Is Tithing Required for Christians? A Biblical Answer

https://is1-ssl.mzstatic.com/image/thumb/Podcasts211/v4/5f/09/9f/5f099fb3-a561-c4c3-dbea-792fa4fe5c28/mza_6298342087530810563.jpg/600x600bb.jpg

The Gospel Saves Podcast

Wade Stanley

59 episodes

3 days ago

The Gospel Saves Podcast explores various aspects of the Christian faith. Whether you're interested in theological discussions, learning more about the Holy Spirit, or seeking a deeper connection with Christian teachings, this podcast offers a Bible-based perspective relevant to believers and those curious about the faith.

Christianity

Religion & Spirituality

RSS

All content for The Gospel Saves Podcast is the property of Wade Stanley and is served directly from their servers with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.

Christianity

Religion & Spirituality

https://d3t3ozftmdmh3i.cloudfront.net/staging/podcast_uploaded_episode/42329830/42329830-1742316808503-68290077c7c0e.jpg

Is Tithing Required for Christians? A Biblical Answer

The Gospel Saves Podcast

14 minutes 18 seconds

7 months ago

Is Tithing Required for Christians? A Biblical Answer

Is tithing required for Christians?

The Old Testament shows us that tithing was a command for the Israelites. Abraham gave a tithe to Melchizedek in Genesis 14. Jacob also promised a tenth of his possessions to God. Under the law of Moses, three tithes were instituted. One supported the Levites, another was for festivals, and a third, every three years, helped the poor. It seems the Israelites may have given up to 30% some years.

By Jesus' time, some took tithing to an extreme. In Matthew 23:23-24, Jesus criticized the Pharisees. He rebuked them for focusing on minor details. He said they neglected important matters like justice, mercy, and faith. Jesus didn't condemn their careful tithing. He criticized their lack of focus on more important things.

However, tithing doesn't seem to be a practice carried into the New Covenant. The New Testament shows a different approach to giving. In Acts 2:44, early Christians shared everything. They sold possessions and gave to those in need. There's no mention of a specific 10% amount. Acts 4:34-35 repeats this pattern. Ananias and Sapphira, in Acts 5:1-11, were punished for lying about their giving, not for withholding a tithe.

Giving in the early church was based on individual judgment. The church in Antioch, in Acts 11:29, gave according to their ability. Paul teaches this principle in 1 Corinthians 16:2. He says each person should give as they prosper. In 2 Corinthians 9:7, Paul says giving should be cheerful, not forced.

The purpose of giving in the New Testament was to care for people. The church supported widows, as seen in Acts 6:1-6 and 1 Timothy 5. They helped poor believers, as mentioned in 1 Corinthians 16:1-2 and Romans 15:26. The church also aided those facing disasters, like the famine mentioned in Acts 11. Christians in prison received support, as Paul did from the Philippians. Finally, those who preached the gospel were supported, as described in 1 Corinthians 9 and Galatians 6:6.

Both Old and New Testament giving focused on people. The Old Testament used tithes. The New Testament left the amount up to each person. The speaker does not think tithing is necessary today. The New Testament emphasizes giving from the heart to meet the needs of others.