SUNDAY, MAY 13
Scripture: Ephesians 2:11-13

In Ephesians 2:7-13 the same five things are given to us concerning the tithe, which tells us this is New Testament, it is covenantal. It is personally foundational for walking with God! We validate God’s choice by responding to covenant. In Ephesians 2:11-12 we are told, “Therefore remember that you, once Gentiles in the flesh—who are called Uncircumcision by what is called the Circumcision made in the flesh by hands— that at that time you were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world.” If we are without Christ, we are outside the Kingdom! What was number one for? Then Jacob made a vow saying, “If you will be with me…” Jacob knew that he was separated from God. So here is the first covenantal promise concerning the tithe, ‘God, will you be with me?’ The second concerns aliens from the commonwealth of Israel. An alien from the commonwealth means we do not have citizenship rights. The second is about covenantal protection. If we are a citizen, we have God’s covenantal protection. God met the Israelites and heard their complaint about the Egyptians. And with great judgment He brought them out. That is covenantal protection. The third promise is about strangers from the covenant of promise. Jacob’s number three was, “Give me bread to eat.” King David said, “I have been young and now am old, I have never seen the righteous forsaken nor their seed begging bread.” That is covenantal provision. Number one, be with me. Number two, give me covenantal protection. Number three, give me covenantal provision. Number four in Ephesians, is having no hope. And here number four translates into clothing and shelter. We should cast aside hopelessness, because God will provide clothing and shelter. That is number four. And number five, ‘Bring me back to my father’s house in peace or fulfill my destiny!’ God, I’m in the world but you have a destiny for me and only you can carve it out. So bring me into my destiny. God, if you will do those five things I will give ten percent to you. These are the five elements of the tithe for every believer. Are we walking in them? If not, we need to be. If we have ever heard that tithing is not New Testament that simply is not true. It is clearly New Testament and it is clearly covenantal. It is time to walk it out.