What's All This About Tithing??
Have you ever wondered exactly what a tithing is all about? Ever wonder if or why tithing applies to you? Why can’t we just decide for ourselves what to do with our own money. It is ours, after all. Isn’t it up to us to choose what to do with our money?? Well if these questions are striking home then join us as we explore the topic of tithing.
Now I am fully aware that this is a hot topic, both for Christians and non-Christians alike. Many people feel strongly that one has to tithe to the church they attend. Many others feel that nobody should be able to tell them what to do with their own money. So where should we start our study? I think the place to begin is with an understanding of what tithing really means.
Tithing quite simply, is the payment of one-tenth of the increase of one’s assets to the temple. I say temple because we are talking about an Old Testament law and there were no churches at the time. The purpose was to support the Levites, the priests of Israel, as they had no other means of income.
But what does one-tenth of the increase of ones assets mean? Well, if you earned $50,000 for the year it would mean you paid $5,000 to the temple. Simple as that. In Old Testament times, Israel was primarily an agrarian society. So the harvest of crops would require 1/10th to be set aside as well as 1/10th of the animals born in the flocks.
So now that we understand what a tithe was when God instituted the law, let us ask the question on everyone’s mind. Is tithing required for a Christian?
I think to understand the Mosaic laws in the proper context, we need to see exactly who they apply to. Deut 4:1, “Hear now, O Israel, the decrees and laws I am about to teach you. Follow them so that you may live and may go in and take possession of the land that the LORD, the God of your fathers, is giving you.”
In Deuteronomy 4:1 we see the laws, commands and decrees, were actually given to Israel, prior to their entering Canaan. We see this being repeated in Deut 4:5 “See, I have taught you decrees and laws as the LORD my God commanded me, so that you may follow them in the land you are entering to take possession of it.”
From here on you will see this truth being pointed out several times; Deut 4:14 “And the LORD directed me at that time to teach you the decrees and laws you are to follow in the land that you are crossing the Jordan to possess.”, 4:44 “This is the law Moses set before the Israelites.”, 5:1 “Moses summoned all Israel and said: Hear, O Israel, the decrees and laws I declare in your hearing today. Learn them and be sure to follow them.”, 6:1 “These are the commands, decrees and laws the LORD your God directed me to teach you to observe in the land that you are crossing the Jordan to possess…”, to list a few.
Another reminder about the decrees and laws that the Israelites are to obey is found in Deut 12:1 “These are the decrees and laws you must be careful to follow in the land that the LORD, the God of your fathers, has given you to possess—as long as you live in the land.”
After this latest command to obey the laws, we see the first appearance of tithing in Deut 12:6 “…there bring your burnt offerings and sacrifices, your tithes and special gifts, what you have vowed to give and your freewill offerings, and the firstborn of your herds and flocks.” So it seems clear that tithing is established in the law at this point. (See also Lev starting in chapter 27 & Num starting in chapter 18 for commands on tithing.)
What do we learn from these verses? It seems clear that not only was tithing established in the Law of Moses, it was commanded for the Israelites alone. There is no hint, not the slightest inference that these laws apply to anyone other than the people of Israel.
Is it possible that Jesus extended the Law of Moses to include Gentiles when He came to Earth?? Luke 24:44 “He said to them, "This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms."”
Jesus didn’t come to extend the law to the Gentiles, he came to fulfill the law of Moses & the Prophets and Psalms that was written about Him. He completed the requirements of the Old Covenant God had created with the Hebrews!
Now this is all well and good but how do we know that the Mosaic law is not still in force today? After all, many people today maintain that the Law is still binding, even on Christians. So just how DO we know if it is or not?
I have always held that what is binding on a Christian is found exclusively in the New Testament. In so doing, it would make sense that there must be some evidence in scripture to support our beliefs. If not, then we are wrong! So we must test what we think against God’s word and see if our thoughts are right or wrong. And as far as our questions about the Mosaic Law are concerned, we need look no further than Acts 15!
This is the scripture that tells us of the debate that took place as to whether the Gentiles had to obey the Law of Moses or not. While I will not cover the entire chapter here, this is a chapter that is most definitely worth reading!
One side in the debate held that the Gentiles had to become Jewish converts obeying the law of Moses first before they could become Christians. Acts 15:1, “Some men came down from Judea to Antioch and were teaching the brothers: "Unless you are circumcised, according to the custom taught by Moses, you cannot be saved."”
The other side maintained that the Gentiles did not need to be Jewish to be Christian. Acts 15:2, “This brought Paul and Barnabas into sharp dispute and debate with them. So Paul and Barnabas were appointed, along with some other believers, to go up to Jerusalem to see the apostles and elders about this question.”
Acts 15:5 restates the case of this first group: Acts 15:5, “Then some of the believers who belonged to the party of the Pharisees stood up and said, "The Gentiles must be circumcised and required to obey the law of Moses."” The Pharisees wanted the Gentiles to obey the Law of Moses. Note they meant ALL the law. They make no distinction between individual laws.
We can only imagine the excitement and energy of the debate. Peter presents some elegant testimony in Acts 15:7-11 for the opposing point of view, followed by testimony from Barnabas and Paul supporting Peter‘s position, although we don’t have a record of their statements.
We find the decision and end result in Acts 15:23-29, “With them they sent the following letter: The apostles and elders, your brothers, To the Gentile believers in Antioch, Syria and Cilicia: Greetings. We have heard that some went out from us without our authorization and disturbed you, troubling your minds by what they said. So we all agreed to choose some men and send them to you with our dear friends Barnabas and Paul— men who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore we are sending Judas and Silas to confirm by word of mouth what we are writing. It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us not to burden you with anything beyond the following requirements: You are to abstain from food sacrificed to idols, from blood, from the meat of strangled animals and from sexual immorality. You will do well to avoid these things. Farewell.” Note there is no mention of mandatory tithes - none! The conclusion of the debate supports our conclusion. We are not subject to the Mosaic laws.
Is there more evidence for us to find that supports our position? The book of Galatians is written by Paul to make the very point that we are no longer under the law, but justified by faith. You will find this statement in Gal 3:24-25, “So the law was put in charge to lead us to Christ that we might be justified by faith. Now that faith has come, we are no longer under the supervision of the law.” Again we see that we are not subject to the law!
Col 2:13-14, “When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your sinful nature, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the written code, with its regulations, that was against us and that stood opposed to us; he took it away, nailing it to the cross.” Once more we have evidence that we are not under the law.
So is tithing ever mentioned in the New Testament? Hebrews 7:5, “Now the law requires the descendants of Levi who become priests to collect a tenth from the people—that is, their brothers—even though their brothers are descended from Abraham.” This verse makes the point that the law requires the descendants of Levi who become priests to collect a tenth or tithe from the people.
Now, are we still under the Mosaic law where tithing is concerned? Heb 7:11, “If perfection could have been attained through the Levitical priesthood (for on the basis of it the law was given to the people), why was there still need for another priest to come—one in the order of Melchizedek, not in the order of Aaron?” See the implication in this verse? Jesus is a priest in the order of Melchizedek, not Aaron. Our high priest has changed from the order of Aaron to the order of Melchizedek!
If nothing else, the previous verse makes it clear we are not under the old order. But is this a temporary situation? Heb 7:17 declares “…you are a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.” And here we see that this is not a temporary situation, it is eternal!
And just why do we need a change in the in the law? Heb 7:12, “For when there is a change of the priesthood, there must also be a change of the law.” Did you see that? When there is a change in the priesthood, there must also be a change in the law.
We see that there is a need for a change in the law, but we have to ask for what reason? Why did the law need to change? Heb 7:18-19, “The former regulation is set aside because it was weak and useless (for the law made nothing perfect), and a better hope is introduced, by which we draw near to God.” The Mosaic law is called weak and useless! Weak and useless in the sense that it could not improve us or save us from death. It could only show us how far short we fall from self-effort and from God’s standards.
At this point we can see the groundwork being laid for the replacement of the covenant that was given through Moses. Heb 8:7, “For if there had been nothing wrong with that first covenant, no place would have been sought for another.” It was not that the law is not perfect, rather it could not achieve salvation for us. And now God tells us why He institutes a new covenant!
Heb 8: 8-12, “But God found fault with the people and said:
"The time is coming, declares the Lord,
when I will make a new covenant
with the house of Israel
and with the house of Judah.
It will not be like the covenant
I made with their forefathers
when I took them by the hand
to lead them out of Egypt,
because they did not remain faithful to my covenant,
and I turned away from them, declares the Lord.
This is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel
after that time, declares the Lord.
I will put my laws in their minds
and write them on their hearts.
I will be their God,
and they will be my people.
No longer will a man teach his neighbor,
or a man his brother, saying, 'Know the Lord,'
because they will all know me,
from the least of them to the greatest.
For I will forgive their wickedness
and will remember their sins no more."”
God declares that He will make a new covenant. It is the covenant that Jesus sealed with His own blood when He died on the cross and was raised from the dead.
The writer of Hebrews sums up Heb 8 in Heb 8:13, “By calling this covenant "new," he has made the first one obsolete; and what is obsolete and aging will soon disappear.” The covenant of Jesus Christ is declared “new” thereby making the first obsolete which the writer says will soon pass away.
From all the evidence we’ve examined, we must conclude that we are not under any law from the Old Testament that was not brought forth and maintained in the New Testament. Our conclusions are validated by scripture from the New Testament. And note that the scriptures were all taken in the context they were meant. And because of this, we are able to conclude with confidence that the law concerning tithing is not binding on Christians!
So we have answered the question, “Do I really have to tithe?” The answer is no. But does this mean a Christian never need share his or her wealth, that we never have to give anything to anyone? Not at all!
2 Cor 8:1-4, “And now, brothers, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. 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.” Here we see people in poverty from the Macedonian churches, pleading for the privilege of sharing. Note the word, “privilege“, not obligation or requirement. Note also in verse 8, “I am not commanding you, but I want to test the sincerity of your love by comparing it with the earnestness of others.” Paul states he is not commanding the Corinthians to give.
So what is the responsibility of a Christian where wealth is concerned? 2 Cor 9:6-8, “Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And 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.” Now we see what God asks of a Christian. To give generously. Each man should decide in his heart what to give and where, not with reluctance or under compulsion. We should give cheerfully for God loves this. And He also promises to be generous in return.
Now please understand that I’m not saying you should never give to your church. This sermon is not meant to direct dollars away from your fellowship but rather to give us the proper understanding of scripture and replace the reluctance and compulsion that we may feel from Old Testament tithing with the joy of New Testament giving and serving, that we should feel.
Remember churches have expenses like everyone else and need donations to meet their obligations. 1 Tim 5:17-18, “The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching. For the Scripture says, "Do not muzzle the ox while it is treading out the grain," and "The worker deserves his wages."”
Your pastor works hard for you and deserves his salary as do the other people that are employed by your church. They have to eat, pay bills and meet the needs and wants of their families just as you do with yours! You want the best from your elders and church staff and they want to give you the best they have. Please don’t allow money concerns to distract them from their work.
All I’m saying is that you should allow God to guide you in the matter and give as God moves and directs you to give, generously and cheerfully without reluctance. And your church should benefit from part of that giving!
Tithe is an Old Testament term. It was demanded by the law - compulsory. I do not see where this was brought into the New Testament. The forced payment of debt, if you will, was replaced with the joy of giving. We as Christians give, not because we have to but because we want to, as we are moved to do so by the Holy Spirit.
This begs the question, will there always be enough? 2 Cor 9:10-11, “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. 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.”
There will always be more than enough! God supplies us from His storehouse, not ours. In other words, the more you give the more you get! God blesses us abundantly. Sometimes with material goods, more times with spiritual blessings. Giving money, property or time does not guarantee more money or property in our pockets but it does guarantee blessings in abundance. And yes, I do believe in giving generously!
In His name…
Copyright © 2008 Church of Hope, Inc.
Have you ever wondered exactly what a tithing is all about? Ever wonder if or why tithing applies to you? Why can’t we just decide for ourselves what to do with our own money. It is ours, after all. Isn’t it up to us to choose what to do with our money?? Well if these questions are striking home then join us as we explore the topic of tithing.
Now I am fully aware that this is a hot topic, both for Christians and non-Christians alike. Many people feel strongly that one has to tithe to the church they attend. Many others feel that nobody should be able to tell them what to do with their own money. So where should we start our study? I think the place to begin is with an understanding of what tithing really means.
Tithing quite simply, is the payment of one-tenth of the increase of one’s assets to the temple. I say temple because we are talking about an Old Testament law and there were no churches at the time. The purpose was to support the Levites, the priests of Israel, as they had no other means of income.
But what does one-tenth of the increase of ones assets mean? Well, if you earned $50,000 for the year it would mean you paid $5,000 to the temple. Simple as that. In Old Testament times, Israel was primarily an agrarian society. So the harvest of crops would require 1/10th to be set aside as well as 1/10th of the animals born in the flocks.
So now that we understand what a tithe was when God instituted the law, let us ask the question on everyone’s mind. Is tithing required for a Christian?
I think to understand the Mosaic laws in the proper context, we need to see exactly who they apply to. Deut 4:1, “Hear now, O Israel, the decrees and laws I am about to teach you. Follow them so that you may live and may go in and take possession of the land that the LORD, the God of your fathers, is giving you.”
In Deuteronomy 4:1 we see the laws, commands and decrees, were actually given to Israel, prior to their entering Canaan. We see this being repeated in Deut 4:5 “See, I have taught you decrees and laws as the LORD my God commanded me, so that you may follow them in the land you are entering to take possession of it.”
From here on you will see this truth being pointed out several times; Deut 4:14 “And the LORD directed me at that time to teach you the decrees and laws you are to follow in the land that you are crossing the Jordan to possess.”, 4:44 “This is the law Moses set before the Israelites.”, 5:1 “Moses summoned all Israel and said: Hear, O Israel, the decrees and laws I declare in your hearing today. Learn them and be sure to follow them.”, 6:1 “These are the commands, decrees and laws the LORD your God directed me to teach you to observe in the land that you are crossing the Jordan to possess…”, to list a few.
Another reminder about the decrees and laws that the Israelites are to obey is found in Deut 12:1 “These are the decrees and laws you must be careful to follow in the land that the LORD, the God of your fathers, has given you to possess—as long as you live in the land.”
After this latest command to obey the laws, we see the first appearance of tithing in Deut 12:6 “…there bring your burnt offerings and sacrifices, your tithes and special gifts, what you have vowed to give and your freewill offerings, and the firstborn of your herds and flocks.” So it seems clear that tithing is established in the law at this point. (See also Lev starting in chapter 27 & Num starting in chapter 18 for commands on tithing.)
What do we learn from these verses? It seems clear that not only was tithing established in the Law of Moses, it was commanded for the Israelites alone. There is no hint, not the slightest inference that these laws apply to anyone other than the people of Israel.
Is it possible that Jesus extended the Law of Moses to include Gentiles when He came to Earth?? Luke 24:44 “He said to them, "This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms."”
Jesus didn’t come to extend the law to the Gentiles, he came to fulfill the law of Moses & the Prophets and Psalms that was written about Him. He completed the requirements of the Old Covenant God had created with the Hebrews!
Now this is all well and good but how do we know that the Mosaic law is not still in force today? After all, many people today maintain that the Law is still binding, even on Christians. So just how DO we know if it is or not?
I have always held that what is binding on a Christian is found exclusively in the New Testament. In so doing, it would make sense that there must be some evidence in scripture to support our beliefs. If not, then we are wrong! So we must test what we think against God’s word and see if our thoughts are right or wrong. And as far as our questions about the Mosaic Law are concerned, we need look no further than Acts 15!
This is the scripture that tells us of the debate that took place as to whether the Gentiles had to obey the Law of Moses or not. While I will not cover the entire chapter here, this is a chapter that is most definitely worth reading!
One side in the debate held that the Gentiles had to become Jewish converts obeying the law of Moses first before they could become Christians. Acts 15:1, “Some men came down from Judea to Antioch and were teaching the brothers: "Unless you are circumcised, according to the custom taught by Moses, you cannot be saved."”
The other side maintained that the Gentiles did not need to be Jewish to be Christian. Acts 15:2, “This brought Paul and Barnabas into sharp dispute and debate with them. So Paul and Barnabas were appointed, along with some other believers, to go up to Jerusalem to see the apostles and elders about this question.”
Acts 15:5 restates the case of this first group: Acts 15:5, “Then some of the believers who belonged to the party of the Pharisees stood up and said, "The Gentiles must be circumcised and required to obey the law of Moses."” The Pharisees wanted the Gentiles to obey the Law of Moses. Note they meant ALL the law. They make no distinction between individual laws.
We can only imagine the excitement and energy of the debate. Peter presents some elegant testimony in Acts 15:7-11 for the opposing point of view, followed by testimony from Barnabas and Paul supporting Peter‘s position, although we don’t have a record of their statements.
We find the decision and end result in Acts 15:23-29, “With them they sent the following letter: The apostles and elders, your brothers, To the Gentile believers in Antioch, Syria and Cilicia: Greetings. We have heard that some went out from us without our authorization and disturbed you, troubling your minds by what they said. So we all agreed to choose some men and send them to you with our dear friends Barnabas and Paul— men who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore we are sending Judas and Silas to confirm by word of mouth what we are writing. It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us not to burden you with anything beyond the following requirements: You are to abstain from food sacrificed to idols, from blood, from the meat of strangled animals and from sexual immorality. You will do well to avoid these things. Farewell.” Note there is no mention of mandatory tithes - none! The conclusion of the debate supports our conclusion. We are not subject to the Mosaic laws.
Is there more evidence for us to find that supports our position? The book of Galatians is written by Paul to make the very point that we are no longer under the law, but justified by faith. You will find this statement in Gal 3:24-25, “So the law was put in charge to lead us to Christ that we might be justified by faith. Now that faith has come, we are no longer under the supervision of the law.” Again we see that we are not subject to the law!
Col 2:13-14, “When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your sinful nature, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the written code, with its regulations, that was against us and that stood opposed to us; he took it away, nailing it to the cross.” Once more we have evidence that we are not under the law.
So is tithing ever mentioned in the New Testament? Hebrews 7:5, “Now the law requires the descendants of Levi who become priests to collect a tenth from the people—that is, their brothers—even though their brothers are descended from Abraham.” This verse makes the point that the law requires the descendants of Levi who become priests to collect a tenth or tithe from the people.
Now, are we still under the Mosaic law where tithing is concerned? Heb 7:11, “If perfection could have been attained through the Levitical priesthood (for on the basis of it the law was given to the people), why was there still need for another priest to come—one in the order of Melchizedek, not in the order of Aaron?” See the implication in this verse? Jesus is a priest in the order of Melchizedek, not Aaron. Our high priest has changed from the order of Aaron to the order of Melchizedek!
If nothing else, the previous verse makes it clear we are not under the old order. But is this a temporary situation? Heb 7:17 declares “…you are a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.” And here we see that this is not a temporary situation, it is eternal!
And just why do we need a change in the in the law? Heb 7:12, “For when there is a change of the priesthood, there must also be a change of the law.” Did you see that? When there is a change in the priesthood, there must also be a change in the law.
We see that there is a need for a change in the law, but we have to ask for what reason? Why did the law need to change? Heb 7:18-19, “The former regulation is set aside because it was weak and useless (for the law made nothing perfect), and a better hope is introduced, by which we draw near to God.” The Mosaic law is called weak and useless! Weak and useless in the sense that it could not improve us or save us from death. It could only show us how far short we fall from self-effort and from God’s standards.
At this point we can see the groundwork being laid for the replacement of the covenant that was given through Moses. Heb 8:7, “For if there had been nothing wrong with that first covenant, no place would have been sought for another.” It was not that the law is not perfect, rather it could not achieve salvation for us. And now God tells us why He institutes a new covenant!
Heb 8: 8-12, “But God found fault with the people and said:
"The time is coming, declares the Lord,
when I will make a new covenant
with the house of Israel
and with the house of Judah.
It will not be like the covenant
I made with their forefathers
when I took them by the hand
to lead them out of Egypt,
because they did not remain faithful to my covenant,
and I turned away from them, declares the Lord.
This is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel
after that time, declares the Lord.
I will put my laws in their minds
and write them on their hearts.
I will be their God,
and they will be my people.
No longer will a man teach his neighbor,
or a man his brother, saying, 'Know the Lord,'
because they will all know me,
from the least of them to the greatest.
For I will forgive their wickedness
and will remember their sins no more."”
God declares that He will make a new covenant. It is the covenant that Jesus sealed with His own blood when He died on the cross and was raised from the dead.
The writer of Hebrews sums up Heb 8 in Heb 8:13, “By calling this covenant "new," he has made the first one obsolete; and what is obsolete and aging will soon disappear.” The covenant of Jesus Christ is declared “new” thereby making the first obsolete which the writer says will soon pass away.
From all the evidence we’ve examined, we must conclude that we are not under any law from the Old Testament that was not brought forth and maintained in the New Testament. Our conclusions are validated by scripture from the New Testament. And note that the scriptures were all taken in the context they were meant. And because of this, we are able to conclude with confidence that the law concerning tithing is not binding on Christians!
So we have answered the question, “Do I really have to tithe?” The answer is no. But does this mean a Christian never need share his or her wealth, that we never have to give anything to anyone? Not at all!
2 Cor 8:1-4, “And now, brothers, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. 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.” Here we see people in poverty from the Macedonian churches, pleading for the privilege of sharing. Note the word, “privilege“, not obligation or requirement. Note also in verse 8, “I am not commanding you, but I want to test the sincerity of your love by comparing it with the earnestness of others.” Paul states he is not commanding the Corinthians to give.
So what is the responsibility of a Christian where wealth is concerned? 2 Cor 9:6-8, “Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And 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.” Now we see what God asks of a Christian. To give generously. Each man should decide in his heart what to give and where, not with reluctance or under compulsion. We should give cheerfully for God loves this. And He also promises to be generous in return.
Now please understand that I’m not saying you should never give to your church. This sermon is not meant to direct dollars away from your fellowship but rather to give us the proper understanding of scripture and replace the reluctance and compulsion that we may feel from Old Testament tithing with the joy of New Testament giving and serving, that we should feel.
Remember churches have expenses like everyone else and need donations to meet their obligations. 1 Tim 5:17-18, “The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching. For the Scripture says, "Do not muzzle the ox while it is treading out the grain," and "The worker deserves his wages."”
Your pastor works hard for you and deserves his salary as do the other people that are employed by your church. They have to eat, pay bills and meet the needs and wants of their families just as you do with yours! You want the best from your elders and church staff and they want to give you the best they have. Please don’t allow money concerns to distract them from their work.
All I’m saying is that you should allow God to guide you in the matter and give as God moves and directs you to give, generously and cheerfully without reluctance. And your church should benefit from part of that giving!
Tithe is an Old Testament term. It was demanded by the law - compulsory. I do not see where this was brought into the New Testament. The forced payment of debt, if you will, was replaced with the joy of giving. We as Christians give, not because we have to but because we want to, as we are moved to do so by the Holy Spirit.
This begs the question, will there always be enough? 2 Cor 9:10-11, “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. 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.”
There will always be more than enough! God supplies us from His storehouse, not ours. In other words, the more you give the more you get! God blesses us abundantly. Sometimes with material goods, more times with spiritual blessings. Giving money, property or time does not guarantee more money or property in our pockets but it does guarantee blessings in abundance. And yes, I do believe in giving generously!
In His name…
Copyright © 2008 Church of Hope, Inc.