Arguably, tithing is one of the most controversial topics about "Church." Today, I want to discuss this topic to give a true understanding of what God desires from us in our giving, in accordance with Scripture.
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Transcript
Introduction
Arguably, tithing is one of the most controversial topics about "Church." Today, I want to discuss this topic to give a true understanding of what God desires from us in our giving, in accordance with Scripture.
There are two questions we must look to answer:
Are there any teachings that say stop tithing?
Considering we are under the New Covenant, are there any teachings that say we must tithe?
Tithing in the Old Testament
Before the Law
Gen 14:17-24 - Abraham giving tithe to Melchizedek
Gen 28: 20-22 - Jacob vow to God after his dream
Gen 41:32-34; Gen 47:13-26 - Joseph’s strategy before the famine and reform policy during the famine (20% proportional to income)
Tithing under the Law
Num 18:20-29 - Levites portion
Deut 14: 22-29 - the annual tithe for Israel
Tithing in the Old Testament Gone Wrong
1 Sam 8:10-18 - Samuel’s warning Israel about wanting a king other than God
Mal 3:8-10 - Not offering the full tithe, thus not fulfilling requirements of the covenant
Tithing in the New Testament
Teaching’s of Jesus
Matthew 23:23 - Jesus rebukes the Pharisee’s
Luke 18:12 - The prayer of the Pharisee and Tax Collector
Luke 21:1-4 - Jesus makes note of the widows giving
Hebrews 7 - Recollection of Abraham giving tithes to Melchizedek
Practical Applications of Giving in the New Testament
1 Co 16:1-4 - setting aside for the day of giving
2 Co 8:1-15 - preparation for giving
2 Co 9 - Generosity of giving
Additional Considerations
1 Tim 5:8 - taking care of one’s household
1 Jn 3:17 - providing for another
Giving Gone Wrong in the New Testament
Acts 4:32-5:11 - Church growth and Ananias and Sapphira’s judgment for lying
Conclusion
What is our sole motivation for tithing/giving? It is to learn to fear (reverence) the LORD our God.
What pleases God when we give? An attitude of generosity that includes mercy, justice, faithfulness, and love.
What then earns God’s favor? The natural response of the individual in right relationship with God.
