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LESSON 42 FIRST FRUITS AND TITHES

Vol. 3, Lesson 1 THE CHARGE AND PORTION OF THE PRIESTS AND LEVITES

Numbers 18:1-32

In our Bible passage, God spoke directly to Aaron to show the seriousness of the instructions given in regard to the works of the priest and Levites. The priesthood was made up of Aaron (high priest), his sons and their descendants.

The Levites on the other hand were people called to support the work of the priests. They did not have the same prominent position as the priests, but they were important to the overall administration of proper worship in the tabernacle.

The charge God gave to Aaron spelt out the provisions, duties of the priests and Levites, the principles and pattern of operation and the promised portion for the faithful labourers. The Levites were not allowed to do what the priest did, There was division of labour.

As God apportioned blessings to the priests and Levites, so has He made provisions for His faithful servants today. Serve Him in obedience to His word and you will be blessed. In the house of God today, there are many areas of work in which saved children are called to serve. You must identify your own area/gifts and consecrate yourself to serve God acceptably. Be in oneness with the pastors, teachers, evangelists, prophets and other workers so as to do the work that will attract God’s blessings.

 

1.THE CHARGE TO AARON AND THE LEVITES:   

Numbers 18:1-7; 3:6-12; Leviticus 16:11,12; 22:10; 1 Peters 2:9,10

The charge means the command or instructions given concerning the duties of the priest and the Levites. It also includes the blessings attached to the faithful execution of those duties.

God instructed Aaron that he and his sons would bear the burden of the sanctuary, the altar and no stranger is to come near them and their work. Strangers included those not of Aaron’s family or the family of Levites.

The lesson here is that children must not be careless in doing service unto God. Do not be too forward, or go beyond where you are permitted to go. Sinful children must repent and turn away from all uncleanness before they can offer acceptable service.

The priests were responsible for making sacrifices on behalf of the people, praying for them and teaching them the way of the Lord. They received messages from God and passed it to the people.

They also lead the congregation to worship God in truth and holiness. The Levites assist in caring for the tent of meeting and other vessels used in the tabernacle. Both of them were specially chosen by God for these special services.

Therefore, they were not to engage in other work but to be fully consecrated to God’s work. There are great and precious promises of blessing for those who serve God faithfully. The church of God today consists of various areas and responsibilities.

In His wisdom, God has bestowed on His children different degrees of gifts and talents. He requires that we use them to work for Him, specially to win souls into His kingdom. We must do our part faithfully and avoid being busybodies with activities that were not assigned to us.

 

2.THE CARE FOR FAITHFUL WORKERS IN GOD’S HOUSE

Numbers 18:8-24; Exodus 23:25; Matthew 10:10; Mark 10:29,30; 1 Corinthians 9:7-14.

 

The call to serve God goes with a covenant promise of immeasurable blessings for those who obey. The priests and Levites were to have no earthly inheritance, for God Himself was their portion and inheritance.

This promise extends to all friends of Jesus. Our inheritance is not on this earth, for we are but strangers and pilgrims. We must seek heavenly things, for God dwells in heaven. However, while they are still in this world, God has made provisions for the personal upkeep and wellbeing of the priest and Levites. These provisions were the tithes and offerings brought into the tabernacle by the people.

Children of God must obey God’s command and regularly pay their tithes and offerings. There are needs to maintain God’s house, provide materials for evangelism, and take care of full-time pastors and workers. It is also important to know that believers today are spiritual priests and God has promised to take care of them.

As we mind the Father’s business, so will He mind our own business, too. God is working for everyone that serves Him faithfully and will surely reward him or her. However, the best reward is reserved in heaven for believers who serve God willingly and faithfully. You must continue to serve Him so as to be a partaker of these rewards.

 

  3 CONTRIBUTION OF LEVITES FROM THEIR PORTION

Numbers 18:25-32; Malachi 3:8-12; Philippians 4:15-18

 

The Levites were provided for through the tithes and offerings brought to the tabernacle. They were to be taken care of through this means without having to beg for their upkeep. Though the Levites were adequately provided for through the best that were offered to God in tithes and offerings, they were also expected to give the tenth part of the best they received back to God (Numbers 18:26).

This teaches us that God does not exempt anyone from paying tithes and offering. Workers, ministers, leaders, adults and children are expected to pay tithes regularly. Failure to do so amounts to robbing God, and this will attract punishment from Him.

 Everyone must be faithful in giving tithes, offering, mission support, special pledges for church projects, and everything that will lead to the spread of the gospel. God’s blessings await children who give willingly and bountifully.

 

QUESTIONS

  1. Who were the priests and Levites?
  2. Why were strangers not allowed into the sanctuary?
  3. What provisions did God make for the care of the priests and Levites?
  4. State the specific instructions God gave to the Levites about tithes and offerings.
  5. Are believers still required to pay tithes and offerings today?
  6. What are the blessings for those who faithfully pay their tithes and offerings?

 

MEMORY VERSE

And thy brethren also of the tribe of Levi, the tribe of thy father, bring thou with thee, that they may be joined unto thee, and minister unto thee: but thou and thy sons with thee shall minister before the tabernacle of witness.”(Numbers 18:2)

 

LESSON: God has called all His children to work for Him and promote the kingdom.

THOUGHT: I surrender my life to God’s service.

Congregational Song 85GIVE OF YOUR BEST TO THE MASTER “

CHORUSES

  1. When He calls me, I will answer
  2. I will dig a little deeper
  3. I am a blessed child

HOMEWORK

Share the love of Jesus with at least two children in your neighbourhood.

BIBLE WORD SEARCH

Find the meaning of these words. You can use your dictionary.

  1. Priests
  2. Levites
  3. Consecrate
  4. Descendants
  5. Bestowed

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