Should Christians still tithe? The first question is this, Has God commanded that I tithe? NO The second question is, Should I tithe? YES!
Where did the concept of Tithing come from? The first time we see the concept of tithing is before the law existed When Abram heard his kinsman had been taken captive, he led forth his trained men, born in his house, 318 of them, and went in pursuit as far as Dan. And he divided his forces against them by night, he and his servants, and defeated them and pursued them to Hobah, north of Damascus. Then he brought back all the
Where did the concept of Tithing come from? possessions, and also brought back his kinsman Lot with his possessions, and the women and the people. After his return from the defeat of Chedorlaomer and the kings who were with him, the king of Sodom went out to meet him at the Valley of Shaveh (that is, the King's Valley). And Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine. (He was priest of God Most High.) And he blessed him and said,
Where did the concept of Tithing come from? Blessed be Abram by God Most High, possessor of heaven and earth; and blessed be God Most High, who has delivered your enemies into your hands! And Abram gave him a tenth of everything. Genesis 14:14-20 ESV
Tithe under the Law Supporting the Levites 10% of your produce went to the Levites who did not own land and ministered to the people of God. The festival of the tithe A further 10% of your produce went to a feast in Jeruselem once per year.
Tithe under the Law Supporting the local priests, orphans, widows and poor Every three years you had to give an additional 10% of your produce to the poor and needy in the area.
We no longer live under the law Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. Matthew 5:17 ESV
Jesus tells us there are two laws that we are to live by Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law? And he said to him, You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets. Matthew 22:36-40 ESV
What does the New Testament say about tithing? 1 out of every 7 verses in the Gospel of Luke talk about money 11 of the 39 parables refer to money
Jesus only mentioned tithing twice Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint and dill and cumin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness. These you ought to have done, without neglecting the others. Matthew 23:23 ESV
Jesus only mentioned tithing twice The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank You that I am not like other men extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I possess. And the tax collector, standing afar off, would not so much as raise his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, God, be merciful to me a sinner! Luke 18:11-13 ESV
So, why should we tithe? God honors sacrifice It s in our DNA to be generous Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures. James 1:17-18 ESV
While we are not under the law, there are requirement for giving
We should give cheerfully! The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 9:6-7 ESV
We give to those in need or to those who serve the needy Then the King will say to those on his right, Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me Matthew 25:34-35 ESV
We give to those who feed us and equip us; our local church He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God. 2 Corinthians 9:10-11 ESV
When God places it on your heart All throughout scripture, God tells his people to move; when they do, when they are obedient he blesses them! If God tells you to give, give and give abundantly, generously and cheerfully!
Don t give when: You are wanting to give to get something from God But Peter said to him, May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money! You have neither part nor lot in this matter, for your heart is not right before God. Acts 8:20-21 ESV
Don t give when: You feel an obligation, instead of a leading to give Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 9:7 ESV