Teaching by Fred K. Price. YouTube: Tithes and Offerings. [Part1][Part2][Part3][Part4]
And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, “It is more blessed to give that to receive.” Acts 20:35
[“You can not give what you do not have.]
The purpose of prosperity is the furtherance of the Gospel through the personal edification of the individual Christian. The body of Christ has been duped into thinking poverty is a quality to aspire to. It is a false ideology which masquerades as an aspect of holiness but in reality its fruit has hindered the propagation of the gospel. This idea that you have to be poor to be a christian and spirituality is measured by the content of your bank account. That the more you have the less spiritual you are. This is a religious view which is not consistent with the word of God. It is a denomination pattern, it is traditional pattern and it is a theological pattern but not the pattern of the word of God. This poverty mentality has been so ingrained in our thoughts, that materiel gain has become a hung up of the body of Christ.
In this study the first point Dr. F Price address is this false notion of poverty and seeks to establish, that it is the will of God for us to prosper materially. In speaking to Israel God says, it is He who gives them the ability to get wealth, and the purpose of it is that He might establish His covenant.
And you shall remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth, that He may establish His covenant which He swore to your Fathers, as it is this day. Deuteronomy 8:18
That covenant is what He promised to Abraham saying, “By Myself I have sworn, says the Lord, because you have done this thing, and have not withheld your son, your only son – blessing I will bless you, and multiplying I will multiply your descendants as the stars of haven and as the sand which is on the sea shore; and your descendants shall posses the gates of their enemies. In your Seed [that is Jesus] all the nations of the earth shall be blessed, because you have obeyed My voice.” Genesis 22:16-18 Then the prosperity of the Christian is an important and direct factor in the furtherance of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Prosperity is the will of God.
“Let the Lord be magnified, who has pleasure in the prosperity of His servant.“Psalm 35:27
That it is the will of God for a christian to prosper spiritually, intellectually and materially. This pattern can be easily observed by studying the life of Abraham. Christians are called children of Abraham. We are refereed to as such because we are saved by grace through faith and Abraham is called the father of the faithful. Because he was a man through whom God established an ongoing covenant which cumulated its fulfilment in Jesus Christ.
Therefore know that only those who are of the faith are sons of Abraham. And the Scriptures foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel to Abraham beforehand saying, “In you all the nations shall be blessed.” So then those who are of faith are blessed with believing Abraham. Galatians 3:7-9
So Abraham becomes one whose life we can investigate through the light of gospel [the New Covenant] and can use him as template.
Now the Lord had said to Abram: Get out of your country, from your family and from your father’s house, to a land I will show you. I will make you a great nation; I will bless you and make your name great; and you shall be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse him who curses you; and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed. “Genesis 12:1-3
Notice, the end of the blessing from God is that so that we may become a blessing. That blessing may be multiplied and cover the earth.
Then Abram went up from Egypt, he and his wife and all that he had, and Lot with him to South. Abram was very rich in livestock, in silver and in gold. Genesis 13:1-2
Here Abram was described as one who was exceedingly rich. And his wealth was not just spiritual but in the possession he had. God does not rain down gold and silver from haven to propagate His work on the earth. The gold and silver are already in the earth, but it has to come into the hands of those who will use it for His purpose. We need to be blessed in order to be a blessing. This blessing described in the life of Abraham is the work of God. Here we will point at two passages in the life of Abraham and Job, that attribute the blessing of wealth to be from God.
So he said, “I am Abraham’s servant. The Lord has blessed my master greatly, and he has become great; and He has given him flocks and herds, silver and gold, male and female servants, and camels and donkeys. Genesis 24:34-35
“Have You not made a hedge around him, around his household and around all that he has on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands and his possessions have increased in the land.” Job 1:9-10
It is God who blessed and prospered both Job and Abraham to be exceedingly rich. That silver and gold among all that God has given are a blessing from God. In the life of Job it is God who blessed and protected him and all his possessions. But when the enemy was let lose in his life he came to steal, kill and destroy [poverty, sickness and lack of peace]. Then if God so chose to bless them as such then prosperity must be in the will of God. David in the book of Psalms writes of the blessed man and says.
Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners nor sits in the seat of the scornful; but his delight is in the law of the Lord and in His law he meditates day and night. “He shall be like a tree planted by the river of water, that bring forth its fruits in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he does shall prosper.” Psalm 1:1-3
Then if we are considered to be children of Abraham and are blessed as he was then it must mean that we also ought to be prospers in life. When it says “whatsoever he does shall prosper,” it is to prosper in family life, marriage, finance and work. God has blessed Abraham greatly, if he has done thus to him what will He do to those called to be His sons and daughters. The bible tells us we through Christ have a better covenant established on better promises. Hebrews 8:6 When Joshua was entering the promised land the Lord spoke to him saying,
Only be strong and very courageous that you may observe to do according to the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go. This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous and then you will have good success. Joshua 1:7-8
Prosperity is dependent on our obedience to the word of God that we observe to do the things that He has commanded us. As we meet God established law for prosperity, we ourselves will prosper. The point is “we will make our way prosperous” as we walk in God established truth. God wants us to prosper now, here on earth. David speaking in 23rd Psalm says, “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over.” Psalm 23:5 Since in haven we do not have any enemies he must be referring to now on earth. When he says “my cups runs over,” it speaks of abundance. The blessing of God over flows you, that you may have more than enough and become a blessing to others.
Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health just as your soul prospers. 3rd John 1:2
John in his letter points out that we may prosper in all things. His prayer is that we may be blessed materially, physically and spiritually. Then prosperity is an aspect of fulfilled christian life.
Heavenly bank account:
Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up treasures in haven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasures is there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:19-21
We have a heavenly bank account to which we are able to make deposits to and withdrawals from. Lay up treasures meaning, making a savings to a storehouse. The purpose of the above verses is that we ought to make investment in system that is above the world system. The world system which is prone to changes liable to failure and all manner of deceptive works but we ought to invest in what is eternal. That we must not be consumed to amass treasures on earth for earthly pursuits and miss out on what matters most; the eternal treasures. James also gives warning of the dangerous of amassing wealth for the sake of it and not being rich in the things of God. He points to the fact that the riches were left to corrode, that it was not put to good use.
Your riches are corrupted and your garments are moth-eaten, Your gold and silver are corroded, and their corrosion will be witnessed against you and will eat your flesh like fire. You have heaped up treasure in the last days.” James 5:2-3
Deceitfulness of riches:
Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. Let them do good that they be rich in good works ready to give willing to share storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life. 1 Timothy 6:17-19
Here Paul is speaking of christians, and he is admonishing Timothy to instructs those rich christians to do good works with the riches God has given them. The important point being NOT to trust in uncertain riches. The problem is when the amassing of wealth becomes the purpose of your life, it becomes the reason for the things you do influencing your decisions. Then it becomes an idol in which you trust in rather than God. In the parable of the sower and the soil, Jesus points to the deceitfulness of riches to be one of the factors why some did not bare fruit.
Now these are the ones sown among thorns; they are the ones who hear the word, and the cares of this world,the deceitfulness of riches and the desires for other things entering in choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful. Mark 4:18-19
In Mark chapter 10, there is a story that seems to portray Jesus as speaking against wealth and prosperity. The misunderstanding of this verse has resulted in teachings against the prosperity of christians. That having wealth is a sign that one is unsaved or not spiritual.
And he answered and said to Him, “Teacher all these things I have kept from my youth.” And Jesus looking at him loved him and said to him, “One thing you lack: Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in haven; and come take up the cross and follow Me.” But he was sad at this word, and went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions. Mark 10:17-22
On the face of it it seems Jesus is speaking against having wealth, bearing in mind this person has lived his life according to the dictates of the law. Then why did Jesus add this stipulation to him? The point Jesus was making is to point out to the man where his trust was in. The man who came running to Jesus falling to his knees and asking how he may attain eternal life, went away disappointed because to him the cost of eternal life was too much. The point is his possessions had a great hold on him. That is what Jesus saw in the man, that the god of mammon stood between him and his pursuit. Jesus was instructing him to get rid of this false god, that man can not serve two masters. And Jesus affirms this when He says, “Children how hard it is for those who trust in riches to enter the kingdom of God!” Mark 10:24 Job also gives a lesson in regards to riches saying:
“If I have made gold my hope or said to fine gold, ‘you are my confidence‘; If I have rejoiced because my wealth was great and because my hand had gained much.” Job 31:24-25
Then Jesus is not telling us to be poor but our trust has to be in Him alone. Paul writes to the Corinthians saying, “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich.” 2nd Corinthians 8:9 Here Paul describes poverty as an aspects Jesus bore upon Himself, just as much as our sin and sickness that through what He suffered we might be enriched. Then it is not the will of Jesus our Lord, that any of His blood bought children should suffer lack in anything.
How do you make deposits in the heavenly bank account?
You make deposits into the heavenly bank account when you give of your tithe and offering. Tithing is first mentioned in the bible as an aspect Abraham initiated when he met Melchizedek after the Lord gave him a great victory when his nephew Lot was taken captive. When he returned from the battle, he came back with the spoils of the war and all those who opposed him had taken.
Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine; he was the priest of God Most High. And he blessed him and said: “Blessed be Abram of God Most High, possessor of haven and earth; and blessed be God Most High, who has delivered your enemies into you hand.” And he gave him a tithe of all. Genesis 14:18-20
For this Melchizedek king of Salem priest of the Most High God who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him to whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all. Hebrews 7:1-2
The point to take from this is that tithe is not instigated through the law as an ordinance, but something that precedes the law. Though it was included in the law as a means to bless the people. Therefore tithe is an aspect of a christian life who follow the faith of our father Abraham as an example of one who walked in the grace of God.
In making deposits into your heavenly bank account, there are procedures to consider which we can draw from the law as a template. That in the giving of our tithe and offering we might have an opportunity to give a careful consideration, so we may obtain its full benefits. And not to throw it blindly without giving it due regard. Every time you give, it is an opportunity to make a faith confession.
“And it shall be when you come into the land which the Lord your God is giving you as an inheritance, and you possess it and dwell in it that you shall take some of the first of all your produce of the ground which you shall bring from your land that the Lord your God is giving you and put it in a basket and go to the place where the Lord your God chooses to make His name abide. And you shall go to the one who is priest in those days and say to him, ” I declare …” Deuteronomy 26:1-3
He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, in whom we have redemption through His blood the forgiveness of sins. Colossians 1:13-14
As christians we have come into the promised land, we have been conveyed from the kingdom of darkness to the kingdom of God. And the one to whom we bring our tithe to is Jesus our High Priest and it is to Him we make the declaration the confession of our mouth. “Therefore holy brethren partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our confession, Christ Jesus.” Hebrews 3:1 In setting tithe and offering before Him it is an opportunity to worship God in our giving in recognising the blessing we have received and to ask to be blessed in the inheritance that He has given us. “Look down from You Holy habitation and bless Your people Israel and the land which You have given us…”Deuteronomy 26:15 That is we may be blessed in our giving.
Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering for He who promised is faithful. Hebrews 10:23
Therefore the confession of our mouth is an important aspect in obtaining the full benefits of our giving, most of all it gives us a moment to consider our giving in a worshipful act and lest of all we have an opportunity to exercise faith in our confession. “Thank you Father I believe, I have received…”
Tithes and Offerings activate the blessing of God.
Honour the Lord with your possessions, and with first-fruits of all your increase; So your barns will be filled with plenty and your vats will overflow with new wine. Proverb 3:9-10
“Will a man rob God? Yet you have robbed Me! But you say, “In what way have we robbed You?’ In tithes and offerings. You are cursed with a curse, for you have robbed Me, even this whole nation. Bring all the tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house, and try Me now in this,” Says the Lord of hosts, ” If I will not open for you the windows of haven and pour out for you such blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it. “And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes so that he will not destroy the fruit of your ground nor shall the vine fail to bear fruit for your field.” Says the Lord of Hosts; and all nations will call you blessed, for you will be a delightful land.” Malachi 3-8-12
The point is when we give of our tithe and offering we initiate the blessing of God. God does not bless what we do not offer to Him. Though as christians we are made exempt from the curse of the law, nevertheless the blessing of the Lord is not apart from our giving. It is a spiritual law God has placed, that through honouring Him with our tithe and offering we in turn may be blessed. And the abundance of His blessing in our lives may in itself be a testimony to the world.
The storehouse is the place where you are fed the word of God “there may be food in My house.” Then where you put your tithe matters, it can be likened to making an investment. A good investment is one that yields profit, Jesus said, to the unprofitable servant you should have placed my money with the banks that at my return I may receive it with interests. The point being just simply burying what God has given you in unprofitable ventures is not right. In the law the confession of the tithe states “I have not eaten any of it when in mourning, nor have I removed any of for an unclean use, nor given any of it for the dead.” Deuteronomy 26:14 Then you are responsible for your giving. Then you ought to endeavour to invest your tithes where the whole council of God is proclaimed and where your investment will reproduce.
In the law God instigated a system by which He sought to ensure all the tithe was brought to His house. In the situations were an individual sought to lay hold of the tithe for any other purpose there was a cost attached. That the person would be required to add one-fifth to it.
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 to the Lord. If a man wants at all to redeem any of his tithes, he shall add one-fifth to it. Leviticus 27:30-31
Though this is under the law, but it carries with it a valuable lesson. That the tithe is holy to the Lord. The point is it is meant to be the first-fruits of your increase, what you give to God must come first and your life ought to be adjusted to what is leftover and not the other way around. Otherwise the world, your wants and desires dictates what you give to God. It is important to remember in giving of your tithe you are more fruitful in what you have left over than if you had kept the whole of your increase to yourself. Because what you have left over comes with the blessing of God.
Offering: An Investment in the Gospel.
Offering is also another method by which we are able to make deposits into our heavenly bank account. One thing to consider is, it is ‘tithe and offering’ not ‘tithe or offering’ the tenth of your increase is meant to go to the storehouse as described above but your offering goes where the gospel is being advanced. Just as you are made responsible for the house of God where food may be made available we are also responsible for the advancement of the gospel.
And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. Mark 16:15
How shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they are sent? Romans 10:14-15
It takes money, to send and support missionaries and to hold crusades and to make use of the various media available for the preaching of the gospel in order we may fulfil the commission Jesus has commanded us to fulfil. And we as believers are able to make investments in such ventures for the furtherance of the gospel through giving of our offerings.
So Jesus answered and said, “Assuredly I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My sake and the gospel’s who shall not receive a hundredfold now in this time – houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions – and the age to come eternal life. Mark 10:29-30
And the investment you make in the furtherance of the gospel will yield a hundredfold return, you will not find a better return form your investment anywhere else.
The return is proportional to your investment.
“Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.” Luke 6:38
Notice, Jesus points to your giving as the factor which instigates your blessing, it is “Give and it shall be given to you.” In his letter to Philippians Paul states his pursuit is not their gift but what abounds to them, “Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account.” Philippians 4:17 that in our giving the blessing that abounds to us is just as important, it is a necessary consequence. Also in his second letter to the Corinthians he associates the blessing in proportion to what is sowed.
But this I say: He who sows sparingly will reap sparingly and he sows bountifully will reap bountifully. So let each one give as he purpose in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you always having all sufficiency in all things may have an abundance for every good work. 2nd Corinthians 9:6-8
Notice, the result of their giving is that their own needs were meet to the full in everything that they may abound in every good work from the excess of the blessing the Lord has given them.
Steps to consider in your giving:
Your giving is an opportunity to exercise your faith. As such you can take time to take steps, to ensure you get the full benefits of your giving.
- Decide what you need: For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. James 1:7-8
- Lay hold of it by faith: For assuredly I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says. Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them. Mark 11:23-24 [Thank You, Father for blessing me to be able to give of my [Tithe or Offering] … and claim the blessing associated to your giving.]
- Tithe: The windows of haven blessing. “Thank you Father I believe, I have received the windows of haven blessing in my giving of my tithe”
- Offering: Hundredfold blessing. “Thank you Father I believe, I have received the hundredfold blessing in my giving of my offering”
- Bind Satan’s power: In My name they will cast out devils. Mark 16:17 and Behold I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions and over all the power of the enemy and nothing shall by any means hurt you. Luke 10:19
In the old dispensation they did not have authority, the Lord Himself was to rebuke the devourer for their sake, but we have authority granted us in Jesus which we ought to exercise. Therefore we bind the strong man from hindering our blessing and cast him out of all our finances. [“I bind you Satan from hindering my blessing, in the name of Jesus.”]
- Loose the power of haven: [Angles] “Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation?” Hebrews 1:14 AND “Bless the Lord, you His angels who excel in strength who do His word, heeding the voice of His word.” Psalm 103.20
Angels are ministers sent forth to help us and are bound to fulfil the commission given to them in keeping to the word of God. Therefore, [“I commission you angels to bring to pass the blessing of the Lord…”]
- Praise God for it.
Now may He who supplies seed to sower and bread for food, supply and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness while you are enriched in everything for all liberality, which causes thanksgiving through us to God.
2 Corinthians 9:10-11
Bread Bait. 
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