Further Thought: “Whenever God’s people, in any period of the

world, have cheerfully and willingly carried out His plan in systematic

benevolence [tithing] and in gifts and offerings, they have realized the

standing promise that prosperity should attend all their labors just in

proportion as they obeyed His requirements. When they acknowledged

the claims of God and complied with His requirements, honoring Him

with their substance, their barns were filled with plenty. But when

they robbed God in tithes and in offerings they were made to realize

that they were not only robbing Him but themselves, for He limited

His blessings to them just in proportion as they limited their offerings

to Him."—Ellen G. White, Testimonies for the Church, vol. 3, p. 395.

The Bible is very clear that we are saved through faith alone, a gift of

God’s grace. Our obedience to God’s commands is a response to God’s

grace; it doesn’t earn it (after all, if it were earned, it wouldn’t be grace:

see Romans 4:1–4).

Indeed, when we look at God’s bilateral covenant with us, we can

see both our blessings and our responsibilities. By our responses to

what God offers to us, we establish our relationship with Him and, to a

great degree, determine our own destiny. Obedience—the service and

allegiance of love—is the true sign of discipleship. Instead of releasing

us from obedience, it is faith, and faith only, that makes us partakers of

the grace of Christ, which enables us to render the obedience that God

asks from us.

Discussion Questions:

Ê It has been said that if every Adventist were faithful in return-

ing tithe, our church would have more than enough money to do

all that it needs to do for spreading the message. What are you

doing, in terms of tithes and offerings, to help the church do what

it has been called to do?

Ë Dwell more on the idea of how important our choices and our

works are in our relationship with God. How do we keep the ques-

tions of works and obedience, including tithe paying and good

stewardship, before us but without falling into the trap of legalism?

Ì In class, talk about the question at the end of Tuesday’s study

regarding when hard times come even when we have been faith-

ful. How do we understand this if it happens, and how do we keep

from being discouraged when it does?