As a pastor I am often asked about tithing. For many years I have been convinced that tithing is really an OT concept. I know that others point to several NT passages that may imply or teach tithing. However I am not convinced. And of course some suggest that if we are to follow the law and the example of Israel we should be giving 30% not just the 10% tithe.
I am convinced that the law came through Moses, grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. Tithing 10% of our income may be a good foundation for giving, since we live in such a selfish, materialistic, debt ridden culture, but it is not a Christian law. II Corinthians teaches a more mature, better approach to giving. I shared part of this in yesterday's blog.
Today I remind you of several great verses presenting challenging principles for giving in II Corinthians. First, we are called as disciples to follow the example of Jesus in giving sacrificially: "For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich."8:9 His example causes us to give with gratitude: "Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift." 9:15
Second, remember and take very seriously the immutable law God has created in our universe: "Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly and whoever sows generously will also reap generously." 9:6 When and how the reaping takes place will vary greatly, but you can count on it. It will be in proportion to the sowing.
Third, growing out of these guidelines, you should decide what you personally want to give. Give without reluctance and with no sense of pressure. Why? Because God loves a cheerful giver. 9:7
Fourth, trust God to provide what you need even as you give generously. 9:8
Doesn't this approach sound much more like NT giving? much more like Jesus? much more fun? Don't settle for a legalistic "I give my tithe", when you are called to Christ like, generous, joyful giving.
Let me be quick to add that I know many who believe that every Christian should tithe but are also generous, joyful givers. I applaud them. Of course much more can be written about giving. But I've written enough in these two days for this blog.
I am convinced that the law came through Moses, grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. Tithing 10% of our income may be a good foundation for giving, since we live in such a selfish, materialistic, debt ridden culture, but it is not a Christian law. II Corinthians teaches a more mature, better approach to giving. I shared part of this in yesterday's blog.
Today I remind you of several great verses presenting challenging principles for giving in II Corinthians. First, we are called as disciples to follow the example of Jesus in giving sacrificially: "For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich."8:9 His example causes us to give with gratitude: "Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift." 9:15
Second, remember and take very seriously the immutable law God has created in our universe: "Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly and whoever sows generously will also reap generously." 9:6 When and how the reaping takes place will vary greatly, but you can count on it. It will be in proportion to the sowing.
Third, growing out of these guidelines, you should decide what you personally want to give. Give without reluctance and with no sense of pressure. Why? Because God loves a cheerful giver. 9:7
Fourth, trust God to provide what you need even as you give generously. 9:8
Doesn't this approach sound much more like NT giving? much more like Jesus? much more fun? Don't settle for a legalistic "I give my tithe", when you are called to Christ like, generous, joyful giving.
Let me be quick to add that I know many who believe that every Christian should tithe but are also generous, joyful givers. I applaud them. Of course much more can be written about giving. But I've written enough in these two days for this blog.
No comments:
Post a Comment