24/07/2024
*THE CHURCH OF PENTECOST*
YOUTH MINISTRY
STREAMS OF LIVING WATERS
*(DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE)*
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*WEDNESDAY, JULY 24, 2024*
_Today's Topic_
*TITHING IN THE ERA OF GRACE*
*Scripture Reading:*
Matthew 23:23;
Hebrews 7:4-8
*Exposition*
In recent times, some persons who have twisted God's word have sought to erroneously portray that tithing is an Old Testament practice and does not apply under the era of grace. This false teaching has caused some believers to be abysmal in the payment of their tithe. I trust that you are not one of them. In case you are, may today's devotion bring about a total change in your life.
Growing up, when my mother was going to church, some Muslim women who lived in our neighbourhood would give their tithe to her to offer on their behalf. Certainly, there must be a mystery about faithful tithing even in the New Testament era that people of other Faiths would be challenged to give.
During the earthly ministry of Jesus, tithing was not a controversial issue. The challenge however was that the Pharisees projected tithing above other important matters of the faith. In Matthew 23:23, Jesus admonished them to pay more attention to the important matters which are; justice, mercy and faithfulness. In the second part of that verse, Jesus challenged them to uphold these important matters and at the same time pay their tithe. Jesus encouraged the payment of tithe to the church (Mat. 23:23b) and payment of tax to the government (Mat 17:27; 22:17-21).
The writer of Hebrews in projecting Jesus Christ as a Priest in the order of Melchizedek mentioned that "in one case, the tenth is collected by people who die; but in the other case, by him who is declared to be living" (Heb. 7:8). Having been saved by grace (Eph. 2:8-9), in this New Testament era, payment of our tithe goes to the one "who is declared to be living", Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour. He blesses us for our faithfulness because, through the tithe, the Church gets financial resources to advance the gospel to the nations. As one under grace, God is calling on you to be faithful in your tithing and you shall surely be blessed if you obey.
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*Prayer:* If you stopped paying your tithe because you once thought that it was a practice under the law, you may pray for forgiveness. Also, pray as led by the Holy Spirit.
*MEMORY VERSE FOR THE WEEK*
Malachi 3:8 (NIV) - "Will a mere mortal rob God? Yet you rob me. But you ask, 'How are we robbing you? In tithes and offerings.".......................................................
