Bible Q&A

I was wondering is it New Testament to Tithe, and if so, can I ask a few questions?

Thanks for the question,

It was the commandment of God in the Old Testament Law for the Israelites to give a tenth of everything to the Lord.

In the New Testament we are to give proportionally, according to what we have been prospered. (1Cor 16:1-2)

There is no tithing mentioned by the Apostles in the New Testament Scriptures. We are to give according to what we have previously decided in our hearts.

Here's a lesson plan on the subject for you to study.

YOU AND YOUR MONEY

 INTRODUCTION:  Acts 5:1-4
    a. God entrusts to us a stewardship of money.
    b. "Was it not thine own?"
    c. "Was it not in thine own power?"
    d. The New Testament teaches us to give to the Lord according to our blessings:  "As he prospers us."  1Cor. 16:2 

I.  GIVING IS A FUNDAMENTAL NECESSITY AS WELL AS A DIVINE  REQUIREMENT
A. It is a necessity to the one who gives.  Acts 20:35 
    1.  Essential to obeying the Lord.  Prov.3:9; 1Cor. 16:2
    2.  It is by giving that we receive.  Luke 6:38
    3.  "They that sow sparingly shall reap also sparingly." 2Cor. 9:6
         See Mal. 3:8-10; Prov.11:24, 25   DO YOU BELIEVE THIS?
B.  It is a necessity because of the work of the church.
    1.  The church is not authorized to go into secular activity-- it is supported by
          each  member giving as God has prospered him.
    2.  The church is authorized to spend money in its work:
             a. Preaching and teaching.  1Cor. 9:7-14;  Phil. 4:15-16;  I Tim. 5:17
             b. Relieving saints in distress.  Acts 6:1-6;  2Cor. 8:13-14  

           II. THE NECESSITY / MANNER OF GIVING
                            A.  How much shall I give?
                                1.  What was the standard of giving in the Patriarchal age?  Heb. 7:2,4; Gen.28:22
                                2.  What was the standard in the Mosaical age?  Lev. 27:30; Mal. 3:10, IIChron.31:5
                                3.  How should our giving compare with that of the people of former
                                  dispensa­tions?  Heb 8:6; 11:40;  Compare Deut. 16:17 and 1Cor.16:2
                            B.  Our giving is to be planned, systematic giving.  (Too often it is haphazard and
                                  spasmodic)
                                  1Cor.16:2
                               1.  It is regular - "Upon the first day of the week.
                               2.  It is personal - "Each one of you
                               3.  It is proportionate - "As God has prospered him."
                               4.  It is as we have purposed.
                                       a. Each one is to purpose ("to determine, plan") 2Cor.9:7
                                       b. Church at Corinth determined a year ahead.  2Cor.8:11 
                                           (Will:  "To be resolved; determined; to purpose")
                                       c. Told to make up "your afore-promised bounty."  2Cor.9:5

            III.  EXAMPLES OF GIVING RECORDED IN THE NEW TESTAMENT
                   SHOULD INSPIRE EVERY CHRISTIAN TO LIBERALITY.
                          A. Jerusalem.  Acts 4:32-5:4
                          B. Churches of Macedonia  2Cor.8:1-5
                             1. In deep poverty, but rich in liberality
                             2. Were willing even "beyond their power"
                             3. "They first gave themselves to the Lord"
                         C. The supreme example of Jesus
                             1. He became poor.  2Cor.8:9
                             2. Gave His life.  Rom.5:6-8

CONCLUSION:   Covetousness is always condemned (Luke 12:16; Eph. 5:3-5; Col. 3:5); but liberality is always approved and commended. (Acts 20:35).  Which of these will characterize your life? 

BACK

HOME