Scripture Reading:

I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive. —Acts 20:35

Summary:

Tithing was an obligation commanded in the Old Testament. The new covenant introduced a system of giving freely, sacrificially, and from the heart. New Testament giving is not regulated by a percentage of income but by the love and sacrifice of one’s spirit.

I. Tithing Before the Law

A. Genesis 14:17-20 Abraham tithes to Melchizedek.
B. Genesis 28:20-22 Jacob promises a tenth to God.

II. Tithing Under the Mosaic Law

A. Leviticus 27:30-33 Agrarian-based tithe commanded by God.
B. Numbers 18:21-24 Ten percent Levitical tithe.
C. Deuteronomy 14:22-23 (12:6-7) A second tithe commanded.
D. Deuteronomy 14:28-29 (26:12-13) Poor tithe instituted.
E. Malachi 3:8-9 Israel robbed God.

III. Mosaic Law No Longer in Effect (see Issue 18)

A. Hebrews 8:6-13 New covenant established.
B. Matthew 23:23 Jesus rebukes tithing leaders.
C. Romans 7:6 Delivered from the Law.

IV. Giving in the New Testament

A. II Corinthians 9:6-7 Cheerful, voluntary offerings instituted.
B. James 2:14-18 Condition of true faith.
C. Ephesians 4:28 Work to give.

V. Acceptable Manner of Giving

A. Matthew 6:1-4 Anonymously.
B. II Corinthians 8:1-5 Sacrificially, of own accord (Mark 12:41-44).

VI. How Much To Give

A. II Corinthians 9:7 As you purpose in your heart.
B. I Corinthians 16:1-2 As God hath prospered.
C. Acts 11:29 According to ability.
D. Acts 5:1-11 Personal decision (v.4)

VII. Give to the Needy

A. I Timothy 5:16 Widows.
B. James 1:27 Fatherless.
C. Romans 15:25-26 The poor saints. (Acts 11:27-29)
D. Galatians 6:9-10 The household of faith.
E. James 2:14-18 The naked and destitute.

VIII. Give to the Ministry

A. I Corinthians 9:7-14 Muzzle not the ox.
B. Galatians 6:6 Support the teachers.

IX. Blessings of Giving

A. Acts 20:35 More blessed to give.
B. Luke 6:38 Give and it shall be given.
C. Philippians 4:18 Well pleasing to God.
D. I Timothy 6:18-19 Eternal life.

Conclusion:

Freely ye have received, freely give. —Matthew 10:8b