TITHES AND OFFERINGS

Tithes and Offerings

Tithes and Offerings

Tithing in the Bible: Scriptures about Giving

Jesus is the most generous person who ever lived. He left the comforts of heaven, took on human flesh, and gave his life on the cross so that we might live in him. In response to Jesus’ generosity, we are called to be generous. We are called to be generous with our money. We are called to steward our possessions. We are called to volunteer our time. No one argues over whether Christians should be generous—it’s what the Christian faith is all about. But when it comes to the definition of tithing in the bible things get … interesting. Over the years, there’s been a ton of ink spilled over whether or not Christians should participate in tithing. Well then, lets have a look at the position of the bible concerning the topic of tithing and offering.

Let's take an in-depth look at 14 topics about tithing as stated in the Bible:

1.       What is tithing in the bible?

2.       What does the Bible say about paying tithes?

3.       Where was it first mentioned in the Bible?

4.       Are Christians required to participate in tithing?

5.       Should you tithe?

6.       What are offerings in the bible?

7.       What percentage of Christians participate in tithing?

8.       Old Testament scriptures on tithing

9.       What does the New Testament say about tithing?

10.     Living a generous life

11.     Does our tithe all have to go to our church or can part of it go to a Christian ministry?

12.     Does the teaching on tithing in Malachi 3:9-10 apply to us today?

13.     Should we tithe off our gross or net income?

14.     Should a Christian tithe off miscellaneous income?

- So, let’s to get started?-

1. What is tithing in the Bible?

The definition comes from Hebrew and means "a tenth." Tithing in the Bible refers to giving of ten percent of your annual earnings, productions, or possessions. In the Old Testament, we observe Abraham and Jacob offering a tithe to God in Genesis 14 and 28. The Israelites were also commanded to tithe from what they earned (Lev. 27:30; Num. 18:25–28; Deut. 14:22–24; 2 Chron. 31:5–6).

2. What does the Bible say about paying tithes?

The Bible is very clear in Leviticus 27:30 where it says “A tenth of the produce of the land, whether grain or fruit, is the Lord’s, and is holy.” And Proverbs 3:9 (NIV) says, “Honour the Lord with your wealth, with the first fruits of all your crops.” It’s critical to recognize that tithing was central to God’s law. The Israelites didn’t wait to feel inspired to tithe, it was expected. You’re probably thinking: That was good for them, but what about now? Do I have to tithe? This is a fair question, and there’s no shame in asking.

Many Christians struggle with the issue of tithing. In some churches giving is over-emphasized. At the same time, many Christians refuse to submit to the biblical exhortations about making offerings to the Lord. Tithing/giving is intended to be a joy and a blessing. Sadly, that is sometimes not the case in the church today. Tithing is an Old Testament concept. The tithe was a requirement of the Law in which the Israelites were to give 10 percent of the crops they grew and the livestock they raised to the tabernacle/temple (Leviticus 27:30; Numbers 18:26; Deuteronomy 14:24; 2 Chronicles 31:5). In fact, the Old Testament Law required multiple tithes—one for the Levites, one for the use of the temple and the feasts, and one for the poor of the land—which would have pushed the total to around 23.3 percent. Some understand the Old Testament tithe as a method of taxation to provide for the needs of the priests and Levites in the sacrificial system.

After the death of Jesus Christ fulfilled the Law, the New Testament nowhere commands, or even recommends, that Christians submit to a legalistic tithe system. The New Testament nowhere designates a percentage of income a person should set aside, but only says gifts should be “in keeping with income” (1 Corinthians 16:2). Some in the Christian church have taken the 10 percent figure from the Old Testament tithe and applied it as a “recommended minimum” for Christians in their giving.  Although no tithe is demanded of the Christian, the New Testament talks about the importance and benefits of giving. We are to give as we are able. Sometimes that means giving more than 10 percent; sometimes that may mean giving less. It all depends on the ability of the Christian and the needs of the body of Christ. Every Christian should diligently pray and seek God’s wisdom in the matter of participating in tithing and/or how much to give (James 1:5). Above all, offerings should be given with pure motives and an attitude of worship to God and service to the body of Christ. “Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7).

3. Where was it first mentioned in the Bible?

So, what does the bible say about tithes? The first tithe made in the bible happened in Genesis 14:19-20. The first person to do so in the bible was Abraham. returning from battle and was met by Melchizedek. During their encounter Melchizedek attributes Abram’s victory to God and he blesses Abram. Abram responds to the blessing in gratitude and gives Melchizedek a tenth (aka tithe) of all his possessions. And he blessed him and said, “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 hand!” And Abram gave him a tenth of everything.

Jacob offers the second tithe as recorded in the Bible. Over in Genesis 28:20–22 Jacob responds to a dream he received from God by building an altar and vowing that, in exchange for God’s care and provision, he would give God a tenth of his belongings. Then Jacob made a vow, saying, “If God will be with me and will keep me in this way that I go, and will give me bread to eat and clothing to wear, so that I come again to my father’s house in peace, then the Lord shall be my God, and this stone, which I have set up for a pillar, shall be God’s house. And of all that you give me I will give a full tenth to you.”

4. Are Christians required to participate in tithing?

Over the past 2,000 years, many different opinions have surfaced concerning biblical tithing and how to tithe correctly. But basically, most Christians today align with one of these two views: They are commanded to tithe or they are commanded to be generous.

Let’s take a brief look at both of these positions on tithing in the bible.

1. Christians are commanded to tithe

Here’s the argument:

Tithing in the bible began in the Old Testament, and it's still commanded today. This position stands on two pillars. First, is that the requirement to tithe was made before the Mosaic covenant (Gen. 14; 28; Heb. 7:1). If this is true, then this means the tithe was not abolished in Christ and is still in force today. Second, this position argues that Jesus affirmed the continuation of the tithe (Matt. 23:23). Since Jesus upheld the tithe, then Christians are commanded to tithe today.

Christians who take this position believe you should donate at least 10 percent, and or to other causes outside of the local church. More or less, this position treats the tithe as a baseline of giving—not a limit.

2. Christians are commanded to be generous

Here’s the argument:

Christians are called to give generously, but they’re not commanded to tithe.

This position boils down to three main points.

First, the offerings that were tithed by Abraham (Gen. 14) and Jacob (Gen. 28) are descriptions—not prescriptions. In other words, there's no evidence that Abraham and Jacob continued to tithe or that their actions were binding for others then or today. Second, the tithing required by the Israelites was a part of the Mosaic Law. When Jesus fulfilled the requirements of the Mosaic Law (Matt. 5:17), the obligation to tithe was also abolished. So then, what did Jesus say about tithing? When Jesus talked about tithing and offering sacrifices (Matt. 5:23–24; 23:23; Luke 11:42), he did so before he started the New Covenant, which means it’s not binding today. Finally, the New Testament (NT) does not command Christians to tithe. When giving is referenced in the NT, followers of Christ are commanded to give generously (2 Cor. 8–9)—not to give strictly 10 percent.

What does this mean for you?

Let’s take a look at that next.

5. Should I give?

That’s not for me to decide. There are strengths and weaknesses in both of these positions, and the length of this blog post isn't sufficient to cover everything about tithing in the bible. When thinking through tithing, it’s best for you to do three things:

•         Study out of tithe in the Bible

•         Seek counsel from your church

•         Serve God with a clear conscience

Now that you have a better idea of what it means to tithe, let’s explore another common topic about giving: offerings.

6. What are offerings in the bible?

When you study the Bible, “offerings” area bit more nuanced than “tithing.” Actually, what you think about “offerings” is largely based on what you believe about “tithing.” An offering is a financial gift you make to your church that is more than your tithe (10%). For example, if you give 10 percent of your annual income to your local church, then an offering is any money you donate that exceeds this amount.

Do you believe Christians are called to live generously?

Then an offering is a financial gift you make to your local church—regardless of the amount you give. Basically, “offering” is what you call giving to your church.

These two nuances aren’t perfect. But you’ll see that this is the way many church leaders talk about giving.

There’s one more thing you need to know about offerings: God also calls you to offer yourself as a living sacrifice to him. Check out these words from Paul: "Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship" (Rom. 12:1). Offering your life to God isn’t something you do one time at the altar or on the days you feel good. Living sacrificially for God is something he calls everyone to do every day.

Practically speaking, Paul explains what this means in the next verse in Romans: "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will" (Rom. 12:2).

There are two things we observe in this passage:

1.       Don’t be conformed to this world

2.       Renew your mind

Living the Christian life is more than just saying no to anything. Living the Christian life is more about living for God. When it comes to offering yourself to Christ, you are called to renew your mind. Practically speaking, you renew your mind by studying the Bible, meditating upon the scriptures, and hearing the Scriptures preached. Renewing your mind is one way you can learn how to live for God. Talking about living for God, one of the big areas we’re called to be faithful is with our finances.

How is the Church doing today? That’s a great question.

When trying to distinguish between tithes and offerings, it is important to first understand the concept of tithing. Christians today often think that what they give to their local church is a tithe, when in reality it is an offering. Christian tithing is a misnomer because Christians are under no obligation to fulfil the command to tithe as given to the Israelites as part of the Mosaic Law. The tithe was a requirement of the Law in which all Israelites were to give 10 percent of everything they earned and grew to the tabernacle/temple (Leviticus 27:30; Numbers 18:26; Deuteronomy 14:24; 2 Chronicles 31:5). The New Testament nowhere commands, or even recommends, that Christians submit to a legalistic tithe system. Paul states that believers should set aside a portion of their income as anoffering, but this is not a tithe (1 Corinthians 16:1–2).

God expected the Israelites to honour Him by giving the first fruits of what He gave to them. Leviticus 27:30 states, “And all the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land, or of the fruit of the tree, is the LORD’S: it is holy unto the LORD.” Giving the 10 percent tithe was commanded of the Israelites and was therefore an obligation. When Christ died on the cross, He fulfilled the requirements of the Law and made the mandatory 10 percent tithe obsolete. To continue to insist that it is still in effect is to nullify, at least in part, the sacrifice of Christ and return to the idea of justification by works and law-keeping. The first fruits offering found its fulfilment in Jesus. “But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep” (1 Corinthians 15:20).

 

An offering is that which is freely given by Christians to the work of the Lord, the local church, and/or ministries and missions. But offerings are far more than simply the check we write on Sunday. We are to offer much more to God than our monetary resources. Romans 12:1 exhorts us to offer our bodies “as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God” as part of our worship. Romans 6:13 gives the reason for offering ourselves: because we are “those who have been brought from death to life,” and, as such, we are to “offer the parts of your body to him as instruments of righteousness.” God is not nearly as interested in our monetary offerings as He is in our submission and obedience. The truth is that He doesn’t need our resources to accomplish His plans and purposes. After all, He owns the cattle on a thousand hills (Psalm 50:10) and needs nothing from us. What He desires, however, and what He values, is the heart that overflows with gratitude and thanksgiving to the God who saved us and who gives us all things, knowing our needs before we even ask (Matthew 6:8). Such a heart gives generously, willingly, and cheerfully in response to the love and grace that abound in Christ (2 Corinthians 9:6–8).

7. What percentage of Christians participate in tithing?

Today, most Christians don’t tithe. Consider these statistics. According to State of the Plate, only 10–25 percent of church members tithe. Only 5 percent of the United States population participates in tithing. On average, Christians give 2.5 percent of their income, which is down from the 3.3 percent given during the Great Depression, it may even the same in Nigeria. There are more stats I can share, but I think you get the point. Giving in the Church is on a downward trend regardless of what we might think about tithing in the bible.

When you place your faith in Christ, you will—in time—be transformed into a giver. This doesn’t mean you'll always be in a position to give 10 percent of your income. But it does mean that through faith in Christ, you will be empowered to be generous with what you have. Let me ask you this. Do you desire to tithe? What’s holding you back?

Depending on your situation, there are several reasons why you may not be able to give to your church.

You may:

•         Be going through a difficult financial season

•         Have to much debt

•         Be growing in your faith in Christ

•         Not know why you should give

•         Not be sure how to give to your church

Regardless of what you believe about tithing—Christ is calling you to a generous life. As you offer your life as a living sacrifice to Christ, review Bible verses about money and stewardship. Prayerfully consider what’s holding you back. Seek help from a friend or a financial advisor. And by the grace of God, strive to live the generous life God has given us and called you to live.

8. Old Testament scriptures on tithing in the bible

1.       Genesis 28:20–22: (Jacob offers a tithe) Jacob made a vow (to God), "If God will be with me and will watch over me…all that You give me I will give You a tenth.”

2.       Exodus 35:21: Everyone who was willing and whose heart moved him came and brought an offering to the LORD for the work.

3.       Exodus 35:22: All who were willing, men and women alike, came and brought gold jewelry of all kinds: brooches, earrings, rings and ornaments. They all presented their gold as a wave offering to the LORD.

4.       Leviticus 27:30: (The tithe is introduced into law) A tithe of everything from the land, whether grain from the soil or fruit from the trees, belongs to the LORD; it is holy to the LORD.

5.       Leviticus 27:32: The entire tithe of the herd and flock-- every tenth animal that passes under the shepherd's rod-- will be holy to the LORD.

6.       Numbers 18:21: I give to the Levites (ministers) all the tithes…in return for the work they do while serving (the Lord).

7.       Numbers 18:26: (The Levites tithe) Moreover, you shall speak and say to the Levites, “When you take from the people of Israel the tithe that I have given you from them for your inheritance, then you shall present a contribution from it to the Lord, a tithe of the tithe.”

8.       Deuteronomy 14:22–23: You shall tithe all the yield of your seed that comes from the field year by year. And before the Lord your God, in the place that he will choose, to make his name dwell there, you shall eat the tithe of your grain, of your wine, and of your oil, and the firstborn of your herd and flock, that you may learn to fear the Lord your God always.

9.       Deuteronomy 14:27–29: At the end of every three years you shall bring out all the tithe of your produce in the same year and lay it up within your towns. And the Levite, because he has no portion or inheritance with you, and the sojourner, the fatherless, and the widow, who are within your towns, shall come and eat and be filled, that the Lord your God may bless you in all the work of your hands that you do.

10.     Amos 4:4–5: (God requires more than the tithe) “Come to Bethel, and transgress; to Gilgal, and multiply transgression; bring your sacrifices every morning, your tithes every three days; offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving of that which is leavened, and proclaim freewill offerings, publish them; for so you love to do, O people of Israel!” declares the Lord God.

11.     2 Chronicles 31:4–5: And he commanded the people who lived in Jerusalem to give the portion due to the priests and the Levites, that they might give themselves to the Law of the Lord. As soon as the command was spread abroad, the people of Israel gave in abundance the first fruits of grain, wine, oil, honey, and of all the produce of the field. And they brought in abundantly the tithe of everything.

12.     2 Chronicles 31:12: God’s people faithfully brought in the contributions, tithes and dedicated gifts.

13.     Nehemiah 12:43–44: (God’s people) offered great sacrifices, rejoicing because God had given them great joy. The women and children also rejoiced. The sound of rejoicing…could be heard far away.  Men were appointed to be in charge of the storerooms for the contributions, first fruits and tithes.

14.     Nehemiah 12:47: All (of God’s people) contributed the daily portions for the singers, gatekeepers…Levites (ministers).

15.     Nehemiah 13:11–12: I rebuked the officials and asked them, "Why is the house of God neglected?" Then I called them together and stationed them at their posts.  All (God’s people) brought the tithes…into the storerooms.

16.     Malachi 3:7–9: Return to me, and I will return to you," says the LORD Almighty. "But you ask, 'How are we to return?'  "Will a man rob God? Yet you rob me. "But you ask, 'How do we rob you?' "In tithes and offerings.  You are under a curse-- the whole nation of you-- because you are robbing me.

17.     Malachi 3:11–12: (God says to those who bring him tithes and offerings) “I will prevent pests from devouring your crops, and the vines in your fields will not cast their fruit," says the LORD Almighty.  "Then all the nations will call you blessed, for yours will be a delightful land.”

18.     1 Kings 17:13, 8–16: Elijah said to (the starving widow woman), "Don't be afraid…first make a small cake of bread for me from what you have and bring it to me, and then make something for yourself and your son. For this is what the LORD says: 'The jar of flour will not be used up and the jug of oil will not run dry’…She went away and did as Elijah had told her. So there was food every day for Elijah and for the woman and her family.

19.     Exodus 36:3–6: The people continued to bring freewill offerings morning after morning.  So all the skilled craftsmen who were doing all the work on the sanctuary left their work and said to Moses, "The people are bringing more than enough for doing the work the LORD commanded to be done."  Then Moses gave an order…"No man or woman is to make anything else as an offering for the sanctuary." And so the people were restrained from bringing more.

20.     Malachi 1:6–7: "A son honors his father, a servant honors his master. I am your Father and Master, yet you don't honor me…you despise my name." "Who? Us?" you say. "When did we ever despise your name?"  "When you offer polluted sacrifices on my altar." "Polluted sacrifices? When have we ever done a thing like that?" "Every time you say, 'Don't bother bringing anything very valuable to offer to God!'”

21.     Malachi 1:8–10: (God’s ministers tell people) 'Lame animals are all right to offer on the altar of the Lord-- yes, even the sick and the blind ones.' And you claim this isn't evil? Try it on your governor sometime-- give him gifts like that-- and see how pleased he is!… I have no pleasure in you," says the Lord Almighty, "and I will not accept your offerings.”

22.     Malachi 1:11: “My name will be honored…from morning till night. All around the world people will offer…pure offerings in honor of my name. For my name shall be great among the nations," says the Lord Almighty.

23.     Malachi 1:12–13: (Ministers dishonor God by telling people) God’s altar is not important and encouraging people to bring cheap, sick animals to offer to God.  "You say, 'Oh, it's too difficult to serve the Lord and do what he asks.' And you turn up your noses at the rules he has given you to obey. Think of it! Stolen animals, lame and sick-- as offerings to God! Should I accept such offerings as these?" asks the Lord.

24.     Malachi 1:14: “Cursed is that man who promises a fine ram from his flock and substitutes a sick one to sacrifice to God. For I am a Great King," says the Lord Almighty, "and my name is to be mightily revered among the people of the world."

25.     Haggai 1:4: "Is it a time for you yourselves to be living in your paneled houses, while (God’s) house remains a ruin?"

26.     Haggai 1:5–8: This is what the LORD Almighty says: "Give careful thought to your ways.  You have planted much, but have harvested little. You eat, but never have enough. You drink, but never have your fill. You put on clothes, but are not warm. You earn wages, only to put them in a purse with holes in it."  This is what the LORD Almighty says: "Give careful thought to your ways…build (My) house…so that I may take pleasure in it and be honored.”

27.     Haggai 1:9–11: "You expected much, but see, it turned out to be little. What you brought home, I blew away. Why?" declares the LORD Almighty. "Because of my house, which remains a ruin, while each of you is busy with his own house.  Therefore, because of you the heavens have withheld their dew and the earth its crops.  I called for a drought on the fields and the mountains, on the grain, the new wine, the oil and whatever the ground produces, on men and cattle, and on the labor of your hands."

28.     Proverbs 3:9–10: Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the first fruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.

29.     Proverbs 18:9: One who is slack in his work is brother to one who destroys.

30.     Proverbs 28:22: A stingy man is eager to get rich and is unaware that poverty awaits him.

31.     Proverbs 28:27: He who gives to the poor will lack nothing, but he who closes his eyes to them receives many curses.

32.     1 Chronicles 29:2–3: (King David said to God’s people) “With all my resources I have provided for the temple of my God—gold…silver…bronze…iron…wood…onyx…turquoise…all kinds of fine stone and marble-- all of these in large quantities.  In my devotion to the temple of my God I now give my personal treasures of gold and silver for the temple of my God, over and above everything I have provided.

33.     1 Chronicles 29:5–8: (King David said to the leaders) “Who is willing to consecrate himself today to the LORD?"  Then the leaders of families…officers…commanders of thousands and commanders of hundreds…and the officials…gave willingly.  They gave toward the work on the temple of God gold…silver…bronze…iron.  Any who had precious stones gave them to the treasury of the temple of the LORD.

34.     1 Chronicles 29:9: The people rejoiced at the willing response of their leaders, for they had given freely and wholeheartedly to the LORD. David the king also rejoiced greatly.

35.     1 Chronicles 29:11–12: Everything in heaven and earth is Yours, O LORD.  Wealth and honor come from you; you are the ruler of all things. In your hands are strength and power to exalt and give strength to all.

36.     1 Chronicles 29:13–14: (David prayed to God) “God, we give you thanks, and praise your glorious name.  "But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand.”

37.     1 Chronicles 29:16: LORD our God, as for all this abundance that we have provided for building you a temple for your Holy Name, it comes from your hand, and all of it belongs to you.

38.     I Chronicles 29:17: (David prayed to God) “I know, my God, that you test the heart and are pleased with integrity. All these (offerings) I have given willingly and with honest intent. And now I have seen with joy how willingly your people who are here have given to you.”

39.     Ezra 2:68–69: Families gave freewill offerings toward the rebuilding of the house of God.  According to their ability they gave to the treasury for this work.

40.     Deuteronomy 28:12: The LORD will open the heavens, the storehouse of his bounty, to send rain on your land in season and to bless all the work of your hands. You will lend to many nations but will borrow from none.

41.     Psalm 50:10: Every animal of the forest is mine, and the cattle on a thousand hills…the creatures of the field are mine… the world is mine, and all that is in it.

42.     Deuteronomy 8:18: Remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth.

43.     Deuteronomy 16:10: Celebrate the Feast of Weeks to the LORD your God by giving a freewill offering in proportion to the blessings the LORD your God has given you.

44.     Deuteronomy 16:16: No man should appear before the LORD empty-handed.

45.     Deuteronomy 16:17: Each of you must bring a gift in proportion to the way the LORD your God has blessed you.

46.     Isaiah 32:8: The noble man makes noble plans, and by noble deeds he stands.

9. Tithing in the New Testament

Many people know the old testament references to tithing, but what does the bible say about paying tithes in the New Testament? Is tithing in the New Testament, or was it a concept only found in the Old Testament? Let’s take a look at the following New Testament scriptures.

1.       Matthew 23:23: "Woe to you, teachers of the law…You give a tenth…But you have neglected the more important matters-- justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former.

2.       Luke 6:38: If you give, you will get! Your gift will return to you in full and overflowing measure, pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, and running over. Whatever measure you use to give-- large or small-- will be used to measure what is given back to you.

3.       Luke 6:38: Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."

4.       Luke 18:9–14: He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt: “Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.’ But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”

5.       Matthew 6:1–4: Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven. Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

6.       2 Corinthians 8:2–2: Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity.  For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints.

7.       2 Corinthians 8:5: They gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us in keeping with God's will.

8.       2 Corinthians 8:7: Just as you excel in everything-- in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us-- see that you also excel in this grace of giving.

9.       2 Corinthians 8:10–11: Last year you were the first not only to give but also to have the desire to do so.  Now finish the work, so that your eager willingness to do it may be matched by your completion of it, according to your means.

10.     2 Corinthians 8:12: If the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what he does not have.

11.     2 Corinthians 8:20–21: We want to avoid any criticism of the way we administer this liberal gift.  For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of men.

12.     2 Corinthians 9:5: I thought it necessary to urge the brothers to visit you in advance and finish the arrangements for the generous gift you had promised. Then it will be ready as a generous gift, not as one grudgingly given.

13.     2 Corinthians 9:6: Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.

14.     2 Corinthians 9:7: Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

15.     2 Corinthians 9:8: God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.

16.     2 Corinthians 9:10: Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness.

17.     2 Corinthians 9:11: You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.

18.     2 Corinthians 9:12: This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God's people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God.

19.     2 Corinthians 9:13: Men will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else.

20.     Matthew 6:26: Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?

21.     Matthew 6:27–31: Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?  So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?'   For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.

22.     Matthew 6:33–34: Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things (food, clothing, drink) will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

23.     Mark 12:41–44: Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a fraction of a penny.  Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others.  They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything-- all she had to live on."

24.     1 Corinthians 16:2: On every Lord's Day each of you should put aside something from what you have earned during the week, and use it for this offering. The amount depends on how much the Lord has helped you earn.

25.     1 Timothy 6:6–8: Godliness with contentment is great gain.  For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it.  But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.

26.     1 Timothy 6:9: People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction.

27.     1 Timothy 6:17–19: Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.  Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.  In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.

28.     Matthew 6:19–21: (Jesus said) "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.  But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.  For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

29.     Matthew 6:21: Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

30.     Hebrews 6:10: God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.

31.     Acts 2:44–45: All the believers were together and had everything in common.  Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need.

32.     Romans 12:13: Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality.

33.     Hebrews 13:16: Do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.

34.     Hebrews 7:1–2: For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of the Most High God, met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him, and to him Abraham apportioned a tenth part of everything. He is first, by translation of his name, king of righteousness, and then he is also king of Salem, that is, king of peace.

35.     I John 3:17: If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him?

36.     Luke 18:22–25: When Jesus heard this, he said to the rich young ruler, "You still lack one thing. Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me."  When he heard this, he became very sad, because he was a man of great wealth.  Jesus looked at him and said, "How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God!  Indeed, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God."

37.     Luke 11:42: But woe to you Pharisees! For you tithe mint and rue and every herb, and neglect justice and the love of God. These you ought to have done, without neglecting the others.

38.     Galatians 6:6:Those who are taught the Word of God should help their teachers by paying them.

39.     Galatians 6:6: Anyone who receives instruction in the word must share all good things with his instructor.

40.     Matthew 25:35–40: I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.'  "Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink?’…"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'

41.     Acts 20:35: (Remember Jesus’ words when he said) “It is more blessed to give than to receive.

10. Living a generous life

Tithing was used by God in the Old Testament to take care of his people. Today, Christ works through your offerings to advance his kingdom and bless others. To participate in Christ's work, it’s essential to live a generous life. A generous life includes serving with your time and talents. But for the sake of this post, let’s talk about three ways you can become a generous giver:

•         Study the Bible

•         Pray about your situation

•         Seek counsel

To live for Christ, you have to know what Christ asks of you. To do this, you have to study the Bible. When it comes to a generous life, it’s essential to study these topics:

•         Bible verses about tithing

•         Bible verses about money

•         Bible verses about saving money and investing

•         Stewardship in the Bible

Studying these topics is the foundation of living a generous life for Christ. After studying the Bible, the second best thing to do is to pray about your situation. Praying through what you’ve studied is one of the best ways you can receive guidance in your life from Christ. He will guide you through his Word, and give you the grace you need to live a generous life. Even though you have to take personal responsibility for your life, Christ doesn’t call you to do it alone. He invites you to seek counsel in your life. When it comes to your finances and your thoughts around tithing in the bible, getting advice from a friend, pastor, or financial advisor can make a significant difference. Someone looking at your situation from the outside can provide new insight or confirm what you’re already thinking. These three principles work best together, and as you strive to live a generous life, they will point you in the right direction.

Over to you

Let me leave you with this parting word: Be generous like Jesus was generous. Regardless of what you decide to believe about tithing, my hope is that you’ll model Jesus’ generosity—and not get hung up on the theological minutia. As a Christian, your goal is to be like Jesus. Jesus modeled a generous life, and he calls you to reflect his generosity. In the words of the Apostle John: “Whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which [Jesus] walked” (1 John 2:6). Today, I encourage you to follow in the footsteps of your saviour and live a generous life.

11. Does our tithe all have to go to our church or can part of it go to a Christian ministry?

The Bible does not mention “special offerings” for Christian causes or parachurch Christian ministries. The Bible simply tells us to give to the Lord (1 Corinthians 16:2; 2 Corinthians 9:7). Of course, we should be giving to the church we attend, serve at, and worship in! If a Christian believes the Lord is leading him to give 10%, does that entire 10% have to go to the church, or can it be split between the church and other Christian purposes? Sadly, the answer to this question usually breaks down based on who is responding. Churches / pastors definitely want that the full 10% to go to the church, and any other Christian giving should be above and beyond the 10%. Christian ministries and causes usually teach that the 10% figure for giving can be divided between churches and ministries according to the Lord’s leading.

So, which view is correct? The church holds that a believer’s primary giving should be to his/her local church with any "additional offerings" to other Christian causes. Some however, do not believe, that a believer is legalistically required to give 10% or any other set amount. The Bible instructs believers in Christ to give generously, to give cheerfully, and to give regularly. There is no biblical formula for how to split a tithe between a church and another Christian organization. If a Christian believes the tithe is binding on believers today, the 10% should go to the church (based on the storehouse principle of Malachi 3:10). Further, if a believer prayerfully decides to give 10% in offerings, we believe he/she can give as the Spirit leads him/her; i.e., 8% to their church and 2% to other Christian causes. What matters is that believers make sacrificial financial offerings to God’s work, wherever and in whatever way He leads. Believers should pray for wisdom in regard to how much and to whom God would have them make their offerings.

12. Does the teaching on tithing in Malachi 3:9-10 apply to us today?

Malachi 3:9-10 is often used to teach the need for Christians to tithe to local churches today. That passage reads, “You are cursed with a curse, for you are robbing me, the whole nation of you. Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the LORD of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need.” Does this teaching apply to Christians today?

1. The context of this passage concerns the Israelites not bringing their offerings to the temple. Because of their disobedience, God had judged them with a small harvest. The Lord challenged them to bring the “full tithe” of grain sacrifices (Leviticus 6:14-23) and see that He would bless them with an abundance of future crops. The “storehouse,” mentioned in verse 10, is a place to store grain in the temple.

2. This passage teaches that the Jews were to give a tithe as part of the temple worship, but it does not teach that Christians are to give to churches. Malachi was written more than 400 years before the start of the first church in Jerusalem. Applying its command of temple giving to the local church takes these verses out of their original context.

Are New Testament Christians commanded to tithe or not? To be clear, a tithe is literally a “tenth,” or 10 percent. Abraham gave a tenth of all he had to the priest of Salem in Genesis 14:20. Later, the Mosaic Law included commands to give a tenth for tabernacle worship. Tithing is mentioned 18 times in the Law, as the people were to share their produce and livestock to support the Levites, the caretakers of the tabernacle. This same system of tithing would later be applied to the temple (2 Chronicles 31:5).

Jesus rebuked the religious leaders of His day, saying, “But woe to you Pharisees! For you tithe mint and rue and every herb, and neglect justice and the love of God. These you ought to have done, without neglecting the others” (Luke 11:42). These Pharisees obeyed the Law of Moses in that they tithed scrupulously, yet did not truly love God. They were challenged to do both. The Law was fulfilled in Jesus Christ (Matthew 5:17). When the church began to grow beyond the Jewish people and reach Gentiles, leaders struggled with whether or not to command these new believers to follow the Mosaic Law. In the end, only a few instructions were given for the sake of peace, but tithing was not among them (Acts 15:19-21).

The principle in the New Testament is to give voluntarily to support the needs of others (Acts 2:45; Romans 15:25-27), to support Christian workers (1 Corinthians 9:11-12; 1 Timothy 5:18), and expand Christian outreach (Philippians 4:15-16). No specific amount is ever commanded, and no percentage is suggested. While a tithe or tenth of one’s finances may be a good standard to use for Christian giving, it is clear the early church did not focus on a specific amount but rather on meeting needs. This sometimes included giving much more than a tenth, as some believers sold homes or land to meet the needs that existed in the church (Acts 4:34-37).

13.  Should we tithe off our gross or net income?

The tithe is an Old Testament concept, a requirement of the law in which all Israelites were to give 10 percent of everything they earned—or the crops and animals they grew—to the tabernacle or temple (Leviticus 27:30; Numbers 18:26; Deuteronomy 14:24; 2 Chronicles 31:5). Believers in Christ are not commanded to give 10 percent of their income. Christians should diligently pray and seek God’s wisdom as to how much they should give (James 1:5). Many people believe that the Old Testament tithe is a good principle for believers to follow. Giving 10 percent of your income back to God demonstrates your thankfulness to Him for what He has provided and helps you to remember to rely on God instead of on riches.

The Bible does not specifically say whether we should give 10 percent of our gross or net income. The Old Testament teaches the principle of firstfruits (Exodus 23:16; 34:22; Leviticus 2:12-14; 2 Chronicles 31:5). Old Testament believers gave from the best of their crops, not the leftovers. The same principle could apply to our giving today. Again, a believer should give what he believes God would have him give. It all goes back to the attitude of the heart. Are we giving out of reverence for God or out of selfishness for our own wealth? “Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7).

14. Should a Christian tithe off miscellaneous income?

For a general understanding of the issue of tithing for Christians,

Whether or not a Christian should give a percentage of an inheritance—or for that matter any source of income—to the church or other Christian ministry is the subject of debate within the Christian community. There is also the question of whether or not an inheritance can even be considered income. As for the amount of our giving, some in the Christian church have taken the 10 percent figure from the Old Testament tithe and applied it as a “recommended minimum” for Christians in their giving. Some say give on what you make before taxes (gross income), and others say give on what is left over after taxes and deductions (net income). Much debate and argument on the details of tithing and giving have needlessly occurred, sometimes even splitting churches and dividing Christians from one another.

It should be remembered that the tithe was a requirement of the Mosaic Law in which all Israelites were to give 10 percent of everything they earned and grew to the Tabernacle/Temple (Leviticus 27:30; Numbers 18:26; Deuteronomy 14:24; 2 Chronicles 31:5). In fact, the Old Testament Law required multiple tithes which would have pushed the total to around 23.3 percent, not the 10 percent which is generally considered the tithe amount today. But the Bible is clear that tithing was part of the Mosaic Law for the nation of Israel, not for all mankind. Just as Christians are not required to sacrifice animals or observe the ceremonial laws regarding washing and other rituals, neither are we required to give a set percentage of our income, regardless of how it is acquired.

The New Testament references giving in 1 Corinthians 16:1-2, and there we find the principle for giving for Christians. Paul exhorts the Corinthian church to set money aside “for God’s people,” to do it on the first day of the week, and to save it and set it aside in keeping with the income of the giver. “Income” is not defined, except that in the King James Version, the word is translated “as God has prospered him.” From this we can say that inheritance, gifts, winnings, tax refunds, legal settlements, etc., are part of being prospered by God and should be included in income. But, again, the amount of the inheritance to be offered is not defined. Another principle for offerings is found in 2 Corinthians 9:6-7 where Paul again exhorts the Corinthian believers to give generously from their hearts, each one deciding before God what to give. Paul explains that it is not the amount or the percentage or the source of the income, but the attitude of the heart that is important to God. Each should give “cheerfully,” not as one under the compulsion of a legalistic mindset or the requirements set down by others. We should never give to get, never give to be noticed, and never give to be spiritually rewarded. If we are in fellowship with God and at peace with our giving, then all is well. As with all things, wisdom should be sought from God, who has promised to give it generously (James 1:5), just as we are to generously and cheerfully give back to Him.