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What does the Bible Say about Paying Tithes in the New Testament? – Viral Believer
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What does the Bible Say about Paying Tithes in the New Testament?

Introduction

The topic of tithing is one that has been widely debated among Christians. Tithing is the practice of giving a tenth of one’s income to the church or ministry. While the concept of tithing is mentioned in the Bible, there is a lot of controversy surrounding its relevance in the New Testament era.

Some argue that tithing is an Old Testament practice and that it is no longer applicable in the New Testament era. Others contend that tithing is still relevant today.

In this blog post, we will explore what the Bible says about paying tithes in the New Testament. We will examine the origin of tithing in the Old Testament, the controversy surrounding tithing in the New Testament, and what the New Testament teaches about giving.

We will also look at examples of sacrificial giving in the New Testament and how Christians are called to give generously and sacrificially to support the ministry and help the poor and the needy.

Whether you are a Christian who has been tithing faithfully or someone who is curious about the biblical perspective on tithing, this blog post will provide insights into what the New Testament teaches about giving.

We will examine key Bible verses and discuss the heart attitude behind giving. We will also explore how sacrificial giving goes beyond tithing and reflects our trust in God’s provision and love. So, join us as we delve into the topic of tithing and learn what the Bible says about giving in the New Testament.

tithing in the New Testament

What is Tithing?

Tithing is a practice that originated from the Old Testament, where God commanded His people to give a tenth of their produce and livestock to support the Levites, who were responsible for the temple service (Leviticus 27:30-32).

The tithe was also used to help the poor and the needy (Deuteronomy 14:28-29). The tithe was seen as a way of acknowledging God’s provision and giving back to Him.

In the New Testament, the word “tithe” is only mentioned a few times, and there is no explicit commandment for Christians to tithe.

However, some argue that the concept of tithing is still relevant today, and Christians should give a tenth of their income to the church or ministry. They believe that tithing is a way of acknowledging God’s provision and giving back to Him.

The Controversy over Tithing in the New Testament

While the concept of tithing is mentioned in the New Testament, there is no explicit commandment for Christians to tithe. Some argue that this means that tithing is no longer relevant in the New Testament era. However, others argue that the New Testament encourages Christians to give sacrificially and generously.

For instance, the Pharisees and Scribes were known for their tithing practices, but Jesus criticized them for neglecting justice, mercy, and faith (Matthew 23:23-24). In other words, Jesus taught that tithing alone was not enough and that Christians should also practice justice and mercy.

What Does the New Testament Teach About Giving?

The New Testament teaches that giving is an act of worship and reflects one’s heart attitude toward God. Christians are encouraged to give cheerfully and generously to support the ministry and help the poor and the needy. Here are some key verses that emphasize the importance of giving in the New Testament:

  • 2 Corinthians 9:7: “So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.”
  • Luke 6:38: “Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.”
  • Philippians 4:18-19: “Indeed I have all and abound. I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things sent from you, a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God. And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”

Giving is not just about the act of giving but also about the heart attitude behind the giving. Christians are called to give generously and sacrificially, not out of obligation or compulsion, but out of a heart of worship and trust in God’s provision.

Giving should be a reflection of our love for God and others and a demonstration of our trust in God’s faithfulness.

The Call to Sacrificial Giving in the New Testament

While tithing is not explicitly commanded in the New Testament, Christians are called to give sacrificially and generously. The Macedonian churches are an excellent example of this kind of giving.

Even though they were going through severe trials and poverty, they gave generously to support the ministry (2 Corinthians 8:1-4). Paul commended them for their sacrificial giving and urged the Corinthian church to imitate their example (2 Corinthians 8:5).

Paul also encouraged the Corinthian church to give generously and sacrificially to support the poor and the needy in Jerusalem (2 Corinthians 8:13-15). He reminded them of the ultimate example of sacrificial giving: Jesus Christ, who gave up everything for our sake (2 Corinthians 8:9).

Jesus’ sacrificial giving is not just a model for Christians to follow but also the ultimate act of love that reconciled us to God.

Sacrificial giving means going beyond the minimum requirement of tithing and giving generously from what God has blessed us with. It is giving out of a heart of worship and trusts in God’s provision.

Sacrificial giving is not about the amount of money we give but about the attitude behind our giving. It is giving what we can, even if it means giving up something that we value, to support the ministry and help the poor and the needy.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while tithing is a biblical concept, it is not explicitly commanded in the New Testament. Instead, the New Testament encourages Christians to give sacrificially and generously to support the ministry and help the poor and the needy.

Christians should give out of a heart of worship, trusting in God’s provision and love. Giving sacrificially means going beyond the minimum requirement of tithing and giving generously from what God has blessed us with.

As Christians, we are called to follow the example of Jesus Christ, who gave up everything for our sake. This means that we should be willing to give sacrificially and generously to support the ministry and help the poor and the needy. We should also practice justice and mercy, as Jesus taught, and not focus solely on tithing.

In conclusion, the New Testament encourages sacrificial giving, which goes beyond tithing. Christians are called to give cheerfully and generously, trusting in God’s provision and love.

Giving sacrificially means going beyond the minimum requirement of tithing and giving generously from what God has blessed us with. As we give sacrificially, we follow the example of Jesus Christ, who gave up everything for our sake and reflects our heart’s attitude toward God.

Pastor Duke Taber
Pastor Duke Taber

Pastor Duke Taber

All articles have been written or reviewed by Pastor Duke Taber.
Pastor Duke Taber is an alumnus of Life Pacific University and Multnomah Biblical Seminary.
He has been in pastoral ministry since 1988.
Today he is the owner and managing editor of 3 successful Christian websites that support missionaries around the world.
He is currently starting a brand new church in Mesquite NV called Mesquite Worship Center, a Non-Denominational Spirit Filled Christian church in Mesquite Nevada.