CityLife Church Melbourne Australia
This message was given at Casey

1. INTRODUCTION

Mike began by discussing how different church traditions perceive giving, drawing from his experiences in the Russian Orthodox Church and now in LMC. People hold various beliefs about tithing: Is it solely an Old Testament practice? Is it still necessary, or simply a valuable principle?

This study aims to clarify what Scripture teaches about tithing and why it's important to honor those who lead in God’s house.



2. READ 1 TIMOTHY 5:17–18

“The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching. For Scripture says, ‘Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain,’ and ‘The worker deserves his wages.’”

Paul uses a vivid metaphor: an ox treading grain must be allowed to eat. Similarly, those who labor spiritually should be supported materially.

Discussion Questions:

What does “double honor” mean in this passage?

Why do you think Paul chose the metaphor of the ox?

What does this say about how we value our leaders?

3. THE PRINCIPLE OF THE TITHE

In both the Old and New Testaments, the tithe was God’s means of resourcing His house and providing for His workers. It wasn’t just a rule—it was a system of honor and trust.

READ: Leviticus 27:30–32“A tithe of everything from the land… belongs to the Lord; it is holy to the Lord.”

READ: Psalm 24:1“The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it.”

Everything we have comes from God. He only asks for the first tenth to be returned, which is considered holy—set apart and sacred.

Discussion Questions:

What stands out to you about the word “holy” in this context?

Why do you think God calls the tithe His?

How does this shape the way we give?

4. GOD’S DESIGN FOR HIS WORKERS

The tithe was never arbitrary—it was God's plan to provide for the Levites, who had no land inheritance but were fully devoted to ministry.

READ: Numbers 18:20–21“I give to the Levites all the tithes in Israel… in return for the work they do while serving at the tent of meeting.”

This principle carries into the New Testament as well.

READ: 1 Corinthians 9:13–14“Those who serve at the altar share in what is offered… In the same way, the Lord commanded that those who proclaim the gospel should get their living from the gospel.”

Discussion Questions:

What was God’s reason for assigning the tithe to the Levites?

Why do you think God continues this pattern into the New Testament?

How does this impact our understanding of giving today?

5. JESUS AND THE TITHE

Jesus didn’t abolish the tithe but challenged the heart behind it.

READ: Matthew 23:23“You give a tenth… but have neglected the more important matters—justice, mercy, and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former.”

Jesus affirms the tithe while urging us to align our hearts with love and justice.

Discussion Questions:

What’s Jesus challenging the Pharisees about?

Why does He still say not to neglect the tithe?

How can we avoid giving out of religious duty?

6. A MATTER OF DISCIPLESHIP

Tithing isn’t just about money—it’s about surrender. It’s a practical way to declare, “God, You are my source.”

Mike shared how his perspective shifted from obligation to joy, learning to tithe as a son, not just a rule-follower. He encouraged us to discuss with family, budget intentionally, and pray about it.

READ: Luke 14:33“Any of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be my disciple.”

Discussion Questions:

What does this verse teach about surrender and following Jesus?

In what ways is tithing an act of trust and obedience?

How has your view of giving been shaped by your past experience?

7. FINAL REFLECTION: WHY NOT MUZZLE THE OX?

Withholding the tithe leaves God’s workers unsupported, and the house of God suffers. Tithing is how we honor, resource, and participate in God’s mission.

Key Thought:“Tithing is not transactional—it’s trust. It’s not legalistic—it’s love. It’s not obligation—it’s obedience.”



Closing Questions:

What’s one mindset you need to let go of when it comes to giving?

How can you grow in seeing your giving as part of worship and discipleship?

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We recognise the sovereignty and Lordship of the one true God, revealed through His Son the Lord Jesus Christ, and acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land where we work and live, the Kulin Nation, and pay our respects to Elders past and present.