The other day, the topic of tithing came up. It was insinuated that we, as Christians, should tithe and give to the church. This left me wondering about tithing and if we are still commanded to give, let alone give 10% or more. Below are random notes I’ve taken. I’ll collect my thoughts and give a proper answer in an additional post.
Notes:
Deuteronomy 5:1-3, commandments plus covenant
Priestly Tithe – Lev. 27:30-32, 10%, able to buy back plus interest
Eaten Tithe – Dt. 14:22-23, take to specific location and eat there
Charity Tithe – Dt. 14:28-29, give to the needy
Matthew 23:23, Jesus says tithe is still binding? (for Jews)
Calls out Pharisees, they tithe cheap stuff, but ignore other laws
Matthew 5:17-19, binding until what is accomplished? He, himself, fulfilled the law and prophets.
Christ came to fulfill the law.
Hebrews 8:13, He (Christ) makes a new covenant.
Galatians 3:24-25, we are no longer under the law.
Law was our guardian, now justified by faith.
Ephesians 2:14-15, answer, no, we don’t need to tithe. There is no longer a commandment to give.
Abolish the law of commandments.
1 Corinthians 16:1-2, we no longer have a commandment, but a standard to give through love.
Talks to Jews to set aside?
2 Corinthians 9:7, how much to give (possibly 1 Corinthians 9:7)
God loves a cheerful giver.
Not a rule / law, it is now through giving with love and joy.
Give from the heart, not reluctantly or compulsion.
Genesis 14:18-20 / Hebrews 7:1-4 (example of Abraham, pre-law)
It was a gift from Abraham, not a command for others to follow.
It was a gift from the spoils, not his riches.
Genesis 28:20-28 (example of Jacob, pre-law)
Jacob, same as with Abraham, it was a one-time deal.
First Tithe
Lev. 27:30
Numbers 18:26
Deuteronomy 14:22 – Festival Tithe
2 Chronicles 31:5
Deuteronomy 14:48 – Poor Tithe
Propitiatory Offerings
Sin Offering – Exodus 29:14, 29:36 – Lev. 4
Guilt Offering – Lev. 5:14, 6:7
Dedicatory Offerings
Burnt – Lev. 1:3-17
Cereal – Lev. 2:1-16
Drink – Numbers 28:14, 29:6
Communal
Peace – Lev. 3, 7:11-26
Votive – Lev. 7:16-17, Numbers 6:21
God owns all – 1 Corinthians 10:26
Antidote for materialism – 1 Timothy 6:17
Generosity should be cheerful and voluntary – 2 Corinthians 9:6-7
Old covenant should not be used as stumbling block.
In the old covenant tithe, crops and livestock were also part of tithe.
Matthew 5:17 – fulfill the whole law
Matthew 6:21 – where your treasure is, your heart will be also.
Proverbs 3:9-10
Galatians 3:23-26
Law was our guardian until Christ came
Christ came, now justified by faith
Now faith, no longer under the guardian
Romans 7:1-6
Now we are released from the law, now we serve the spirit and not the old written code.
Hebews 7:19
For the law made nothing perfect.
Better hope introduced, which we draw near to God.
Hebrews 8:6-13
If first covenant had been faultless, would not have needed second.
Day will come when God will establish a new covenant (Jesus, Grace)
On day he took them out of Israel, first covenant
They (Jews) did not continue covenant, so God showed no concern for them.
Proverbs 3:9-10
Give to him the first and not the later.
Psalm 4:5
Offer right sacrifices and put trust in Lord.
Matthew 6:1-4
Do not give in order to be seen by others.
When you give, let not let the left hand know what the right hand is doing.
Matthew 19:21
Go sell all you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in Heaven!
Good reminder before giving
“Treasure in Heaven” is NOT worldly prosperity gospel!
James 1:17
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above. (above -> from God)
Luke 6:35-36
Love your enemies, do good, and lend expecting nothing in return.
Your reward will be great.
Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful.