Beth-El Baptist Church

10/10/2010

Greg Tomlinson


Should Christians tithe?


Tithing is a sensitive topic amongst many Christians. There are those who hear about tithing and think that pastors are only interested in money. Others hear about tithing and think that it is tied to their salvation. Others hear about tithing and think that it is not necessary since we are under grace and not under law.


  1. What is the purpose for the tithe?

Genesis 14:18-20 Leviticus 27:30-33

Numbers 18:23-28 Deuteronomy 12:17-18; 14:22-29

2 Chronicles 31:2-6


The tithe is a tenth of all possessions. Under the Law it was given to the Levites who tithed from what they received and gave it to the priest. It is to be of the “first fruits” or of the best that they had received. It is a recognition that it was God who prospered them and gave them such things that they do have. It would not only be given to the Levites but also to the foreign visitors, the orphans, and the widows. It was a formalized way to demonstrate hospitality and care for those who would often be oppressed. As a sustaining gift to the Levites, it demonstrated the need for the Levites to live not off of the land but off of the provision of YHWH to His special ministers and to demonstrate the love and care of the Israelites to YHWH by being obedient in the things of this world.


  1. What are some motives for Christians not to tithe?

Luke 18:10-14 Romans 6:14-15

John 1:17 James 2:10-11

Matthew 6:19-21 2 Corinthians 3:6


Some look at tithing as creating a type of performance based salvation like the Pharisee. Since they do not want a performance based salvation, they refuse to tithe so that the can hold to the idea of a purer salvation. Others understand tithing as a function of the Sinai Law and since the letter of the law kills. To some, the money is theirs to do with as they see fit. They don't feel like tithing so they don't tithe, but each of us needs to evaluate why I do or do not tithe. Is my tithing out of love for God and Christ or because I feel that I have to tithe? Is my lack of tithing out of seeking to be obedient to Christ or because I desire to hold on to the money? The real issue is an issue of the heart not of the wallet.


  1. What is the motive for Christians to tithe?

Malachi 3:8-10 Matthew 23:23

Luke 11:42 Hebrews 7:5-9

1 Corinthians 9:7-14 2 Corinthians 11:8-9

Matthew 10:7-8 Acts 5:1-5

1 John 5:3 John 14:15

1 Timothy 5:17-18; 6:17-19


The Christian seeks to tithe out of loving obedience to God. We have been called to keep the commandments of God and some of those commandments include the issue of tithing. Jesus himself taught tithing. He stated that we “out to have” tithed but also sought after “judgment, mercy, and faith” (Mat 23:23). There is also the recognition that we do have in our midst a pastor who sacrifices of himself to provide to us the Word of God and as Christians we need to facilitate his ability to live off of the Gospel of Christ. This is especially true for those pastors who “rule well”. Tithing is viewed as a gift to the work of the ministry of God so that the ministry can continue to move forward in might and in power.


  1. How much should a Christian give?

1 Corinthians 16:1-2 2 Corinthians 9:7-8

Romans 15:27


The Christian should give as much as he purposes in his heart and in accordance with how God has blessed him. Each of us needs to ask ourself, to what degree has God prospered me materially? To what degree has God prospered me spiritually?


  1. How does tithing affect the Christian's state of salvation?

Mark 12:41-44 1 Timothy 6:9-11; 6:17-19

Acts 16:30-31


Whether one tithes or not, there is no effect on their salvation. All it could do is expose the true condition of the heart and whether they believe that God has prospered them to provide for the work of the ministry or to provide for their own life's comfort.