Though there is a growing resistance to tithing in the grace movement, and many teachings that criticize all who tithe, I continue to believe in the spiritual principle revealed in tithing. I understand that tithing has been manipulated and abused in some churches and is a dead, legalistic work for many. Nevertheless, I am convinced that there is a purpose and a blessing to be found in tithing. I use the word “tithe” to refer to honoring God from my increase. I am referring to a spiritual principle and not a legalistic obligation.
The first argument I often hear is that ‘there is no New Testament command to tithe.’ While I may disagree with this, the more important heart issue that is revealed in such a statement is the fact that a Christian will not faithfully honor the Lord from his increase unless TOLD to do so. This is a symptom of legalism. Legalism is the philosophy of only doing what is commanded. The anti-tithers are often just as legalistic as those who tithe legalistically. Neither group is responding to God from the heart.
The discussion on tithing then moves to Paul’s discourse in 2 Corinthians 9, and Paul’s comment ‘as you purpose in your heart’ about giving is quoted. However, this passage is not about tithing. It is about the giving of freewill offerings to support those in need. While this is a vital part of our giving, it is not the purpose of the tithe. What is curious is that the anti-tithers will appeal to freewill offerings as the new normal, and yet ignore the fact that freewill offerings were also a part of the Law! How can we say that tithing is wrong while freewill offerings are right if both are a part of the Law that we are trying to escape? See Deut. 12:6.
Let’s remember that the Law is spiritual, holy, just and good (Rom. 7:12, 14). In other words, it isn’t the Law that is the problem, but sin in the flesh that made law keeping impossible. I am not suggesting law keeping, but rather having a heart to discern that which is the spiritual foundation of the principle of tithing.
Paul addresses this quite clearly in 1 Cor. 9. This is the New Testament discussion on tithing. Please read 1 Cor. 9:7-14. Notice how Paul appeals to the pattern established in the Law in his argument for the support of God’s ministers. And God has ordained such support.
When we faithfully honor God from our increase for the support of the ministry, we are participating in the spirit of tithing. We can do so in faith. God’s command (1 Cor. 9:14) does not carry a curse if we don’t tithe. But there is a promise if we do. What is the promise for those who give faithfully to the ministry? Read Philippians 4:10-19. Paul commends the Philippian church for their faithful support of his ministry (the principle revealed in 1 Cor. 9), and he then declares; ‘And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.’ (Phil. 4:19)
I tithe because my heart wants to honor the Lord from the firstfruits of my increase. It is a form of praise, worship and thanksgiving. I tithe because God is my Source and I love Him. I tithe because I support those who minister the gospel. There are many benefits from faithful tithing, but apart from the benefits I see tithing as simply saying ‘thank you’ to the One who has poured out His grace on me so abundantly. His grace will continue to be revealed to others through the churches and ministries that I support from my increase.
Join us this 31st December 2019 for #NightOfPrayer at the #KCCAGroundsLugogo Kampala,Uganda
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