Tithing And Other Giving Questions For NT Believers - Giving (Part 3)

Tithing and Other Giving Questions for NT Believers Revision: 1. God is not a beggar (Psalm 50:10-13). 2. There’s lots of money God does not want (e.g., sordid gain, family needs, aged care, etc). 3. God wants willing givers (2 Corinthians 8-9). Are NT believers obligated to tithe? Televangelist Cre o Dollar Renounces Past Teachings on Tithing, But Questions Persist By Josh Shepherd • July 7, 2022 fl fl https://julieroys.com/cre o-dollar-renounced-teachings-tithing-questions-persist/ Dollar, senior pastor of World Changers Church International in College Park, Georgia—a multiethnic megachurch with nearly 30,000 members —said his past messages were “not correct.” “Tithing isn’t required or even encouraged for believers in Jesus Christ,” Dollar stated in his June 26 message, “The Great Misunderstanding.” The televangelist, who began his preaching ministry in 1986, even encouraged his ock to “throw away every book, every tape, and every video I ever did on the subject of tithing.” Referencing the New Testament passage of Romans 6:14, Dollar preached that he had a revelation about grace superseding Old Testament law. “Today, I stand in humility to correct some things I have taught for years and believed for years but could never understand it clearly because I had not been confronted with the Gospel of grace, which has made the difference.” fi “Dollar owns two jets—a Gulfstream G-IV and Learjet 60—which are ‘registered to a shell company named World Heir.’ In addition, Dollar and his wife, Taf , own two homes near their church which are collectively valued at $5.7 million, according to Red n data compiled by Trinity Foundation.” Are NT believers obligated to tithe? What is a tithe? a tithe = 1/10th Leviticus 27:30–33 (ESV)“Every tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land or of the fruit of the trees, is the LORD’s; it is holy to the LORD. 31If a man wishes to redeem some of his tithe, he shall add a fth to it. 32And every tithe of herds and ocks, every tenth animal of all that pass under the herdsman’s staff, shall be holy to the LORD. What did tithing look like for OT believers? 1. An annual tithe of all one’s crop and livestock increase over the past year. Note: The person tithing got to eat some of this tithe at the annual festival. fl fi fi Deuteronomy 14:22–27 (ESV) “You shall tithe all the yield of your seed that comes from the eld year by year. 23And before the Lord your God, in the place that he will choose, to make his name dwell there, you shall eat the tithe of your grain, of your wine, and of your oil, and the rstborn of your herd and ock, that you may learn to fear the Lord your God always. 24And if the way is too long for you, so that you are not able to carry the tithe, when the Lord your God blesses you, because the place is too far from you, which the Lord your God chooses, to set his name there, 25then you shall turn it into money and bind up the money in your hand and go to the place that the Lord your God chooses 26and spend the money for whatever you desire—oxen or sheep or wine or strong drink, whatever your appetite craves. And you shall eat there before the Lord your God and rejoice, you and your household. What did tithing look like for OT believers? 2. An second annual tithe of all one’s crop and livestock increase over the past year for the Levites and priests. Numbers 18:21–24 (ESV) “To the Levites I have given every tithe in Israel for an inheritance, in return for their service that they do, their service in the tent of meeting, 22so that the people of Israel do not come near the tent of meeting, lest they bear sin and die. 23But the Levites shall do the service of the tent of meeting, and they shall bear their iniquity. It shall be a perpetual statute throughout your generations, and among the people of Israel they shall have no inheritance. 24For the tithe of the people of Israel, which they present as a contribution to the LORD, I have given to the Levites for an inheritance. Therefore I have said of them that they shall have no inheritance among the people of Israel.” What did tithing look like for OT believers? 3. Every third year, an additional tithe for the Levites, foreign residents (“sojourners”), widows, and fatherless. fi Deuteronomy 14:28–29 (ESV) “At the end of every three years you shall bring out all the tithe of your produce in the same year and lay it up within your towns. 29And the Levite, because he has no portion or inheritance with you, and the sojourner, the fatherless, and the widow, who are within your towns, shall come and eat and be lled, that the LORD your God may bless you in all the work of your hands that you do. “By New Testament times, most Jews had come to interpret the every-third-year offering for the poor as above and beyond the other two tithes (Tobit 1:7-8; Josephus, Antiquities 4.8.22). Pro-rated annually, these added up to a 23.3% tithe.” Craig L. Blomberg, Neither Poverty Nor Riches: A Biblical Theology of Possessions. New Studies in Biblical Theology 7, ed. D.A. Carson (Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 1999), 46. But wait! There’s more. Exodus 30:13 (ESV) Each one who is numbered in the census shall give this: half a shekel according to the shekel of the sanctuary (the shekel is twenty gerahs), half a shekel as an offering to the Lord. “By New Testament times, the half-shekel tax would be roughly equivalent to two days’ wages (i.e., two denarii).” bolding mine; Blomberg, Neither Poverty Nor Riches, 47. Hold on! OT believers weren’t done giving yet. “A summary of all the taxes and tithes prescribed at one point or another in ancient Israel is somewhat staggering: forced labour under the monarchy, royal taxation, emergency tribute in wartime, the temple tax, the gleaning to be left during sabbatical and Jubilee years, rst fruits and other voluntary offerings, and the mandatory ‘triple tithe.’ . . . On can hardly claim that God’s people were free to enjoy unbridled prosperity from their material resources.” fi bolding mine; Blomberg, Neither Poverty Nor Riches, 47. What does the NT say about tithing? Matthew 23:23 (ESV) “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint and dill and cumin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness. These you ought to have done, without neglecting the others. Luke 11:42 (ESV) “But woe to you Pharisees! For you tithe mint and rue and every herb, and neglect justice and the love of God. These you ought to have done, without neglecting the others. What does the NT say about tithing? Luke 18:12 (ESV) I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.’ fi Hebrews 7:5–6 (ESV) And those descendants of Levi who receive the priestly of ce have a commandment in the law to take tithes from the people, that is, from their brothers, though these also are descended from Abraham. 6But this man who does not have his descent from them received tithes from Abraham and blessed him who had the promises. What does the NT say about tithing? fi Hebrews 7:8–9 (ESV) In the one case tithes are received by mortal men, but in the other case, by one of whom it is testi ed that he lives. 9One might even say that Levi himself, who receives tithes, paid tithes through Abraham, 10for he was still in the loins of his ancestor when Melchizedek met him. What does the NT say about tithing? Hebrews 7:11-13 (ESV) Now if perfection had been attainable through the Levitical priesthood (for under it the people received the law), what further need would there have been for another priest to arise after the order of Melchizedek, rather than one named after the order of Aaron? 12For when there is a change in the priesthood, there is necessarily a change in the law as well. 13For the one of whom these things are spoken belonged to another tribe, from which no one has ever served at the altar. What does the NT say about tithing? Hebrews 7:18-19 (ESV) For on the one hand, a former commandment is set aside because of its weakness and uselessness 19(for the law made nothing perfect); but on the other hand, a better hope is introduced, through which we draw near to God. What does the NT say about tithing? Conclusion: Tithing is part of the Old Covenant that was “weak,” “useless,” and unable “to perfect us.” Tithing is not how we “draw near to God” under the new Covenant. What does the NT say about tithing? Conclusion: We draw near to God through “the better hope,” i.e., Christ—the priest after the order of Melchizedek, who received tithes from the inferior, Levitical priesthood. How else do we know that NT believers don’t need to tithe according to OT stipulations? The Jerusalem Council in Acts 15 asked and answered the question of how much of the OT Law was required of Gentile believers. What parts of the Mosaic Law do Gentile believers need to observe under the New Covenant? fi Acts 15:28–29 (ESV) For it has seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to lay on you no greater burden than these requirements: 29that you abstain from what has been sacri ced to idols, and from blood, and from what has been strangled, and from sexual immorality. If you keep yourselves from these, you will do well. Farewell.” If I don’t have to tithe, then God doesn’t expect me to give, right? Wrong!!! 1. Generous giving is commended, modelled, and urged in 2 Corinthians 8-9. 2 Corinthians 9:5 (ESV) So I thought it necessary to urge the brothers to go on ahead to you and arrange in advance for the gift you have promised, so that it may be ready as a willing gift, not as an exaction. 2 Corinthians 9:7 (ESV) Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 2. Giving is part of the second greatest commandment. fl Galatians 5:13–14 (ESV) For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the esh, but through love serve one another. 14For the whole law is ful lled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 2. Giving is part of the second greatest commandment. Galatians 6:6 (ESV) Let the one who is taught the word share all good things with the one who teaches. Galatians 6:10 (ESV) So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith. 2. Giving is part of the second greatest commandment. 1 John 3:16–18 (ESV) By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers. 17But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him? 18Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth. 3. Jesus highlighted generosity in his grand illustration of loving one’s neighbour. What was Jesus’ grand illustration of loving your neighbour? The story of the good Samaritan Luke 10:33–35 (ESV) But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was, and when he saw him, he had compassion. 34He went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he set him on his own animal and brought him to an inn and took care of him. 35And the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, ‘Take care of him, and whatever more you spend, I will repay you when I come back.’ How much does God expect me to give? • Is the widow who gave all she had (Luke 21:1-5) a good model for NT believers? • Do I need to give until I’m in some second level of poverty like the Macedonian believers? Luke 21:1–4 (ESV) Jesus looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the offering box, 2and he saw a poor widow put in two small copper coins. 3And he said, “Truly, I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them. 4For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.” What is the context of the widow’s 2 mites? • Preceding verses condemn religious leaders who “devour widows’ houses.” Luke 20:46–47 (ESV) “Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes, and love greetings in the marketplaces and the best seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at feasts, 47who devour widows’ houses and for a pretense make long prayers. They will receive the greater condemnation.” What is the context of the widow’s 2 mites? • Following verses describe the opulence of the temple complex and foretell its destruction. Luke 21:5–6 (ESV) And while some were speaking of the temple, how it was adorned with noble stones and offerings, he said, 6“As for these things that you see, the days will come when there will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down.” Conclusion If God were commending the widow’s giving her whole livelihood in the offering, God was certainly 1) condemning religious leaders who manipulated her into doing so, 2) pointing out that the widow’s investment in the temple buildings would be wasted, and 3) contradicting 2 Corinthians 8:13–14 (ESV): 13For I do not mean that others should be eased and you burdened, but that as a matter of fairness 14your abundance at the present time should supply their need, so that their abundance may supply your need, that there may be fairness. Is God commanding giving that impoverishes me? fl fl 2 Corinthians 8:1–3 (ESV) We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia, 2for in a severe test of af iction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have over owed in a wealth of generosity on their part. 3For they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own accord, Things to remember about Paul’s use of the Macedonian believers’ giving from poverty: fl fl 2 Corinthians 8:1–3 (ESV) We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia, 2for in a severe test of af iction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have over owed in a wealth of generosity on their part. 3For they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own accord, 1. The Macedonians did not give out of obligation to a command. 2 Corinthians 8:3 (ESV) they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own accord [lit. free will, own initiative], 2. It seems that Paul was originally reluctant to let the Macedonians participate in the offering. 2 Corinthians 8:3–4 (ESV) For they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own accord, 4begging us earnestly for the favor of taking part in the relief of the saints— 2 Corinthians 8:10–11 (ESV) And in this matter I give my judgment: this bene ts you, who a year ago started not only to do this work but also to desire to do it. 11So now nish doing it as well, so that your readiness in desiring it may be matched by your completing it out of what you have. fi fi 3. Paul brings up the poor Macedonian churches to provoke the richer Corinthian church to give what it had already promised and originally wanted to give. 2 Corinthians 9:2, 4 (ESV) for I know your readiness, of which I boast about you to the people of Macedonia, saying that Achaia has been ready since last year. And your zeal has stirred up most of them. 4Otherwise, if some Macedonians come with me and nd that you are not ready, we would be humiliated—to say nothing of you—for being so con dent. fi fi 4. Paul brings up the poor Macedonian churches to remind the Corinthian church that A) the Corinthians church had originally been zealous about this offering, and B) the Macedonians would nd out if the Corinthians didn’t give. 5. Paul repeatedly teaches that generous giving ows out of God’s grace being worked in the giver’s heart. 2 Corinthians 8:1 (ESV)We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia, 2 Corinthians 8:4 (ESV) begging us earnestly for the favor of taking part in the relief of the saints— 2 Corinthians 8:6–7 (ESV) Accordingly, we urged Titus that as he had started, so he should complete among you this act of grace. 7But as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all earnestness, and in our love for you—see that you excel in this act of grace also. 5. Paul repeatedly teaches that generous giving ows of grace being worked in the giver’s heart. fi 2 Corinthians 8:9 (ESV) For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich. 2 Corinthians 8:19 (ESV) And not only that, but he has been appointed by the churches to travel with us as we carry out this act of grace that is being ministered by us, for the glory of the Lord himself and to show our good will. 2 Corinthians 9:8 (ESV) And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all suf ciency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work. 2 Corinthians 9:14 (ESV) while they long for you and pray for you, because of the surpassing grace of God upon you. 6. The Macedonian offering was going to relieve a speci c, severe, temporary need. fi Acts 11:27–30 (ESV) Now in these days prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. 28And one of them named Agabus stood up and foretold by the Spirit that there would be a great famine over all the world (this took place in the days of Claudius). 29So the disciples determined, every one according to his ability, to send relief to the brothers living in Judea. 30And they did so, sending it to the elders by the hand of Barnabas and Saul. Conclusion: fi 1. Sometimes God lays it on poor Christians’ hearts to give in ways that add to their poverty. 2. “Poverty giving” should be: • self-initiated as a result of grace, not coerced • only after rst giving one’s self to God • very infrequent • meet an emergency need of life and death consequences • not be so generous as to make the recipient better off than the giver • through transparent and accountable channels The NT’s Priorities for Giving Caveat: Not everyone and not every ministry is equally worthy of your giving. 2 Thessalonians 3:6, 10-12 (ESV) Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from any brother who is walking in idleness and not in accord with the tradition that you received from us. 10For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat. 11For we hear that some among you walk in idleness, not busy at work, but busybodies. 12Now such persons we command and encourage in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living. The NT forbids enabling idleness. Some giving hurts the recipient. When Helping Hurts: How to Alleviate Poverty without Hurting the Poor and Yourself by Steve Corbett and Brian Fikkert Highlights of When Helping Hurts “While poverty is complex, its solutions can be grouped into three broad categories: relief, rehabilitation, and development. A temporary crisis, such as a natural disaster or unemployment, requires relief, characterized by one-way giving designed to alleviate immediate suffering." “Effective relief is seldom, immediate, and temporary.” Highlights of When Helping Hurts fl fi “Returning to the pre-crisis state, such as rebuilding a home or nding a new job requires rehabilitation, characterized by the recipient becoming an active participant in his or her own recovery. Advancing to a higher level of ourishing than previously experienced, such as getting a better home or job, requires development. Development and rehabilitation require the same basic intervention—both require active participation from the individual advancing.” Reminder: God blesses open-handed giving. Proverbs 11:24 (ESV) One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want.