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Deu 12:5 - 7 But unto the place which the LORD your God shall choose out of all your tribes to put his name there, even unto his habitation shall ye seek, and thither thou shalt come: And thither ye shall bring your burnt offerings, and your sacrifices, and your tithes, and heave offerings of your hand, and your vows, and your freewill offerings, and the firstlings of your herds and of your flocks: And there ye shall eat before the LORD your God, and ye shall rejoice in all that ye put your hand unto, ye and your households, wherein the LORD thy God hath blessed thee.
The place which the LORD your God shall choose
John 4:19-24 The woman saith unto him, Sir, I perceive that thou art a prophet. Our fathers worshipped in this mountain; and ye say, that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship. Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father. Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews. But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.
God choose a people and a place for them to worship.
We are to worship where and how God chooses. "The place . . . God will choose'' worshiping him in spirit and in truth.
Lev 23:10 Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When ye be come into the land which I give unto you, and shall reap the harvest thereof, then ye shall bring a sheaf of the firstfruits of your harvest unto the priest:
Deu 26:1 - 4 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. And thou shalt go unto the priest that shall be in those days, and say unto him, I profess this day unto the LORD thy God, that I am come unto the country which the LORD sware unto our fathers for to give us. And the priest shall take the basket out of thine hand, and set it down before the altar of the LORD thy God.
First-fruits given from the harvest expressed
thankfulness to God for His providing the land and the
harvest. First-fruits was not 10% off the top of a
harvest, but was the fist part of a crop that ripped
first, you still had a how felled yet to ripen.
Exo 34:26
The first of the firstfruits
of thy land thou shalt bring unto the house
of the LORD thy God. Thou shalt not seethe a kid in his
mother's milk.
Lev 2:14 NLT
"If you present a grain offering to the LORD from the first portion of your harvest,
bring kernels of new grain that have been roasted on a
fire.
Deu 26:2
NLT put some of the first produce from each harvest
into a basket and bring it to the place the
LORD your God chooses for his name to be honored.
Deu 26:10 NLT And now, O LORD, I have brought you a token of the first crops you have given me from the ground.' Then place the produce before the LORD your God and worship him.
Deu 26:10 KJV 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:
THE NEW UNGER’S BIBLE DICTIONARYFIRSTFRUITS In general, first fruits included those in the raw state (grain and fruit); those prepared for use as food (wine, oil, flour, and dough), including wool (Exodus 22:29; 23:19; 34:26; Deuteronomy 18:4; etc.). The firstling sheaf at the Passover (see Festivals) was presented by the congregation before the commencement of the grain harvest (Leviticus 23:10-11). Josephus says that the sheaf was of barley and that until this ceremony had been performed, no harvest work was to be done (Ant. 3.10.5). The firstling loaf at Pentecost (see Festivals) was presented when the harvest was completed. Two of these loaves, made of the new flour (wheat) and leavened, like the sheaf above mentioned, were waved before the Lord (Leviticus 23:17; Exodus 34:22; Numbers 28:26). Regarding the firstling see the discussion of Passover and Pentecost in the article Festivals. No private offerings of first fruits were allowed before the public oblation of the two loaves (Leviticus 23:15, 20). The law nowhere specifies the amount that was to be given in the shape of offerings of this kind but leaves it to each individual’s discretion; it only provided that the choicest portions were always to be offered (Numbers 18:12). |
Holman Bible DictionaryFIRSTFRUITS The choice examples of a crop harvested first and dedicated to God. In accordance with Mosaic law, individual Israelites brought to the house of the Lord "the first (that is, "the best") of the firstfruits of thy land" (Ex. 23:19; 34:26), including grain, wine, and oil, which were used--except for the grain (Lev. 2:14-16)--for the support of the priests (Num. 18:12; Deut. 18:4). According to Deuteronomy 26:1-11, the offering was brought in a basket to the sanctuary for presentation. The Book of Proverbs promises prosperity to those who honor the Lord with the firstfruits (Prov. 3:9). |
Smith's Bible DictionaryFIRSTFRUITS The law ordered, in general, that the first of all ripe fruits and of liquors, or, as it is twice expressed, the first of first-fruits, should be offered in God's house. Exo_22:29; Exo_23:19; Exo_34:27. It was an act of allegiance to God, as the giver of all. No exact quantity was commanded, but it was left to the spiritual and moral sense of each individual. |
1 Cor 15:20 But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.
The order of resurrection begins with Christ followed by
believers at the time of His coming back. Christ's
resurrection--the first-fruits of the new covenant--is
God's guarantee that His followers will rise too. You will
notes that it DOS not say first fruit but first fruits,
that is because when Jesus rose from the dead many others
that had died arose from the dead also making up the first
fruits.
Mat 27:52, 53 And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose, And came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many.
James 1:18 Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.
Rom 16:5 Likewise greet the church that is in their house. Salute my wellbeloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia unto Christ.
Rom 8:23 And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.
Eph 1:13,14 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.
The gift of the Spirit to believers is an event in the present which foreshadows the future union of God and His people in eternity.
Abram presenting the tenth of the spoils of his victory to Melchizedek (Genesis 14:20; Hebrews 7:2, 6).
Jacob, after his vision at Luz, devoting a tenth of all his property to God provided that he should return home in safety (Genesis 28:22).
Thou shalt truly tithe all the increase of thy seed
Deu 14:22 - 27 Thou shalt truly tithe all the increase of thy seed, that the field bringeth forth year by year. And thou shalt eat before the LORD thy God, in the place which he shall choose to place his name there, the tithe of thy corn, of thy wine, and of thine oil, and the firstlings of thy herds and of thy flocks; that thou mayest learn to fear the LORD thy God always. And if the way be too long for thee, so that thou art not able to carry it; or if the place be too far from thee, which the LORD thy God shall choose to set his name there, when the LORD thy God hath blessed thee: Then shalt thou turn it into money, and bind up the money in thine hand, and shalt go unto the place which the LORD thy God shall choose: And thou shalt bestow that money for whatsoever thy soul lusteth after, for oxen, or for sheep, or for wine, or for strong drink, or for whatsoever thy soul desireth: and thou shalt eat there before the LORD thy God, and thou shalt rejoice, thou, and thine household, And the Levite that is within thy gates; thou shalt not forsake him; for he hath no part nor inheritance with thee.
God required His people to tithe of their grain and animal products. When the designated place for giving the tithe, was to great of a distance away, then they were permitted to exchange their gifts for money and take it instead and then buy what they desired to eat at the temple. Tithing provided the worshiper a means of spiritual celebration, and supporting the priests, and caring for the needy.
Charity = Christian love/almsgiving
Deu 14:27 - 29 And the Levite that is within thy gates; thou shalt not forsake him; for he hath no part nor inheritance with thee. At the end of three years thou shalt bring forth all the tithe of thine increase the same year, and shalt lay it up within thy gates: And the Levite, (because he hath no part nor inheritance with thee,) and the stranger, and the fatherless, and the widow, which are within thy gates, shall come, and shall eat and be satisfied; that the LORD thy God may bless thee in all the work of thine hand which thou doest.
The Hebrews were to give every third tithe to help the
poor, needy, aliens, widows, orphans, and the Levites, it
was to be laid up within the gates. We must be willing to
share our resources to provide the needs of the poor and
needy. The Levite were mentioned at the giving of all
tithes, that we do not forsake him, Why? Because he hath no part or inheritance
with thee.
A) Levites
B) Strangers
C) Fatherless
D) Widows
E) You
If we understand giving in the old testament, we would under stand the Lords Supper, Church serves, which are called, braking of bread in the new testament.
Acts 2:41-42 and 46-47 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.
1 Cor 11:20-22, 29 and 33-34 When ye come together therefore into one place, this is not to eat the Lord's supper. For in eating every one taketh before other his own supper: and one is hungry, and another is drunken. What? have ye not houses to eat and to drink in? or despise ye the church of God, and shame them that have not? What shall I say to you? shall I praise you in this? I praise you not
For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body. Wherefore, my brethren, when ye come together to eat, tarry one for another. And if any man hunger, let him eat at home; that ye come not together unto condemnation. And the rest will I set in order when I come.
What about now where the church gets the entire tithe and they say if you are not giving you are cured by God?
Num 18:21 And, behold, I have given the children of Levi all the tenth in Israel for an inheritance, for their service which they serve, even the service of the tabernacle of the congregation.
Dos not that verse say the Pastors or the church gets the Tithe?
Let me explain by first asking another question.
Deuteronomy Chapter 14 says that the Levites, strangers, fatherless, widows, and you get the tithe for uses in fellowship, and worship of God, and warns not to forsake the ministers.
We need to relies that we can not take a verse by its self and make it doctrine, for the Lord warns us in 2 Peter 3:16 "not to wrest the scriptures." That word wrest means to pull or twist. In other words we can not take the scriptures out of context. If we read on down in Numbers 18 we will be able to see more clearly.
Num 18:24-26 But the tithes of the children of Israel, which they offer as an heave offering unto the LORD, I have given to the Levites to inherit: therefore I have said unto them, Among the children of Israel they shall have no inheritance. And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, Thus speak unto the Levites, and say unto them, When ye take of the children of Israel the tithes which I have given you from them for your inheritance, then ye shall offer up an heave offering of it for the LORD, even a tenth part of the tithe.
Holman Bible DictionaryHEAVE OFFERING In Exodus 29:27-28, the portion of an offering or sacrifice that was set apart and reserved for Yahweh and for the priests. The priests were to eat their portions of the offerings of the people in a clear place. |
HEAVE-OFFERING: Means simply an offering, a present, including all the offerings made by the Israelites as a present made to the Tabernacle or Temple for the use of the priests, "to lift," that is, to set apart for a special purpose from a larger quantity.
Num 18:19 All the heave offerings of the holy things, which the children of Israel offer unto the LORD, have I given thee, and thy sons and thy daughters with thee, by a statute for ever: it is a covenant of salt for ever before the LORD unto thee and to thy seed with thee.
So we see that the part of the tithe that was given to
the priest was called a heave offering, it was not
necessary all the tithe. Deuteronomy chapter 14 is
giving the instruction for the children of Israel, where
Numbers chapter 18 is giving the instruction for the
priest.
When we look at Deuteronomy chapter 14 we see that they
where to bring
their tithe to Jerusalem and
if the way was too long to carry the tithe, they
could exchange it for money, and then spend it on
anything that the owner chooses to, and what so ever
was bought was to be eaten-ed by him and his household
and the Levites. In the third year the tithe was to be
laid up within thy gates, in their towns, and it was
to be used to feed the Levites, the strangers, and the
widows and orphans.
In the time
of Nehemiah they made chambers in the house of God for
this third year tithe, God said in Malachi 3:10 to "Bring ye all the tithes into the
storehouse". that is into these chambers, in
the treasure house.
Neh 10:38 And
the priest the son of Aaron shall be with the
Levites, when the Levites take tithes: and the
Levites shall bring up the tithe of the tithes unto
the house of our God, to the
chambers, into the treasure house.
Mal 3:10 Bring ye all the tithes into the
storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house,
and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts,
if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and
pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be
room enough to receive it.
We read in
Amos chapter 4 and verses 1 throw 13 about the
oppression of the poor, and the worship which the
children of Israel rendered at will in the places
they had chosen, we read in verse 4 "Come to
Bethel, and transgress; at Gilgal multiply
transgression; and bring your sacrifices every
morning, and your tithes
after three
years:"
The tithe is
to be you'd in worship and in celebrating God, God
warns us not to forsake the Levite to give him
some of your tithes and to give all your tithes in
the threed year to the Levies and the needy. This
was the law of the tithe.
Deu 14:27 And the Levite that is within thy gates; thou shalt not forsake him; for he hath no part nor inheritance with thee.
1 Cor 9:9 - 11 For it is written in the law of Moses, Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn. Doth God take care for oxen? Or saith he it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written: that he that ploweth should plow in hope; and that he that thresheth in hope should be partaker of his hope. If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things?
1 Tim 5:17,18 Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine. For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward.
Redeem = to regain / recover or buy back
Lev 27:30 - 32 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 unto the LORD. And if a man will at all redeem ought of his tithes, he shall add thereto the fifth part thereof. And concerning the tithe of the herd, or of the flock, even of whatsoever passeth under the rod, the tenth shall be holy unto the LORD.
The tithe of the produce of land belonged to God according to the tithe law. For one to redeem that which was to be tithed (such as an animal), a person had to give its value plus twenty percent.
Lev 27:31 NLT . . . If you want to redeem the Lord's tenth of the fruit or grain, you must pay its value, plus 20 percent.
Gal 2:9,10 And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision. Only they would that we should remember the poor; the same which I also was forward to do.
James 1:27
Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father
is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their
affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the
world.
1 Tim 5:4 But if any widow have children or nephews, let them learn first to show piety at home, and to requite their parents: for that is good and acceptable before God.
1 Cor 16:1 - 4
Now concerning the collection
for the saints, as I
have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do
ye. Upon the first day of the week let every one of you
lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that
there be no gatherings when I come. And when I come,
whomsoever ye shall approve by your letters, them will I
send to bring your liberality unto Jerusalem. And if it
be meet that I go also, they shall go with me.
2 Cor 8:1 - 15 Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia; How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality. For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves; Praying us with much entreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints. And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God. Insomuch that we desired Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also finish in you the same grace also. Therefore, as ye abound in every thing, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also. I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love. For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich. And herein I give my advice: for this is expedient for you, who have begun before, not only to do, but also to be forward a year ago. Now therefore perform the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to will, so there may be a performance also out of that which ye have. For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not. For I mean not that other men be eased, and ye burdened: 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: As it is written, He that had gathered much had nothing over; and he that had gathered little had no lack.
Christian giving is a grace. That means giving is the power of God's love at work in our life to help others. If you are really willing to give, it isn't important how much you are able to give. God wants you to give what you have, not what you don't have. Of course, you should not give so much that you are burdened, suffer from having too little to live on. There should be equality. The Macedonias had begged Paul for the privilege of sharing in the gift for the Christians in Jerusalem, for Paul didn't wont to take their gift because of their deep poverty.
Mat 6:1 - 4 Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven. Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth: That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.
We receive no reward for good works done for wrong motivations. Your motive determines the reward you will get for the acts of righteousness you do. God does not reward an act done for selfish reasons. If you give to be seen of men, that is your only reward you will get. God will ultimately reward those who meet the needs of others without thought of personal praise.
Alms may refer to anything given to relieve the poor, relief for the poor and needy.
Paul used his personal example to motivate the Ephesians to work hard and help the weak. He recalled Jesus' teaching that more happiness is found through giving than through getting.
Acts 20:35 I have showed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.
Eph 4:28 Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.
Prov 28:27 He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack: but he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse.
Deu 15:7 If there be among you a poor man of one of thy brethren within any of thy gates in thy land which the LORD thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not harden thine heart, nor shut thine hand from thy poor brother:
Mat 19:21
Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and
sell that thou hast, and give to
the poor, and thou
shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and
follow me.
Luke 11:41 But rather give alms of such things as ye have; and, behold, all things are clean unto you.
Luke 12:33 Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth.
1 John 3:17,18 My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.
1 John 3:19 And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him.
God's love within a person expresses itself in caring for those in need, Helping others. The Bible repeatedly places great value on gifts to the poor. Christian love expresses itself in action, not in words.
Mat 10:42 And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward.
2 Cor 9:6 - 8 But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:
Sharing with others is referred to as one sowing seeds. The more one sows the more he will reap. We need to note, this is not a guarantee that if you give $100.00 you will receive a $1,000.00 in return. This is a confirmation of God's ability to provide for your needs. "God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work."
"each man should give what he has decided in his
heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for
God loves a cheerful giver." Every one is to
give "what he has decided in his heart,"
and that decision is not to be made reluctantly or under
compulsion.
2 Cor 9:11,12 Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God. For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God;
A favorite scripture of some that teach on giving
is. Mal 3:8-10
Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say,
Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings. Ye
are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even
this whole nation. Bring ye all the tithes into the
storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and
prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I
will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you
out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to
receive it.
What tithe was to go to the storehouse? . . . The tithe of CHARITY
Every third year, the tithe was stored so that “the Levites (who have no allotment or inheritance of their own) and the aliens, the fatherless and the widows who live in your towns may come and eat and be satisfied”
The people just came out of Captivity and restored the Temple and the walls and restored worship of the Lord. The people vowed to keep the commandments of the LORD and his judgments and his statutes. Also they made ordinances to lay up a tithe of the tithes for the service of the house of God.
Neh 10:29b, 32, 37-38 They clave to their brethren, their nobles, and entered into a curse, and into an oath, to walk in God's law, which was given by Moses the servant of God, and to observe and do all the commandments of the LORD our Lord, and his judgments and his statutes; Also we made ordinances for us, to charge ourselves yearly with the third part of a shekel for the service of the house of our God; And that we should bring the firstfruits of our dough, and our offerings, and the fruit of all manner of trees, of wine and of oil, unto the priests, to the chambers of the house of our God; and the tithes of our ground unto the Levites, that the same Levites might have the tithes in all the cities of our tillage. And the priest the son of Aaron shall be with the Levites, when the Levites take tithes: and the Levites shall bring up the tithe of the tithes unto the house of our God, to the chambers, into the treasure house.
Neh 12:44 And at that time were some appointed over the chambers for the treasures, for the offerings, for the firstfruits, and for the tithes, to gather into them out of the fields of the cities the portions of the law for the priests and Levites: for Judah rejoiced for the priests and for the Levites that waited.
In the book of Malachi they were offering polluted bread that is their scarifies. The priests were not teaching God's people, how to worship him properly. God said he would send his messenger, John the Baptist and then the messenger of the covenant, Jesus would come, and Then the offerings will be pleasant to the LORD.
Mal 1:7
Ye offer polluted bread upon mine
altar; and ye say, Wherein have we polluted
thee? In that ye say, The table of the LORD is
contemptible.
Mal 3:1, 4
Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare
the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall
suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the
covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come,
saith the LORD of hosts. Then
shall the offering of Judah and Jerusalem be pleasant
unto the LORD, as in the days of old, and as in
former years.
#1 worship the Father in spirit and in truth
John 4:23,24 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.
# 2 judgment, mercy, and faith
Mat 23:23 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.
The Pharisees majored on minors. They had rules for
every minute area of life, while at the same time they
forgot about the important things. Justice, mercy, and
faithfulness, are the qualities that God is seeking for.
Obeying man made rules is no substitute. In this teaching
tithing is given as an example of the Pharisees'
hypocrisy, the same as the priests in Malachi.
#3 seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness
Mat 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
Mal 4:1,2 For, behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the LORD of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch. But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall.
#4 be reconciled to thy brother have a pure heart
Mat 5:23 - 25 Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift. Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison.
But Jesus underlined the importance of a pure heart, by saying that if we remember anyone has something against us; we are to go get that straightened out even if it means putting off worship. "Giving" If God's forgiving, reconciling work does not find expression in our relationships then our worship of God is empty.
Rom 14:19 Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.
So we see that giving is a grace, the influence of God upon our harts to help others and the first thing that we are to give is our lives as a living sacrifice to the Father. We need to abide in Christ and allow his love to flow throw us for apart from him we can do nothing. We my give to the poor and give our lives, but it does not profit any thing if we do not have love. So let us be followers of God as dear children and walk in love seeking his righteousness and being ready for every good work.
John 15:5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
1 Cor 13:3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.
Eph 5:1,2 Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.
Mat 6:33
But seek ye first the kingdom of
God, and his righteousness; and all these
things shall be added unto you.
2 Cor 9:8
And God is able to make all grace abound toward you;
that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work
