Lecture on The First, Second, and Third Tithe

Key Themes

• Understanding the concept of tithing in the biblical context.
• Exploring the preacher's personal journey and challenges with tithing and ministry.
• The role of tithing in a believer's life and the church.

Introduction

• The lecture focuses on the first, second, and third tithes.
• The importance of searching the scriptures like the Bereans to authenticate teachings.

Personal Journey

• The speaker resisted the call to ministry due to distrust of church and preachers.
• Experiences in the Navy and personal struggles with faith and calling.
• Acknowledged running from God and eventually accepting the call to ministry.

Challenges with Tithing

• Initial reluctance to tithe due to perceptions of preachers misusing funds.
• A personal revelation likening tithing to "protection money" demanded by gangsters.
• Realization that tithing is about obedience to God, not the preacher.

The Concept of Tithing

First Tithe

• Reference: Leviticus 27:30
• All tithe of the land is holy and belongs to Jehovah.
• It includes seed, fruit, herd, and flock.
• Not to be consumed by humans or given to others; it's holy.

Second Tithe

• Reference: Deuteronomy 14:22-27
• A tithe consumed by the tither and their household at designated holy places.
• Intended for feasts and celebrations.

Third Tithe

• Reference: Deuteronomy 14:28-29
• Done in the third and sixth years of a seven-year cycle.
• Collected and stored locally for the Levites, strangers, orphans, and widows.

Role of the Levites

• Levites had no land inheritance; they served in the Tabernacle.
• Their sustenance came from the tithes of Israel.
• They, too, were required to tithe a portion of what they received.

Additional Provisions

• Gleaning: Landowners were to leave portions of their harvest for the poor, strangers, and widows.

The Seventh Year - Shmita

• Reference: Leviticus 25
• The land was to rest, with no harvest collected.
• Debts were to be released, underscoring God's provision.

Poverty and Obedience

• Poverty is linked to disobedience; following God's commands leads to blessings.
• The poor exist due to a lack of adherence to Commandments.

Application and Reflection

• Encouragement to understand and apply biblical instructions on tithing.
• Tithing is an act of obedience to God, not a transaction with preachers.
• Reminder of God's provision for all creation, including humans.

Conclusion

• The importance of tithing and giving in faith and obedience.
• God's desire to bless His people through their obedience.

Final Thoughts

• Tithing should be approached with the understanding of being a steward of God's resources.
• Encouragement to practice generosity and follow biblical principles in managing resources.

Note: This summary is based on a comprehensive lecture that integrates personal testimony with biblical instruction, emphasizing the spiritual and communal importance of tithing according to biblical scripture.