Cast Off Beggars Garment: How to Overcome a Poverty Mindset – Bartimaeus, a blind beggar in Mark 10, cast off his beggar’s garment when Jesus called him, boldly leaving behind his old identity and poverty mindset. His persistent faith and willingness to let go of limiting beliefs enabled him to receive healing and follow Jesus. This act illustrates the call for believers to reject a mentality of lack, embrace God’s abundance, and approach Him with expectation and joy.
Cast Off Beggars Garment
by Delbert Young
Scriptures used:
Mark 10:46-51, Malachi 3:8, Deuteronomy 14:22-23, Proverbs 3:5-10, Genesis 4:1-8,
Audio
Mark Chapter 10 and the Beggar’s Garment
Mark 10:46-51 And they came to Jericho: and as he went out of Jericho with his disciples and a great number of people, blind Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, sat by the highway side begging. And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out, and say, Jesus, thou son of David, have mercy on me. And many charged him that he should hold his peace: but he cried the more a great deal, Thou son of David, have mercy on me. And Jesus stood still, and commanded him to be called.
And they call the blind man, saying unto him, Be of good comfort, rise; he calleth thee. And he, casting away his garment, rose and came to Jesus. And Jesus answered and said unto him, What wilt thou that I should do unto thee? The blind man said unto him, Lord, that I might receive my sight. And Jesus said unto him, Go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole. And immediately he received his sight, and followed Jesus in the way.
The lesson begins with the story of blind Bartimaeus, who sat by the roadside begging. The key point is that when Bartimaeus heard Jesus was passing by, he cried out persistently, despite being told to be quiet. His persistence and faith caught Jesus’ attention. Bartimaeus cast off his beggar’s garment, symbolizing the rejection of a poverty mentality, and approached Jesus with expectation. The narrative emphasizes that many Christians today suffer from a poverty mindset, which is not aligned with God’s desire for abundance and blessing. Jesus calls believers to an abundant life, not to sit passively in a state of lack. The act of casting off the beggar’s garment represents leaving behind limiting beliefs and embracing God’s provision and joy.
Cast Off Beggars Garment
Understanding Tithes and Offerings
Malachi 3:8 Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings. Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation. 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. And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the LORD of hosts. And all nations shall call you blessed: for ye shall be a delightsome land, saith the LORD of hosts.
This section addresses the importance of correct teaching on tithes and offerings. Malachi 3:8 is cited: “Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings.” The teaching stresses that both tithes and offerings are necessary for God’s blessing. Tithing opens the windows of heaven, while offerings bring multiplication. The tithe belongs in the storehouse (the local church), supporting ministry and God’s work. Correct giving brings God’s watchful care and releases blessings, while neglect leads to a curse and missed opportunities for God’s favor.
Deuteronomy 14:22-23 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.
Cast Off Beggars Garment
Deuteronomy 14 teaches that tithing is a means to learn the fear of the Lord. Consistent tithing demonstrates the recognition of God’s lordship. The tithe is set apart, holy, and belongs to God. The tree in the Garden of Eden is discussed and illustrates the principle that Adam and Eve were not to touch, as long as they obeyed, the serpent was rebuked. Taking what is God’s invites trouble. Proper tithing aligns believers with God’s order and protection1.
Proverbs 3:5-10 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil. It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones. Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.
Proverbs 3:5-10 instructs believers to trust in the Lord and honor Him with the firstfruits of all increase. This means giving tithes and offerings from the gross, not the net, as God deserves the first and best. Honoring God in this way brings fullness and abundance—”thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.” The section reiterates that correct giving is a sign of honoring and fearing God, not merely a ritual.
The Principle of Firstfruits
Cast Off Beggars Garment
Genesis 4:1-8 And Adam knew Eve his wife; and she conceived, and bare Cain, and said, I have gotten a man from the LORD. And she again bare his brother Abel. And Abel was a keeper of sheep, but Cain was a tiller of the ground. And in process of time it came to pass, that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto the LORD. And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the LORD had respect unto Abel and to his offering: But unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell.
And the LORD said unto Cain, Why art thou wroth? and why is thy countenance fallen? If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him. And Cain talked with Abel his brother: and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother, and slew him.
The story of Cain and Abel demonstrates the importance of giving the first and best to God. Abel brought the firstlings and the fat (the tithe and the offering), which God accepted. Cain, however, brought an offering “in the process of time,” giving what was left after his own needs were met, which God rejected. The lesson is that God desires the first and best, not leftovers. Improper giving leads to rejection and spiritual decline, while proper giving brings acceptance and blessing. The section concludes by urging believers to give with expectation, faith, and in the appropriate manner, so that God’s blessings and abundance can be realized in their lives.
Conclusion: Embracing God’s Ways
As we reflect on the lessons from Mark 10, Malachi 3, Deuteronomy 14, Proverbs 3, and Genesis 4, it becomes clear that God calls His people to a life of faith, generosity, and obedience in their giving. The story of Bartimaeus reminds us to cast off the limitations of a poverty mindset and to approach God with expectation and joy, trusting in His desire to bless abundantly.
Cast Off Beggars Garment
Tithing and offering are not just financial transactions; they are acts of worship and recognition of God’s lordship over our lives. Proper giving—offering the first and the best, not what is left over—aligns us with God’s order and opens the door to His provision and protection. When we honor God with our substance and the firstfruits of all our increase, we demonstrate trust, reverence, and a willingness to participate in His work.
Ultimately, giving is about more than meeting needs; it is about cultivating a heart that reflects God’s own generosity. As we step out in faith, sowing and reaping according to His principles, we position ourselves to receive His blessings and to be a blessing to others. Let us commit to giving with expectation, joy, and obedience, trusting that God will fulfill His promises and pour out blessings beyond measure.
Cast Off Beggars Garment
Cast Off Beggars Garment
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