Give Generously

As a church, we believe that we are called to respond to the generosity of the gospel by giving extravagantly to the progress of the gospel in our community and world. Biblical generosity is not about meeting budget needs. It is about a trusting relationship with a living God. We express our faith and love to Him by honoring Him as the source of everything we have. Scriptural giving is performed with regularity, from the first portion of all we are given, as a proportion of our income, cheerfully, and without pressure or manipulation.

Tithing is our starting place in giving. The Bible teaches us about a baseline standard for giving: the tithe (a word that literally means a “tenth”). When we give the first 10% of our income through the local church, we put God first in our lives. Tithing is an act of worship that expresses our gratitude, faith, and love for others. God also encourages us to give offerings beyond our tithe to specific projects at our local church and to other organizations and causes that we personally believe in.

The Bible talks about the importance and benefits of giving, trusting that “God who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness.” 2 Corinthians 9:10 (NIV).  We are to give as we are able, by faith.

Every Christian should diligently pray and seek God’s wisdom in the matter of participating in tithing and/or how much to give. “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” James 1:5 (NIV).

Above all, all tithes and offerings should be given with pure motives and an attitude of worship to God and service to the body of Christ. “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” 2 Corinthians 9:7 (NIV).

I. Because God commands it.

“One-tenth of what comes from the land is holy and belongs to the LORD” Leviticus 27:30 (GW)

II. Because Jesus commended it.

“Yes, you should tithe, but do not neglect the more important things undone [justice, mercy, faith].” Matthew 23:23 (NLT)

Tithing was the only thing Jesus commended the Pharisees for doing.

III. Because Tithing demonstrates that God has first place in your life.

“The purpose of tithing is to teach you to always put God in first place in your lives.” Deuteronomy 14:23 (LB)

IV. Because tithing reminds us that everything we have was given to us by God.

“Remember the Lord your God, for it He who gives you the ability to produce wealth.” Deuteronomy 8:18 (NIV)

V. Because tithing expresses my love to the Lord.

“Each of you should bring a gift in proportion to the way the Lord your God has blessed you.” Deuteronomy 16:17 (NIV)

VI. Tithing gives God a chance to prove He exists and wants to bless you!

“Bring the full amount of your tithes to the Temple, so that there will be plenty of food there. Put me to the test and you will see that I will open the windows of heaven and pour out on you in abundance all kinds of good things.”  Malachi 3:10 (GNT)

Tithing Began Before the Law of Moses Was Introduced

The Law simply regulated the tithe. Abraham gave tithes to Melchizedek, 400 years before the time of Moses and the Law.

“And blessed be God Most High,who has defeated your enemies for you.” Then Abram gave Melchizedek a tenth of all the goods he had recovered” Genesis 14:20 (NLT)

According to Romans 4:12 we are to walk in the footsteps of the faith of Abraham. If tithing was good for him, it should be good for us, too.

“… Abraham is the father of all who believe but have not been circumcised, in order that righteousness might be credited to them … who also follow in the footsteps of the faith that our father Abraham” Romans 4:12 (NIV)

Tithing Was Commanded and Practiced Under the Law of Moses

“‘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)

God says: “I ask you, is it right for a person to cheat God? Of course not, yet you are cheating me. ‘How?’ you ask. In the matter of tithes and offerings. Bring the full amount of your tithes to the Temple, so that there will be plenty of food there. Put me to the test and you will see that I will open the windows of heaven and pour out on you in abundance all kinds of good things.” Malachi 3:8,10 (GNT)

Tithing Was Confirmed by Jesus and Practiced During His Time and Ministry

Jesus says: “… you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees … you are careful to tithe even the tiniest income from your herb gardens, but you ignore the more important aspects of the law—justice, mercy, and faith. You should tithe, yes, but do not neglect the more important things.” Matthew 23:23 (NLT)

Tithing Was Taught and Practiced During The Church Age

“Moses’ Teachings say that members of the tribe of Levi who become priests must receive a tenth of everything from the people …  Although Melchizedek was not from the tribe of Levi, he received a tenth of everything from Abraham. Then Melchizedek blessed Abraham, who had God’s promises.  Priests receive a tenth of everything, but they die. Melchizedek received a tenth of everything, but we are told that he lives.” Hebrews 7:5-6, 8 (GW)

Please note: Melchizedek is a “type of Christ”

Tithing is biblical. It was introduced before the Law of Moses, commanded under the Mosaic law, confirmed and practiced during Jesus’ ministry and practiced during the Church age. As believers we tithe not because we under grace but grace obligates us to live in joyful obedience to God.

1. What should I tithe?

The tithe should come from the first part of what I earn.

“Honor the Lord by giving him the first part of all your income.” Proverbs 3:9 (GW)

2. Where should I give my Tithe?

The tithe should be given where I worship.

“Bring the full amount of your tithe to the Temple…” Malachi 3:10 (GNT)

3. When should I Tithe?

“On the first day of every week, set aside some of what you have earned and give it as an offering. The amount depends on how much the Lord has helped you earn.” 1 Corinthians 16:2 (LB)

Basically, we should pay our tithes the Sunday following payday. If we have the means to send our tithes via online giving, we should utilize that and send our tithes any day as soon as we receive God’s financial blessings.

4. What is the difference between “Tithe” and an “Offering”?

A tithe is 10% of your total income. An offering is anything you give in addition to your tithe, such as gifts for special projects, Building Fund, etc. Tithing is God’s minimum standard, the starting point. As God prospers you, you will want to give more.

5. Does our tithe all have to go to our church or can part of it go to a Christian ministry or other causes?

““Bring the full amount of your tithes to the Temple, so that there will be plenty of food there …” Malachi 3:10 (GNT)

Yes, based on the storehouse principle in Malachi 3:10 a believer’s primary giving, which is the tithe (10% of income) should go to his or her local church. After that any “additional offerings” can go to other Christian causes as he or she chooses.

6. Faithful Tithing Produces an Uncommon Blessing from God

“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 there will not be room enough to store it. I will prevent pests from devouring your crops, and the vines in your fields will not drop their fruit before it is ripe, ” says the Lord Almighty. “Then all the nations will call you blessed, for yours will be a delightful land,” says the Lord Almighty.” Malachi 3:10-12, NIV