Tithes and offerings

NEHEMIAH
When Nehemiah learned of this bold profanation, he promptly exercised his
authority to expel the intruder. "It grieved me sore; therefore I cast forth all the
household stuff of Tobiah out of the chamber. Then I commanded, and they
cleansed the chambers; and thither brought I again the vessels of the house of
God, with the meat-offering and the frankincense."
Not only had the temple been profaned, but the offerings had been misapplied.
This tended to discourage the liberality of the people. They lost their zeal and
fervor in the cause of God, and were reluctant to pay their tithes. The treasuries
of the Lord's house were but poorly supplied; and the singers and others
employed in the temple service not receiving a sufficient support, many left the
work of God to labor elsewhere for the maintenance of their families. Nehemiah
promptly corrected these abuses. He gathered together those who had forsaken
the service of the house of God, and caused the tithes and offerings to be
restored. Faithful men were appointed to take charge of the means raised,
confidence was restored, and all Judah brought their tithes to the treasuries of
the Lord. -ST, January 17, 1884 par. 3, 4. (1 ST 405, 406.)

WHAT IS THE STORE HOUSE?
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. Malachi 3:10

USES OF TITHES
0 God has not changed; the tithe is still to be used
for the support of the ministry. -9T, 250.
0 But a great mistake is made when the tithe is
drawn from the object for which it is to be used --
the support of the ministers. There should be
today in the field one hundred well qualified
laborers where now there is but one.-GW,226

0 It is to be especially devoted to the support of
those who are bearing God's message to the
world; and it should not be diverted from this
purpose. -CS, 103.
0 He intends that the ministry of the gospel shall be
fully sustained. He claims the tithe as His own, and
it should ever be regarded as a sacred reserve, to
be placed in His treasury for the benefit of His
cause, for the advancement of His work, for
sending His messengers into "regions beyond,"
even to the uttermost parts of the earth. -CS, 71.

0 The tithe is sacred, reserved by God for Himself. It
is to be brought into His treasury to be used to
sustain the gospel laborers in their work. -CS, 93

What of women workers?
0 Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which
preach the gospel should live of the gospel. 1 Cor.
9:14

0 God Has Settled This Question.--If women do the
work that is not the most agreeable to many of
those who labor in word and doctrine, and if their
works testify that they are accomplishing a work
that has been manifestly neglected, should not
such labor be looked upon as being as rich in
results as the work of the ordained ministers?
Should it not command the hire of the laborer? . . .
This question is not for men to settle. The Lord
has settled it. -Evangelism, 493

0 To be Paid as Verily as Their Husbands.--When it is
possible, let the minister and his wife go forth together.
The wife can often labor by the side of her husband,
accomplishing a noble work. She can visit the homes of
the people and help the women in these families in a
way that her husband cannot…. Select women who will
act an earnest part. The Lord will use intelligent
women in the work of teaching. And let none feel that
these women, who understand the Word, and who have
ability to teach, should not receive remuneration for
their labors. They should be paid as verily as are their
husbands. -Evangelism, 491

What of bible workers and the
medical missionaries?
0 Our conferences look to the schools for educated
and well-trained laborers, and they should give
the schools a most hearty and intelligent support.
Light has been plainly given that those who
minister in our schools, teaching the word of God,
explaining the Scriptures, educating the students
in the things of God, should be supported by the
tithe money. This instruction was given long ago,
and more recently it has been repeated again and
again. -6T, 215.

0 Some, who do not see the advantage of educating
the youth to be physicians both of the mind and of
the body, say that the tithe should not be used to
support medical missionaries, who devote their
time to treating the sick. In response to such
statements as these, I am instructed to say that the
mind must not become so narrowed down that it
cannot take in the truth of the situation. -Medical
Ministry 245
0 No line is to be drawn between the genuine
medical missionary work and the gospel ministry.
These two must blend. They are not to stand apart
as separate lines of work. They are to be joined in
an inseparable union, even as the hand is joined to
the body. -Medical Ministry, 250

0 In some of the larger conferences the tithe may be
more than sufficient to sustain the laborers now
in the field. But this does not sanction its use for
any other purpose. If the conferences were doing
the work that God desires them to do, there would
be many more laborers in the field, and the
demand for funds would be greatly increased. The
conferences should feel a burden for the regions
beyond their own borders. There are missions to
be sustained in fields where there are no churches
and no tithes, and also where the believers are
new and the tithe limited. If you have means that
is not needed after settling with your ministers in
a liberal manner, send the Lord's money to these
destitute places. Special light on this point has
been given. -1MR, 183, 184.

0 And if there is a surplus of means in the treasury,
there are many places where it may be used
strictly in the appointed lines. In many places the
dearth of means is so great that the workers
cannot be employed to do missionary work. Every
dollar of the money put into the treasury is not
needed in _____. Let the Lord's money be donated to
support the ministers in foreign countries where
they are working to lift the standard in new fields.

0 This is God's money, and He designs that it shall be
used in sustaining the ministry, in educating a
people to prepare to meet their God. . . . If you have
more means than you need to settle [with] your
ministers in a fair, liberal, Christian manner, there
are other places where you can help, where there
are but few people and poor, and the tithe is
limited. Send the Lord's money to them. This I
have been repeatedly shown is the way to do. -
1MR, 189, 190.

0 The Lord has not given orders to any man to divert money
from the channel in which it should go. … Who has heard the
voice of God directing that this means should be diverted
into other channels? If this is the course our leading
brethren are to pursue, what confidence can men have to
follow out their convictions in making donations to the cause
of God? Let the money that comes from those whom God has
made his stewards be received and treated as a sacred
offering, and be applied where it was designed this will tend
to inspire confidence and encourage liberality in those whom
God has made his stewards. But if men, with their finite
judgment feel free to appropriate these gifts as they see fit,
they will confuse that mind that in all sincerity was moved to
bestow his goods on some branch of God's work. When our
brethren undertake to work according to their own ideas,
they will do great harm to souls, they will create doubt and
questioning. Why should men want to interpose their own
ways and ideas to defeat the purposes of God? EGW 1888
Materials,1236.

ONE ADDRESS?
0 The Lord has blessed the work that J.E. White has tried to do in
The South. God grant that the voices which have been so quickly
raised to say that all the money invested in the work must go
through the appointed channel at Battle Creek, shall not be
heard. The people to whom God has given his means are
amenable to him alone. It is their privilege to give direct aid and
assistance to missions. It is because of the misappropriation of
means that the Southern field has no better showing than it has
today. -Spalding-Magan Collection, 176, 177 (1901).
0 The arrangement that all moneys must go through Battle Creek
and under the control of the few men in that place is a wrong
way of managing. There are altogether too many weighty
responsibilities given to a few men, and some do not make God
their counselor. -TM, 321.

0 Do not worry lest some means shall go direct to
those who are trying to do missionary work in a
quiet and effective way. All the means is not to be
handled by one agency or organization. -Spalding-
Magan Collection, 421.

0 You ask if I will accept tithe from you and use it in the
cause of God where most needed. In reply, I will say
that I shall not refuse to do this, but at the same time I
will tell you that there is a better way. It is better to put
confidence in the ministers of the conference where
you live, and in the officers of the church where you
worship. Draw nigh to your brethren. Love them with a
true heart fervently, and encourage them to bear their
responsibilities in the fear of God. "Be thou an example
of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in
spirit, in faith, in purity" (1 Timothy 4:12). Letter 96,
1911, p. 1. (To Mrs. J. J. Gravelle, December 29, 1911.) -
1MR, 196.

INDIVIDUAL
RESPONSIBILITY
"Some men or councils may say, that is just what we wish you to do. The
Conference Committee will take your capital and will appropriate it for
this very object. But the Lord has made us individually his stewards. We
each hold a solemn responsibility to invest this means ourselves. A
portion it is right to place in the treasury to advance the general interests
of the work; but the steward of means will not be guiltless before God,
unless, so far as he is able to do this, he shall use that means as
circumstances shall reveal the necessity. We should be ready to help the
suffering, and to set in operation plans to advance the truth in various
ways. It is not in the province of the Conference or any other organization
to relieve us of this stewardship. If you lack wisdom, go to God, ask him
for yourself, and then work with an eye single to his glory. By exercising
your own judgment, giving where you see there is need in any line of the
work, you are putting out your money to the exchangers. If you see in any
locality that the truth is gaining a foothold, and there is no place of
worship, then do something to meet the necessity. By your own action
encourage others to act, in building a humble house for the worship of
God. Have an interest in the work in all parts of the field. {PH146 45.1, 2}

0 While it is not your property that you are handling, yet you are made
responsible for its wise investment, for its use or abuse. God does not
lay upon you the burden of asking the conference or any council if you
shall use means entrusted to you by God as you shall see fit, to advance
the work of God in destitute towns and cities, and impoverished
localities. If the right plan had been followed, there would not have been
so much means used in some localities and so little in other places
where the banner of truth has not been raised. We are not to merge our
individuality in any institution in our world. The high-handed power
that has been developed, as though positions had made men gods,
makes me afraid, and ought to cause fear. It is a curse wherever, and by
whomsoever it is exercised. This lording it over God's heritage will
create such a disgust of man's jurisdiction that a state of
insubordination will result. The people are learning that men in high
positions of responsibility cannot be trusted to mould and fashion other
men's minds and characters. The result will be a loss of confidence even
in the management of faithful men. But the Lord will raise up laborers
who realize their own nothingness without special help from God. … Do
we individually realize our true position, that as God's hired servants
we are not to bargain away our stewardship? We have an individual
accountability before the heavenly universe to administer the trust
committed us of God. Our own hearts are to be stirred, our hands are to
have something to impart of the income that God entrusts to us. "
(Letter O-55-1895 to O. A. Olsen). -EGW 1888 Materials, 1443-1445.

0 The churches must arouse. The members must
awake out of sleep and begin to inquire, How is
the money which we put into the treasury being
used? The Lord desires that a close search be
made. Are all satisfied with the history of the work
for the past fifteen years? Where is the evidence of
the co-working with God? Where has been heard
throughout the churches the prayer for the help of
the Holy Spirit? Dissatisfied and disheartened, we
turn away from the scene. -The Kress Collection,
120 (1900).

PROTEST
0 Some have been dissatisfied, and have said, "I will
not longer pay my tithe; for I have no confidence in
the way things are managed at the heart of the
work." But will you rob God because you think the
management of the work is not right? Make your
complaint, plainly and openly, in the right spirit,
to the proper ones. Send in your petitions for
things to be adjusted and set in order; but do not
withdraw from the work of God, and prove
unfaithful, because others are not doing right. -
GW, 227.

ONLY TWO TREASURIES
0 There are only two places in the world where we
can deposit our treasures--in God's storehouse or
in Satan's, and all that is not devoted to Christ's
service is counted on Satan's side and goes to
strengthen his cause. -6T, 448.

REGULAR AND IRREGULAR
LINES
0 Now I want to say, God has not put any kingly power in our
ranks to control this or that branch of the work. The work has
been greatly restricted by the efforts to control it in every line.
Here is a vineyard presenting its barren places that have
received no labor. And if one should start out to till these places
in the name of the Lord, unless he should get the permission of
the men in a little circle of authority he would receive no help.
But God means that his workers shall have help. If a hundred
should start out on a mission to these destitute fields, crying
unto God, he would open the way before them. Let me tell you,
if your heart is in the work, and you have faith in God, you need
not depend upon the sanction of any minister or any people; if
you go right to work in the name of the Lord, in a humble way
doing what you can to teach the truth, God will vindicate you. -
GCB, April 3, 1901, p. 26.

0 God is displeased with the spirit you have manifested. Your
insinuations and criticisms are most unbecoming. … Do
you know that you are criticizing the work of a man who
has been visited by the angels of the Lord? Who has sent
you to a field where a good work is in progress, to show
your zeal by tearing it in pieces? If this is working in the
"Regular lines", it is high time that we worked in irregular
lines. …It is time that church members understood that
everywhere there is a work to be done in the Lord's
vineyard. No one is to wait for a regular process before
they make any efforts. They should take up the work right
where they are. There should be many at work in what are
called "irregular lines." If one hundred laborers would
step out of the "regular lines," and take up self sacrificing
work, such as Brother Shireman has done, souls would be
won to the Lord. And the workers would understand by
experience what it means to be laborers together with
God. -Spalding-Magan Collection, 194, 195.

0 The Macedonian cry is coming from every quarter.
Shall men go to the "regular lines" to see whether
they will be permitted to labor, or shall they go out
and work as best they can, depending on their
own abilities and on the help of the Lord,
beginning in a humble way and creating an
interest in the truth in places in which nothing has
been done to give the warning message?... God
grant that the voices which have been so quickly
raised to say that all the money invested in the
work must go through the appointed channel at
Battle Creek, shall not be heard. The people to
whom God has given his means are amenable to
him alone. It is their privilege to give direct aid
and assistance to missions. -Spalding-Magan
Collection, 176, 177.

0 [Men] have taken to themselves a kingly power. In the past one
set of men have tried to keep in their own hands the control of
all the means coming from the churches, and have used this
means in a most disproportionate manner, erecting expensive
buildings where such large buildings were unnecessary and
uncalled for, and leaving needy places without help or
encouragement. They have taken upon themselves the grave
responsibility of retarding the work where the work should
have been advanced. … For years the same routine, the same
"regular way" of working has been followed, and God's work has
been greatly hindered. … We look to see whether new fields
have been worked whether the barren portions of the Lord's
vineyard have received attention. We see that most of those who
have sought to begin work in new regions, as Brother Shireman
has done, have been discouraged by those at the heart of the
work, for fear that they would need money from the treasury.
Yet from that same treasury money has been used to erect
imposing and unnecessarily expensive buildings. If men had
received the wisdom of God, they would have exercised justice
and equity in regard to the outlay of means. All parts of the
Lord's vineyard would have received a just proportion of help.
-Spalding-Magan Collection, 174-176.

Let every yoke be broken. Let men awaken to the
realization that they have an individual
responsibility. The present showing [June 1901] is
sufficient to prove to all who have the true
missionary spirit that the "regular lines" may prove
a failure and a snare. God helping his people, the
circle of kings who dared to take such great
responsibilities shall never again exercise their
unsanctified power in the so-called "regular lines".
- {GCB, April 11, 1903 par. 5, 6}

SELF-SUPPORTING WORK
0 You have been represented to me as holding yourself
aloof from these brethren [autonomous workers,
Sutherland and Magan]. Had you gone to them in the
spirit of Christ, and studied with them the needs of the
field, you would have said, These brethren need some
of the means we are handling. Had you inquired into
their needs, and advocated the dividing with them of
the means given for the work in that field, considering
that "All ye are brethren," you would have done a work
well pleasing to the Lord. ...The words of Christ, "All ye
are brethren," should ever be kept in mind.
-Spalding-Magan Collection, 410.

On May 14, 1907, Ellen White
addressed P. T. Magan:
0 Some have entertained the idea that because the school at
Madison is not owned by a conference organization, those
who are in charge of the school should not be permitted to
call upon our people for the means that is greatly needed to
carry on their work. This idea needs to be corrected. In the
distribution of the money that comes into the Lord's
treasury, you are entitled to a portion just as verily as are
those connected with other needy enterprises that are
carried forward in harmony with the Lord's instruction.
The Lord Jesus will one day call to account those who would
so tie your hands that it is almost impossible for you to move
in harmony with the Lord's biddings. "The silver and the
gold is mine, saith the Lord, and the cattle upon a thousand
hills." - {SpM 411.4, 5}

0 The Lord has instructed me that, from the first, the work in Huntsville
and Madison should have received adequate help. But instead of this
help being rendered promptly there has been long delay. And in the
matter of the Madison school, there has been a standing off from them
because they were not under the ownership and control of some
Conference. This is a question that should sometimes be considered,
but it is not the Lord's plan that means should be withheld from
Madison, because they are not bound to the conference. The attitude
which some of our brethren have assumed toward this enterprise
shows that it is not wise for every working agency to be under the
dictation of conference officers. There are some enterprises under
certain conditions, that will produce better results if standing alone.
…There are among our church members faithful souls who feel a
burden for those who know not the truth for this time. But one will say
to such, The conference will not support you if you go here or there. To
such souls I would say, "Pray to God for guidance as to where you shall
go; follow the directions of the Holy Spirit, and go, whether the
conference will pay your expenses or not. "Go work today in My
vineyard," Christ commands. When you have done your work in one
place, go to another. Angels of God will go with you, if you follow the
leadings of the Spirit. --Letter 314, 1907. (To Elders Daniells and Evans,
September 23, 1907.) -8MR, 202-207.

Shall we support error
"It would be poor policy to support from the treasury of God those who
really mar and injure His work, and who are constantly lowering the
standard of Christianity." -3 Testimonies, 553.

Tithes sent to independent ministry
"I have myself appropriated my tithe to the most
needy cases brought to my notice. I have been
instructed to do this; and as the money is not
withheld from the Lord's treasury, it is not a matter
that should be commented upon [negatively] . . I
commend those sisters who have placed their tithe
where it is most needed to help to do a work that is
being left undone." - EGW letter, dated January 22,
1905 (Letter 267, 1905), to Elder G. F. Watson,
president of the Colorado Conference (Spalding-Magan
Unpublished Testimonies, 215.

When God takes takes away the rein
0 Unless those who can help in ----- are aroused to a sense of their
duty, they will not recognize the work of God when the loud cry of
the third angel shall be heard. When light goes forth to lighten the
earth, instead of coming up to the help of the Lord, they will want to
bind about His work to meet their narrow ideas. Let me tell you that
the Lord will work in this last work in a manner very much out of
the common order of things, and in a way that will be contrary to
any human planning. There will be those among us who will
always want to control the work of God, to dictate even what
movements shall be made when the work goes forward under
the direction of the angel who joins the third angel in the
message to be given to the world. God will use ways and means
by which it will be seen that He is taking the reins in His own
hands. The workers will be surprised by the simple means that
He will use to bring about and perfect His work of
righteousness. -TM, 300.

0 We have been given through God’s appointed messenger
an abundance of clear warnings that there would be a time
when apostate ministers would be preaching in many
Seventh-day Adventist pulpits, and that the apostasy would
sweep through the ranks of our ministers and our
members. If we are to take Ellen White’s words at their
face value, that time has at least partially arrived, in that
many ministers are now occupying Seventh-day Adventist
pulpits who are preaching as truth the devil’s great lie—
that Christians cannot stop sinning even through the
power of Christ. By the unmistakably clear Spirit of
Prophecy definition such ministries are “under the control
of Satan.”

God’s Storehouse
“Bring ye all the tithes into the
storehouse, that there may be
meat in mine house...
Malachi 3:7

Whose treasury?
0 There are only two places in the world where we can
deposit our treasures--in God's storehouse or in
Satan's, and all that is not devoted to Christ's service is
counted on Satan's side and goes to strengthen his
cause. The Lord designs that the means entrusted to us
shall be used in building up His kingdom. His goods are
committed to His stewards that they may be carefully
traded upon and bring back a revenue to Him in the
saving of souls unto eternal life. And these souls in
their turn will become stewards of the truth, to co-
operate with the great firm in the interests of the
kingdom of God. -6T, 448.

Two Storehouses
0 There are only two places in the universe where we
can place our treasures,--in God's storehouse or in
Satan's; and all that is not devoted to God's service
is counted on Satan's side, and goes to strengthen
his cause. The Lord designs that the means entrusted
to us shall be used in building up His kingdom. His
goods are entrusted to His stewards that they may be
carefully traded upon, and bring back a revenue to
Him in the saving of souls. These souls in their turn
will become stewards of trust, cooperating with Christ
to further the interests of God's cause. CS 35.4

The Lord’s treasury
0 In directly supporting neglected white & black pastors in
the south and aged pastors, EGW said:
0 “I have myself appropriated my tithe to the most
needy cases brought to my notice. I have been
instructed to do this; and as the money is not
withheld from the Lord's treasury, it is not a
matter that should be commented upon; for it will
necessitate my making known these matters,
which I do not desire to do, because it is not best.”
{Spalding & Magan 215.4}

God’s System: Part A
0The Tithe unto the Levite
0 Leviticus 27:30: 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.
0 Leviticus 27:32 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.

0 Numbers 18:24 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.

0 The Tithe unto the Levite
0 Numbers 18:26 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.

0Hebrews 7:5 And verily they that are
of the sons of Levi, who receive the
office of the priesthood, have a
commandment to take tithes of the
people according to the law, that is, of
their brethren, though they come out
of the loins of Abraham.

Use of the First Tithe
0The Lord has specified: The tenth of all
your possessions is Mine; your gifts and
offerings are to be brought into the
treasury, to be used to advance My
cause, to send the living preacher to
open the Scriptures to those who sit
in darkness (Youth Instructor, August
26, 1897, emphasis added).

0“Having had questions directed here to me to
answer, I have had special instruction from
the Lord that the tithe is for a special
purpose, consecrated to God to sustain
those who minister in the sacred work as
the Lord's chosen, to do His work not only
in sermonizing but in ministering”
(Daughters of God, p. 256, emphasis added).

0 “It is to be especially devoted to the support of those
who are bearing God's message to the world; and
it should not be diverted from this purpose”
(Review and Herald Supplement, Dec. 1, 1896,
emphasis added).
0 “This fund should not in any case be devoted to any
other use; it is to be devoted solely to support
the ministry of the gospel” (Counsels on Stewardship,
p. 80, emphasis added).

0 KEY THOUGHT: The focus of the quotes we
have looked at is in how the tithe is used, NOT
who is being supported by the tithe. It is role
played in doing the work of the Lord which
determines if the funds are being used for
their rightful purpose, not who is being
supported by the tithe.

New Territory Focus
0 God has not changed; the tithe is still to be
used for the support of the ministry. The
opening of new fields requires more
ministerial efficiency than we now have, and
there must be means in the treasury.
{Testimonies to the Church, vol. 9, p. 249}

New Territory Focus
0 The reason that the Lord wants all the tithes in the
treasury is that there may not be a scarcity of
funds when His providence opens new fields to be
occupied by the messengers of truth, that souls as
precious in the sight of God as your own may come
into the knowledge of the true God and Jesus Christ,
whom He hath sent, and in their turn become
missionaries to the souls of others (Selections from
Testimonies to the Managers and Workers in Our
Institutions, 1923, Pamphlet 149, p. 61, emphasis
added).

New Territory Focus
0 More and more we must come to realize that the
means that comes into the conference in the tithes
and gifts of our people should be used for the
support of the work not only in the American
cities, but also in foreign fields. Let the means so
zealously collected be unselfishly distributed. Those
who realize the needs of mission fields will not be
tempted to use the tithe for that which is not
necessary. (Ms 11, 1908, p. 7, "The Regions Beyond,"
February 15, 1908, emphasis added).

Improper Use of the Tithe
0 School purposes; canvassers and colporteurs (Counsels on Stewardship, p. 102;
Testimonies to the Church, vol. 9, p. 248)
0 A poor fund (Counsels on Stewardship, p. 103; Review and Herald, Dec. 1, 1896 par. 25)
0 Incidental expenses of the church (Counsels on Stewardship, p. 103; Manuscript
Releases, vol. 1, p. 184)
0 Caring for the house of worship (Counsels on Stewardship, p. 102; Testimonies to the
Church, vol. 9, p. 248 )
0 School teachers (Manuscript Releases, vol. 7, p. 138- The Use of the Tithe, July 29,
1901)
0 Emergency personal situations (Testimonies to the Church, vol. 9, p. 247)
0 Meeting house necessities or charities (General Conference Bulletin, July 1, 1897- The
Tithe; It’s Use and Abuse)
0 Medical missionary and other hospitality (Counsels on Stewardship, p. 310; Manuscript
Releases, vol. 14, p. 269)
0 Other lines of work (Testimonies to the Church, vol. 9, p. 247-250)
0 Any other work, gaps made in business lines (Manuscript Releases, vol. 1, p. 185)

Divers Ministries
0 Our conferences look to the schools for educated and
well-trained laborers, and they should give the
schools a most hearty and intelligent support. Light
has been plainly given that those who minister in our
schools, teaching the word of God, explaining the
Scriptures, educating the students in the things of
God, should be supported by the tithe money. This
instruction was given long ago, and more recently it
has been repeated again and again (Testimonies to the
Church, vol. 6, p. 215, emphasis added).

Divers Ministries Continued
0Some utterly fail to realize the
importance of missionaries being also
medical missionaries. A gospel
minister will be twice as successful in
his work if he understands how to treat
disease. (Counsels to the Church, p.310,
emphasis added).

Publishing Work Crossover?
0 When means has been pressed upon me, I have refused it,
or appropriated it to such charitable objects as the
Publishing Association (Testimonies to the Church, vol. 1,
p. 678, emphasis added).
0 But the misuse of funds in former years, before his
administration, should not be regarded as casting a
reflection upon him. If the conference sanctioned those
matters, and sanctioned paying from the tithe the
expenses of those who were working in the interests of
the Object Lessons campaign, Brother Cady should not
be blamed for mismanagement in these matters, whether
the college received little or much from the efforts put
forth (Manuscript Releases, vol. 14, p. 172, emphasis added)

SUPPORT ERROR?
0 I was shown that the recording angel makes a faithful record of
every offering dedicated to God and put into the treasury, and
also of the final result of the means thus bestowed. The eye of
God takes cognizance of every farthing devoted to His cause, and
of the willingness or reluctance of the giver. The motive in giving
is also chronicled. Those self-sacrificing, consecrated ones who
render back to God the things that are His, as He requires of
them, will be rewarded according to their works. Even though
the means thus consecrated be misapplied, so that it does not
accomplish the object which the donor had in view,--the glory of
God and the salvation of souls,--those who made the sacrifice in
sincerity of soul, with an eye single to the glory of God, will not
lose their reward. {2T 518.2}

0 There are only two places in the world where we
can deposit our treasures--in God's storehouse or
in Satan's, and all that is not devoted to Christ's
service is counted on Satan's side and goes to
strengthen his cause. -6T, 448.
0 "It would be poor policy to support from the
treasury of God those who really mar and injure His
work, and who are constantly lowering the
standard of Christianity." -3 Testimonies, 553.

CONCLUSION
0 The lord’s vineyard is the store-house.
0 Every individual is responsible for the use of his
tithes.
0 There is no Biblical or Spirit of Prophecy evidence to
support the view that all tithe must, regardless of
circumstances, be paid through organizational
channels. Such a position might in some cases require
that outright apostasy be supported by tithe, which is
far beyond the boundaries of reason.

God’s Invitation
“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.
Malachi 3:7-10

A Special Study
Let all study with special care the third
chapter of Malachi. That chapter contains
warning and instruction in righteousness
for every soul. The Lord is still testing us to
see whether we will prove faithful servants.
He is calling upon his people to consider his
goodness, to respond to his mercy, and to
give proof of their loyalty by bringing all the
tithes into his storehouse."
{SW, October 9, 1906 par. 12}

A Choice of the Heart
Every man according as he
purposeth in his heart, so let him
give; not grudgingly, or of necessity:
for God loveth a cheerful giver.
2 Corinthians 9:7

Liberty in Liberality
Take ye from among you an
offering unto the LORD:
whosoever is of a willing heart,
let him bring it, an offering of the
LORD.
Exodus 35:5

No Systematic Compulsion
Systematic benevolence should not be made
systematic compulsion. It is freewill
offerings that are acceptable to God. True
Christian benevolence springs from the
principle of grateful love. Love to Christ cannot
exist without corresponding love to those
whom He came into the world to redeem.
Love to Christ must be the ruling principle of
the being, controlling all the emotions and
directing all the energies. 

No Heart Stirring Appeals
Redeeming love should awaken all the
tender affection and self-sacrificing
devotion that can possibly exist in the
heart of man. When this is the case, no
heart-stirring appeals will be needed
to break through their selfishness and
awaken their dormant sympathies, to call
forth benevolent offerings for the
precious cause of truth. {3T 396.2}

Complete Freedom
The plan of redemption was entirely
voluntary on the part of our
Redeemer, and it is the purpose of
Christ that all our benevolence
should be free-will offerings. {RH,
January 1, 1875 par. 17}

An Old Principle
If his offering be a burnt sacrifice of the
herd, let him offer a male without
blemish: he shall offer it of his own
voluntary will at the door of the
tabernacle of the congregation before the
LORD.
Leviticus 1:3

A Consistent Principle
Whatsoever he be of the house of Israel, or of
the strangers in Israel, that will offer his
oblation for all his vows, and for all his freewill
offerings, which they will offer unto the LORD
for a burnt offering. Ye shall offer at your own
will a male without blemish, of the beeves, of
the sheep, or of the goats.
Leviticus 22:18, 19

And if ye offer a sacrifice of peace offerings
unto the LORD, ye shall offer it at your own
will.
Leviticus 19:5
And when ye will offer a sacrifice of thanks-
giving unto the LORD, offer it at your own
will.
Leviticus 22:29

And when any will offer a meat offering
unto the LORD, his offering shall be of fine
flour; and he shall pour oil upon it, and
put frankincense thereon
Leviticus 2:1

Sacrifice Still Required
All are required to have an interest in
this work …Some have never made
any sacrifice for the cause of God,
and are asleep as to what God
requires of them…This individual
sacrifice is not required because the
cause of God is suffering for
means.

A Living Principle
But every heart will be tested and
its character developed. It is
principle that God's people must act
upon. The living principle must be
carried out in the life. {4bSG 53.2}

A Principle For Today
All our blessings come from his
bountiful hand. In turn he would
have men and women show their
gratitude by returning him a portion
in tithes and offerings,--in thank-
offerings, in freewill-offerings, in
trespass-offerings. 

The Principle Applied
Should means flow into the treasury
in accordance with this divinely
appointed plan,--a tenth of all the
increase, and liberal offerings,--
there would be an abundance to
carry forward the Lord's work. {RH,
February 2, 1911 par. 16}

An Everlasting Principle
There is ever to be in the treasury of the
Lord means to be used for enlarging the
work, for entering new territory, and
building sanctuaries where those who
accept present truth may worship Him in the
beauty of holiness. God calls upon His people
to bring of their means, in tithes and
freewill offerings, to Him… {RH, December
17, 1901 par. 9}

A Forward Moving Principle
Those who are laboring in new fields
should be encouraged to plant the
standard in new places, to annex new
territory for God. Camp-meetings are to
be held in many places. Churches are to
be raised up and organized. There is to
be a pressing into new territory.

Forward with Freedom
Will not my brethren and sisters
throughout the world consecrate
themselves and their possessions to God?
God help them to bring freewill offerings
to Him who gave His only begotten Son to
save them from eternal death! {RH,
December 17, 1901 par. 15}

God’s Requirement?
0Never should the laborer who raises up
little companies here and there give the
impression to those newly come to the
faith, that God does not require them to
work systematically in helping to sustain
the cause by their personal labors and
by their means. GW92 269.3

Grumbling Requirement?
0 Now, I wish you to understand fully that God does not
want, neither will he accept, an offering made
grudgingly and murmuringly. [For] all that you have
given with this spirit you will receive no reward, for not
one cent of your money will God accept, only as you make
it a freewill offering, feeling that it is a pleasure for you
to be acting stewards of God, the Lord passing the means
into your hands and you passing it out as His cause
demands. If you have not means to pay your pledge, then
don't grumble. The Lord does not require what you have
not. Do the very best you can. {21MR 247.5}

Grumbling Requirement?
0 I was shown that there have been unhappy results from making
urgent calls for means at our camp meetings. This matter has been
pressed too hard. Many men of means would not have done anything
had not their hearts been softened and melted under the influence of
the testimonies borne to them. But the poor have been deeply
affected and, in the sincerity of their souls, have pledged means
which they had a heart to give, but which they were unable to pay. In
most instances urgent calls for means have left a wrong impression
upon some minds. Some have thought that money was the burden of
our message. Many have gone to their homes blessed because they
had donated to the cause of God. But there are better methods of
raising means, by freewill offerings, than by urgent calls at our large
gatherings. If all come up to the plan of systematic benevolence, and
if our tract and missionary workers are faithful in their department
of the work, the treasury will be well supplied without these urgent
calls at our large gatherings. {3T 510.1}

Freewill Requirement
0 When thou shalt vow a vow unto the LORD thy
God, thou shalt not slack to pay it: for the LORD
thy God will surely require it of thee; and it
would be sin in thee.
0 But if thou shalt forbear to vow, it shall be no sin
in thee.
0 That which is gone out of thy lips thou shalt keep
and perform; even a freewill offering, according
as thou hast vowed unto the LORD thy God, which
thou hast promised with thy mouth Deut. 23:21-
23

NT Applications
The plan of systematic benevolence is
pleasing to God. I was pointed back to the days
of the apostles, and saw that God laid the plan
by the descent of His Holy Spirit, and that by the
gift of prophecy He counseled His people in
regard to a system of benevolence. All were to
share in this work of imparting of their carnal
things to those who ministered unto them in
spiritual things. 

NT Application
 They were also taught that the widows and
fatherless had a claim upon their charity.
Pure and undefiled religion is defined, To visit
the widows and fatherless in their affliction,
and to keep unspotted from the world. I saw
that this was not merely to sympathize with
them by comforting words in their affliction,
but to aid them, if needy, with our substance.
{1T 190.1}

Last Day Application
"Will a man rob God? … (Malachi 3:7-12
quoted) I saw that this scripture has been
misapplied to speaking and praying in meeting.
The prophecy has a special application to
the last days, and teaches God's people their
duty to bring a proportion of their substance as
a freewill offering to the Lord. {4bSG 53.3}

Application for Us
There is order in heaven, and God is well pleased
with the efforts of His people in trying to move with
system and order in His work on earth. I saw that
there should be order in the church of God, and that
system is needed in carrying forward successfully
the last great message of mercy to the world.
God is leading His people in the plan of systematic
benevolence, and this is one of the very points to
which God is bringing up His people which will cut
the closest with some. {1T 191.1}

The Divine Plan
He has given His people a plan for
raising sums sufficient to make the
enterprise self-sustaining. God's
plan in the tithing system is
beautiful in its simplicity and
equality. All may take hold of it in
faith and courage, for it is divine in
its origin. 

A Plan for All
Every man, woman, and youth may
become a treasurer for the Lord and
may be an agent to meet the
demands upon the treasury. Says the
apostle: "Let every one of you lay by
him in store, as God hath prospered
him." {3T 388.4}

The Biblical Blueprint
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:
Deuteronomy 12:5,6

Divine Accountability
Should we compare our offerings with
those which were constantly required of
the Jews, we would find that we fall far
below them in beneficence. Their
contributions amounted to fully
one-fourth
of their entire income.
{RH, January 4, 1881 par. 5}

Divine Accountability
0A conscientious few made returns to God of
about one third of all their income for the
benefit of religious interests and for the poor.
{4T 467.2}
0No less than one third of their income was
devoted to sacred and religious purposes. {3T
395.3}
0The contributions required of the Hebrews for
religious and charitable purposes amounted
to fully one-fourth of their income. {PH148 7.2}

God’s System: Part B
0The Second Tithe
0Deut. 14:22-29 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.

Deuteronomy 14:22-29
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.

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.

Second Tithe Break Down
0They are to tithe of all their crops and herds
0They are to bring this tithe to the sanctuary
as goods or converted to money
0They may use it for what they want to eat
0They are to use it for rejoicing at the feasts
0They use it to provide for the Levite, widow,
stranger and orphan at the convocations
0They are to collect it in cycles of three years
0They will be blessed of God for obeying Him

Second Tithe- PH 148 7.2
To promote the assembling of the people for
religious services, as well as to provide for the poor,
anciently a second tithe of all the increase was
required. Concerning the first tithe, the Lord had
declared, "I have given the children of Levi all the
tenth in Israel." But in regard to the second He
commanded. "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 firstling of thy herds and of thy flocks' that thou
mayest learn to fear the Lord thy God always." 

This tithe, or its equivalent in money, they were for
two years to bring to the place where the sanctuary
was established. After presenting a thank-offering
to God, a special portion to the priests, the
offerers were to use the remainder for a religious
feast, in which the Levites, the stranger, the
fatherless, and the widow participate. Every third
year, however, this second tithe was to be used at
home, in entertaining the Levite and the poor, as
Moses said. "That they may eat within thy gates, and
be filled." This tithe would provide a fund for the uses
of charity and hospitality. 

The contributions required of the Hebrews for religious
and charitable purposes amounted to fully one-fourth
of their income. So heavy a tax upon the resources of
the people might be expected to reduce them to poverty;
but, on the contrary, the faithful observance of these
regulations was one of the conditions of their prosperity.
(Malachi 3:11). Shall we, who enjoy the full light and
privileges of the gospel, be content to give less to
God than was given by those who lived in the former,
less favored dispensation? Nay, as the blessings we
enjoy are greater, are not our obligations
correspondingly increased?

Second Tithe Uses
0Camp Meetings/ Convocations - PH 148, 7.2,
Dt. 12:11-19, Dt. 16:11-14
0Hospitality/Meetings at Home- PH 148, 7.2
0Missionary Work- Letter 103,1905, p. 5
0Relief of poor- Ed. 44.2, PH 148, 7.2
0Benevolent uses(i.e. publishing)- PH 148, 7.2
0Building Funds- Needs, July 4, 1903 par. 21

God’s System: Part C
0 The payment of the tithe was but a part of
God's plan for the support of His service.
Numerous gifts and offerings were divinely
specified. Under the Jewish system the people
were taught to cherish a spirit of liberality
both in sustaining the cause of God and in
supplying the wants of the needy. For special
occasions there were freewill offerings. At
the harvest and the vintage, the first fruits of
the field--corn, wine, and oil--were
consecrated as an offering to the Lord. 

The gleanings and the corners of the field
were reserved for the poor. The first fruits of
the wool when the sheep were shorn, of the
grain when the wheat was threshed, were set
apart for God. So also were the first-born of all
animals, and a redemption price was paid
for the first-born son. The first fruits were to
be presented before the Lord at the sanctuary
and were then devoted to the use of the priests.
{AA 336.3}

0Then there were the sacrificial
offerings, the trespass offerings, the
sin offerings, and the remission of all
debts every seventh year. There were
also numerous expenses for
hospitalities and gifts to the poor, and
there were assessments upon their
property. {4T 467.1}

God’s System: Part D
0Besides all these systematic and
regular donations there were special
objects calling for freewill offerings,
such as the tabernacle built in the
wilderness and the temple erected at
Jerusalem. These drafts were made by
God upon the people for their own good,
as well as to sustain His service. {4T
467.2}

The Value of Money
Money has great value, because it can do great
good. In the hands of God's children it is food for
the hungry, drink for the thirsty, and clothing for
the naked. It is a defense for the oppressed, and a
means of help to the sick. But money is of no
more value than sand, only as it is put to use in
a)providing for the necessities of life, b)in
blessing others, and c)advancing the cause of
Christ.--COL p. 351

A Two-fold Focus
• Remember that he will one day say, "Give an account
of thy stewardship." Let us invest in the bank of
Heaven the means intrusted to our care, by using it to
supply the wants of the needy or to advance the
cause of God. {ST, March 31, 1887 par. 14}
• Under the Jewish system the people were taught to
cherish a spirit of liberality both in sustaining the
cause of God and in supplying the wants of the
needy… {AA 336.3}

A Two-fold Focus
0By a chain of circumstances which would call
forth his charities, He bestows upon man the
best means of cultivating benevolence and
keeps him habitually giving to help the poor
and to advance His cause. {3T 382.5}
0Rightly directed benevolence draws upon the
mental and moral energies of men, and excites
them to most healthful action in blessing the
needy and in advancing the cause of God. {3T
401.1}

Mrs. White’s Example
“We are trying to help in every way
possible. There were needy, from the
failure of the banks has brought great
distress, but I am circulating around and
helping all I see in distress. Our means are
very limited, but I hire [borrow] money
to supply the necessities.”
EGW Diary, Australia, 1895

Not our work?
0 The Lord has marked out our way of working. As a
people we are not to imitate and fall in with
Salvation Army methods. This is not the work
that the Lord has given us to do… The Salvation
Army workers are trying to save the neglected,
downtrodden ones. Discourage them not. Let them
do that class of work by their own methods and in
their own way. But the Lord has plainly pointed out
the work that Seventh-day Adventists are to do.
Camp meetings and tent meetings are to be held. The
truth for this time is to be proclaimed. {8T 184.3}

The Very Work…
The world may condemn us for using our
means in building meeting-houses, in
feeding the hungry, in helping the
oppressed and suffering out of their
difficulties; but the Lord says that this is
the very work that should be done
with his intrusted capital.
{RH, April 7, 1896 par. 6}

Contextual Clarity on Charity
But thou must eat them before the LORD
thy God in the place which the LORD thy
God shall choose, thou, and thy son, and
thy daughter, and thy manservant, and thy
maidservant, and the Levite that is
within thy gates: and thou shalt rejoice
before the LORD thy God in all that thou
puttest thine hands unto.
Deut. 12:18 (see also Deut. 14:29)

The most liberal donations for the cause
of God or the relief of the needy, come
from the poor man's purse, while many to
whom the Lord has committed an
abundance for this very purpose, see not
the necessity for means to advance the
truth, and hear not the cries of the poor
among them. RH, Feb. 9, 1886 par. 6

All the riches intrusted to man will prove
only a curse, unless he employs them to
relieve his own daily wants and the
wants of the needy around him, and to
glorify God by advancing his cause in
the earth.
{RH, February 9, 1886 par. 15}

Christ’s Representatives
Christ places the poor among us as His
representatives. "I was an hungered," He
says, "and ye gave Me no meat: I was
thirsty, and ye gave Me no drink." Christ
identifies Himself with suffering
humanity in the persons of the suffering
children of men. He makes their necessities
His own and takes to His bosom their woes.
{3T 391.2}

James 2:15
If a brother or sister be naked, and
destitute of daily food, And one of you say
unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed
and filled; notwithstanding ye give them
not those things which are needful to the
body; what doth it profit?
Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead,
being alone.
James 2:15-17

God’s Timetable
The Lord requires gifts to be made at
stated times, being so arranged that giving
will become habit and benevolence be felt to
be a Christian duty. The heart, opened by one
gift, is not to have time to become selfishly
cold and to close before the next is bestowed.
The stream is to be continually flowing,
thus keeping open the channel by acts of
benevolence. {3T 393.2}

A Living Test
They are not to bring a yearly gift
merely, but should also freely
present a weekly and monthly
offering before the Lord. This work
is left to the people, for it is to be to
them a weekly, monthly, living
test. {1T 237.1}

A Constant Practice
This system is so arranged that men may give
something from their wages every day and lay by
for their Lord a portion of the profits of every
investment. The constant practice of God's plan of
systematic benevolence weakens covetousness and
strengthens benevolence… God requires an
appropriation of means for benevolent objects
every week, that in the frequent exercise of this
good quality the heart may be kept open like a
flowing stream and not allowed to close up. {3T
548.3}

Regularly and Systematically
He has specified tithes and offerings as the measure
of our obligation. And he desires us to give
regularly and systematically. Paul wrote to the
church at Corinth, "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." Let each regularly
examine his income, which is all a blessing from
God, and set apart the tithe as a separate fund, to be
a sacredly the Lord's. {RH, May 9, 1893 par. 16}

Recap
0 God invites us to receive a blessing in Malachi 3
0 Malachi 3 is to instruct us in righteousness
0 God only desires and accepts freewill offerings
0 There is such thing as a freewill “requirement”
0 God’s principles of stewardship are eternal
0 God’s storehouse- funds are used for His cause
0 Giving directly is not withholding from the treasury
0 OT people gave 1/4 to 1/3 of their income
0 This was composed of “tithes and offerings”

Recap continued
0 Part A- the Tithe unto the Levite is for support of gospel ministry
0 Part B- Gifts and Offerings:
0 1)Second Tithe- in OT was for convocations abroad and at home;
contemporary uses include camps, charities, relief of poor publishing,
hospitalities, building funds, missionary work;
0 2)first fruits, firstborn, and land tax; offerings- sin, trespass, freewill,
burnt, thank, vows, Sabbaths, feasts; 7 yr & Jubilee debt remissions;
gifts to the poor;
0 3) special offerings for specific needs/projects (i.e. the temple)
0 All our resources are to be used to: provide for our necessities, fund
the cause of God and to provide for the wants of the needy.
0 God has a timetable to make giving habitual/regular

The Gender Question
0 “God has entrusted talents to His servants, and He
expects them to see that mistakes can be readily
made. Make no mistake in neglecting to correct the
error of giving ministers less than they should receive.
When you see persons in necessity who have been
placed in positions of trust, let God move upon your
heart to set things right. The tithe should go to those
who labor in word and doctrine, be they men or
women (Manuscript Releases 149, 1899, p. 3.; Paying
Women Workers, October 24, 1899, emphasis added).

The Gender Question
0 If women do the work that is not the most agreeable to
many of those who labor in word and doctrine, and if their
works testify that they are accomplishing a work that has
been manifestly neglected, should not such labor be looked
upon as being as rich in results as the work of the ordained
ministers? Should it not command the hire of the laborer?
0 . . .
0 This question is not for men to settle. The Lord has
settled it. You are to do your duty to the women who
labor in the gospel, whose work testifies that they are
essential to carrying the truth into families.
(Evangelism, p. 493; emphasis added).

The Gender Question
0 “Women, as well as men, are needed in the
work that must be done. Those women who
give themselves to the service of the Lord, who
labor for the salvation of others by doing
house-to-house work, which is as taxing as,
and more taxing than standing before a
congregation, should receive payment for
their labor. If a man is worthy of his hire, so
also is a woman” (Daughters of God, p. 112,
emphasis added).

Pastors of the Flock
0 “All who desire an opportunity for true ministry, and
who will give themselves unreservedly to God, will find
in the canvassing work opportunities to speak upon
many things pertaining to the future, immortal life. The
experience thus gained will be of the greatest value to
those who are fitting themselves for the ministry. It is
the accompaniment of the Holy Spirit of God that
prepares workers, both men and women, to
become pastors to the flock of God” The Colporteur
Evangelist, p. 16, emphasis added).

Gifts vs. Positions
0 In 1 Corinthians 12 and Ephesians 4, Paul
outlines gifts of the Spirit; these gifts are given
to all God’s children, men or women
0 In 1 Timothy 3:1-13 The role and function of
the “bishop” is delineated. This person is
identified as one who must “be the husband of
one wife” and one that “ruleth his own house”;
this is a description of a position, not a gift or
role being served.

Under-shepherd Roles
0 Those who occupy the position of undershepherds are to
exercise a watchful diligence over the Lord's flock. This is
not to be a dictatorial vigilance, but one that tends to
encourage and strengthen and uplift. Ministry means more
than sermonizing; it means earnest, personal labor. The
church on earth is composed of erring men and women,
who need patient, painstaking effort that they may be
trained and disciplined to work with acceptance in this life,
and in the future life to be crowned with glory and
immortality. Pastors are needed--faithful shepherds--who
will not flatter God's people, nor treat them harshly, but
who will feed them with the bread of life--men who in their
lives feel daily the converting power of the Holy Spirit and
who cherish a strong, unselfish love toward those for
whom they labor.

Under-shepherd Roles
0 There is tactful work for the undershepherd to do as he
is called to meet alienation, bitterness, envy, and jealousy
in the church, and he will need to labor in the spirit of
Christ to set things in order. Faithful warnings are to be
given, sins rebuked, wrongs made right, not only by the
minister's work in the pulpit, but by personal labor. The
wayward heart may take exception to the message, and the
servant of God may be misjudged and criticized. Let him
then remember that "the wisdom that is from above is first
pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full
of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without
hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace
of them that make peace." James 3:17, 18. (Acts of the
Apostles, p. 526)

Gospel Ministry Defined
0 The work of the gospel ministry is the sowing of the
seed…( Christ Triumphant, p. 236, emphasis added).
0 My brethren in the gospel ministry, let us feed the
flock of God. Let us bring encouragement and
cheerfulness to every heart. Let us turn the eyes of
our brethren and sisters away from the unlovely traits
of character possessed by nearly everyone, and teach
them to behold Christ, the One altogether lovely, the
Chiefest among ten thousand.... (Evangelism, p. 346,
emphasis added)

Gospel Ministry Defined
0 Pages 33-35- “Releasing the Blessings” Booklet
0 There should today be in the field one hundred well
qualified laborers where now there is one. God cannot
look upon the present condition of things with approval,
but with condemnation. His treasury is deprived of the
means that should be used for the support of the gospel
ministry in fields nigh and far off. Those who proclaim
the message of truth before great congregations, and
who do house to house work, are doing double
missionary work, and in no case are their salaries to be cut
down (Echoes, June 21, 1905, par. 3).

Missionary Work Defined
0 His service requires, and ever will require, means. The
great missionary work for the salvation of souls is
to be carried forward. In the tithe, with gifts and
offerings, God has made ample provision for this work.
He intends that the ministry of the gospel shall be fully
sustained. He claims the tithe as His own, and it should
ever be regarded as a sacred reserve, to be placed in
His treasury for the benefit of His cause, for the
advancement of His work, for sending His
messengers into "regions beyond," even to the
uttermost parts of the earth. (Christian Service, p. 71)

Missionary Work Defined
0 I am surprised and sore displeased as I see the
course that many have taken. And then to put
their hands into the treasury that God has
appointed to sustain the ministers in
laboring in service to God, to hold forth the
Word of life to others, is another evidence of
unfaithful guardianship of the means to be
used to sustain the missionary work by the
tithe money. (Manuscript Releases, vol. 21, p.
184, emphasis added)

Home Missionary Work
0 Whatever is the reason they are in need, and to help them
is an important line of home missionary work. These
unfortunate, needy ones should not be sent away from
home to be cared for. Let each church feel her
responsibility to have a special interest in the feeble and
the aged. One or two among them can certainly be taken
care of. The tithe should not be appropriated for this
work. The word of God has specified how the tithe
should be used. Ms. 43, 1900, p. 10. ("Fragments B. The
Prophet, Enoch." Typed, Aug. 2, 1900.) Released September,
1965. {3MR 218.2}

2nd Tithe & Missionary Work
0 There will be an abundance of places to use the second
tithe in doing earnest missionary work in new places.—
(Letter 103, 1905, p. 5, emphasis added)
0 The consecration to God of a tithe of all increase, whether
of the orchard and harvest field, the flocks and herds, or
the labor of brain or hand, the devotion of a second tithe
for the relief of the poor and other benevolent uses,
tended to keep fresh before the people the truth of God's
ownership of all, and of their opportunity to be channels of
His blessings. It was a training adapted to kill out all
narrowing selfishness, and to cultivate breadth and
nobility of character. (Education, p. 44, emphasis added)

Proving the Call
0 But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions,
do the work of an evangelist, make full proof
of thy ministry. (2 Timothy 4:5)
0 Those who enter the gospel field should be
left to earn themselves a reputation, even if it
must be through trials and privations. They
should first give full proof of their ministry.
(Gospel Workers, p. 141, emphasis added)

The Proof of Fruit
0 Men who are chosen of God to labor in this cause, will
give proof of their high calling, and will regard it as
their highest duty to grow and improve until they
shall become able workmen. Then, as they manifest
an earnestness to improve upon the talent which
God has intrusted to them, they should be helped
judiciously. But the encouragement given them
should not savor of flattery, for Satan himself will do
enough of that kind of work. Men who think that they
have a duty to preach, should not be sustained in
throwing themselves and their families at once upon
the brethren for support. They are not entitled to this
until they can show good fruits of their labor. 

Proving Men & Women
0 If women do the work that is not the most agreeable to many
of those who labor in word and doctrine, and if their works
testify that they are accomplishing a work that has been
manifestly neglected, should not such labor be looked upon
as being as rich in results as the work of the ordained
ministers? Should it not command the hire of the laborer? . .
. This question is not for men to settle. The Lord has settled
it. You are to do your duty to the women who labor in the
gospel, whose work testifies that they are essential to
carrying the truth into families. (Evangelism, p. 493, 1903,
emphasis added)

Self Support in Ministry
0There is danger now of injuring young
preachers, and those who have but little
experience, by flattery, and by relieving them
of burdens in life. When not preaching, they
should be doing what they can for their
own support. This is the best way to test
the nature of their call to preach. (Gospel
Workers, p. 146, emphasis added)

Called by Faith
0 Today the Saviour calls us, as He called Matthew
and John and Peter, to His work. If our hearts are
touched by His love, the question of compensation
will not be uppermost in our minds. We shall
rejoice to be co-workers with Christ, and we shall
not fear to trust His care. If we make God our
strength, we shall have clear perceptions of duty,
and unselfish aspirations; our life will be actuated
by a noble purpose, which will raise us above
sordid motives. (Gospel Workers, p. 114)

Circumstantial Faith?
0 Ministers cannot carry the burden of the work while at the
same time they are carrying the burden of farms or other
business enterprises, having their hearts on their earthly
treasures. Their spiritual discernment is dimmed. They cannot
appreciate the wants of the cause of God, and therefore cannot
put forth well-directed efforts to meet its emergencies and to
advance its interests. They constantly seek to shape the
work in accordance with their circumstances, in place of
shaping circumstances to meet the demands of the cause of
God. The want of a full consecration to the work on the part of
the minister is soon felt all through the field where he labors.
If his own standard is low, he will not bring others to accept a
higher one. (Gospel Workers92, p. 197, emphasis added)

Supporting the Called
0 There is a lack of ministers because ministers have
not been encouraged. Some ministers who have been
sent to foreign lands, to enter fields never before
worked, have been given the instruction, "You must
sustain yourselves. We have not the means with
which to support you." This ought not to be if the
tithe, with gifts and offerings, was brought into
the treasury. When a man enters the ministry, he is
to be paid from the tithe enough to sustain his family.
He is not to feel that he is a beggar.

Supporting the Called
The impression is becoming quite common that the
sacred disposition of the tithe no longer exists. Many
have lost their sense of the Lord's requirements. The
tithe is sacred, reserved by God for himself. It is to be
brought into his treasury to be used to sustain the gospel
laborers in their work. For a long time the Lord has been
robbed because there are those who do not realize that
the tithe is God' reserved portion.
Many ministers are lying in their graves, brought there
by sorrow and disappointment, and by the hardship
brought upon them because they did not receive
sufficient for their labors.(Echoes, June 21, 1905)

Wake up!
0There is to be special labor given to
awaken the people of God who
believe the truth, to give a faithful
tithe to the Lord, and ministers
should be encouraged and
sustained by that tithe. (Daughters
of God, p. 256)

More Faithfulness
0 At present time the means from the churches must not be
diverted into so many different channels that the treasury
is emptied. Our people need to be faithful in paying
their tithe, that the ministry may be supported, and the
necessary work done in this line. Many more camp-
meetings must be held. Efforts are to be put forth for the
people all through the camp-meeting. Visiting is to be
done. Words in season are to be spoken. Efforts are to be
made to make the meetings revival meetings. And after
the camp-meetings the work is not to cease. (Battle Creek
Letters p. 17)

Deep and Wide
God never designed that the law of
the tithing system should be of no
account among His people; but,
instead of this, He designed that the
spirit of sacrifice should widen
and deepen for the closing work.
(Testimonies Vol. 3, p. 396)

A Greater Requirement
Now God calls upon you, in your turn, to
make great efforts and to sacrifice in order
to place the truth before those who are in
darkness. God requires this. You profess to
believe the truth; let your works testify to the
fact. Unless your faith works, it is dead. Nothing
but a living faith will save you in the fearful
scenes which are just before you. (Testimonies
Vol. 1, p. 191, emphasis added)

All For His Glory
Not only does God require the tithe, but He
requires that all we have be used to His
glory. There must be no spendthrift habits; it
is God's property that we are handling. Not
one dollar or one shilling is our own. The
squandering of money in luxuries deprives
the poor of the means necessary to supply
them with food and clothing. (Christian
Service, p. 299)

A Greater Obligation
0Christ asks for all. It will not do to
withhold anything. (Signs of the Times,
April 20, 1876 p. 13)
0The liberality required of the Hebrews was
largely to benefit their own nation; today
the work of God extends over all the earth.
... Surely our obligations are much
greater than were those of ancient
Israel. (Acts of the Apostles, p. 337.2)

Purpose Behind the Plan
It is to cultivate a spirit of benevolence
in us that the Lord calls for our gifts
and offerings. He is not dependent upon
men for means to sustain His cause . . .
“The world is mine and the fullness
thereof”. (Signs of the Times, Jan. 21,
1886)

Designed with Purpose
0Constant, self-denying benevolence is
God's remedy for the cankering sins of
selfishness and covetousness.
…Continual giving starves covetousness
to death. Systematic benevolence is
designed in the order of God to tear away
treasures from the covetous as fast as they
are gained and to consecrate them to the
Lord, to whom they belong. {3T 548.1}

A Choice, A Test
I saw that in the arrangement of systematic
benevolence, hearts will be tested and
proved. It is a constant, living test. It brings
one to understand his own heart, to see
whether the truth or the love of the world
predominates. Here is a test for the naturally
selfish and covetous. (Testimonies Vol. 1, p.
221, emphasis added)

A Choice, A Test
All are required to have an interest in this work
…Some have never made any sacrifice for the
cause of God, and are asleep as to what God
requires of them…This individual sacrifice is not
required because the cause of God is suffering for
means. But every heart will be tested and its
character developed. It is principle that God's
people must act upon. The living principle must
be carried out in the life. (Spiritual Gifts Vol. 4B,
p. 53,emphais added)

Heart Service
The Lord will use all who will give
themselves to be used. But he requires
heart service. "My son," he says, "give me
thine heart." When the heart is given to
God, our talents, our energy, our
possessions, all we have and are, will
be devoted to his service. (RH, May 15,
1900 par. 11)

Systematic Sanctification
0This tithing system, I saw, would
develop character, and manifest the
true state of the heart {1T 237.1}
0Those who would gain the blessing of
sanctification must first learn the
meaning of self-sacrifice. …It is the
fragrance of our love for our fellow men
that reveals our love for God. {AA 560.2}

Consecrated Labor
No man can succeed in the service of God
unless his whole soul is in the work, and
he counts all things but loss for the
excellency of the knowledge of Christ.
Whoever makes any reserve, whoever
refuses to give all that he has, cannot
be the disciple of Christ; much less can
he be his co-laborer. The consecration
must be complete. RH, June 3, 1880 p. 7

Safe to Bless
He wants us to have all our
interests interwoven with his
interests, and then he can safely
bless us; for we shall not then take
glory to self when the blessing is
ours, but shall render all the praise to
God. {RH, June 9, 1891 par. 1}

True Prosperity
0Those churches who are the most
systematic and liberal in sustaining
the cause of God are the most
prosperous spiritually. {3T 405.1}
0By using our property to advance the
cause of God, our uncertain riches are
placed in an unfailing bank. {RH, April
7, 1896 par. 6}

True Fulfillment
And it is only as we fulfill the divine
purpose in our creation that life can be
a blessing to us. All the good gifts of God
to man will prove only a curse, unless he
employs them to bless his fellow men,
and for the advancement of God's cause in
the earth.--R. & H., Dec. 7, 1886.

Double Blessings
When human sympathy is blended with love
and benevolence, and sanctified by the Spirit of
Jesus, it is an element which can be productive
of great good. Those who cultivate benevolence
are not only doing a good work for others, and
blessing those who receive the good action,
but they are benefiting themselves by
opening their hearts to the benign influence
of true benevolence. 4T 56

He Is Able
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.
2 Corinthians 9:8

God Gives More
0 Every effort made for Christ will react in
blessing upon ourselves. If we use our means
for His glory, He will give us more. As we
seek to win others to Christ, bearing the
burden of souls in our prayers, our own hearts
will throb with the quickening influence of
God's grace; our own affections will glow with
more divine fervor; our whole Christian life
will be more of a reality, more earnest, more
prayerful. {COL 354.2, emphasis added}

A Sure Paymaster
God is a sure paymaster. He may not
pay you weekly, monthly, or yearly,
but he pays surely in the end. If you
are true to your stewardship, results
will appear somewhere for the glory
of God; and his glory is the salvation
of souls for whom Christ died.
{1T 221.3}

Freely, Freely
Freely you have received;
freely give
Matthew 10:8

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