The word “tithe” only occurs 8 times in the New Testament (Mt. 23:23; Lk. 11:42; 18:12; Heb. 7:5-9). Three times by Jesus as he condemned the Pharisees and 5 times in the book of Hebrews as part of the evidence that God’s New Covenant made the old covenant obsolete. Conclusion: “tithing” plays no role in the early church nor in the giving of early Christians. Therefore, “tithing” was not the standard of giving of Christians in the early church.
There are New Testament Scriptures that command/describe Christian giving.
Lk 12:48 “Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more.”
Acts 4:32-37 “Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common. 33 And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. 34 There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold 35 and laid it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need. 36 Thus Joseph, who was also called by the apostles Barnabas (which means son of encouragement), a Levite, a native of Cyprus, 37 sold a field that belonged to him and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet.”
Ac 11:29 “So the disciples determined, every one according to his ability, to send relief to the brothers living in Judea.”
1 Cor 16:1-2 “Now concerning the collection for the saints: as I directed the churches of Galatia, so you also are to do. 2 On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper, so that there will be no collecting when I come.”
2 Cor 8:1-4 “We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia, 2 for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part. 3 For they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own accord, 4 begging us earnestly for the favor of taking part in the relief of the saints— 5 and this, not as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then by the will of God to us.”
2 Cor 9:6-7 “The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 7 Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
These verses reveal that a Christian’s giving is to be:
1- generous (very generous when need arises)
3- according to our means
4- beyond our means
6- collected when the church meets
1- What truths do you believe these Scriptures reveal about your giving as a Christian?
2- After you answer that question, then ask the LORD to show you His view of your wealth and income and possessions.
3- Then ask the LORD to show you what changes He wants you to make concerning your giving.
4- Then do exactly what the LORD commands without hesitation.
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