Tithing in the New Testament – Why is it Important?

Tithing is one of the most important commandments in the Bible. It is mentioned over 50 times in the Bible and is often tied in with giving to charity. The principle of tithing is that you should give 10% of your income to God every month.

This blog post explores the biblical underpinnings of tithing. By understanding how tithing fits into the whole picture of biblical giving, you’ll be better equipped to live a godly life that fulfills both your spiritual and financial needs.

Before we continue deeper, you can check out our article about tithing on our blog. Maybe you will find the answer to your question about it. Go to: Tithes New Testament – A Guide

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Tithing in the New Testament

Today, the phrase “tithe” is used to refer to laying aside a particular percentage of one’s income for God. Since the word technically means “tenth,” a tithe usually refers to a tenth of one’s income, but it is frequently used to refer to any sum of money set aside for God. It is customary to donate this money to the nearby church. The Bible contains the origins of tithing.

The first book of the Bible introduces the idea of saving whatever percentage of one’s income one has. In the book of Genesis, Cain, and Abel, the offspring of Adam and Eve, presented “portions” of their flocks and crops to the Lord.

To give thanks to God for a fruitful harvest, a portion of the first crop of the season was intended to be set aside. The Israelites carried on with this custom as they grew and even as they were treated as slaves in Egypt.

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What Makes Tithing so Crucial

Presenting the Firstfruits of Your Money to God

10% of your income should be given to God in a consistent manner as the tithe. Tithing respects the tenets of Scripture, which call for the generous support of religious authorities, almsgiving to the poor, and storing up of treasures in heaven.

The Bible constantly exhorts us to give God the first portion of our wealth as a sign of respect and thanks.

“Honor the Lord with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: so shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine” (Proverbs 3:9–10).

Recognize the Biblical Justification for Tithing

The concept of tithing is addressed frequently in the Old Testament, particularly when God appointed the Israeli tribe of Levi to serve by taking care of the tabernacle and acting as Israel’s spiritual leadership.

God did not give the tribe of Levi a portion of land (as He had given sections of land to the other tribes of Israel) since they were given these two special obligations instead He commanded the other Israelites to bring tithes of their increase to care for the priests and Levites.

Jesus endorsed tithing in the New Testament (see Matthew 23:23), and the Apostle Paul urged Christians to give to those in need and to those spreading the gospel (see II Corinthians 9:6–15).

You help those who God has chosen to serve as pastors, missionaries, and ministry staff by giving tithes today, enabling them to faithfully strengthen the Church and advance God’s kingdom.

Use it in your daily life

One way to acknowledge God as your provider and to keep in mind that all of your resources belong to Him and are provided via His grace is by tithing. You set your course to serve God in how you manage the rest of your resources when you give away the initial 10% of your income.

Increase your fear of the Lord

Regularly being reminded of your reliance on God is made possible through the act of tithing. Tithing allows you to express your thankfulness for God’s care while also helping you remember that He is the source of all blessings. Tithing encourages you to reflect on God’s faithfulness and allows you to show that you trust Him to meet all of your needs when times are tough.

God gave the Israelites these instructions in Deuteronomy 14:22–23:

“Thou shalt truly tithe all the increase of thy seed . . . . 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.”

Whatever your current circumstances, tithing is essential to developing a life-long fear of God.

Keep Your Treasure Safe in Heaven

Christians are challenged to focus on the important things in life instead of worldly luxuries. (See Colossians 3:1–2.)

“Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not beak through nor steal: for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” (Matthew 6:19–21)

Read more about tithing in the new testament in our article here: What is Tithing in New Testament?

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Comparison of Old and New Testaments Regarding Tithing

Whether or not the tithe exclusively relates to the Old Testament is a topic of long-standing disagreement.

Genuinely a part of the New Testament.

No one will contest that the Old Testament uses the word “tithe” the most, with Malachi 3:8–12 being one of the most frequently cited verses:

“Will a mere mortal rob God? Yet you rob me. “But you ask, ‘How are we robbing you?’ “In tithes and offerings. You are under a curse—your whole nation—because you are robbing me. Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it. I will prevent pests from devouring your crops, and the vines in your fields will not drop their fruit before it is ripe,” says the LORD Almighty. “Then all the nations will call you blessed, for yours will be a delightful land,” says the Lord Almighty.”

However, as was already indicated, tithing is also addressed in the New Testament.

Jesus chastises the Pharisees in Matthew 23:23 for tithing while ignoring the more crucial matters of justice, mercy, and faith:

“Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former.”

The fact that He doesn’t criticize tithing and instead recommends that they should have done so in addition to exhibiting justice, mercy, and loyalty is worth noting.

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Tithing in the Bible

Tithing is an important part of Christianity and is mentioned throughout the Bible. In the New Testament, tithing is also taught as an act of worship.

Understanding tithing and offering money to the church is crucial for those who follow Jesus. Where in the Bible does it say to tithe? is a common question. Others query if it’s really necessary to contribute to the neighborhood church and, if so, how much. The topic is fraught with queries.

A person’s ability to grow spiritually can be unlocked by grasping the idea of tithing. Giving tithes can bring happiness and independence. But tithing is also a Christian doctrine that is sometimes misinterpreted. Mistrust in the church may result from confusion about the matter. Some people could conclude that the church exclusively worries about money as a result of these misconceptions.

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Where in the Bible Does it Say to Tithe

In the New Testament, “tithing” is not specifically addressed. If you’re wondering where the word “tithe” appears in the Bible, you might assume that this rules out the idea as being Biblical. Though it is!

In the book of Matthew, Jesus was lecturing at a gathering when he denounced the hypocrisy of the legal scholars. They put a lot of effort into strictly adhering to the rules, but they paid little regard to their hearts. Jesus claims

“Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices–mint, dill and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law-justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former.”

Jesus did not advocate against charitable donations. He was bringing up the fact that giving is about more than just money to religious leaders. Giving to God was about the heart of the giver. It was one of the various ways someone may give their life to God and commit to doing so.

This feeling is similar to one that Jesus previously stated in reference to the Pharisees and other legal authorities’ activities. In Matthew 15:8-9 Jesus says, “These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. They worship me in vain; their teachings are but rules taught by men.”

Jesus is most interested in the hearts of both men and women. Giving money has value only when it is done from a place of worship, according to God.

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The New Testament Church and Tithing

The apostle Paul discussed giving as he established churches all throughout the world. His suggestions for giving went beyond tithing (or 10%) donations. Giving in the New Testament actually consists of three components. Generous, constant, and happy giving.

Give Generously

Paul shared the generosity of the Macedonian churches with the Corinthian church as he gave them encouragement. e says, “For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability” (2 Cor. 8:3). “Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously,” he concludes after his encouraging remarks (2 Cor. 9:6).

Consistently give

Giving has the effect of refocusing the giver’s heart on God’s priorities over worldly concerns. It states unequivocally that God comes first in our life, preceding all else. Consistent giving is necessary for this declaration to be effective.

“On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with his income” (1 Cor. 16:2). 

The church was urged to reserve a certain sum of money each week for donations. The intention is to promote consistent donation rather than to establish a new regulation that every churchgoer must abide by.

Give Joyfully

If a person’s heart is what God wants, then the motivation behind their giving counts. Paul emphasizes this point once more: “ Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Cor. 9:7)

Giving should not be done “reluctantly” or “under compulsion,” according to Paul. ““grudgingly,” the sentence reads in another translation. The follower of Jesus should cheerfully give in its place.

The cheerful giver is aware that there is more to life than this planet. This is the reason Jesus said,

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matt. 6:19-21).

These donors are aware of the importance of supporting the local church and the mission of the kingdom of God.

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Conclusion

Christian believers have always been taught the importance of giving back to God. This is especially evident in the New Testament, where tithes are specifically mentioned many times. Not only is tithing an essential part of the Christian life, but it also helps to support the ministry of the church.

By understanding the key reasons why the tithe is important and the instructions for tithe-giving found in the Bible, you can be a faithful giver and help God’s work continue. Thank you for reading and we hope you leave this blog with a better understanding of the importance of tithing!