Untitled Sermon (3)
Tithing
Köstenberger agrees that biblical evidence suggests that giving is important. However, he argues that the Old Testament proscription for tithing is not meant to be taken literally since New Testament evidence is incidental (“Will,” 77). Rather, the Christian attitude toward giving ought to be shaped by the Old Testament but defined by Jesus’ proscriptions and Paul’s exhortations in the New Testament (“Reconstructing,” 259–60
Jesus refocused attention on inward attitudes. He criticized some who went so far as to tithe tiny grains of spice—not because they tithed, but because they neglected the weightier matters of the law (Matt. 23:23
Nowhere does the New Testament require Christians to tithe in the sense of giving 10 percent, but it does reiterate many things associated with tithing: those who minister are entitled to receive support (1 Cor. 9:14); the poor and needy should be cared for (1 Cor. 16:1; Gal. 2:10); those who give can trust God, as the source of all that is given (2 Cor. 9:10), to supply their needs (2 Cor. 9:8; Phil. 4:19); and giving should be done joyously (2 Cor. 9:7). The New Testament directs that taxes be paid to the state (Rom. 13:6–7), which replaced Israel’s theocracy. Paul’s vocabulary and teaching suggest that giving is voluntary and that there is no set percentage. Following the example of Christ, who gave even his life (2 Cor. 8:9), we should cheerfully give as much as we have decided (2 Cor. 9:7) based on how much the Lord has prospered us (1 Cor. 16:2), knowing that we reap in proportion to what we sow (2 Cor. 9:6) and that we will ultimately give account for our deeds (Rom. 14:12).
Preaching Themes: Giving
If I leave behind me ten pounds (above my debts, and my books, or what may happen to be due on account of them), you and all mankind bear witness against me, that I lived and died a thief and a robber.
JOHN WESLEY