8 October, 2006
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8 October, 2006
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New Testament Giving
Versus "Tithing"
Brian R. Kenyon A preacher was once asked why he did not preach tithing. He responded by saying that he could not afford to preach it because it would cut the contribution too much. His point was that where he preached, the members gave well beyond 10% of their income. However, not many congregations would fall into that category. Some have estimated that our brotherhood's contributions represent 5-7% of our collective income, while other estimates claiming to be more accurate say our contributions only represent 2-3% of our collective income.1 In either case, it is not too difficult to see why many congregations do not have the funds to properly do the Lord's work. Contributions would probably double or even triple if members gave 10%. This often brings up the question, "What about tithing?" Let us compare tithing under the Old Testament with New Testament giving. Old Testament "Tithing" The practice of tithing existed long before the Law was given to Moses at Sinai. Many nations in ancient history tithed property, produce, and/or currency. Some Biblical examples are Abram, who paid a tenth to Melchizedeck (Gen. 14:17-20), and Jacob, who promised to give God a tenth of everything (Gen. 28:20-22). Considering all requirements under the Law of Moses, the Israelites actually gave closer to 30%.2 According to the Pentateuch, there were three different tithes. First, a tithe was to be given by the people to support the Levites who had no inheritance (Num. 18:20-32). Second, a tithe was to be given of the land that was "holy unto the Lord" (Lev. 27:30-33). Third, a yearly tithe was to be given to keep appointed feasts along with a special tithe that was to be given every third year (Deut. 14:22-29). The first century Jewish historian, Josephus, wrote two
interesting statements in The Antiquities of the Jews concerning Jewish
tithing. First, "Let there be taken out of your fruits a tenth, besides
that which you have allotted to give to the priests and Levites. This
you may indeed sell in the country, but it is to be used in those feasts
and sacrifices that are celebrated in the holy city" (Book 4, 8,
8). Second, "Besides those two tithes which I have already said you
are to pay every year...you are to bring every third year a third tithe
to be distributed to those who are in want" (Book 4, 8, 22). To say
that the Jews were required to give only a tenth in not accurate! As we examine the Prophets, we note that God's people abused tithing in at least two ways. First, they "tithed," but with no intention of showing concern for justice, righteousness, or mercy (cf. Amos 4:4). Tithing was supposed to be motivated by genuine love and joy for God and one's brethren (Deut. 14:23, 26, 28-29). However, when given from wrong motives, tithing was an abomination to the Lord. Second, God's people withheld their tithes, thus "robbing" God (Mal. 3:8-10). This was also an abomination to God and would result in a withdrawal of God's blessings if continued. Under the Law, tithing gave Israel the following opportunities: (1) to declare that they were giving back a portion of what already belonged to God (Deut. 8:18; 26:10-15); (2) to remember the blessings that God gave them by imitating Him and His care for those in need (Deut. 14:28-29); and (3) to serve God sacrificially, at a cost to themselves (Deut. 14:22). These same opportunities are also available to us in our giving. New Testament Giving We are no longer under the Law of Moses (Gal. 3:24-25; Col. 2:14), including God's law of tithing. However, to say that we are not under the Law does not mean that our responsibility to give is somehow lessened or that it does not matter.4 The New Testament teaches that we are to give liberally (Rom. 12:8; 2 Cor. 8:2; 9:11-13). New Testament examples show that our giving can exceed 10%. Jesus set forth the poor widow as a good giver because "she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living" (Mk. 12:44). Note what Jesus required of the rich young ruler before he could inherit eternal life: "sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me" (Lk. 18:24). The Lord approved of Zacchaeus because, among other things, he said, "the half of my goods I give to the poor" (Lk. 19:8-9). The Jerusalem church, recognizing that everything they possessed was not their own, sold their goods and "brought the prices of the things that were sold, And laid them down at the apostles' feet" (Acts 4:32, 34-35). The churches of Macedonia gave liberally out of far greater affliction and poverty than any of us will likely experience in our lifetime (2 Cor. 8:1-5). All these examples reflect great sacrifice on the part of the giver. Can we expect any less of our giving today? Let us conclude by noting some principles that must govern our giving.5 First, perhaps the Lord has not set a definite percentage to our giving for the purpose of proving the sincerity of our love (2 Cor. 8:8). How sincere does our love for God prove to be when measured by what we give? Second, God does not want us to give reluctantly or merely out of duty, but cheerfully (2 Cor. 9:7). Do we give cheerfully or "Just because I have to"? Third, acceptable giving requires sacrifice on the part of the giver (2 Cor. 8:5). David exemplified this by saying he would not "offer burnt offerings unto the LORD my God of that which doth cost me nothing" (2 Sam. 24:24). Do we sacrifice or just give God the "leftovers"? Fourth, we are to give as God has prospered us (1 Cor. 16:2). Do we increase our giving when our financial prosperity increases? Fifth, God requires us to give liberally (2 Cor. 9:11, 13). Does God consider our giving to be liberal or are we robbing Him? Giving is a serious matter, both for our soul's salvation and for the well being of the church! Let's give as the New Testament directs! End Notes
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