
YOUTH STS LESSON 146 FIRST FRUITS AND TITHES
MEMORY VERSE: “And now, behold, I have brought the firstfruits of the land, which thou, O LORD, hast given me. And thou shalt set it before the LORD thy God, and worship before the LORD thy God” (Deuteronomy 26:10).
TEXT: Deuteronomy 26:1-19
We have been studying from the books of Pentateuch by Moses the servant of the Lord. In these books, God redeemed Israel from the house of bondage, saw them through the wilderness and protected them. This period was important in their lives. God wisely used it to nurse, train and furnish them with His words. These words marked them out from other nations of the world (Exodus 19:5). He gave those commands which gave them insights into the duties and obligations towards Him and one another. Now, He the laws on first-fruits and tithes which they must observe when they get into the Promised Land. These commands were ways in which the Priests and Levites (ministers of God) were provided for by the Lord for serving Him (Deuteronomy 18:2), Besides, it is also a way in which the Sanctuary of the Lord would be maintained. Today, the great commission needs speedy expansion. This will be possible not only through prayer and preaching but also through financial support.
OFFERING: AN APPRECIATION OF GOD’S REDEMPTIVE BLESSINGS (Deuteronomy 26:1-11; 18:4,5; Psalm 96:6-9; Proverbs 3:9,10)
“And it shall be, when thou art come in unto the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee for an inheritance, and possessest it, and dwellest therein; That thou shalt take of the first of all the fruit of the earth, which thou shalt bring of thy land that the LORD thy God giveth thee, and shalt put it in a basket, and shalt go unto the place which the LORD thy God shall choose to place his name there” (Deuteronomy 26:1, 2). The command of God that the children of Israel should bring the first fruits was to be done when they got into the Promised Land. God was more interested in their entering into the land of Canaan which He promised them. Hence, they were pre-informed of the law on first fruit. This command revealed the power of God to bring them into the land that flowed with milk and honey and the assurance of God’s blessings as they obeyed Him (Ezekiel 34:27).
Question 1: What qualifies a youth to give to God?
Redemption is the only entering point for sinning youths into the kingdom of God. It is very necessary for them to seek their salvation first before they give to God (Matthew 6:33). God is more interested in repentance of souls from sins than sacrifice and offering. “The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD” (Proverbs 15:8). There are people in the church today who like to give offering to the Lord without being saved. God loves obedience to His words more than the gifts sinners offer. The laws of first fruits emphasise the need for the children of Israel to give the first portion of their harvest to the Lord in honour and appreciation for divine multiplication of their seeds (Deuteronomy 26:2,3). The person offering the first fruits would make a confession before the Lord, appreciating His merciful redemption for them and their multiplication while in Egypt. They were also meant to offer it in appreciation of their deliverance from the bondage in Egypt, His faithfulness to bring them into the Promised Land and the blessings of God (Deuteronomy 26:4-11).
OFFERING: MEANS OF ASKING FOR MORE OF GOD’S BLESSINGS (Deuteronomy 26:12-15; Leviticus 27:30-32; Deuteronomy 14:22; 2 Chronicles 31:5; Luke 6:38; Malachi 3:8-12).
Looking at the law on first fruit, there is no specification on the quantity to bring to the Lord. “That thou shalt take of the first of all the fruit of the earth, which thou shalt bring of thy land that the LORD thy God giveth thee, and shalt put it in a basket” (Deuteronomy 26:2).
Question 2: What is God’s specification on the law of tithe?
The law of God to Israel on tithe is different from that of the first fruit. Tithe is all encompassing in that the Israelites were still expected by God to pay tithe on their harvested crops. “Thou shalt truly tithe all the increase of thy seed, that the field bringeth forth year by year” (Deuteronomy 14:22). It could also take monetary value of the crops where they could not be easily carried to the appointed place or from wages earned through labour (Deuteronomy 14:24, 25). Today, we are expected to follow this injunction of the Lord. Students are expected to pay their tithes from their pocket money. The divine specification is ten percent of gross income as salary earners or gift. Just as first fruit attracts God’s blessings, tithe is always followed with tremendous blessings from the Lord.
The necessity of tithe to the Lord cannot be undermined. It is God’s own design to cater for His ministers. “Do ye not know that they which minister about holy things live of the things of the temple? And they which wait at the altar are partakers with the altar?” (1 Corinthians 9:13). It is also a way through which the house of God is maintained and mission work financed. It is the means by which the poor and the needy in the church are provided for. After offering our tithe, God expects us to make our request to Him. This might be the reason some Christians are not experiencing divine blessings despite constantly paying their tithe. Some just assumed that since they have paid their tithes, God knows what they need and will automatically provide. It is true that God possesses the power to bless a cheerful giver, yet, He still expected Israel to ask from Him (Deuteronomy 26:1315).
Question 3: What are the blessings the Lord will bestow on His children who give tithe to Him? “Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine” (Proverbs 3:9,10).
One, there will be an open window of divine abundance (Malachi 3:10).
Two, God would rebuke the devourer on your behalf. Our vine will be protected divinely from natural pestilence and sickness (Malachi 3:11).
Three, God will make us rich that everyone will notice it and call us blessed.
Four, when we give, men shall give to us abundantly (Luke 6:38).
Five, we will be promoted by the Lord.
OBSERVING DIVINE COMMANDS AND ENJOYING GOD’S BLESSINGS (Deuteronomy 26:16-19; 28:1-13; Isaiah 1:19; Proverbs 3:9)
“This day the LORD thy God hath commanded thee to do these statutes and judgments: thou shalt therefore keep and do them with all thine heart, and with all thy soul” (Deuteronomy 26:16). As the Lord gave these statutes to the Israelites, He was concerned with the manner in which they obeyed. In giving to God, some people grudgingly obey Him. He does not accept such gifts, and the unwilling giver is denied His blessings. All the children of Israel were commanded to walk in the way of the Lord, and they promised to do so. “Thou hast avouched the LORD this day to be thy God, and to walk in his ways, and to keep his statutes, and his commandments, and his judgments, and to hearken unto his voice” (verse 17). Seeing the precious commands of God, and the benefits of doing them, youths should make the promise to observe them with all their hearts. This is the only condition in which God’s full blessings can be received.
Question 4: From our text, what are some of the promised blessings of the Lord for the obedient children?
Some of the blessings of God for obedient children revealed in our text are:
(1) Making them His peculiar people (verse 18).
(2) Divine exaltation above all nations (in praise, name and honour).
(3) Making them holy for Himself. Believers in Christ, who do God’s will, are made heirs of God and joint- heirs with the Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 8:17). Therefore, we are partakers of divine inheritance in Christ. What a great privilege!