Tithing and Offerings: Tithing Benefits
Malachi 3:10-12 is a passage of scripture frequently used on Sunday mornings during offering time. We read it, hear it, but do we pay attention to what it says. What we might miss are the tithing benefits tucked away in the passage.
One evening while discussing tithes with friends, God gave me an illustration that caused me to view tithes differently. I began to see tithes as a type of insurance policy, which protects against losses caused by specific perils. He also showed me a link between the tithe scripture in Malachi and the Seedtime and Harvest scripture found in Mark chapter 4. You may recall that the Law of Seedtime and Harvest is a primary way God causes increase to occur in our lives. Let’s take a close look at these passages starting with Malachi chapter 3, verse 11.
11 And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the Lord of hosts.
Let’s now take a look at Mark 4:14-20 to compare the context of these scriptures to verse 11. In this passage, Jesus teaches about four types of soils where seeds are sown or planted. The Word of God, deeds, and money are all considered to be types of seed. He begins in verse 14 by saying the sower sows the word and begins to teach on the four soils.
Wayside Soil Perils (Mark 4:15)
The wayside soil represents those who hear the word, but Satan comes immediately to steal it. There is no opportunity for growth or development because the seed never got planted. Why, because the devourer (Satan) steals your seed. The benefit of Malachi 3:11 “And I will rebuke the devourer for your sake …”
Stony Soil Perils (Mark 4:16-17)
The stony soil represents when you hear the word and receive it with gladness. But because you are not rooted deeply in the word yet, Satan sends persecution and affliction because of your belief in God’s word. You become offended; anger, hatred, bitterness arise, you let go of The Word and return to your old ways. Satan destroys your seed. The benefit of Malachi 3:11 “… and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground…”
Thorny Soil Perils (Mark 4:18-19)
The thorny soil is when you hear the word, but the enemy uses the cares of the world (fear, worries, anxiety) deceitfulness of riches (stealing, gambling, cheating) and the lust for things (envy, jealousy) to choke the word out. Satan kills your seed. The benefit of Malachi 3:11 “… neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field…”
Good Ground Soil Benefits (Mark 4:20)
Ground good is when we hear the word, receive it, do it, and the soil produces a harvest of some thirtyfold, some sixty and some a hundred. In this type of soil, tithers should expect multiple benefits:
- Malachi 3:10 “ … prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.”
- Malachi 3:12 “And all nations shall call you blessed: for ye shall be a delightsome land, saith the Lord of hosts.”
I now view tithe as a type of insurance policy issued by God as a reward for obedience. When you pay tithe, God protects you from the tricks of the enemy. He does not allow Satan to steal, kill or destroy the seed you have sown into good ground (John 10:10). So don’t let Satan deceive you any longer. Pay your tithe when it is due. Reaping the benefits of God’s protection and His abundant harvest is well worth the policy premiums of tithes. Are you paying your premiums?
By Gwen Mosbey, Co-founder of Kingdom’s Life Support
Founded in 2017, Kingdom’s Life Support is the Christian personal finance brand of eLearn Life Skills, LLC. ELearn Life Skills’ mission is to develop and distribute e-learning and classroom education that empowers students to enjoy a higher quality of life and increased business success.
© 2017 All Rights Reserved. eLearn Life Skills, L.L.C.
Malachi 3:10-12 (KJV)
10 Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.
11 And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the Lord of hosts.
12 And all nations shall call you blessed: for ye shall be a delightsome land, saith the Lord of hosts.