Biblical roots of Faith-Pledge Offerings

Dennis Tuuri

Outline: 2 Corinthians Chapters 8 and 9 The Biblical Basis for Faith-Pledge Offerings Sermon Outline for November 12, 2006 by Pastor Dennis R. Tuuri Intro — Oswald Smith and Modern Evangelical Magic The Tithe As Distinct From Offerings 1. The tithe is a tenth of the increase that God has given us. 2. To tithe (giving one-tenth of one’s income) is a response to the grace of God’s blessings. 3. The tithe is critical to covenant ratification . Dt. 26 4. The tithe belongs to God. To fail to use it aright is theft , bringing cursings. Mal. 3:7-12 5. The tithe’s primary use is the support of Levitical ministers of Word, prayer and sacraments. Gen. 14:20; Heb. 7; Num. 18; 1 Cor. 9:1-14 with Dt. 25:4; Gal.6:6-8; I Tim. 5:17,18; Acts 6; 2 Chr. 19: 11; 34:13 (Note 2 Chr. 31:4 with Acts 6:2) ( Discipleship ) 6. A portion of the tithe is used to finance our Agapes and Family Camp, and provides a joy aspect. Dt. 14 (Community) 7. A portion of the tithe is to be given to widows, the fatherless and the stranger, and provides a grace aspect . Dt. 14; Luke 4:25; Eze. 16; Exo. 23:9, I Tim. 5:9, 10 ( Mission ) 8. The restoration of tithing is tied to periods of Biblical transformation . 2 Ch. 31;Ne. 10,12,13 Mandatory Offerings 1 The offerings of Malachi 3 were specifically designated for maintenance of worship facilities, and food for the priests . Ex. 30 2 Ch. 24; 2 Ki 12:4,5; Lev. 27:2,3 2. Real property of the church appears to be financed through voluntary offerings , not the tithe. Exo. 25, 35; 1 Chr. 29; Haggai 1,2 3. Maintenance of the church’s real property appears to be financed not by the tithe, but by means of offerings, voluntary and involuntary. 2 Chr. 24; 2 Kings 12:4,5, Lev. 27:2,3 4 There is evidence that the head (poll) tax was also used to maintain the central sanctuary. This mandatory offering was a fixed amount per adult male. Ex. 30:11-16; 2 Chr. 24; 2 Kings 12:4,5 - “And Jehoash said to the priests, All the money of the dedicated things that is brought into the house of the LORD, even the money of every one that passeth the account [ head tax of Ex. 30 ], the money that every man is set at ( vow money of Lev. 27 ], and all the money that cometh into any man’s heart to bring into the house of the LORD [ free will offerings ], 5 Let the priests take it to them, every man of his acquaintance: and let them repair the breaches of the house, wheresoever any breach shall be found.” 5. To fail to employ these offerings according to God’s regulation is theft , incurring cursings. Mal. 3:7-12; Hag. 1:2-11 Voluntary, Designated Offerings 1 The offerings in 2 Cor. 8,9 are specifically designated to famine relief for the saints . An Equality in Necessities —2 Cor. 8:13 -15 2. These offerings were voluntary . 3. These offerings were a response to, and a demonstration of, the grace of God. 2 Cor. 8:1-7; Mt. 10:8; 4. These offerings were committed to for a period of time . 2 Cor. 8:10-1 3; 9:5 5. These offerings were spurred on by written and personal exhortations . 2Cor. 8:10 -13; 9:5 6. These offerings were not to decapitalize the giver. 2 Cor. 8:12-15 7. These offerings were to be generous , relying on Gods provision.2 Cor. 9:6-1 1 Ps. 126:5,6; Pr. 11:25; 19:17 ; 22:9; 28:27 8. These offerings were overseen by godly men, ensuring financial stewardship . 2Co.8:19-21