Tithe part 2
My friend, Dr. Kevin Baird is a godly, mature man. He recently gave me permission to summarize his lengthy blog posts on tithing. Here is part two of principles 5-7. Worth reading:
Principle #5: The Tithe Breaks the Spirit of Mammon – It's Spiritual Warfare
The devil aims to steal, kill, and destroy, often manifesting as financial lack, evaporated resources, or wages that disappear like money in a "bag with holes" (Haggai 1:6). Just as God can stretch a dollar's value, the enemy can shrink it through the spirit of mammon—an idolized force of greed and rival to God (Matthew 6:24; Luke 16:13). Withholding the tithe invites a curse (Malachi 3:9), exposing finances to this devouring influence as a natural consequence of breaking covenant with God. Returning the tithe, however, is an act of worship, honor, and acknowledgment that everything belongs to Him. This breaks mammon's grip, opening the windows of heaven for favor, unusual blessing, and rebuke of the devourer (Malachi 3:10–11). In practice, tithing on the gross (before bills or obligations) positions the 90% for greater favor and extension than keeping 100%. After 40+ years in pastoral ministry, Dr. Kevin observed that faithful tithers rarely needed church financial aid; God consistently provided favor and blessing, even amid challenges like raising families. Tithing isn't dutiful obligation but joyful warfare that frees resources under God's covering.
Principle #6: Where Do We Tithe? To the Storehouse – The People Who Minister to You
Many redefine "tithe" loosely as any giving, but Scripture is clear: the tithe goes to the "storehouse" (Malachi 3:8–12). Tithing predates the Law (Abraham to Melchizedek), continues through it (to Levites and priests for their support—Numbers 18:21–28), is affirmed by Jesus (Matthew 23:23), and persists into the New Covenant (Hebrews 7). Its unchanging purpose: support the work of ministry through people, not institutions or buildings. The tithe sustained those laboring in God's house; the Levites received from Israel, priests from Levites. Abraham tithed to Melchizedek in response to spiritual ministry. In the early church, offerings went to apostles (Acts 4:35–37); Paul taught that ministers deserve support (1 Corinthians 9:7–11; 1 Timothy 5:17–18). Practically, return the tithe to the person/people who spiritually resource you—your local church elders/pastor who minister consistently and pray for you. They steward and distribute biblically (including to their own accountability), with separate alms for the poor and freewill offerings for other worthy causes. Buildings or operations may benefit indirectly, but the tithe prioritizes laborers in ministry, not bricks and mortar. This revelation shifted the author's practice toward faith-filled, person-centered giving.
Principle #7: The Tithe Is Not Designated – You Don't Control What Belongs to the Lord
The tithe is the Lord's—you return what's already His, with no strings attached (no designation or control). Freewill offerings can be directed (e.g., to specific ministries), but the tithe flows undesignated into the storehouse for elders to administer in financial order under God's authority. Designating the tithe (e.g., to youth, choir, or specific programs) reflects American pragmatism and autonomy, not biblical precept—it's like doing "what was right in [our] own eyes." Releasing control liberates: you place it back in God's hands, trusting stewardship to leadership (who answer to Him if unfaithful). Even if misuse occurs later (as the author experienced in some cases), giving as unto the Lord preserves faith and reward—He multiplies it regardless of human failure. Having served on all sides (congregant, elder, pastor, presbyter), the author tithes joyfully as obedience to God, praying for integrity in handling but resting in the transaction being to Him. Overall, these principles transform tithing from obligation into joyful, millennial-old revelation—where God even "dares" us to test Him (Malachi 3:10) for blessing. It's heart-level obedience that reorients our view of resources entirely.
To read the full transcripts, go to Drkevinbaird.com
Principle #5: The Tithe Breaks the Spirit of Mammon – It's Spiritual Warfare
The devil aims to steal, kill, and destroy, often manifesting as financial lack, evaporated resources, or wages that disappear like money in a "bag with holes" (Haggai 1:6). Just as God can stretch a dollar's value, the enemy can shrink it through the spirit of mammon—an idolized force of greed and rival to God (Matthew 6:24; Luke 16:13). Withholding the tithe invites a curse (Malachi 3:9), exposing finances to this devouring influence as a natural consequence of breaking covenant with God. Returning the tithe, however, is an act of worship, honor, and acknowledgment that everything belongs to Him. This breaks mammon's grip, opening the windows of heaven for favor, unusual blessing, and rebuke of the devourer (Malachi 3:10–11). In practice, tithing on the gross (before bills or obligations) positions the 90% for greater favor and extension than keeping 100%. After 40+ years in pastoral ministry, Dr. Kevin observed that faithful tithers rarely needed church financial aid; God consistently provided favor and blessing, even amid challenges like raising families. Tithing isn't dutiful obligation but joyful warfare that frees resources under God's covering.
Principle #6: Where Do We Tithe? To the Storehouse – The People Who Minister to You
Many redefine "tithe" loosely as any giving, but Scripture is clear: the tithe goes to the "storehouse" (Malachi 3:8–12). Tithing predates the Law (Abraham to Melchizedek), continues through it (to Levites and priests for their support—Numbers 18:21–28), is affirmed by Jesus (Matthew 23:23), and persists into the New Covenant (Hebrews 7). Its unchanging purpose: support the work of ministry through people, not institutions or buildings. The tithe sustained those laboring in God's house; the Levites received from Israel, priests from Levites. Abraham tithed to Melchizedek in response to spiritual ministry. In the early church, offerings went to apostles (Acts 4:35–37); Paul taught that ministers deserve support (1 Corinthians 9:7–11; 1 Timothy 5:17–18). Practically, return the tithe to the person/people who spiritually resource you—your local church elders/pastor who minister consistently and pray for you. They steward and distribute biblically (including to their own accountability), with separate alms for the poor and freewill offerings for other worthy causes. Buildings or operations may benefit indirectly, but the tithe prioritizes laborers in ministry, not bricks and mortar. This revelation shifted the author's practice toward faith-filled, person-centered giving.
Principle #7: The Tithe Is Not Designated – You Don't Control What Belongs to the Lord
The tithe is the Lord's—you return what's already His, with no strings attached (no designation or control). Freewill offerings can be directed (e.g., to specific ministries), but the tithe flows undesignated into the storehouse for elders to administer in financial order under God's authority. Designating the tithe (e.g., to youth, choir, or specific programs) reflects American pragmatism and autonomy, not biblical precept—it's like doing "what was right in [our] own eyes." Releasing control liberates: you place it back in God's hands, trusting stewardship to leadership (who answer to Him if unfaithful). Even if misuse occurs later (as the author experienced in some cases), giving as unto the Lord preserves faith and reward—He multiplies it regardless of human failure. Having served on all sides (congregant, elder, pastor, presbyter), the author tithes joyfully as obedience to God, praying for integrity in handling but resting in the transaction being to Him. Overall, these principles transform tithing from obligation into joyful, millennial-old revelation—where God even "dares" us to test Him (Malachi 3:10) for blessing. It's heart-level obedience that reorients our view of resources entirely.
To read the full transcripts, go to Drkevinbaird.com
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