Is Tithing a New Testament Doctrine?

An Act of Worship

 

Tithing:  Is It A New Testament Doctrine?

ARE CHRISTIANS EXPECTED OR REQUIRED TO TITHE

This is not presented as a definition of the tithe, or as an explanation of the Tithing System. Those have been covered at length by other writers. At some point I may make references to the history of the tithe, only in so far as the reference has relevance to answer the question posed. The question presupposes that there are those who teach, preach, and believe that the New Testament Christian is expected or required to PAY tithes. This paper will answer this and other questions related to tithing.

1.  The first mention in the Bible of the tithe was when Abraham gave a tenth to Melchizedek. 

Genesis 14:20 And blessed be the most high God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand.  And he gave him tithes of all.

• Note two things; Abraham did not PAY, he GAVE!
• The Law wasn't given to Moses for another 450 years!

2.  God intended the tithe for the Levitical priesthood.  

Numbers 18:21 And, behold, I have given the children of Levi all the tenth in Israel for an inheritance, for their service which they serve, even the service of the tabernacle of the congregation.

• The tribe of Levi had no inheritance.  (No means of sustaining themselves.)

• Their only concern was the Temple and its priesthood.

3.  As the forerunner of Christ, John was the last prophet God used as the only oracle to speak to His people.

Luke 16:16 The law and the prophets were until John: since that time the kingdom of God is preached, and every man presseth into it.

• As Gentiles were added to the church, they knew nothing of the Law of Moses.  They could not be expected to observe laws they were unaware of.

4. Peter asked the sect of the Pharisees how they could expect Gentile converts to keep laws that neither them nor their fathers had been able to keep.

Acts 15:10 Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?

• The Pharisees were trying to impose a standard they themselves could not keep.

5.  Paul tells the Romans and us that believers have a new covenant between God and His people.

Romans 10:4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.

• Christ is the end or fulfilling of the law.

6.  Here we see the difference between the new and old covenants.  

2 Corinthians 8:1 MOREOVER, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Mac-e-do'-ni-a; 2 How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality. 3 For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves; 4 Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints. 5 And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God.

• The Macedonians first gave themselves to God and the ministry.

7.  Paul begins to outline the principles for New Testament giving.

1 Corinthians 16:1 NOW concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Ga-la'-ti-a, even so do ye. 2 Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.

• Consistent, faithful giving.

  

  Offering Plate Example

  
  

8. This is the essence of New Testament giving.

2 Corinthians 9:6  But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. 7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.

• Cheerfully!!

  

  Envelope for Donation Insertion Example

  
  

9.  Luke for the first time in the New Testament describes the generosity and compassion of the new converts.

Acts 4:31 And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness. 32 And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common. 33 And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all. 34 Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold,  35 And laid them down at the apostles' feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need. 36 And Jo'-ses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus,  37 Having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles' feet.

10.  The Council at Jerusalem endorses and mandates the general precepts for the new believers.

Acts 15:22 Then pleased it the apostles and elders, with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to An'-ti-och with Paul and Barnabas; namely, Judas surnamed Bar'-sa-bas, and Silas, chief men among the brethren: 23 And they wrote letters by them after this manner; The apostles and elders and brethren send greeting unto the brethren which are of the Gentiles in An'-ti-och and Syria and Ci-li'-ci-a: 24 Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, Ye must be circumcised, and keep the law: to whom we gave no such commandment: 25  It seemed good unto us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men unto you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul,  26 Men that have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. 27 We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, who shall also tell you the same things by mouth. 28  For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things; 29 That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well.  Fare ye well.

• Notice, no mention of the tithe!!!!

(All verses are from the Kings James Version of the Bible.)

Dale Brewer: Assistant Pastor

The Church of God of the Union Assembly. Inc.

2211 S. Dixie Hwy. 

Dalton, GA  30720