easily understood what and where the “storehouse” was when the prophet Malachi said to them: “Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse” (Mal. 3:10). The storehouse represented the location from where religious services took place and where the Levites were supported.

What other names are used in Scripture to identify the storehouse? 1 Chron. 26:20, 2 Chron. 31:11-13, Neh. 10:38.

Bringing the sacred tithe to the storehouse is the model presented in Scripture. In every dispensation, God has had a central storehouse to manage the tithe.

Where was that "central" storehouse for Enoch, and for Abel?

 Seventh-day Adventists make up a worldwide religion/church in which the storehouse principle is accepted and practiced. Members are encouraged to return their tithe to the conference/mission through the local church where they hold membership. That conference/mission treasury is where pastors receive their salary.

The storehouse is broader than the local conference. We are a world-wide church with a central treasury that supports the gospel ministry around the world, not just in the local conference where I pay tithe. This needs to be considered when paying tithe.

“As God’s work extends, calls for help will come more and more frequently. That these calls may be answered, Christians should heed the command, ‘Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house.’ Malachi 3:10. If professing Christians would faithfully bring to God their tithes and offerings, His treasury would be full. There would then be no occasion to resort to fairs, lotteries, or parties of pleasure to secure funds for the support of the gospel.” - Ellen G. White, The Acts of the Apostles, p. 338.

Think what would happen if people were to send their tithe to wherever they wanted. If everyone did that, what would happen to God’s work? Hence, why is it important that we send our tithe to where it belongs?

In some places it would prosper, and others, it may die. God has an organized church to do world-wide missionary work. If some do not understand this, then they need to see this truth. On the other hand, it is impossible to discuss this subject without understanding that the tithe is holy and given for a holy work. When the tithe is misused for an unholy purpose, spreading a false gospel around the world, then it would be sin to tithe into that storehouse without attempting to correct the problem.

Many will not attempt to correct the problem, but will withhold tithe from the church in an effort to direct it to those who are doing the work. There is great danger here, especially in a Laodicean church. Many are not converted, thus they have no spiritual discernment to know who is teaching the truth and who is not. To make that decision involves much. If wrong, then God is displeased and the work is injured.

If the tithe is placed in the church, and an effort is made to correct the problem, the individual is not responsible for the misuse of the tithe, any more than was the widow who placed her two mites into hands of an apostate priesthood. What is important here and is often overlooked is that there is a responsibility of the one paying tithe to say something when they understand the tithe is being misused. Again, I say that the tithe is often being used to support ministers in the church that are preaching "another gospel." That is a misuse of the tithe since it is holy and is to be used for a holy purpose. In saying this, I am attempting to correct the problem. Thus, I am not responsible for the misuse of the tithe I send into the conference. Those who misuse the tithe are responsible.

If your conference is misusing the tithe, then pray about correcting the matter by going to the conference. The Holy Spirit will use your words in an attempt to convict the conference leader of the truth. We are not responsible for convincing anyone of anything. We are to be tools in the hand of God to lead others into the truth. It is the work of the Spirit to open minds to the truth. There is another option of paying tithe to another conference that is doing the work if the local conference continues to misuse the tithe.

[Richard Myers]

Thursday February 22

Tithe and Salvation by Faith


Read Romans 3:19-24.

3:19   Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. 
 3:20   Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law [is] the knowledge of sin. 
 3:21   But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; 
 3:22   Even the righteousness of God [which is] by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: 
 3:23   For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; 
 3:24   Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:

What crucial truth, central to our faith, is taught here? Why must we always keep this teaching foundational to our beliefs?

We like this verse, for it reveals that we are justified in having eternal life when we accept God's grace into the heart. It is indeed foundational. We cannot save ourselves by any good works, for we have no good works until we are justified by the grace of God. Until we know God as it is our privilege to know Him, and we give the whole heart to Him, we can do no good thing. After we are truly converted, the Holy Spirit takes possession of the heart, and we are empowered to all that God asks of us. His law is written upon the heart. We then keep His commandments to the degree we understand them.

The gist of the biblical message is that all of us are undeserving of redemption (Rom. 3:23). If we deserved it, it would be by merit, or by works, and that idea is contrary to Scripture.

Read Romans 4:1-5.

 4:1   What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, hath found? 
 4:2   For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath [whereof] to glory; but not before God. 
 4:3   For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness. 
 4:4   Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. 
 4:5   But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. 
In other words, Abraham's trusting in God, and loving Him with the whole heart, is enough. What ever God asks of Abraham, he will do because he trusts Him with all he has and all he is. God wants the heart, the whole heart, not part of it. Our motives will be holy. This is what it means to give the whole heart to Christ.

What do these verses teach about grace as opposed to merit?

Thus, salvation is a gift (Eph. 2:8, 9) given to the undeserving. Salvation comes because the merits of Christ’s own perfect sacrifice are credited to our account. As for the matter of tithe, there is no credit obtained from God by returning it. After all, if the tithe is God’s to begin with, what merit could there possibly be in giving it back to Him?

Salvation is a gift offered to all, but only given to those who love God supremely. Tithing is the result of loving God and His cause. When we give all we have and all we are to Christ, it is because we love Him supremely and the flesh has been crucified with Christ.

Tithing is not an act that saves us, any more than any of the other good deeds that we have been created to do as Christians. “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” Eph. 2:10.

Nevertheless, the returning of tithe does reveal an attitude that is either humble and submissive or opinionated and defiant regarding what God has asked us to do. If we love God, we will obey Him. Tithe is an outward expression of our realization that we, indeed, are just stewards here, and that we owe God everything. Just as the Sabbath is a weekly reminder of God as the Creator and Redeemer, the returning of tithe can function in a similar way: it reminds us that we are not our own and that our life and salvation are gifts from God. As a result, we can recognize that reality and live a life of faith, acknowledging that the returning of tithe is a very tangible expression of that faith.

Amen.  And, would it not be good for our Sabbath School teachers to teach that what we eat does "reveal an attitude that is either humble and submissive or opinionated and defiant regarding what God has asked us to do. If we love God, we will obey Him.  Or, would it not be in harmony with the teaching on tithe to teach that when we teach the true gospel of grace that it does indeed "reveal an attitude that is either humble and submissive or opinionated and defiant regarding what God has asked us to do. If we love God, we will obey Him."

It does not take a converted Seventh-day Adventist to see hypocrisy when we say such things about one who refuses to pay tithe and then remain quiet about the sins of apostasy in church leadership. "Opinionated and defiant" are good words to use when we see those who refuse to walk in the light of God's love and grace, who like those in 1888 rejected the gospel of grace and manifested a spirit that was not of God. Today, we have many who are "accursed" because they preach "another gospel", yet there is silence by church leadership. Is this rejection of  Bible counsel "opinionated and defiant"? If we love Him with the whole heart, then will we walk in the light of Bible and Spirit of Prophecy counsel? And if we do not?   

This morning, we read in Desire of Ages the chapter entitled Woes on the Pharisees. It would be good for all to read this chapter. There are lessons for us in this our day. Too many have been taught that the "anointed" of the Lord are above being reproved. Even those who are in rebellion against God, His Word, and His church ought not be reproved. This is a heretical teaching which has no place in the church of God. Our faith needs to be in Christ and His Word, not in man, whether they be church leaders or not.

What does Luke 21:1-4 say to us about what it means to live by faith?

 21:1   And he looked up, and saw the rich men casting their gifts into the treasury. 
 21:2   And he saw also a certain poor widow casting in thither two mites. 
 21:3   And he said, Of a truth I say unto you, that this poor widow hath cast in more than they all: 
 21:4   For all these have of their abundance cast in unto the offerings of God: but she of her penury hath cast in all the living that she had. 

It is interesting that these verses were a central part of the chapter we read this morning in Desire of Ages. I mentioned the subject in my comments. It would be good for those studying the Sabbath School lesson this week to read my thoughts there. Woes on the Pharisees

[Richard Myers]

Friday February 23

Further Thought: It is so easy to forget that every breath, every heartbeat, every moment of our existence comes only from the Lord. In Acts 17 Paul talks to the Athenians about the true God, who is not only the Creator (the “God that made the world and all things therein” [Acts 17:24]) but also the Sustainer (“For in Him we live and move and have our being” [Acts 17:28]). The Athenians didn’t know about the true God. We as Christians do, and this realization must be central to how we live. God has many claims on us, and as a result, we have to live in accordance with those claims:

“So it is with God’s claims upon us. He places His treasures in the hands of men, but requires that one tenth shall be faithfully laid aside for His work. He requires this portion to be placed in His treasury. It is to be rendered to Him as His own; it is sacred and is to be used for sacred purposes, for the support of those who carry the message of salvation to all parts of the world. He reserves this portion, that means may ever be flowing into His treasure house and that the light of truth may be carried to those who are nigh and those who are afar off. By faithfully obeying this requirement we acknowledge that all belongs to God.” - Ellen G. White, Testimonies for the Church, vol. 6, p. 386.

Amen! God help those who take tithe and preach "another gospel" which is no gospel at all. Better they not be in the ministry than to bring reproach upon God, His Word, and His church. The tithe is holy "it is sacred and is to be used for sacred purposes, for the support of those who carry the message of salvation to all parts of the world."

Discussion Questions:

    “Time is rapidly passing into eternity. Let us not keep back from God that which is His own. Let us not refuse Him that which, though it cannot be given without merit, cannot be denied without ruin. He asks for a whole heart; give it to Him; it is His, both by creation and by redemption. He asks for your intellect; give it to Him; it is His. He asks for your money; give it to Him; it is His.” - Ellen G. White, The Acts of the Apostles, p. 566. What does Ellen G. White mean when she says, “Let us not keep back from God that which is His own . . . though it cannot be given without merit, cannot be denied without ruin”? What do we rob ourselves of when we do not tithe?

God wants the heart, the "whole heart." Give it to Him. Why not? Because it will require we give Him everything. That we live to please Him, not ourselves. Imagine giving Him our times also! To so very many, this is too much. We may pay tithe, but to give Him the whole heart and our time, that is more than most can bear. And, we have teachers that are more than happy to excuse this and to come forth with a plan that will allow for salvation in sin. 

    Dwell more on the idea of all church members doing with the tithe whatever they want; that is, sending it to whichever cause they deem worthy, as opposed to the “storehouse.” Why is this such a bad idea? What would happen to our church? Why would such actions help bring about a terrible fracturing among us?

We have discussed this. This is God's church and we ought to tithe into the conference. But, we ought also make it plain that the tithe is being misused. If we do not, then when we tithe into the church, we are guilty for the misuse of our tithe. Why is the lesson silent since the counsel is so very plain and gives the tithe payer strict counsel? If one has been selected as an author of the Sabbath School lesson, then ought not they be knowledgeable in regards to the subject chosen? It does not take a converted Seventh-day Adventist to understand what is right. Things are not right here.

    In Luke 21, Jesus commended the widow for giving her money to the temple despite all the corruption that He knew was going on there. What should that say to those who feel that they can divert their tithe because they have questions about how it is being used?

Again, what is the counsel we have been given. This is a most important subject. The wisdom of man is not sufficient. What does God say? There is a way which seemeth right unto man, but the end thereof are the ways of death. To just pay tithe into the church without doing anything when you know the tithe is being misused is contrary to common sense. But, to not tithe also presents problems when you know it is God's church. What is the answer?