Discovering the Secret to Prosperity
United Pentecostal Church International
A Portable Bible School Publication
8855 Dunn Road
Hazelwood  MO  63042-2299  USA
Contact us for more information

Rev. Michael Ntumey, in his book “Financial Breakthrough: Discovering God’s Secrets to Prosperity,” suggests three main aspects in the use of money: upward to God; inward to your family (1 Timothy 5:4,8); and outward to society.  We will look at the first aspect here.  That is, giving upward to God.

The word “Tithe” means, “a tenth part.”  The “tithe” is one tenth of a person’s income.  However, “tithing” does not stop at our income.  In Bible times the “tithe” was also one tenth of a person’s crops and the fruit of trees.  (Leviticus 27:30-32; Numbers 18:21,26; Deuteronomy 14:22-29)  According to Deuteronomy 14:22, the “tithe” was one tenth of all increase that the people received.  You can “tithe” on your income, crops, animals, and even your time.  Cain and Abel offered first fruits unto the Lord. (Genesis 4:3-4)  When we pay our “tithes” we are recognizing that God has blessed us. 

Ntumey suggests that one of the major causes of “Poverty Bondage” is the failure to tithe properly.  “The tithe belongs to the LORD.  Failure to give the tithe to God is tantamount to robbery that attracts serious consequences.  This sets in motion the vicious cycle of poverty that brings one from one degree of bondage to another.”

The focus on paying the “tithe” is for our blessing and being obedient to the Word of God.  (Deuteronomy 14:29)  “Tithing” is part of God’s plan of blessing man.  However, failure to pay our tithes will bring a curse into our life instead of blessing

John Hopkins in his book entitled “Christian Giving” lists six things we can learn from Malachi 3:8-10 (main Scripture on “tithing”.)

1.  We can rob God by not giving our tithes and offerings to His work.
2.  If we do not give to God we forfeit (cancel) His blessings.
3.  We should bring tithes into the storehouse (church treasury).
4.  The purpose of the tithe is to provide for the ministers of the gospel who   
     work in the House of God.
5.  We should PROVE God to see if His Word is true when He promises   
     blessings to those who give to His work.  Here is one of the few places in
     the Scriptures where God challenges us to try Him in something.
6.  God promises to bless that entire tithe. 

If you have not been faithful in paying your tithes, it is a good time for you to repent, offer restitution (where possible) and start obeying the Word of God so you can reap the blessings attached.   

Tithing should be the very first thing that you do when you receive your salary/income.  If you postpone paying your tithes for a month or two you will find it is very difficult to pay them.  You should pay your tithes each time you receive your salary.  It is said,  “Life is hard, yard by yard.  Life is easy, inch by inch.”  So, don’t allow your tithes to add up with the intention of one day paying it.

You are also exhorted in God’s Word to give offerings.  God does not determine the amount you are to give.  The amount you give should be according to your income.  The more you earn the larger the amounts that you give.  It has been said,  “Give according to your income or God will make your income according to your giving.”  If you give like a poor man don’t be surprised if God makes you a poor man.

But by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may be a supply for their want, that their abundance also may be a supply for your want: that there may be equality:  (2 Corinthians 8:14)

We came naked into this world and we will leave the same way.  The only wealth/money that you can take with you will be that which is sent ahead and is invested in the “First Bank of Heaven.”  (Matthew 6:19-20; Phil. 4:17)  Jim Elliot said,  “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep in order to gain what he cannot lose.

One member complained to his pastor,  “In this church there is so much emphasis on give, give, give.”  The pastor responded, “You have just given one of the best descriptions of Christianity that I have ever heard.”  (Lucille Goodyear)   

Send this tract to a friend

::More Tracts::