Practical Christianity On Tithing, Giving, and Offerings
Tithing Under Mosaic Law
This first part of our study will take a closer look at tithing and giving under Mosaic Law, establishing what it was, why it was implemented, and how the resources from the tithes were allocated. We will not get into Abraham's tithing to Melchizedek in this part as our focus will be only those provisions for giving enunciated by Mosaic Law.
What is Tithing? Initially, the tithe was a series of Old Testament commandments to Israel for giving instituted under Mosaic Law (The Law of Moses) when the land of Canaan was divided between the 12 tribes of Israel. Each tribe was given an area of land to improve upon as an inheritance... Deut 14:22 Thou shalt truly tithe all the increase of thy seed, that the field bringeth forth year by year. ...except for the tribe of the descendants of Levi, who were to become a priest class devoted to attending to the temple of the Lord, the seat of the Jewish Theocracy. Numbers 18:6 And I behold, I have taken your brethren the Levites from among the children of Israel: to you they are given as a gift for the Lord, to do the service of the tabernacle of the congregation. Numbers 18:20 And the Lord spake unto Aaron, Thou shalt have no inheritance in their land, neither shalt thou have any part among them: I am thy part and thine inheritance among the children of Israel.
What is Tithing? To sustain the temple and the priestly tribe of Levi, the other 11 tribes were to provide them with a tenth of their increase. The word "tithe" literally means "one-tenth," and this is where we get the term we use today. Numbers 18:21, 23-24 21 And, behold, I have given the children of Levi all the tenth in Israel for an inheritance, for their service which they serve, even the service of the tabernacle of the congregation. ... 23 But the Levites shall do the service of the tabernacle of the congregation, and they shall bear their iniquity: it shall be a statute forever throughout your generations, that among the children of Israel, they have no inheritance. 24 But the tithes of the children of Israel, which they offer as an heave offering unto the Lord, I have given to the Levites to inherit: therefore I have said unto them, Among the children of Israel they shall have no inheritance.
The Heave Offering Moses instructed that the Levites were themselves commanded by God to offer tithes to God FROM the tithes they received as an offering unto God, and it was to be given to the High Priest (at that time Aaron) as referred to in scripture as a "heave offering". Numbers 18:28 Thus ye (the Levites) also shall offer an heave offering unto the Lord of all your tithes, which ye receive of the children of Israel; and ye shall give thereof the Lord's heave offering to Aaron the priest. So the Levites were allowed to receive for themselves personally a "heave" offering which from the tithes and offerings of Israel Numbers 18:11 And this is thine; the heave offering of their gift, with all the wave offerings of the children of Israel: I have given them unto thee, and to thy sons and to thy daughters with thee, by a statute forever: every one that is clean in thy house shall eat of it.
The Heave and Wave Offerings So what are these offerings? Literally, the "heave offering" was the right shoulder portion of the meat animal offered in sacrifice, and the "wave offering" was the breast meat of the same animal that was literally held aloft and waved in the air before the Lord in thanksgiving before consumption. Basically, these were "choice cuts" of meat. Leviticus 7:34 For the wave breast and the heave shoulder have I taken of the children of Israel from off the sacrifices of their peace offerings, and have given them unto Aaron the priest and unto his sons by a statute for ever from among the children of Israel. Leviticus 10:1 And the wave breast and heave shoulder shall ye eat in a clean place; thou, and thy sons, and thy daughters with thee: for they be thy due, and thy sons' due, which are given out of the sacrifices of peace offerings of the children of Israel.
Rules for Tithing The tribes were commanded to bring their tithes and sacrifices to the storehouse of the Temple. Malachi 3:10 Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. Tithes were not given as money but as percentages of the increase in Israelites' labor, whether farming, animal husbandry, or other activities. Those that farmed, for example were to tithe from their crop: Deut 14:22 Thou shalt truly tithe all the increase of thy seed, that the field bringeth forth year by year.
Feasting on the Tithe One way the tithe was given was to bring it to the Temple and there consumed as a feast of Thankfulness before the Lord. Deut 14:23 And thou shalt eat before the Lord thy God, in the place which he shall choose to place his name there, the tithe of thy corn, of thy wine, and of thine oil, and the firstlings of thy herds and of thy flocks; that thou mayest learn to fear the Lord thy God always.
If the Tithe Should Spoil… Interestingly, if the farmer lived too far away from the temple so that his produce would spoil along the journey to the temple, or if the amount to give was too cumbersome to transport, then the giver was to sell all their tithes in their local region and then bring the money to the Temple to spend it all on goods, feasting, reveling, drinking alcoholic beverages, etc. in celebration toward God and in support of the local temple economy. Deut 14:24-26 24 And if the way be too long for thee, so that thou art not able to carry it; or if the place be too far from thee, which the Lord thy God shall choose to set his name there, when the Lord thy God hath blessed thee: 25 Then shalt thou turn it into money, and bind up the money in thine hand, and shalt go unto the place which the Lord thy God shall choose: 26 And thou shalt bestow that money for whatsoever thy soul lusteth after, for oxen, or for sheep, or for wine, or for strong drink, or for whatsoever thy soul desireth: and thou shalt eat there before the Lord thy God, and thou shalt rejoice, thou, and thine household
The Storehouse & Solomon’s Porch Malachi 3:10 10 Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. Acts 5:1-2,12 But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession, 2 And kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles' feet…. 12 And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people; (and they were all with one accord in Solomon's porch.
Not all Tithes Went to the Temple NOT ALL TITHES WENT TO THE TEMPLE
Some Levites did not all live within Temple but lived in the other tribes regions. They were not permitted to own land. Every three years, the Israelites were commanded to set aside tithes for the Levites who lived within their gates. Foreigners, orphans, and widows were also sustained by this tithe which was NOT taken to the Temple priests. Deut 14:27-29 27 And the Levite that is within thy gates; thou shalt not forsake him; for he hath no part nor inheritance with thee. 28 At the end of three years thou shalt bring forth all the tithe of thine increase the same year, and shalt lay it up within thy gates: 29 And the Levite, (because he hath no part nor inheritance with thee,) and the stranger, and the fatherless, and the widow, which are within thy gates, shall come, and shall eat and be satisfied; that the Lord thy God may bless thee in all the work of thine hand which thou doest.
Related Financial Laws Conditions, Reprieves, Cancellations, and Jubilee
Debt Cancellation At the end of every 7 years, all debts between Israelites were to be canceled, which was called the "Lord's Release." debts with foreigners may be still held, but those between Israelites were nullified. Deuteronomy 15:1 1 At the end of every seven years thou shalt make a release. 2 And this is the manner of the release: Every creditor that lendeth ought unto his neighbour shall release it; he shall not exact it of his neighbour, or of his brother; because it is called the Lord's release. 3 Of a foreigner thou mayest exact it again: but that which is thine with thy brother thine hand shall release;
Lending to Poor Brethren The Isrealite who was able to lend, was commanded to lend money to a brother in poverty in an amount sufficient for his present needs. Further, if the loan was made near the year of Lord's Release, the lender was not allowed to withhold the loan. To do so would be counted as a sin. The principle being that nothing could be done about poverty in the world at large, but within the Jewish community, the poor could be lifted out of their want and need through charity and lending. Deut 15:7-11 7 If there be among you a poor man of one of thy brethren within any of thy gates in thy land which the Lord thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not harden thine heart, nor shut thine hand from thy poor brother: 8 But thou shalt open thine hand wide unto him, and shalt surely lend him sufficient for his need, in that which he wanteth. 9 Beware that there be not a thought in thy wicked heart, saying, The seventh year, the year of release, is at hand; and thine eye be evil against thy poor brother, and thou givest him nought; and he cry unto the Lord against thee, and it be sin unto thee. 10 Thou shalt surely give him, and thine heart shall not be grieved when thou givest unto him: because that for this thing the Lord thy God shall bless thee in all thy works, and in all that thou puttest thine hand unto. 11 For the poor shall never cease out of the land: therefore I command thee, saying, Thou shalt open thine hand wide unto thy brother, to thy poor, and to thy needy, in thy land.
Release of Indentured Servants Every seven years, not only were debts forgiven, but servants were to be released from duty and every 50th year they were to be released not only from debt but from service and allowed to return back to their clan homeland. Slavery was forbidden. Exodus 21:2 If thou buy a Hebrew servant, six years he shall serve: and in the seventh, he shall go out free for nothing. Leviticus 25:39-43 39 “‘If any of your fellow Israelites become poor and sell themselves to you, do not make them work as slaves. 40 They are to be treated as hired workers or temporary residents among you; they are to work for you until the Year of Jubilee. 41 Then they and their children are to be released, and they will go back to their own clans and to the property of their ancestors. 42 Because the Israelites are my servants, whom I brought out of Egypt, they must not be sold as slaves. 43 Do not rule over them ruthlessly, but fear your God.
Agricultural Sabbath Fields that were sown and used for agriculture were to be left fallow in the seventh years, and the land was to be used exclusively for raising animals, and the Israelites were to live off the meats while the land was rested and replenished. Fields were also not to be sown and reaped every fiftieth year. Leviticus 25:3-7 3 Six years thou shalt sow thy field, and six years thou shalt prune thy vineyard, and gather in the fruit thereof; 4 But in the seventh year shall be a sabbath of rest unto the land, a sabbath for the Lord: thou shalt neither sow thy field, nor prune thy vineyard. 5 That which groweth of its own accord of thy harvest thou shalt not reap, neither gather the grapes of thy vine undressed: for it is a year of rest unto the land. 6 And the sabbath of the land shall be meat for you; for thee, and for thy servant, and for thy maid, and for thy hired servant, and for thy stranger that sojourneth with thee. 7 And for thy cattle, and for the beast that are in thy land, shall all the increase thereof be meat.
The Year of Jubilee In every fiftieth year, Israelites were to observe a year of "Jubilee" in which each Israelite servant or employee is to return to the land of their own clan, fields were not to be sown or harvested. Leviticus 25:11-12 11. The fiftieth year shall be a jubilee for you; do not sow and do not reap what grows of itself or harvest the untended vines. 12 For it is a jubilee and is to be holy for you; eat only what is taken directly from the fields. An Israelite was not allowed to permanently sell land to others, but if he became poor, he could sell it provisionally on the condition that it would automatically return to his ownership in the year of Jubilee if he could not redeem it before then. Leviticus 25: 23-24 23‘The land must not be sold permanently because the land is (God's), and (The Israelite) resides in (His) land as foreigners and strangers. 24 Throughout the land you hold as a possession, you must provide for the redemption of the land....28 But if they do not acquire the means to repay, what was sold will remain in the buyer's possession until the Year of Jubilee. It will be returned in the Jubilee, and they can return to their property.
A Change in the Law From Theocracy to Monarchy
From Theocracy to Monarchy Since the giving of the Law, Israel remained a pure theocracy, receiving its laws and judgments from the Levites. However, eventually, the tribes desired and demanded a King to rule them. The High Priest Samuel warned them that if they appointed a king, this new king would take even more from the people than they were already giving. Further, if they installed the king and regretted it, God would not hear them if they wanted to undo it. They ignored Samuel, and thus, Saul became king over Israel, doing precisely what Samuel predicted he would do: 1 Samuel 8:10- 10 And Samuel told all the words of the Lord unto the people that asked of him a king.11 And he said, This will be the manner of the king that shall reign over you: He will take your sons, and appoint them for himself, for his chariots, and to be his horsemen; and some shall run before his chariots 12 And he will appoint him captains over thousands, and captains over fifties; and will set them to ear his ground, and to reap his harvest, and to make his instruments of war, and instruments of his chariots.13 And he will take your daughters to be confectionaries, and to be cooks, and to be bakers 14 And he will take your fields, and your vineyards, and your oliveyards, even the best of them, and give them to his servants 15 And he will take the tenth of your seed, and of your vineyards, and give to his officers, and to his servants. 16 And he will take your menservants, and your maidservants, and your goodliest young men, and your asses, and put them to his work.17 He will take the tenth of your sheep: and ye shall be his servants. 18 And ye shall cry out in that day because of your king which ye shall have chosen you; and the Lord will not hear you in that day.
A New King Arises The installation of a King in Israel was a marked shift from modest voluntary giving to the Temple instituted by God vs the King's outright taxation and conscription to support a new militarized government. So, while the tithe system essentially served as a good-will provision for the temple priests & Levites, widows, orphans, and poor of the nation of Israel, her shift from Theocracy to Monarchy would exact much more of the people, reducing their overall prosperity and transform their giving from voluntary to compulsory.
Israel began Robbing God Over time the Israelite Nation began shorting their giving to the House of the Lord Malachi 3:8 Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings. 9 Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation. 10 Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. 11 And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the LORD of hosts. 12 And all nations shall call you blessed: for ye shall be a delightsome land, saith the LORD of hosts.
No Longer Firstfruits As populations grew over time, many turned to commerce, merchandise, trade, and production for their sustenance, leading to forms of giving that extended beyond "agricultural first fruits." Eventually, giving to the Temple would take the form of money, valuables, and even rare commodities like valuable spices donated to the treasury: Matthew 23:23 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law... Luke 21:1-2 1 And (Jesus) looked up, and saw the rich men casting their gifts into the treasury. 2 And he saw also a certain poor widow casting in thither two mites. Mark 12:41 41 And Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury: and many that were rich cast in much
Taking Shortcuts Some would even shortcut God's design for sacrificial giving by purchasing unblemished sacrifices from temple vendors vs offering up their own best stock from their personal means of production. John 2:13-16 13 And the Jews' passover was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 14 And found in the temple those that sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the changers of money sitting: 15 And when he had made a scourge of small cords, he drove them all out of the temple, and the sheep, and the oxen; and poured out the changers' money, and overthrew the tables; 16 And said unto them that sold doves, Take these things hence; make not my Father's house a house of merchandise.
Making Merchandise of Offerings One could actually purchase as merchandise animal sacrifices for sin offerings, which in essence undermined the whole point of sacrificial giving. In fact, by the time of Christ, God had enough of such sacrifices such that they were no longer pleasing to Him because hearts of his people were so far turned away from Him. Hebrews 10:1-10 1 For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect 2 For then would they not have ceased to be offered? because the worshippers, once purged, should have had no more conscience of sins.3 But in those sacrifices there is a remembrance again made of sins every year.4 For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins 5 Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me6 In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure 7 Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God. 8 Above when he said, Sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and offering for sin thou wouldest not, neither hadst pleasure therein; which are offered by the law 9 Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second.10 By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.
A Change in the Law It was at this time that God was preparing Himself to sacrifice His Son once and for all, removing us from the Law of Moses, ushering us into the Law of the Spirit where giving and sacrifice would be totally transformed and changed forever.When Jesus cried out on the cross "It is finished." He fulfilled the law. At that time, the veil of the temple covering the holiest of holies and the ark of the Covenant was ripped completely in two from top to bottom, (Matt 27:51, Mark 15:38, Luke 23:45) signifying an end to the Levitical priesthood and a fulfillment of the Law given by Moses. Hebrews 10:16-21 16 This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them; 17 And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.18 Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin.19 Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus 20 By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh 21 And having an high priest over the house of God. With Jesus Christ assuming the role of our eternal High Priest and the Temple being not only rendered impotent but also physically destroyed as prophesied by Daniel and Jesus Himself, we must now look to The New Covenant to understand giving in the Church Age.
A New Covenant From the Mosaic Law of Sin and Death to the Christian Law of the Spirit
A New Covenant The 7th-9th chapters of the New Testament book of Hebrews explains very well the transition between the Mosaic Law and the New Covenant for the Christian Church: Hebrews 8b-10, 13 8b Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah 9 Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt; because they continued not in my covenant, and I regarded them not, saith the Lord.10 For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people: 13 In that he saith, A new covenant, he hath made the first old. Now that which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away
A New Covenant (cont’d) Hebrews 9:1-2, 6-17 1 Then verily the first covenant had also ordinances of divine service, and a worldly sanctuary. 2 For there was a tabernacle made; the first... 6 Now when these things were thus ordained, the priests went always into the first tabernacle, accomplishing the service of God.7 But into the second went the high priest alone once every year, not without blood, which he offered for himself, and for the errors of the people:8 The Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing: 9 Which was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience;10 Which stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances, imposed on them until the time of reformation.11 But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building;12 Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for u 13 For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh:14 How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?15 And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.16 For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator.17 For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth.
What does this mean? It means that the covenant of laws God made with his people, which pertained to the temple and its priests, would be done away with in Christ. Christ began a new covenant or NEW TESTAMENT between God and His people wherein he would become the sole eternal high priest between God and Man. Hebrews 4:14-16 14 Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. 15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
The Law is Fulfilled As Christians, we do not need to rely on the Jewish Law pertaining to either the temple or the Levites to mediate our reconciliation with God due to sin. Instead, we turn to Jesus Christ. Unlike the requirement that the high priest ONLY could come before God to petition Him in his Holy Tabernacle, today we are to approach God directly without mediator, because Christ IS BECOME our mediator between God and Man. 1 Timothy 2:5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;
Who Was Melchizedek Well before the Mosaic Law was established, and before Abram was called "Abraham", Genesis 14:18 records him meeting the "King of Salem" after a great battle ("Salem" means "Peace"). And after that battle, Abram gave tithes of the spoils of war to Melchizedek. Genesis 1:18-20 18 And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God. 19 And he blessed him, and said, Blessed be Abram of the most high God, possessor of heaven and earth: 20 And blessed be the most high God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand. And he gave him tithes of all. Interestingly, some Jewish and Christian scholars and even Mormons suggest and even argue that Melchizedek was a Babylonian name for Shem, the son of Noah since it can be extrapolated from the biblical genealogies of Noah that Shem was actually a contemporary of Abraham in his later years.
Paul Explains Melchizedek The Apostle Paul, in the Book of Hebrews, explains more about Melchizedek (Melchisedec) and this encounter with Abra(ha)m. Hebrews 7:1-22 1. For this Melchisedec, king of Salem, priest of the most high God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him; 2 To whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all; first being by interpretation King of righteousness, and after that also King of Salem, which is, King of peace; 3 Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God; abideth a priest continually.4 Now consider how great this man was, unto whom even the patriarch Abraham gave the tenth of the spoils.5 And verily they that are of the sons of Levi, who receive the office of the priesthood, have a commandment to take tithes of the people according to the law, that is, of their brethren, though they come out of the loins of Abraham: 6 But he whose descent is not counted from them (Melchizedek) received tithes of Abraham, and blessed him that had the promises.7 And without all contradiction the less is blessed of the better.8 And here men that die receive tithes; but there he receiveth them, of whom it is witnessed that he liveth.9 And as I may so say, Levi also, who receiveth tithes, payed tithes in Abraham.10 For he was yet in the loins of his father, when Melchisedec met him.
Paul Explains Melchizedek (Cont’d) Here, Paul establishes that the eternal order of priesthood, after Melchizedek, is a higher order of priesthood than the Aaronic order of Levites. What Paul is saying is that because Abraham is the "father" of the 12 tribes of Israel, including the Levites, when Abraham paid tithes to Melchizedek, it was as if his eventual sons and their subsequent generations, specifically of Levi, had paid their tithes to Melchizedek as well through their father. Thereby their obligation to tithe is fulfilled.
Christ Alone is our Eternal High Priest During the days of his rule, (1010-970 BC) the Hebrew King David prophesied in Psalm 110 that Christ would come and would be a priest according to a higher order than the Levitical priesthood, that of the order of Melchizedek Psalm 110:4 The Lord hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek. The Apostle Paul goes on to discuss the priestly orders and the change to the Mosaic Law as a result of Christ. I am going to switch over to the New Living Translation English version of the Bible here because it is accurate and much easier to understand than the vernacular of the King James Version. Hebrews 7:11-22 (NLT) 11 So if the priesthood of Levi, on which the law was based, could have achieved the perfection God intended, why did God need to establish a different priesthood, with a priest in the order of Melchizedek instead of the order of Levi and the order of Aaron? 12 And if the priesthood is changed, the law must also be changed to permit it.13 For the priest we are talking about belongs to a different tribe, whose members have never served at the altar as priests.14 What I mean is, our Lord came from the tribe of Judah, and Moses never mentioned priests coming from that tribe….
Jesus is Like Melchizedek Hebrews 7:11-22 (NLT) 15 This change has been made very clear since a different priest, who is like Melchizedek, has appeared.16 Jesus became a priest, not by meeting the physical requirement of belonging to the tribe of Levi, but by the power of a life that cannot be destroyed.17 And the psalmist pointed this out when he prophesied,“You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.”[ref. Psalm 110] 18 Yes, the old requirement about the priesthood was set aside because it was weak and useless.19 For the law never made anything perfect. But now we have confidence in a better hope, through which we draw near to God.20 This new system was established with a solemn oath. Aaron’s descendants became priests without such an oath,21 but there was an oath regarding Jesus. For God said to him,\“The Lord has taken an oath and will not break his vow:‘You are a priest forever.’”22 Because of this oath, Jesus is the one who guarantees this better covenant with God.
Jesus is Like Melchizedek SO, with the the Aaronic priesthood of Levi abolished and the Melchizedek priesthood fulfilled, Christ assumed the role of the eternal high priest in heaven as and before God Himself. 2 Corinthians 5:17-19 17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.18 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;19 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.
So, if the Christian church is not under the old covenants or laws, and the tithe obligation to Melchizedek was fulfilled by the Levites in Abram, this leads us to our main question for today…
How then, as Christians, Should We Give?
The Law of the Spirit
The Law of the Spirit If the Christian church is not under the old covenants or laws, and the tithe obligation to Melchizedek was fulfilled by the Levites in Abram, then the question that remains for today is, "How then shall we give?" In the New Testament, we often read of the Mosaic Law referred to as the "Law of Sin and Death" because it was based around sacrifice for sins, provisional atonement, and all sorts of laws relating to the Jewish Temple and the Daily Life of the Jew. John 1:17 17 For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.
The Law of the Spirit Romans 8 speaks of how by abiding Christ after our conversion to Him, we are to live by this new law of grace and truth called "The Law of the Spirit". Romans 8:1-8 1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. 3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: 4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. 5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. 6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. 7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.
The Law of the Spirit Paul goes on in Romans 8:9-11 to explain that in order to "walk after the Spirit" or after the Law of the Spirit, it first requires that one be filled with the Spirit of God, also known as the Spirit of Christ or the Holy Spirit/Holy Ghost. This infilling is obtained through an experience called the "Baptism of the Holy Spirit" (Acts 19:1-7) which is the "spirit" component of being "born again" of water and of the spirit (John 3:3-5) Romans 8:9-11 9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. 10 And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. 11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.
No Longer Obligated The Christian who is filled with God's Spirit and walks after Christ is not under the obligation of the law... Galatians 5:18 But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law. ...because, by His Spirit, Jesus has justified the believer in a way that could not be accomplished by obedience to the Law of Moses. ACTS 13:37-39 37 But he, whom God raised again, saw no corruption. 38 Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins: 39 And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses.
All Things Are Governed by the Spirit The Christian then in ALL THINGS is governed by the Law of the Spirit. This means that the Holy Spirit of God, the Spirit of the Risen Christ indwelling the believer, leads the Christian to act according to God's will in all things. John 16:13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. So in ALL THINGS, those being led by the Spirit of God, should find themselves desiring to follow the will of God. This principle applies most certainly to the concept of giving.
During Jesus' ministry, he spent much time pointing people away from the "letter" of the law and toward the "heart" of the law so they would understand how God desired to lead them. By teaching them about matters of grace, mercy, sacrifice, etc. He was preparing them to live according to the Law of the Spirit which would come when he would pour himself into his followers beginning on the day of pentecost after his ascension.
This Ought Ye to Have Done… By the time of Christ, as we discussed in Part 2 of this series, giving had become almost a farce of what was originally intended and designed by God for His people. Jesus confronted the religious leaders of his day in an attempt to begin to alter their notions of giving. Matthew 23:23, 28 23 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone. 28 Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity. His chief complaint is that they were so concerned with the temple's treasury that they had almost completely missed the point of the law. It was almost as if, because of this hypocrisy, their gifts meant nothing to God.
Swearing by the Gold of the Altar In fact, in prior verses, Jesus challenged those who made vows by "swearing on the gold of the temple" or the "gift at the altar", saying: Matthew 23:17, 19 17 You blind fools: for which is greater, the gold, or the temple that sanctifies the gold? 19 You blind fools: for whether is greater, the gift, or the altar that sanctifies the gift?
Sacrificial Giving By contrast, Jesus observing sacrificial giving made by a poor widow, instructed his disciples that this act was greater to Him than the gifts made by the rich and pharisees. Mark 12:41-44 41 And Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury: and many that were rich cast in much. 42 And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing. 43 And he called unto him his disciples, and saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury:44 For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living. This observation echoes the widow's gift to Elijah in 1 Kings 17 where she gave her very last to Elijah when he was in need, and then God blessed her to where she never again lacked for oil.
How much is God’s portion? For the Jew, ten percent or a tithe was commanded of them as belonging to God in the form of a sort of "firstfruits" of their increase. However, in the Church age, the church behaved as though ALL they possessed actually belonged to God and that they saw themselves as merely stewards of what God had given them. Jesus began teaching on this subject by challenging the notion of even having a treasury where riches were laid up in store so that our hearts would not fixate on earthly things but on the eternal kingdom of God in heaven. Matthew 6:19-21 19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: 20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: 21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
Paying Taxes & Civic Responsibility Teachings like this were very challenging to his followers who asked him if it was lawful for Jews to pay taxes to Caesar. Matthew 22:17 17 Tell us therefore, What thinkest thou? Is it lawful to give tribute unto Caesar, or not? 18 But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, Why tempt ye me, ye hypocrites? 19 Shew me the tribute money. And they brought unto him a penny. 20 And he saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription? 21 They say unto him, Caesar's. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's. So Christ affirms our responsibility to both obey the civil government and also not neglect to give unto God.
The Rich Young Ruler and the Early Church To the rich young ruler, he gave this advice: Matthew 19:21 Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me. The early church held all their possessions in common so that none lacked Acts 2:44 And all that believed were together, and had all things common; Acts 4:32, 34-37 32 And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common.34 Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold, 35 And laid them down at the apostles' feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need. 36 And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus, 37 Having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles' feet.
Sacrificing Worldly Attachment The early church sacrificed all to follow Christ:
Matthew 19:29 And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name's sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life. Mark 10:28 Then Peter began to say unto him, Lo, we have left all, and have followed thee. 29 And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel's, 30 But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life.
Ananias, Sapphira & the Law of the Spirit It was NEITHER Peter NOR the command of the Law that inspired Ananias & Sapphira to sell their land and give it was the SPIRIT. Acts 5: 1But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession, 2 And kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles' feet. 3 But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land? 4 Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God.
Exploiting the Church Some pastors will misuse the case of Ananias and Sapphira to condemn those who are not giving to the church or holding back in their giving as a means of intimidation or using guilt to compel and/or abuse Christians into giving. They usually continue the brow-beating by quoting Malachi: "Will a man rob God..."
The thing to remember is that it was GOD who desired that Ananias should give the price of the land to the Apostles. The Apostles did not come up with the idea to compel him to do it! Peter was very clear that it was always within Ananias' control whether to obey or disobey as God commanded him directly and that Peter himself did NOT command the gift.
While Pastors may have the right to ASK you to give to support their ministry. In fact, wherever possible, the higher road for the minister is to have some vocation that supports himself and his family and yet still allows him to sow INTO the church. Pastors and Evangelists can not and should not COMMAND you to sell lands, sell homes, tithe, or make any other sort of financial contribution on pain of judgment from God or discipline from the church, or withholding of opportunities for Christian Service.
New Testament Giving - The Cheerful Giver Jesus explains how giving to God is supposed to work during the Sermon on the Mount: Luke 6:38 Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again. Here we see that God promises to reward the giver with increase and FURTHER that that reward is commensurate with how much we actually give. Notice there is no fixed percentage like was operative for the Jew (10%). Christians are to follow the leading of God's Spirit in their giving and obey what God asks of them, even it is all that we have stewardship over. 2 Corinthians 9:6-8 6 But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. 7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:
New Testament Giving - In Review When the church first began, they were so united in their faith that they began to live and operate communally. The Apostles collected offerings and distributed them back to the people according to their needs with such efficiency that no one lacked anything. As a persecuted faith community, this helped those in the early church survive. Acts 4:32-37 32 And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common.33 And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.34 Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold,35 And laid them down at the apostles' feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need.36 And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus,37 Having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles' feet. For all of this giving going on, NONE of it was commanded by the Apostles. GOD was causing men to give in support of the work of the Apostles who were preaching and performing miracles.
Should We Give? We could argue that because the Levitical priesthood was done away with and that there is no high priest equivalent in the New Testament Church, the tithe or heave offering does not belong to those performing the duties of the five-fold ministries (Apostle, Prophet, Evangelist, Pastor, Teacher).
We could argue that because Christ dwells not in temples made with men's hands, and there should not be a residual priest class serving the temple and performing its rituals, commanding a tithe from the people to support a building fund is also not Biblical for the Christian. We could argue that by the example that Paul made tents to support himself, ministers of the Gospel of Christ are not entitled to burden the church with their financial needs. After all, God miraculously for the needs of the ministry by miraculously providing a Gold Coin from the mouth of a fish, and by blessing the fishing harvest of the disciples. After all, God multiplied the loaves and fishes for the Apostles to give to the people, not the other way around, did he not?
Paul was very clear that he had the same right as the other Apostles to be supported financially for his ministry. This provides evidence in fact that the Apostles DID in fact apply these principles to support the case for financial support. Paul says that the Apostles, the Lord's brothers, and Peter and his wife were all supported by the church. His decision not to exercise his right to compensation was clearly an exception and not the common practice. He felt he was taking the higher road so as not to compromise his integrity and to eliminate gain-saying about his ministry.
Should We Give? Although Paul did not exercise a claim to be supported financially in ministry and labored with Barnabas making tents to support themselves, he made a sharply compelling case (with some indignation!) to the Corinthian church that he at least "deserved" to be supported the way the other Apostles were, and further that he had the right to exercise a claim for support if so elected. 1 Corinthians 9:1-18 (NLT) 1 Am I not as free as anyone else? Am I not an apostle? Haven’t I seen Jesus our Lord with my own eyes? Isn’t it because of my work that you belong to the Lord?2 Even if others think I am not an apostle, I certainly am to you. You yourselves are proof that I am the Lord’s apostle.3 This is my answer to those who question my authority:4 Don’t we have the right to live in your homes and share your meals?5 Don’t we have the right to bring a believing wife with us as the other apostles and the Lord’s brothers do, and as Peter does?6 Or is it only Barnabas and I who have to work to support ourselves?7 What soldier has to pay his own expenses? What farmer plants a vineyard and doesn’t have the right to eat some of its fruit? What shepherd cares for a flock of sheep and isn’t allowed to drink some of the milk?8 Am I expressing merely a human opinion, or does the law say the same thing?9 For the law of Moses says, “You must not muzzle an ox to keep it from eating as it treads out the grain.” Was God thinking only about oxen when he said this?10 Wasn’t he actually speaking to us? Yes, it was written for us so that the one who plows and the one who threshes the grain might both expect a share of the harvest.11 Since we have planted spiritual seed among you, aren’t we entitled to a harvest of physical food and drink?12 If you support others who preach to you, shouldn’t we have an even greater right to be supported? But we have never used this right. We would rather put up with anything than be an obstacle to the Good News about Christ. 13 Don’t you realize that those who work in the temple get their meals from the offerings brought to the temple? And those who serve at the altar get a share of the sacrificial offerings.14 In the same way, the Lord ordered that those who preach the Good News should be supported by those who benefit from it.15 Yet I have never used any of these rights. And I am not writing this to suggest that I want to start now. In fact, I would rather die than lose my right to boast about preaching without charge.16 Yet preaching the Good News is not something I can boast about. I am compelled by God to do it. How terrible for me if I didn’t preach the Good News!17 If I were doing this on my own initiative, I would deserve payment. But I have no choice, for God has given me this sacred trust.18 What then is my pay? It is the opportunity to preach the Good News without charging anyone. That’s why I never demand my rights when I preach the Good News.
Taking up Collections In fact, we see that when Paul did actually take up a collection in Corinth and Galatia, he did it not for himself but for the needs of the saints in Jerusalem who were from the Jewish and Roman persecutions there. The Jerusalem collection was a special offering with specific purpose to help those suffering Christians. 1 Corinthians 16:1-3 1 Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye. 2 Upon 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.3 And when I come, whomsoever ye shall approve by your letters, them will I send to bring your liberality unto Jerusalem. Acts 11: 27 And in these days came prophets from Jerusalem unto Antioch. 28 And there stood up one of them named Agabus, and signified by the Spirit that there should be great dearth throughout all the world: which came to pass in the days of Claudius Caesar. 29 Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judaea: 30 Which also they did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.
Should Pastors live off of the church? At the tearful end of Paul's ministry before he was arrested and eventually martyred, he makes a final speech to the Elders of the Ephesian Church instructing them that it is better for leaders to sow INTO the church rather than reap FROM it. Acts 20:18, 33-35 18 And when they were come to him, he said unto them, Ye know, from the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I have been with you at all seasons, 33 I have coveted no man's silver, or gold, or apparel. 34 Yea, ye yourselves know that these (my own) hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me. 35 I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive. Especially when the church has poor or financially suffering people in it, it is better for the shepherds to work and earn money through their own capabilities rather than exact sums from folks who are struggling.
Preaching for Money? Preachers of the Gospel ought not to seek to preach for a financial result or take a wage or charge a fee the way a psychic would do. Titus 1:7 For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not self-willed, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre; Acts 8:18-20 18 And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money,19 Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost.20 But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money.
Let’s be Realistic. Paul clearly establishes that it is realistic for a minister of the gospel to ask to be supported by a congregation. This is especially true if the pastor's time spent serving the church's needs is compromised by his maintaining a secular profession. As a church grows, if the congregation has decided to occupy a building or land, there will be obvious needs and expenses associated that need to be maintained within reason. We should be careful to ask God to help us find ways to support the NEEDS of the local church and its ministers, not the AMBITIONS of a popular television "ministry". God loves a cheerful giver, but we should not throw our pearls to swine by just giving anywhere and everywhere, and especially not to manipulative television evangelists or similar hucksters who openly take advantage. We should question if we see the ministry enriching itself at the expense of the congregation while basic needs in the lives of the saints go unmet. We need to be realistic and Spirit-led in our giving. We should have no qualms about asking to see the financials of a ministry or church, and church leaders should be transparent in how they manage church finances. Now, you may not agree with every single church expenditure, but in a healthy church, those concerns can be handled openly with constructive feedback in church business meetings where members and/or elders can actively participate. Just as the early church trusted the apostles to distribute what was given, we should trust our apostolic church leaders who are committed to the same Spirit of Giving.
How then, should we give?
HOW to Give. Regarding our OWN ambitions, Jesus reminds us that we are not to seek credit, recognition, or any sort of public attention for our giving (alms): Luke 6:1-4 1 Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise, ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven.2 Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.3 But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth:4 That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly. As a Christian, your giving should be done privately, not in front of the congregation. We should not seek special dedications, mentions, or any other form of public recognition for our private giving, no matter the amount. Giving privately to your pastor in a personal exchange, giving online, and giving anonymously are all ways we can give secretly before the eyes of God. We are not to glory in our giving; we are merely stewards of the resources God has given us.
Passing the Plate or Bag Passing a bag or filing to the front to give is an embarrassing practice that humbles those who cannot give and draws attention to those who can. It also can make it seem like those who give privately and do not march or pass are not givers at all. Some churches will ask you to use an envelope in your giving to help them keep a record. However, we must ask ourselves if we are giving merely for the record for tax exemption vs. honoring God. Tax exemptions for charitable giving are surely a nice side benefit, but we must determine the amount and nature of our giving based on what the Spirit asks of us, not based on tax code allowances. We should not seek to influence the ministry, seek a platform position, obtain special seating, or secure any other form of enticement as a quid pro quo for large sum monetary gifts.
We Should NOT Tithe - ALL is God’s! In a word, NO. The tithe is rendered meaningless in that, for the Jew, it declared 10% to be God's, whereas, for the Christian, 100% of what we are given to steward in this life is God's.
It is God's sovereign right to influence us by His Spirit to give in ways that he so desires. For following the leading of His Spirit in these matters, we are promised abundance and provision from God as to our needs. Truly sincere and prayerful, worshipful people will not miss out on an opportunity to Give to God. God loves a cheerful giver. If we allow ourselves to be givers and conduits for giving and service using what little we may have to give, we show ourselves trustworthy to God for Him to allow us to receive more abundantly from Him.
If you want to give ten percent to God, that's fine. Anything you render to Christ is Christ's. But if we sow sparingly, the Bible says we will reap sparingly. If we give lovingly, sacrificially, and worshipfully - we can expect God's abundance in our lives in many more ways than financial.
To whom do we give? Malachi 3:10 Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. Though we no longer need to bring tithes of meat into the storehouse of God, we can certainly extract principle from Malachi 3:10 which shows the heart of God toward increasing the giver who exercises their faith in God by giving. The temple, storehouse, and Solomon’s Porch were all destroyed by the Romans in AD 70. Acts 4:34 Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold, 35 And laid them down at the apostles' feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need. Acts 11:29 Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judaea: 30 Which also they did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.
Ways of Giving
Ways of Giving Ways of Giving There are many many ways of giving that are not necessarily monetary. As we take an inventory of all that God has blessed us with, it becomes more and more clear how and in what ways we can give.
Someone who may not have a lot of money to give may have a lot of time, and by contrast, someone who may not have a lot of time may have money or resources to spare.
Someone who has a small craft business might have items to sell for a fundraiser, and someone who runs a large business might be able to donate a large inflatable rental to a church carnival. Here are some of the many ways that we can Give our BEST to God for His Kingdom in support of our local ministries.
Abundance & Resources ABUNDANCE & RESOURCES
This means giving or lending from our surplus finances, garden harvests, products we make, extra personal or household items, surplus things we own, extra clothes we can give, tools or equipment we can lend, household items, extra vehicles, building materials, etc.
Acts of Charity ACTS OF CHARITY
This means altruistically serving others, meeting the needs of the poor, helping feed the hungry, clothe the needful etc. Matthew 10:42 42 And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward.
Almsgiving Matthew 6:1 Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven.
Luke 11:41 But rather give alms of such things as ye have; and, behold, all things are clean unto you
Acts 9:36 Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did.
Acts 10:31 And said, Cornelius, thy prayer is heard, and thine alms are had in remembrance in the sight of God.
Commitment & Attendance COMMITMENT & ATTENDANCE
Just being present and involved when the local church is doing something in and for the community, as well as for its members, can be an act of giving unto God. Showing up, being present. Being reliable. Being punctual. Following through. Being trustworthy in service. Bringing others with you who are new to the Faith.
Community Service/Civic Engagement COMMUNITY SERVICE / CIVIC ENGAGEMENT
The church can give beyond the four walls of a church building by activating its members as volunteers to serve the community in the name of Jesus Christ as representatives of the local church. Veterans events, habitat for Humanity, and neighborhood cleanups are all great ways to serve others for Jesus.
Energy & Enthusiasm ENERGY & ENTHUSIASM
It's one thing to be present and accounted for, another entirely to do so with energy and enthusiasm vs. dragging oneself around miserably. We should recognize that it is an HONOR to serve Christ and represent His Kingdom to others on the road to salvation. Energy and enthusiasm are contagious! Bringing our BEST attitude when it can often be difficult is an act of giving to God.
Exercising our Spiritual Gifts EXERCISING SPIRITUAL GIFTS
By using the gifts God has given us, we can give others access to opportunities for growth, healing, deliverance, and more. Matthew 10:8 8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give. Acts 3:6 Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.
Financial Gifts & Collections Romans 12:8 Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.
2 Corinthians 9:7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.
1 Corinthians 16:1 Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye.
Giving and Lending to Individuals GIVING AND LENDING TO INDIVIDUALS
This is a hard one, but if we are all acting in good character, lending to one another should not be a challenge. Especially if it has to do with something like a lawnmower or a cake mixer. It can get more challenging when it comes to money, but the scripture provides guidance for that (below) Matthew 5:42 42 Give to him that asks of you, and don't turn away from him that would borrow from you. Luke 6:30, 34-35 30 Give to every man that asks of you and of him that steals from you; do not ask them to give anything back. 34 And if you lend only to those you believe will pay you back, what thanks do you deserve? for sinners also lend to sinners, to receive as much again.35 But you should love your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for no repayment; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil
Help & Caring HELP & CARING
Some people need assistance just getting from point A to point B. Some may need help moving or lifting something heavy. Maybe someone is lonely and needs a friend. Or a ride to church. There are SO MANY ways to manifest the Love of God through daily acts of help and caring.
Individual Talents INDIVIDUAL TALENTS
Many people have been blessed by God with talents and skills. Baking, Music, Animal Training, Car Mechanics, Law, Medicine, Art, whatever. Finding new and interesting ways to contribute these gifts to the work of God is especially valuable to God.
Lending Luke 6:34 And if ye lend to them of whom ye hope to receive, what thank have ye? for sinners also lend to sinners, to receive as much again.But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.
Luke 11:5 And he said unto them, Which of you shall have a friend, and shall go unto him at midnight, and say unto him, Friend, lend me three loaves;6 For a friend of mine in his journey is come to me, and I have nothing to set before him? 7 And he from within shall answer and say, Trouble me not: the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot rise and give thee. 8 I say unto you, Though he will not rise and give him, because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity he will rise and give him as many as he needeth.
Outreach & Evangelism OUTREACH & EVANGELISM
The Great Commission is to make disciples of all nations; teaching them to obey Christ and baptizing them in His name is one of our highest honors to pursue. Sharing the gospel, teaching a Bible Study, even encouraging someone in the Word is an Act of Service and a gift to God.
Participation & Involvement PARTICIPATION & INVOLVEMENT
Being present, being enthusiastic are gifts. But so is Active Participation. Instead of waiting to be called upon by the pastor to do something needful, why not actively volunteer?
Time & Energy TIME & ENERGY
For some people just taking time out of their busy work and family is a sacrifice. Others might have physical disabilities or health issues that limit their mobility to the extent that just coming to the church can be painful and tiring to their bodies. It can take a lot of energy for them to participate.
Worship & Prayer WORSHIP & PRAYER
God is worthy of our worship and our prayer. When we love the lord our God with all of our heart, soul, mind, and strength as we are reminded to in the shema we cannot help but worship Him. God DESIRES our worship. John 4:23-2423 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. Romans 12:1I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
The Solomon’s Porch Mindset
Principles FOR New Testament GIVING ●
ANYTHING given unto God is Holy unto the Lord if you do not seek glory for our giving
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We are to obey the LAW OF THE SPIRIT and give or withold according to the unction of the Holy Spirit
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We do NOT give by command of the Law, of Ministry, or of Doctrine under pain of judgment
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10% is not God’s - ALL of what we steward belongs to God.
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As every man purposes in his heart let him give and give cheerfully, not out of compliance
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We should give as discreetly as possible so as not to draw attention to ourselves - God sees all
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The church should distribute offerings and gifts to meet the needs of the saints
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We should support the poor, widowed, elder, disabled, and low estate among us.
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We should not prevent those from christian service who are not able to give financially
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There are many ways to give which are not material or financial that are holy and acceptable to God.
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The church should not honor your abundant giving or judge the lack of it - all gifts received with equal thanksgiving
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The Church should support the ministry of the Gospel and the needs of the church
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The Shepherds and Elders should first provide their own secular income unless the size and needs of the church preclude it.
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If we sow sparingly, we will reap sparingly. If we sow generously, we will reap generously. If we sow sacrificially, we will reap abundantly
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We should hold all things common and share resources within reason
Thank You!