So far in this series I have looked at the disciple’s relationship to money from a number of angles. Now it’s time to consider tithing, which simply means giving a tenth of our income to God and his kingdom work.
Tithing Is an Acknowledgement of God’s Authority over our Lives and Wealth
Tithing is a practice that goes all the way back to Genesis, which is first mentioned when Abraham gave a tenth of the spoils of war to Melchizedek, a priest-king of Jerusalem, who many believe was at least a type of Christ. With God’s help, Abraham had just defeated a coalition of pagan kings to rescue his nephew, Lot, and his family.
Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine. He was priest of God Most High, 19 and he blessed Abram, saying, "Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth. 20 And blessed be God Most High, who delivered your enemies into your hand." Then Abram gave him a tenth of everything. Genesis 14:18-20 (NIV)
Tithing was a common practice in that day and long predated the giving of the Law to Moses, at which time tithing became part of the legal code of Israel. In Abraham’s case, he was tithing to a person, who was greater than he, as a way of acknowledging that he was under his authority and blessing, which brings us to our first tithing principles.
Principle One: Tithing shows that we acknowledge God’s authority over our lives and finances.
Principle Two: Tithing reveals that we believe that God is our Provider. It is from him all blessings flow, and to him we return a tenth.
A tithe of everything from the land, whether grain from the soil or fruit from the trees, belongs to the LORD; it is holy to the LORD. Leviticus 27:30 (NIV)
If we accept that the tithe belongs to God, then those who withhold giving the tithe are actually robbing God, keeping for themselves what is rightfully God’s.
"Will a man rob God? Yet you rob me. "But you ask, 'How do we rob you?' "In tithes and offerings. 9 You are under a curse--the whole nation of you--because you are robbing me. Malachi 3:8-9 (NIV)
Those who robbed God in this manner brought upon themselves a curse or judgment. Instead of experiencing God’s supernatural provision, they would experience being robbed themselves by the “devourer.”
A Gateway to Blessing
Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this," says the LORD Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it. 11 I will prevent pests from devouring your crops, and the vines in your fields will not cast their fruit," says the LORD Almighty. Malachi 3:10-11 (NIV)
Principle Three: Giving to God what is his already opens the door to God’s returning immense blessings to us. It is an amazing thing that God rewards us for doing our duty.
It is not that we give to get. Rather, we give because we believe that God, our Provider, will supply well beyond our needs as we sacrificially give to him and his kingdom. Tithing often takes money that we feel we need. When we choose to give it to God, he knows what we need and makes provision for his people. There are countless stories of people who began to tithe by faith, only to see God surprise them with unexpected and unforeseen provisions. God delights in honoring the faith of his people in this way.
A Means of Provision for those who Serve on a Full-time Basis
I give to the Levites all the tithes in Israel as their inheritance in return for the work they do while serving at the Tent of Meeting. Numbers 18:21 (NIV)
Under the Law of Moses, the tithe supported God’s appointed representatives, the Levites and priests, who served God in the stead of the entire nation. The tithe enabled them to serve undistractedly, without worry of how they would be able to provide for their own families. If the people of Israel tithed, the priests and Levites were able to perform their assigned duties. If the people failed to tithe, the work of God suffered because the workers had to use other means to stay alive and make ends meet.
I also learned that the portions assigned to the Levites had not been given to them, and that all the Levites and singers responsible for the service had gone back to their own fields. Nehemiah 13:10 (NIV)
Principle Four: Today, when people tithe to the local church (the New Covenant version of the Old Covenant “storehouse”), it enables called servants of God to serve without encumbrance in their ministry to the Lord.
Secular jobs take enormous amounts of time, which subtract from what is available for the Lord’s work of study, prayer, counseling, visitation, sharing the Gospel, disciple making, and whatever else might present itself during a day to a pastor or other full-time church leader. It is my conviction that the number one priority for church spending is to support the five-fold ministry – apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers, because the work of the kingdom depends on their having the means and ability to serve. Providing for those in need is second. Buildings and such come in a distant third.
A Provision for the Poor and the Marginalized
Every three years a special tithe was collected in Israel, which was specifically used for helping not only the Levites, but also foreigners, widows, and orphans – the poor who cannot provide adequately for themselves.
Principle Five: Local churches are able to help the poor and those facing unexpected hardships by using the tithe in conjunction with other special offerings.
When you have finished setting aside a tenth of all your produce in the third year, the year of the tithe, you shall give it to the Levite, the alien, the fatherless and the widow, so that they may eat in your towns and be satisfied. Deuteronomy 26:12 (NIV)
The Tithe in the New Covenant
Woe to you Pharisees, because you give God a tenth of your mint, rue and all other kinds of garden herbs, but you neglect justice and the love of God. You should have practiced the latter without leaving the former undone. Luke 11:42 (NIV)
There is not a lot written about the tithe in the New Testament. Jesus told the Pharisees that they were both to tithe and keep the more important aspects of the Law. This would have been the perfect place for him to throw out the tithe, as he did with ceremonial washing and other dietary laws, but he did not.
Principle Six: The tithe is outside the jurisdiction of the Law and is actually built into the framework of humanity, going back to Genesis and creation itself.
The only other place tithing is mentioned in the New Testament is in the the Letter to the Hebrews, where the author makes a case for Jesus’ superiority over the Aaronic priesthood.
See how great this man was to whom Abraham the patriarch gave a tenth of the spoils! 5 And those descendants of Levi who receive the priestly office have a commandment in the law to take tithes from the people, that is, from their brothers, though these also are descended from Abraham. 6 But this man who does not have his descent from them received tithes from Abraham and blessed him who had the promises. 7 It is beyond dispute that the inferior is blessed by the superior. 8 In the one case tithes are received by mortal men, but in the other case, by one of whom it is testified that he lives. 9 One might even say that Levi himself, who receives tithes, paid tithes through Abraham, 10 for he was still in the loins of his ancestor when Melchizedek met him. Hebrews 7:4-10 (ESV)
In this case, the tithe once again shows how the lesser supports the greater. It’s a matter of authority and blessing and recognizing the need to support the five-fold ministry.
Some argue that the tithe is “legalistic” and was done away with in the New Covenant. To these, I point out that Jesus never did away with God’s authority over and ownership of our finances. He clearly stated that a true disciple is one who serves God, not money. In fact, our Lord said that a disciple is one who gives up everything for the sake of the kingdom of God.
So then, none of you can be My disciple who does not give up all his own possessions. Luke 14:33 (NASB)
The rich young ruler was offered the opportunity to sell all and become part of Jesus’ traveling band of disciples. What an opportunity and honor! Jesus still holds the power to call each and everyone of his followers to the same high standard with regard to money.
Principle Seven: If God required at least a tenth from his Old Covenant saints, is it probable, or even conceivable, that he would ask less of us? The only legitimate way to do away with the tithe is to move up to the New Covenant standard of giving everything.
A Matter of the Heart
Over the years, I have known some who objected to tithing because they were selfish and wanted to hold on to their finances for themselves. Others refuse to be limited by the tithe and give much more. Ultimately tithing and all giving is a matter of the heart. If it is not done willingly, it is not worth a whole lot, at least in terms of heavenly reward.
Principle Eight: Tithing should not be approached legalistically. It is something we do by faith because we believe it is the right thing to do and because we trust that God is our provider. If we give willingly and cheerfully, God will see it and return a blessing.
And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. 2 Corinthians 9:8 (NIV)
Conclusion
God asks some disciples to give all their money and resources to him, as he did with the rich young ruler. For the rest of us, as we consider how God would want us to give toward his kingdom, ten percent is a great place to start.
Principle Nine: I believe we should consider the tithe a minimum automatic category in our budget. Giving beyond the tithe is an opportunity to listen to the Spirit of God for his direction in our giving. This kind of giving is sometimes called making “offerings.” It is an act of obedience to the Spirit , a spiritual sacrifice that pleases God, and is a function of our faith in God and the generosity of our hearts. We learn the art of generous giving by starting with the tithe and progressing beyond.
I have tithed for years out of conviction and faith. I cannot imagine doing otherwise. I know many others who have done the same. In fact, I know of no one who has tithed regularly who does not agree that God abundantly supplies all our needs. The work of the kingdom somewhat depends on the generosity of the people of God. Let’s be faithful in giving.
If you have never tithed, give it a try. God promises to faithfully bless you.
“Should people cheat God? Yet you have cheated me! “But you ask, ‘What do you mean? When did we ever cheat you?’ “You have cheated me of the tithes and offerings due to me. 9 You are under a curse, for your whole nation has been cheating me. 10 Bring all the tithes into the storehouse so there will be enough food in my Temple. If you do,” says the LORD of Heaven’s Armies, “I will open the windows of heaven for you. I will pour out a blessing so great you won’t have enough room to take it in! Try it! Put me to the test! Malachi 3:8-10 (NLT)
Imagine! God wants us to test him in this matter! Have you exercised your faith by giving to God money you think you need to make ends meet, because you acknowledge that he is your supplier and can somehow make up the difference and more? It’s time to get started. You may be cheating yourself out of an amazing blessing!
Principle Ten: Once you find out that tithing opens up blessings, you will be ready to ask God, “How much do you want me to give beyond the tithe?” Then you will be ready for a really exciting ride!
One thing is for sure, if we give little, we will reap a small blessing. If that is what you want, have at it. I rather think we all want more than that. Try tithing. You’ll like it.
Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. 7 You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” 8 And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. 2 Corinthians 9:6-8 (NLT)
To access the entire series on the Disciple and Money, click here.
A disciple is someone who lets go of everything for the Lord’s sake. When God puts something in our hands to steward, we are tempted to think of it as our own. Think Gollum in Lord of the Rings – “my precious.” We forget from whom it came and to whom it ultimately belongs. When we die, we take nothing with us. It is wise to hold on to what God has given us with an open hand. Be ready to let it go.