New Testament Tithing

Is Ten Percent Wrong?

“New Testament Tithing” – this sounds like a contradiction in terms to the radical grace-believer.  There does seem to be some controversy when it comes to Christians paying tithes.  But I don't think there is anything wrong with giving ten percent of your income to the church, as long as you are led by the Spirit to do so. Basically, all of our giving should be according to 2 Corinthians 9:7.

⁷ So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.

2 Corinthians 9:7

So, if a person has a certain sum of money in their heart which they know is from God to give to the church, then they should go with that. It just might be that God says to give 'X' amount of pounds which just so happens to be ten percent of their income.

I think many of us grace-believers have a sneaky suspicion that some grace believers give ten percent of their income to the church, because that's what the Bible says about Old Testament giving i.e. Tithe being ten percent. Although, they will tell you that they are giving freely.  Perhaps there's a bit of grace 'n' law present there!

But, if a person's argument supporting their ten percent offering is some Old Testament, law-based verse of scripture such as Malachi 3:10, arguing that everybody should give as they do - then something is wrong.

Offerings with No Sticks and No Carrots!

What really irks me about preaching on tithes and offerings is when there is a threat, implied or expressed otherwise, if the person does not give ten percent or more. I also don't like it when they say something like, "You don't have to give - but you have an opportunity to give and you'll be missing out if you don't!" Then, they'll say, "Make sure you don't give to get! God's not a slot-machine, you know!" There should be no carrot-and-stick approach to Biblical prosperity whatsoever. God provides for us based on His love for us - nothing more, nothing less.

There's nothing wrong with paying ten percent of your income to the church and there's nothing wrong with the law - the law is good. But it's just when these things become a duty, a standard to fulfil - that's when they become wrong. It's all about motive.

Offerings and “The Fear-Factor”

The “Fear-Factor” has got to be taken away when it comes to serving in church, living right and not sinning, as well as giving offerings. This reminds me of an excellent blog entry entitled The Fear of Sinning that gives an analogy of the fears being taking away in relation to sin and the way it gives people confidence towards God and everyday life.

In the same way that this link relates to sin - we need to have the same attitude towards offerings. We need to know that God will not punish us and that we won't be cursed if we don't tithe.

According to His Good Opinion

One of the most quoted verses of scripture in relation to divine provision is Philippians 4:19.

¹⁹ And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:19

The Greek word translated “glory” in this verse is doxa (G1391), which has a three-fold meaning depending on the context of a verse:

1. Opinion, judgment, view (e.g. John 5:44). Note: sometimes this word is translated “honour” in the New Testament.
2. Splendour, brightness (e.g. Revelation 21:23, 2 Corinthians 4:4).
3. A most glorious condition, most exalted state. (e.g. Mark 13:26, Titus 2:13). Note: sometimes this word is translated “glorious” in the New Testament.

Philippians 4:19 cannot be using the Greek word doxa (G1391) in relation to the brilliance and splendour of our Lord Jesus Christ. It must be the good opinion that God has of us because He sees our faith in His beloved Son Jesus Christ – Hallelujah!

God does not provide for His children according to merit, according to our tithes and offerings. No, God provides for us and prospers us according to His love for us – not because we love Him and try to prove it by our works.

1 John 4:19 says that we love Him because He first loved us. If the meaning of this verse is not immediately apparent, look at the way some of the modern translations render this verse:

¹⁹ So you see, our love for him comes as a result of his loving us first.

1 John 4:19 TLB

¹⁹ We have the power of loving, because he first had love for us.

1 John 4:19 BBE

We know God loves us because He sent Jesus Christ to die for us – when we did not deserve such a sacrifice.

⁸ But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.

Romans 5:8 TLB

⁸ But God put his love on the line for us by offering his Son in sacrificial death while we were of no use whatever to him.

Romans 5:8 msg

Be As Little Children

Jesus Himself said that we are to be as little children (Matthew 18:3). This means we are to have a child-like faith. The term “child-like” seems to imply a simplicity and unwavering trust – like that of a small child trusting in its father for provision. A child does not attempt to seek provision, such as food and clothing, from its father, based on works or merit.

⁹ "So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. ¹⁰ For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. ¹¹ If a son asks for bread from any father among you, will he give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent instead of a fish? ¹² Or if he asks for an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? ¹³ If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!"

Luke 11:9-13

Why is it then that some Christians hold to the belief that they can only receive from God according to how much they give in the offering basket? Why, it is like a child that asks its father for an egg – to be told that it first must tidy its bedroom or wash its father’s car!

I recall a message from Andrew Wommack on this subject. Andrew used the analogy of a small child being carried in the arms of its father. Such a child would not be continually praying, “Thank you father that you won’t drop me father. I trust that you’ll continue to carry me father…” Similarly, we should not make a work out of faith when it comes to receiving basic material provision from our Father who loves us.

If we have a need then we ought to be able to trust in our Father in Heaven who gives us all good things richly to enjoy (1 Timothy 6:17).