The Covenant of Tithes and Offerings – Part 1
The Covenant of Tithes and Offerings – Part 1
Speaker: Brother Caleb Perez
Ministry: Wellspring Ministry
“And all the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land, or of the fruit of the tree, is the LORD’S: it is holy unto the LORD.”
Leviticus 27:30
Sermon Overview
This Bible study begins by establishing the biblical foundation of the covenant of tithes and offerings. Brother Caleb Perez explains that tithing is not merely an Old Testament practice or a church tradition, but a holy ordinance given by God to teach His people stewardship, obedience, and faith. Through the Scriptures, believers are reminded that the tithe belongs to the Lord and that faithful giving is an important part of the Christian walk.
1. The Importance of the Covenant
The message opens by emphasizing that the subject of tithes and offerings is of great importance to the Bride of Christ.
Believers are encouraged to:
- Receive the teaching with an open heart.
- Examine every doctrine by the Word of God.
- Remain united in Christian love even when differences of understanding exist.
The goal is not debate but a clearer understanding of God’s Word.
2. God Prepared Israel Before the Promised Land
The law of tithing was given to Israel nearly forty years before they entered the Promised Land.
This demonstrates that:
- God prepares His people before blessing them.
- Stewardship is part of spiritual preparation.
- Obedience precedes inheritance.
God wanted His people to understand faithful stewardship before receiving the blessings of Canaan.
3. The Tithe Belongs to the Lord
Leviticus 27 clearly teaches that all the tithe belongs to God.
“And all the tithe of the land… is the LORD’S: it is holy unto the LORD.”
Leviticus 27:30
The emphasis is placed on the word “all”, showing that every tenth belongs to God.
The tithe is described as:
- Holy.
- Set apart for God.
- Not personal property.
Returning the tithe is therefore an act of honour toward the Lord.
4. Delayed Obedience Carries Consequences
Leviticus also teaches that if someone failed to return the tithe and later desired to redeem it, an additional fifth part was required.
This principle illustrates:
- The seriousness of withholding God’s portion.
- The importance of prompt obedience.
- God’s desire for faithful stewardship.
Rather than waiting until financial circumstances improve, believers are encouraged to remain faithful in every season.
5. The Meaning of the Tithe
The word tithe simply means:
- A tenth.
- One-tenth of increase.
Understanding this basic definition provides the foundation for the entire doctrine of biblical tithing.
6. Does Tithing Apply Today?
One of the common questions addressed is whether tithing belongs only to the Old Testament.
The study begins answering this question by turning to Hebrews chapter 7, where Abraham gave a tenth to Melchizedek.
This demonstrates that:
- Tithing existed before the Law of Moses.
- Abraham practised tithing by faith.
- The principle of tithing reaches beyond the Mosaic covenant.
The message begins building the scriptural foundation showing that tithing is rooted in God’s eternal order rather than merely Israel’s ceremonial law.
7. Abraham and Melchizedek
Hebrews chapter 7 introduces Melchizedek as:
- King of Salem.
- Priest of the Most High God.
- King of righteousness.
- King of peace.
After his victory, Abraham willingly gave Melchizedek a tenth of all.
This act reveals that tithing was connected with honouring God’s priesthood long before the giving of the Law.
Conclusion
This opening study establishes that the covenant of tithes and offerings is firmly grounded in Scripture. God taught Israel the importance of faithful stewardship before they entered their inheritance, and the example of Abraham demonstrates that tithing predates the Mosaic Law. As believers continue studying God’s Word, they are encouraged to recognize that the tithe is holy unto the Lord and to honour Him with joyful, faithful obedience.
Key Scriptures
- Leviticus 27:30–33
- Hebrews 7:1–10