Ordinances & Offerings
Nehemiah 10:32-39

Lesson 30

background notes

doctrinal / teaching points

1. God’s people have a responsibility to support God’s work.
2. Tithing is not unbiblical.

practical application

1. Are you willing to chop wood?
2. Are you willing to give your first and your best to the Lord?

questions

1. What is the theme and teaching of chapters 7-10?
2. What did the people compose and sign (chapter 10)?
3. What is mentioned in each verse of our passage?
4. Why did the people agree to bring these particular offerings? See Exodus 30:11-16 and Deuteronomy 26:1-11.
5. What did the people bring “of their best” to support the house of God?
6. “Tithing is not unbiblical.” Can you support this statement?

answers

1. There was a great revival, sparked by the rebuilding of the wall. The revival was centered on God’s word and on prayer.
2. A Commitment Contract to observe and do all the commandments of the Lord.
3. Offerings to God
4. These offerings were specified in the Law, and the people had made a commitment to obey the Law exactly.
5. They brought money for the house of God, wood for sacrifices, first-fruits from the harvest, the first-born of the flocks, and tithes for the support of God’s House and the Levites.
6. Tithing is a biblical principle. It is found extensively in the Old Testament. Even before the Mosaic Law was given, Abraham gave tithes to the priest Melchizedek. In the New Testament, Christians are stewards of all that God gives to us. We are responsible to use all that we have wisely. In our giving we should keep the additional principles given in the New Testament in mind. For an example, see 2 Corinthians 8-9.

discuss/consider

1. Is there a covenant for Christians which reflects the values of Nehemiah 10:32-39? If God could grow money on trees, why does He ask His people to support His work?
2. The Lord’s people of Nehemiah’s day were willing to do unglamorous, mundane jobs and give sacrificially to support the house of God. Are you willing, voluntarily, to clean the church? Do the “behind the scenes” jobs? Or do you only accept “important’ or “popular” jobs that don’t require much sacrifice of time or money?
3. Ask yourself, “What do I value most in life? Am I willing to sacrifice it to the Lord?”

challenge

Take stock of your possessions, and what you do with them. Take stock of your time, and how you spend it. Assess your abilities, and how you use them. Determine to make sacrifices to honor the Lord in these areas.

memorize

• “Freely you have received, freely give.” Matthew 10:8