Tithing vs. giving. Here’s a quick explanation of the difference. Bible-based tithing was mandatory for ancient Israel while giving was voluntary for Christian believers. The LORD required tithes from the ancient Israelites (Leviticus 27:30-32). This practice consisted of sacrificial offerings of livestock and agricultural produce. Tithes supported the Levitical priesthood, widows, orphans, and foreigners (Deuteronomy 26:12).
While the tithe commandment was only for the Israelites, the New Testament encourages all believers in Christ to give voluntarily (2 Corinthians 9:6-7). You can give any amount of money to a ministry according to what you can afford.
Table of Contents
- Listen to the Podcast
- Pastor Rebukes A Church Member Over Tithes
- The Apostle Paul Talks about Giving
- Tithing vs. Giving
- The Tithe at a Glance
- New Testament Giving
- A Final Word
- Outsmart the False Teachers
Listen to the Podcast
Pastor Rebukes A Church Member Over Tithes
A pastor inspired this teaching series. One of our YouTube subscribers shared a letter with us that the pastor sent to a church member regarding tithes. In each lesson, we address an argument the pastor makes to explain why he believes Christians should tithe.
“TITHING VS GIVING” IS THE 5TH lesson in a 9-part teaching series entitled “A Pastor Rebukes a Non-Tither.”
The Apostle Paul Talks about Giving
Here is the exact quote from the pastor’s letter:
The Apostle Paul spoke about giving a lot throughout the New Testament. He didn’t specifically mention the word “tithe” but he was very clear on the concept of the importance of giving. Not buying items but simply giving money to the church.
The pastor correctly states that the Apostle Paul speaks a lot about giving. The pastor cites the following verses in his letter as an example:
1 Corinthians 16: 1-3
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.
2 Corinthians 8:1-5
Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia;
2 How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality.
3 For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves;
4 Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints.
5 And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God.
The pastor goes on to say:
Again Paul is talking about the giving of money! He commends the churches in Macedonia for how they gave even beyond what they were expected to.
There is no disputing that New Testament Christians collected and gave money. The real issue here is that, according to the Bible, tithing and giving are NOT the same.
Tithing vs. Giving
The pastor states that the Apostle Paul doesn’t mention “tithe” in his epistles. However, the pastor does not explain WHY Paul doesn’t use the word “tithe.” The Apostle Paul and the other New Testament Christians in the Bible knew that tithing and giving were not the same.
Unfortunately, many preachers use the words tithing and giving interchangeably, which is a scriptural error. Not only is it incorrect, but it also confuses Christian believers.
The Bible says God is not the author of confusion.
1 Corinthians 14:33, KJV
33 For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.
God knows the difference between tithing and giving. The Christians in the Bible knew the difference. Now, it is time for the Christians of today to know the difference.
The Tithe at a Glance
While the word “tithe” means a tenth or 10 percent, this amount does not refer to money. The biblical tithe NEVER consisted of money. The tithe was 10 percent of agricultural produce and cattle. God commanded ancient Israel to tithe according to the Law of Moses.
Biblical tithing ceased after the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 A.D.
New Testament Giving
New Testament giving doesn’t consist of money. And remember the LORD doesn’t limit your giving to finances.
Plus, the New Testament embraces free will offerings. The Holy Spirit can lead you in how to give voluntarily.
Throughout his letters, the Apostle Paul never commands the Christian believer to give money, nor is there a command to give specific amounts. Scripture encourages Spirit-led voluntary giving that aligns with means (or ability to give).
Even though the churches in Macedonia went above and beyond with their giving, they did it because it from their hearts. They did not do it because a religious leader pressured or manipulated them into giving.
A Final Word
Preachers are responsible for speaking the truth to God’s people. When preachers tell believers they must tithe, they are not speaking biblical truth. Furthermore, they are placing the Christian believer under the curse of the Law (Law of Moses). It makes no sense to place Christians under the authority of the Law by promoting so-called tithing when Jesus Christ gave his life to set the believer free from the Law (Law of Moses).
Here’s advice for battling between tithing vs. giving: Follow the Spirit, not the Law. Giving is of the Spirit, and tithing is of the Law. Following false teachings that tell you to tithe, place you under the curse of the Law, and enjoy the liberty of New Testament grace giving.
Outsmart the False Teachers
Discover the hidden truth about tithes the prosperity preachers don’t want you to know.👉👉 Click here.
