The Origins of Biblical Giving

Introduction

2 Corinthians 9:6–7 NASB95

Now this I say, he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

1 Timothy 6:10 NASB95

For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.

Questions addressed:

What requirement (if any) is there to give for Christians?

How much should I give?

What is a tithe verses an offering?

To whom should I give?

The First Offering (Genesis 4:1-10)

Cain and Able

The First Tithe (Genesis 14:17-20)

Melchizedek

Who is Melchizedek?

Psalm 110:4 NASB95

The Lord has sworn and will not change His mind, “You are a priest forever According to the order of Melchizedek.”

Hebrews 6:20-7:28

Definition of Theophany

The definition of a theophany is an appearance of God in the Old Testament. The word theophany is a compound word of the Greek words theo, which means God, and phaino, which means “to appear.” That is, a theophany refers to God appearing. But a theophany does not mean that people actually saw God.

Ex. Pillar of Cloud

Definition of Christophany

The definition of a Christophany is an appearance of Christ in the Old Testament. The word Christphany is a compound word of the Greek words christos, which means Christ, and phaino, which means “to appear.” That is, Christophany refers to Christ appearing

Ex. Genesis 18; “angel of the Lord”; Daniel 3 “the man in the fire”

What was given to Melchizedek?

Tithe = Tenth

Conclusion

2 Corinthians 9:6–7 NASB95

Now this I say, he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.