Connect Verses
I Corinthians 1:18, John 12:13, Luke 24:6, Acts 1:8, Matthew 22:37-39, 2 Corinthians 9:7, Proverbs 3:9
What is the Tithe?
- “the earth is the LORD’s and all that is in it” (Psalm 24:1). Tithing was an acknowledgment of God’s ownership of everything in the earth.
- The giving of tithes was meant to be an act of joyful worship (Deuteronomy 12:12) and not a tiresome burden or duty.
- Tithing was an expression of thanks to God for his generosity.
New Testament Teaching
- Why a Christian should give? Believers should give because they have richly received (Matthew 10:8). Also, they are to give on the ground of having first given themselves and all they possess to God (2 Corinthians 8:5).
- How much to give? No specified amount or proportion is ever required by those who live by grace. God asks only that the believer recognize his abundant blessing and give as God has prospered. (1 Corinthians 16:2). Whatever the amount, it is to be “purposed in the heart” (2 Corinthians 9:7 AV).
- How to give? Motive in giving is all-important under grace. Believers should give with a willing mind (2 Corinthians 8:12), cheerfully (2 Corinthians 9:7), generously (2 Corinthians 9:6), and freely (Matthew 10:8).
- When to give? Though giving is not always done on a Sunday, believers are encouraged to set aside an amount “in store” each Lord’s Day, that they may have a fund from which to distribute (1 Corinthians 16:2).
- To whom to give? the sick and aged (Acts 20:35), elders in the church, which would include the present-day pastor (1 Timothy 5:17), Bible teachers (Galatians 6:6-10), poor relatives (1 Timothy 5:8-16), and missionaries (3 John 5-7).
You can download the PowerPoint presentation: Tithing is it for Today
