This course provides a biblical understanding of how God’s people are called to handle money in a way that honors Him. Scripture is clear that our stewardship of finances reveals the posture of our hearts toward God. By studying tithes, offerings, and first fruits, students will learn the spiritual significance, scriptural foundations, and practical applications of each form of giving. The course will also address common misunderstandings, expose the dangers of greed and poor stewardship, and guide believers into joyful, faith-filled generosity that aligns with God’s covenant principles.
Through these six modules, students will gain a deeper awareness that God is the true source of provision, that giving is an act of worship, and that financial faithfulness is a measure of spiritual maturity. The goal is to cultivate a lifestyle of generosity rooted in love for God and trust in His faithfulness.
Key Themes:
- God as the ultimate source of all provision
- Biblical stewardship as a matter of the heart
- Distinction between tithes, offerings, and first fruits
- The connection between giving and covenant relationship
- The dangers of greed and the blessings of generosity
- Applying biblical principles in personal and church finances
Learning Objectives:
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
- Explain the biblical foundations of tithing, offering, and first fruits.
- Identify the heart attitudes that please God in giving.
- Distinguish between the purposes and applications of each type of giving.
- Apply stewardship principles to personal finances in a way that aligns with Scripture.
- Recognize and resist the spiritual pitfalls of greed and poor stewardship.
- Demonstrate a lifestyle of generosity that honors God.
Course Structure (6 Modules)
Module 1: God’s Ownership and Our Stewardship
- God as the source of all provision
- The principle of stewardship in Scripture
- Money as a test of faithfulness
- Guarding the heart from greed and materialism
Module 2: The Biblical Foundation of Tithing
- Definition and meaning of the tithe (one-tenth)
- Tithing before the Law (Abraham and Jacob)
- Tithing under the Law and in the New Testament
- The purpose and spiritual benefits of tithing
Module 3: The Blessings and Accountability of the Tithe
- Malachi 3 and the open windows of heaven
- God’s protection against the devourer
- Why tithing is about obedience, not legalism
- Common misconceptions and misuses of tithing
Module 4: Offerings – Giving Beyond the Tithe
- Definition and purpose of offerings
- Old Testament examples of freewill and special offerings
- New Testament generosity and cheerful giving
- How offerings reflect gratitude and faith
Module 5: First Fruits – Honoring God with the First and Best
- Definition and biblical origins of first fruits
- Difference between first fruits, tithes, and offerings
- Scriptural promises connected to first fruits giving
- Practical ways to honor God with first fruits today
Module 6: Living a Life of Generosity and Financial Faithfulness
- Integrating tithes, offerings, and first fruits into daily life
- Aligning financial practices with kingdom priorities
- Testimonies of God’s provision through faithful giving
- Building a legacy of generosity for future generations