Introduction
The Practice of Ancient Pagan Nations
Giving in the Patriarchal Age
Giving in the Jewish (Mosaic) Age
Conclusion
When we refer to tithing, it specifically means the giving or paying of one tenth of anything, as a tax or sacrifice. It may be money, cattle, crops, land, etc.
Also, I would like to mention that every tithe has two reasons or effects.
Ø The first reason/effect is that of the giver of the tithe. An example of this would be to teach us to not be so dependent on material things or to just have the great satisfaction that we are sacrificing something valuable to us as a token of our love for God.
Ø The second reason/effect is that of the receiver of the tithe. Obviously, God does not need our material belongings, but the effect of our contribution is that this congregation may further the work of God by paying its obligations.
Let's look at the "offering" practices of several different groups of people. These will include various ancient pagan nations, the different peoples of Bible history, and Christians of today. The first group of people is the ancient pagan nations. By "pagan nations", I mean those nations that do not worship the God of the Bible, but worship idols and other creations of their minds and hands.
As archaeologists have found clay tablets, picture writings, and historic manuscripts, we have been able to learn the practices of many ancient civilizations. Here are some:
Ø Egypt - Many ancient Egyptians were conscientious in giving. These have been found among Egyptian writings: "I have not cut short the rations of the temples." "I have not diminished the offerings of the gods." "I have not stolen the property of the gods." Ancient Nile Valley inhabitants dedicated the first fruits of their harvest to their gods. They gave a tenth of slaves, cattle, precious metals, and even fields, towns, and provinces were allotted to gods. The claims of the gods had to be satisfied before those of men.
Ø Babylon - Babylonians evidently supported temples by contributions, both obligatory and voluntary, and by tithes paid by all classes of people.
Ø Greece - Greeks apparently paid tithes to gods before they supported their kings. Anyone who would not give first fruits to gods should be destroyed. It is said that Greek youths would dedicate their tithes to a god of war who had taught them to be good soldiers.
Ø Rome - Many Romans, rich and poor, made vows to some god, usually Hercules, to give him a tenth of all. This included the farmer with his produce, the commander with spoils of war, even to sacrificing cattle taken in war.
Ø Some of the purposes of these offerings were: 1.) To appease the anger of the gods, 2.) To secure divine favor, 3.) To redeem a vow, 4.) To act in accordance with the law of the times, and 5.) As an expression of gratitude.
This is the era that you don't usually hear much about the tithe. This is before any account that we have of God specifically instructing the people to give a tithe, so we have to infer what we can about the tithe. It is not spelled out for us as it is in the Mosaic Age. But, there are two instances that we will look at to prove that the tithe was observed.
Ø The very first mention in the Old Testament of the giving of tithes is in Genesis 14:17-20.
o After Abram returned from defeating Kedorlaomer and the kings allied with him, the king of Sodom came out to meet him in the Valley of Shaveh (that is, the King's Valley). Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine. He was priest of God Most High, and he blessed Abram, saying, "Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth. And blessed be God Most High, who delivered your enemies into your hand." Then Abram gave him a tenth of everything.
Ø
Here is the significance: Abram (THE patriarch), who
had been called of God to be a channel of blessing to all nations, gave the
tenth to a person who was a "priest of God Most High." He did this without any suggestion or
coercion from any source. He appears
to have considered it the normal thing to do.
Ø The second instance we evaluate is from Genesis 28:18-22.
o "Early the next morning Jacob took the stone he had placed under his head and set it up as a pillar and poured oil on top of it. He called that place Bethel, though the city used to be called Luz. Then Jacob made a vow, saying, "If God will be with me and will watch over me on this journey I am taking and will give me food to eat and clothes to wear so that I return safely to my father's house, then the LORD will be my God and this stone that I have set up as a pillar will be God's house, and of all that you give me I will give you a tenth."
Ø
Here, we see that Jacob had been driven away from his
home by the anger of Esau, his brother.
He was lonely, and he was facing an uncertain future. He thought of God upon whom he must depend,
and his religious duties. With the
remembrance of his religious duties, the tithe came to mind. Jacob promised the tithe when he was alone,
yet realized that God was near. The
suggestion that he should do this must have come from the practice of his
parents and from the training of his childhood.
There were two or three different kinds of tithes referred to in the Mosaic age. There are different views over whether there were two or three, but basically one view combines two of them together and the other view breaks them out into three distinct and separate tithes. Regardless, they each had different purposes and beneficiaries.
The first tithe is the one with which we are most familiar. This was sometimes called the "priestly tithe." We see the reference to this in Leviticus 27:30-33.
Ø "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. If a man redeems any of his tithe, he must add a fifth of the value to it. The entire tithe of the herd and flock--every tenth animal that passes under the shepherd's rod--will be holy to the LORD."
Ø This is where the requirement of the tithe became a basic law for the Israelites. Although the law of the tithe was not one of the Ten Commandments, it was given at Sinai. So clearly, this was the practice of the people of Israel during the era of Moses.
Ø This tithe was used to support the religious leaders and to maintain the worship of God.
In addition to this first tithe, the people were required to give a second tithe. This was to be eaten by the worshipper, his household, and the Levites at Jerusalem. We see the reference to this in Deuteronomy 14:23
Ø "Eat the tithe of your grain, new wine and oil, and the firstborn of your herds and flocks in the presence of the LORD your God at the place he will choose as a dwelling for his Name, so that you may learn to revere the LORD your God always."
Ø The purpose of this tithe was so that the people would learn to revere the Lord, and so that each family would be maintained on their pilgrimage to the national feasts.
The third tithe is the one that is sometimes grouped into the second one, but some people do differentiate it as a separate third tithe. This one is for the support of the poor, and was levied every third year. This is sometimes referred to as the "charity tithe." This is referred to in Deuteronomy 24:28-29.
Ø "At the end of every three years, bring all the tithes of that year's produce and store it in your towns, so that the Levites (who have no allotment or inheritance of their own) and the aliens, the fatherless and the widows who live in your towns may come and eat and be satisfied, and so that the LORD your God may bless you in all the work of your hands."
In reviewing the three separate tithes, we see that each year the Jews gave two tenths (twenty percent), and in addition to that they gave another tenth (ten percent) every third year. This, in effect, appears to be a twenty to thirty percent contribution, but we need to clarify that.
Ø These offerings supported the Jewish church-state, which was the theocracy in which civil government and religious administration were combined.
Ø This would be equivalent to this twenty to thirty percent equaling their tax bill as well as their contribution. HOWEVER, in addition to giving twenty percent every year, and thirty percent every third year, they gave many other annual and occasional free-will offerings and vows that added up even more.
Ø Finally, we need to discuss Malachi's comments about the tithe. Examine Malachi 3:7-9.
o "Ever since the time of your forefathers you have turned away from my decrees and have not kept them. Return to me, and I will return to you," says the LORD Almighty. "But you ask, 'How are we to return?' "Will a man rob God? Yet you rob me. "But you ask, 'How do we rob you?' "In tithes and offerings. You are under a curse--the whole nation of you--because you are robbing me. 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."
Ø God reveals that the failure to tithe had marred the fellowship between Himself and His people. He appeals to the people that they bring the whole tithe into the storehouse immediately in order that they may have His blessing, and that they may be restored to fellowship with Him.
Finally, we will sum up the history of the tithe:
1.) We know from history that many pagan nations gave offerings, and many specifically refer to the act of tithing to their gods.
2.) The tithe was at the heart of the religion of Israel from the beginning of Israel's history. It was practiced by Abram and promised by Jacob long before the era of Moses.
3.) It was commanded at Sinai when the Ten Commandments were given. The people were required to bring the first tithe to the place of worship for the support of the religious leaders and the maintenance of public worship.
4.) An additional tithe (or two) was required to maintain each family upon their pilgrimage to the national feasts. Also a separate tithe was required every third year to support the poor.
5.) The forerunner of the Messiah (Malachi) and the Messiah himself (Jesus) called for repentance, which included a new attitude and practice concerning the tithe.
Now, sit down and figure how much you give to God. We do not content that we are bound by the Mosaic Law, but should not the Jewish liberality challenge us to do greater things for God?
Introduction
Requirements for Giving:
Motivated By Love, Voluntary, An Act of Worship, Proportionate, Regular
Other Responsibilities in Giving
Conclusion
Discussion
In the last lesson, we discussed the tithe of the pagan nations, the tithe as it was confirmed in the Patriarchal days by Abram and Jacob, and the tithe of the Mosaic (Jewish) age as it was commanded by God at Mount Sinai along with the rest of the law. In this lesson, we should examine the direct references to New Testament giving in scripture, and lessons that can be made by these.
First, it should be noted that we of the New Testament covenant are not directly commanded to tithe, i.e. - give ten percent. Many references in the New Testament are made to the tithe of history and of Jesus' day, but at no time does Jesus make the specific act of tithing binding on New Testament Christians.
By the examples of Jesus, his disciples, and his teachings, we can draw several requirements for giving.
Ø We know that our giving is to be motivated by our love. As we studied a few weeks ago, when Jesus ran the people out of the temple area, His main concern was the attitude of the people. The motive was and is far more important than the outward act. Jesus denounced those who gave in order to be seen by men.
Ø All giving must be voluntary. First, let's look at the hearts of God's people in the Old Testament and their voluntary and giving spirit. After God had given Moses the law, Moses told the people what needed to be done in order to build the Tabernacle.
o Exodus 35:4-9 "Moses said to the whole Israelite community, "This is what the LORD has commanded: From what you have, take an offering for the LORD. Everyone who is willing is to bring to the LORD an offering of gold, silver and bronze; blue, purple and scarlet yarn and fine linen; goat hair; ram skins dyed red and hides of sea cows; acacia wood; olive oil for the light; spices for the anointing oil and for the fragrant incense; and onyx stones and other gems to be mounted on the ephod and breastpiece."
Ø Now, let's read the effects of what Moses had told them earlier in the chapter. Notice the repeated mention of "willing" as opposed to "as they were commanded."
o Exodus 35:20 "Then the whole Israelite community withdrew from Moses' presence, and everyone who was willing and whose heart moved him came and brought an offering to the LORD for the work on the Tent of Meeting, for all its service, and for the sacred garments. All who were willing, men and women alike, came and brought gold jewelry of all kinds: brooches, earrings, rings and ornaments. They all presented their gold as a wave offering to the LORD. Everyone who had blue, purple or scarlet yarn or fine linen, or goat hair, ram skins dyed red or hides of sea cows brought them. Those presenting an offering of silver or bronze brought it as an offering to the LORD, and everyone who had acacia wood for any part of the work brought it. Every skilled woman spun with her hands and brought what she had spun--blue, purple or scarlet yarn or fine linen. And all the women who were willing and had the skill spun the goat hair. The leaders brought onyx stones and other gems to be mounted on the ephod and breastpiece. They also brought spices and olive oil for the light and for the anointing oil and for the fragrant incense. All the Israelite men and women who were willing brought to the LORD freewill offerings for all the work the LORD through Moses had commanded them to do."
Ø Now, let's look at a New Testament example of voluntary giving. In 2 Corinthians 9:5-7, Paul was appealing for contributions to care for the poor in Jerusalem.
o "So I thought it necessary to urge the brothers to visit you in advance and finish the arrangements for the generous gift you had promised. Then it will be ready as a generous gift, not as one grudgingly given. Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 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. As it is written: "He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor; his righteousness endures forever."
Ø Paul reveals the truth that giving must be voluntary. The believers at Corinth were to give "what he has decided in his heart", not "reluctantly or under compulsion." God is only pleased with voluntary gifts.
Ø Giving is an act of worship. In the churches of the New Testament, offerings were to be made on the day of worship.
o In First Corinthians 16:1-2, Paul tells the Corinthians, "Now about the collection for God's people: Do what I told the Galatian churches to do. On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with his income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made."
Ø Giving must be proportionate. What we mean is this: If we have been given more, we give more. If we have been given less, we give less. Jesus gave His approval on proportionate giving in His encounter with the poor widow.
o Mark 12:41-44 Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a fraction of a penny. Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything--all she had to live on."
o This widow gave much, much more proportionately than the rich people.
Ø Giving must be regular. I Corinthians 16:2 says "On the first day of the week…" This is pretty regular. Other things also bring us to this conclusion such as the fact that giving is a part of worship. Giving must be regular since worship is regular. The need for Christians to recognize God's ownership of all things is constant. Also, there is the practical reason for giving to be regular. The financial obligations of the congregation, the supporting mission and benevolent works, etc. all are dependant upon regular giving. Some people question how they should give when the go on vacation: to the visiting congregation or to their home congregation. Parallel that to your own financial obligations: when you go out of town, do you get to skip a month of the rent/mortgage payment or utilities? No. The obligations of the home congregation are still there and are dependent upon its membership - whether they are away from the church that Sunday or not.
Ø Evaluate regularly how we have been prospered. Giving on the basis of how we have been given is a discipline - something we should actively evaluate. One who has received salary increases for the last five or ten years and yet gives the same amount as a decade ago is not giving as they have been prospered.
Ø We know the tithe of the Old Testament was the base and not the ceiling of giving.
Ø Remember that we are not commanded in the New Testament to tithe. However, the principle behind it applies today, and is magnified. This can be explained by a parallel: We do not sacrifice animals for the atonement of sins as they did in the Old Testament because we have a new law that is based on something better than the commands of then - Jesus' blood. Similarly, we are not required to tithe like they did in the Old Testament because we have a new law that is based on something better than the commands of then - giving as we have been prospered.
Ø Although we are not commanded to tithe today, this is not so we can have an excuse to give less, (though we have been given more by Christ) but should be a freedom from the commandment and accepted as a desire to do more.
Ø A Christian once prayed, "Father, help me to have the strength to give ten percent of my income until I learn to give as I have been prospered."
1.)
Did Jesus tithe? - We can conclude that he did since
the Pharisees criticized him for every breach of custom, yet never about
the tithe.
2.) So how much should we be giving today?
3.) Is it OK to give my check every other week when I get paid?
4.)
What are some examples of giving God the first or best? One
tree in Eden, One day in seven, The firstborn in Israel, The first tenth, The
first city that was captured
Ø Money is a good servant but a poor master. The lure for gold is stronger than the human will, and with many a man it stands between his soul and his God. Someday it will be discovered that the bars that shut many out of the kingdom of heaven are forged of silver and gold.
The Devil's Reasons for Not
Giving
In January because of Christmas bills due.
In February because of fuel bills and car upkeep.
In March because of income taxes.
In April because of clothes for Easter.
In May because too much rain threatens the crops.
In June because too little rain threatens the crops.
In July because of vacation expenses coming up.
In August because of vacation expenses to be paid.
In September because of the children's school needs.
In October because of winter clothes and doctor bills.
In November because of the Thanksgiving trip.
In December because of the Christmas shopping.
I'M GLAD MY CHURCH NEEDS MONEY!
If it didn't, it would mean:
It wasn't supporting missionaries and preaching the Gospel in other places and has no missionary zeal.
It wasn't doing anything to support the homeless and needy and had no compassion.
It wasn't interested in providing wholesome activities for
our teenagers and had no concern.
It wasn't interested in teaching children in those impressionable years and had no future.
Some People Give:
"When they ask me" - It is forgotten that God has already asked.
"When I make a fortune - once in a lifetime" - The fortune may never be made.
"When all my debts are paid" - We could stay in debt continually and never give.
"When I am present." - The expenses of the church go on in our absence.
"When I am dead, through my will." - This could avoid any personal sacrifice.
How do we know how much we have prospered?
Ø To prosper means to gain or receive something. When we give as we have prospered, we give according to our gains or receipts of something.
Ø We own clothing, houses, cars, and take vacations as God has prospered us, in proportion to our ability to do so. These things reflect our prosperity. Why should we have trouble with this in regard to God?
Ø
We
tell the Internal Revenue Service how much we prosper.
Is gambling wrong?
Immoral - "It is immoral because it violates God's basic plan designed for man and that is that he is to earn his living by the sweat of his brow. This, of course, does not mean that only those who engage in physical activity to the point of perspiring do God's will; the familiar statement of Genesis 3:19 is metaphorical in nature and designates labor whether physical, mental or intellectual." - Guy N. Woods
Destructive of character - Most people who fall prey to gambling lose their moral stamina, their strength of character and any desire to earn their living by honest work (as God intended).
Justifications for gambling:
1.) There is an element of chance in all that we do, which makes us all gamblers to a point. Examples: farming, investing, insurance. - It is true that farmers and investors assume risk in their planning, but this is an exchange of mental or physical effort in order to produce tangible and useful benefits for others as the fruit of their labors. Gambling differs in the sense that artificial risks are created and the results simply take from the many in order to benefit the few. No goods, labor or services (as in legitimate efforts) result. Gambling is a form of greed, which takes from others without offering anything of value in return. Many people regard investing in the stock market "legalized gambling" and it can be that if improperly used - i.e. day trading to make the quick buck; hoping you get in and out before someone else. However, the point of long term investing is to invest in a business with the hopes of that business producing a profit from goods or services to reward you as a part owner.
2.) It is OK if it is for a worthy purpose; i.e. the lottery benefits the schools. - The end justifies the means? See the next argument.
3.) People are going to do it anyway, so why not let the state, church, etc. benefit from it? - This is the age-old fallacy of doing evil that good may come. We could use this argument for state run prostitution, since we know that some people are going to be inclined to engage in prostitution regardless of the laws against it, the potential harm to themselves or others.
Can we do things such as church-sponsored yard sales, youth car washes, craft shows or bazaars?
Why not? All
examples and inferences in the New Testament clearly show that the Lord's way
of meeting financial needs of the church is by the contributions of its
members.
Ø 1 Corinthians 16:1&2 On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with his income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made.
Can we take a special collection for things such as a missionary, flood victims, or orphanages?
Why? Our example in 2 Corinthians shows that the Corinthians were asked and gave generously to the Macedonian church, who evidently were poor and in need.
Ø 2 Corinthians 8:1-5 And now, brothers, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints. And they did not do as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us in keeping with God's will.