New Testament Giving Verses Old Testament Tithing

A. The Sabbath:

Christians today no longer adhere to the Law of the Sabbath, but a sabbath day is observed. It has been designated as a day set aside for worship and in the life of today’s believer that day falls on the first day of the week, rather than the seventh day as the Jew still observes. Regardless, however, the principle is there and is a viable principle for today’s Christian. This also applies to the moral law and the commandments -- they’re not only practical for today, but should be an integral part of every believer’s life.

B. The Temple / The Church:

In the Old Testament, one-tenth was to set aside for maintenance and upkeep of the temple, for the priesthood, i.e., the Levite, who had no inheritance.

The New Testament principle is:

9If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things?.... 14Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel. [1 Cor. 9:11, 14]

Simply put, those that preach should live by the gospel by the gifts of those blessed by the ministry. In other words, the Lord’s anointed should not have to hold down a regular or part-time job in order to feed his family.

Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things.[Gal. 6:6]

It hath pleased them verily; and their debtors they are. For if the Gentiles have been made partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister unto them in carnal things.[Rom. 15:27]

17Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially they who labor in the word and doctrine. 18For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And the laborer is worthy of his reward.[1 Tim. 5:17-18]

C. Proportionate to Income:

In the Old Testament, the tithe was in proportion to one’s income, i.e., ten percent. The same applies for the New Testament in that one’s giving should be proportionate to one’s income. One’s giving should reflect the extent of one’s blessing.

2Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come. [1 Cor. 16:2]

D. Obligation / Love:

The giving of the tithe in Old Testament times was an obligation. It was Law, i.e., commandment, although it was not enforced by men.

Not so, however, in New Testament times. One’s giving should never be because of obligation, but because of a grateful heart of love.

Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.[2 Cor. 9:7]

E. Major Principles (Purposes) Revealed in Giving:

Through the giving of one’s tithes:

1. The believer acknowledges that God is the giver of all, the owner of all.

2. The ministry of God is supported financially.

3. The believer is safeguarded against the sin of covetousness.

According to the New Testament teachings of Jesus, the believer is to consecrate all to God.