3: The Tithing Contract – Teaching Plan

Key Thought: Just in proportion as God has given His property to man, so man is to return a faithful tithe of all his substance. This arrangement was made by Jesus Christ Himself.
January 21, 2023

1. Have a volunteer read Malachi 3:10, Deuteronomy 12:5-14.

Ask class members to share a short thought on what the most important point is in this passage.
Where should our tithe go?
Personal Application: Do we have our own discretion as to where our tithe is given? What principles are involved? Share your thoughts..
Case Study: One of your relatives states, “I’m not giving my tithe to the conference. I believe they are misusing the tithe. So I give my tithe to a supporting ministry to further the gospel by radio and television.” How would you respond to your relative?

2. Have a volunteer read Leviticus 27:30, Numbers 18:21-24, Acts 20:35.

Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point in this text is.
What is the message of Acts, and how does this relate to the question of tithe?
Personal Application: Share an experience where you found that it is more blessed to give than receive. Share your thoughts.
Case Study: One of your friends states, “What is the purpose of the tithe anyway? Is it not used to make churches richer, give ministers millions of dollars to live like the rich, or is it used for personal use?” How would you respond to your friend?

3. Have a volunteer read I Kings 17:9-16.

Ask class members to share a short thought on what the most important point in this text is.
What was the widow’s situation before Elijah came? What did Elijah ask her to do before taking care of her son and herself? How does this relate to the question at hand?
Personal Application: What is the difference between tithing on your gross and net income? Share your thoughts.
Case Study: One of your neighbors states: “I have never given tithe. Are there really blessings that come from doing so? What are these blessings, and how does returning tithe give you a stronger faith?” How would you respond to your relative?

4. Have a volunteer read Matthew 25:19—21.

Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point in this text is.
When are we called upon to give an account of God’s funds? What is said to those who have been found financially faithful?
Personal Application: What spiritual and material losses or blessings may unfaithfulness in tithes and offerings bring to the church and individual church members? Share your thoughts.
Case Study: Think of one person who needs to hear a message from this week’s lesson. Tell the class what you plan to do this week to share with them.

(Truth that is not lived, that is not imparted, loses its life-giving power, its healing virtue. Its blessings can be retained only as it is shared.”Ministry of Healing, p. 148).

Amen!