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Tithe and the NT
by A.J. Wilson

 “There you shall take your burnt offerings, your sacrifices, your tithes, the heave offerings of your hand, your vowed offerings, your freewill offerings, and the firstborn of your herds and flocks.” Deuteronomy 12:6 (there are differences between tithes and offering)

“Honor the Lord with your substance.” Proverbs 3:9

 “Let a man so consider us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful” 1 Corinthians 4:1-2

”So two good things will happen(when you give), the needs of the Christians in Jerusalem will be met, and they will joyfully express their thanksgiving to God. You will be glorifying God through your generous gifts. For your generosity to them will prove that you are obedient to the Good News of Christ” 2 Corinthians 9:12-14 (look at whole chapter)

Tithes can be a divisive issue within the church; often because we start looking at budgets and forecasts, more than the Bible for God’s guidance.  However it is a tremendous tool for Christian worship. 

Though they are often referenced together, “tithes” and “offerings” are different types of giving.  Tithes were mandated by law (3 tithes - Lev. 27:30-33, Deut. 14:6-17, Deut. 14:22-29) like taxes in order to support the theocracy of Israel.  However offerings (Ex 25:2, 1 Chron. 29:9) were generally first fruits and freewill gifts to God.  These were not based on a certain percentage, but on faith and out of respect of God.

The New Testament only mentions “tithes” in a rebuke to the Pharisees however giving is still taught throughout it (Luke 16:7-12, 1 Cor. 4:1-2, Phil. 4:18, Hebrews 13:16, for a couple.)  This is a pretty radical concept after being taught to bring in tithes to church.  “How much should I bring?”  Most teachers still say 10% is a good starting point, because it predates the law (Gen. 14.)  However we are not bound to that, because God did not just give us 10% freedom from sin.  Yet our question should not be “What should I bring?” but seeking guidance from the Holy Spirit, “What will glorify/honor God?”  In the end, your heart should be able to recite the prayer found in Deut. 26: 12-15. 

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