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Money Tips: Tithes and Offerings It seems only fitting to examine this Bible doctrine in relation to our spending or saving money. The devil has caused many to stumble in this area, as he does attack every teaching from the Word of God. As many of you know by now, there was a point in my life that I realized many teachings of the organized church did not line up with Bible doctrine. So I was also curious if this was the case regarding tithes and offerings. In this, I must acknowledge perhaps a root of the carnal nature within me—I wanted to see if I could do with all my finances as I pleased! God’s Word is the true believer’s instruction manual. It is our final authority in all matters of faith and practice. And that is, every word that proceeds from God (Matthew 4:4). There are so many today that manipulate God’s Word to show what they want it to say. Thus the appeal of the many different “versions” of the Bible. I strive continually in prayer to not fall into this trap. We do know this…
It is therefore important to study the Word of God diligently and with reverence; praying always that the Holy Spirit will lead us in understanding the truth of Jesus Christ (the Word).
Studying the Word, my conclusion was the absolute directive of giving tithes and offerings—though it is a lesser part of the believer’s life. It is summed up through these words from Jesus’ earthly ministry;
There is much more to share about this issue, in which I have studied extensively. Online, I even examined the teachings of a professing believer who teaches that we no longer need to give tithe! He claims it to be an “Old Testament” teaching, not for us today. While he cites several scriptures to support his view, he ignores at least twice as many which say otherwise—including the last one we’ve listed. He is not even being faithful with “unrighteous mammon,” so how can God use him in things of greater importance?
God has chosen for His people to give tithes and offerings; a portion of their “firstfruits” or of the “fruit of our increase.” It is not a matter of the Old verses New Testament, but an ongoing directive we are to follow. I speculate that it is a way provided for us to have consistent fellowship with our Heavenly Father, through acknowledging Him as the source of blessing and provision.
We cannot know all of God’s reasoning, but can faithfully trust and serve Him as He directs through the Word (Jesus). Remember that God has our best welfare in mind, desiring that we be united with Him eternally through salvation in Jesus Christ.
The book of Malachi contains the most oft cited scripture concerning tithing. Many read verse 8 only; others read verses 8 through 10. I fear that we lose much by not regarding the entire passage.
The Lord of hosts is stating clearly that His people are backslidden—and that the giving of tithes is one key way in which they need to return.
God makes the problem clear in these two verses.
These verses contain the instruction to return to tithing, and the numerous blessing we are promised for this obedience. These blessing include fruitful harvesting, and being a witness to many others that God is with us. For the true believers, we must tithe as we are able. Tithing can also become a hollow ritual of the Law, and I think this is what many rebel against. The cash or check goes into our offering envelopes, which we deposit at our church every Sunday. Without a growing, personal relationship with Jesus Christ, tithing is a meaningless religious ritual. When in right relationship with our Savior, it is a blessed part of our fellowship with God! Luke 18:10-14 is a further example of the right relationship necessity; and that tithing is an instruction of lesser importance. Make no mistake—the importance of tithes and offerings is conveyed to us over and over again in God’s Word. There can be no claim of my “using an obscure verse or two.”
When we obey this instruction, and Jesus is our Lord, all of our resources are at His disposal! Though we are given a percentage as a directive, at times more is asked of us. The book of Acts gives us the pure example made by the early followers of Christ.
If someone dislikes the 10% “Old Testament” tithe principal, how will they feel about the 100% New Testament principal? When we go home to be with Jesus, it will be a great relief to have all our needs fulfilled without money. We are also not currently living within the wonderful system of the early Christian church reported in Acts. Tithe is 10% of our gross (before tax) income, and the “firstfruit” of our increase. God knows many bills and unexpected demands require our finances to care for—such as car repair or replacement, and home maintenance. So before continuing into tithe applications, it should be clearly understood that there may be or will be times when we cannot give our full tithe. Our God makes this clear in His Word, showing that there are greater priorities for the believer. The financial demands of life are often limiting. As I was surrendering this aspect of my life to the Lord, I was not able to pay full tithe. I kept seeking the Lord prayerfully, asking that He would enable me to pay full tithe. In faith, I gave as I was able—sometimes $5, $10, or $20. Within about eight months I had been blessed to be able to honor God through full tithe. It was still early in my understanding of the subject, however. Even if a specific monetary amount for tithe can not be met, remember that we serve Christ with our whole being. Did you run errands for those in need? Provide meals? Perform any cleaning/maintenance for those financially constrained? All of these services are of great value, but a direct cash value is difficult to assign—and we should not. God wants us to be faithful in each aspect of our lives, even if our assets seem to be few.
These passages also reflect priorities greater than tithing. God wants us to provide for our own family first—or it is a denial of Christ! I am quite certain this provision should be for actual needs, not luxuries. Seek God for wisdom of priorities as His steward. Are there needy around you? Don’t think you can’t help. Perhaps you can take a portion of that tithe to help them buy food. Seek the Lord for guidance. The great application of tithe, mentioned the most in scripture, would be to provide for those ministering full time for the Lord. Unfortunately, some pastors do live quite lavishly. Opinions on this are subjective, so it is mostly for you to discern if one is preaching the Biblical truth, or “another gospel” (Galatians 1:8). Organized churches in these last days are almost all in the “falling away” category; so please use caution in what you support. Scriptures for ministry support?
This passage actually shows the Levites to receive one tenth of the tithe offering.
Please read through the entire “Hezekiah revival” of II Chronicles chapters 29-31—it is great blessing! In these few verses I tried to highlight the tithe, the excess, and distribution to the Levites.
Yes, in the New Testament as well! Though some ministers may live luxuriously, others can barely subsist due to stinginess. Then true ministers of the gospel should be cared for well, that their attention may be fully devoted to God’s work. Other passages pertaining to tithe are mentioned as follows (this is not a complete list!); Genesis 4:4; God is honored by Abel’s sacrifice of the “firstlings” of his flock. Genesis 14:20; Abram (Abraham) offers tithes to God’s priest Melchizedek. Also mentioned in Hebrews 7:5 Exodus 23:19; Instruction to offer “firstfruits.” Leviticus 27:30-33; Further tithe instruction Deuteronomy 14:22-29; Another commission to tithe. It shows a certain timing of tithes, and provision for the Levites. Excess tithe (after Levite provision and dedication) is eaten by the people! In other words, tithe need not go to a mission field far away, but can be used to help those immediately surrounding us! Charity should begin at home! Deuteronomy 26:12; Tithe is for the Levite and distributed to those in need—like the church of Acts chapter four. Nehemiah 12:44; Tithing continues, even in captivity.
An instruction to tithe and the promise of blessing, later echoed in Malachi chapter three. Luke 11:42; Another affirmation of tithing, and of noting its secondary importance. I Timothy 5:17,18; More instruction to provide for the full-time ministers. So our tithe should be used to support those in full-time ministry, and provide for the needy around us. What else? If it is for our own growth in Christ, a portion can be used. Such as the purchase of books, or attending a seminar or service. Seek the Lord in prayer about it; for many “good” teachings happen in the name of Christ only. Truly, the Bible contains all that we need. The deeper study of it (the Bible) will shed much light on your everyday issues, and at no additional cost! Yet some things are good to learn about and pertain to faith and witnessing. Studies on Evolution, New Age teachings, and other religions are all legitimate. Remember that the Lord said, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge...” Some pastors actually claim that those extra purchases should not be a part of tithe! Hey, if you can afford it, that’s fine. But if you personally are pinched for money, it is certainly a legitimate tithe direction. Much of what I have observed about giving concerns me—especially the tax free status. Scripture clearly tells us that we are to pay taxes. Romans 13:1-7 tells us that God has put the authorities in power to administer general law and order. We are to financially support our government. Jesus also makes it plain in Matthew 17:24-27, and 22:17-21. It distresses me to see enormous churches living tax-free. They were Biblically admonished to pay taxes, yet disobey that instruction. It does not matter if they are legally able to do this; they must be spiritually accountable. The neglect of taxes by large land holders also increases the financial yoke of all the citizens around them. Is this the mission of the church? Now I have noted that some churches fund a tax relief payment as a substitute, and I commend them in this. The idea of tax exempt status filters down to the laity as well, in that donations to non-profit organizations are tax deductible. In other words, you receive back a portion of what you give. There are two ways, scripturally, to be challenged in regard to giving.
Here is a commission to give, without receiving anything back in return. I actually do not protest the tax deductions we take for non-profit or church giving. My protest comes to those who give only when getting a tax break! If Jesus is your Lord, directing you, the tax deductibility should never be a measure of God’s will. Another problem is reflected in Matthew 6:1-4:
In this passage, we are admonished to give without broadcasting the fact. Whether it be on a tax return, or a tithe envelope, aren’t we openly pointing out the “alms” we have given? I’m not telling anyone to totally abandon these things. But please, examine your heart before God to find His direction. Please see I Corinthians 11:27-29. Many are the leadings a believer will have to give or purchase, with no attainable tax refund for that action. Let us lay up treasures in heaven through obedience to God.
Hopefully this article will aid your understanding of the principle of tithing. Pray that the Lord Jesus will quicken it in your life, as He sees fit.
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