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The most popular scripture used when making reference to tithing or giving is found in Malachi 3:10. " Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in My house, and test Me now in this," says the LORD of hosts, "if I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you a blessing until it overflows. 11 "Then I will rebuke the devourer for you, so that it will not destroy the fruits of the ground; nor will your vine in the field cast its grapes," says the LORD of hosts. 12 " All the nations will call you blessed, for you shall be a delightful land," says the LORD of hosts. NASU This scripture is an old Testament principle for giving ten percent of a person's total resources, of a particular time or season. Although it is an Old Testament principle, it is not to be ignored or disregarded. The New Testament is understood through understanding and gleaning Old Testament scripture. Jesus validated everything in the Old Testament in the New Testament. So, understand that the Old Testament is not obsolete, but necessary to understand the New Testament. In the New Testament, the word tithe was never used in the same context as it was in the Old Testament. The New Testament only makes reference to offerings, gifts, sowing, receiving, and collections. These are some of the New Testament scriptures that support my conviction that tithing is an Old Testament law, and why we should no longer use it as the basis of our giving. If anything, it should be used as a standard of giving and not the law. The New Testament scriptures encourages giving from a heart of obedience and generosity. It should not be based on the law (tithing). We are no longer under the law, but grace. Therefore, sow generously out of obedience to God and according to the measure of return that you expect God to bless you with in return. Not that you sow only to receive, but you sow because of obedience and expecting the blessings of God for being obedient to His word. When should you give? " Now about the money being collected for the Christians in Jerusalem: You should follow the same procedures I gave to the churches in Galatia. On every Lord's Day, each of you should put aside some amount of money in relation to what you have earned and save it for this offering." (1 Cor. 16:1-3NLT) Why should you be obedient in the area of giving, and how should your gifts be used? For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity. Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account. (Philip. 4:16 ) "You see, the believers in Greece have eagerly taken up an offering for the Christians in Jerusalem, who are going through such hard times. They were very glad to do this because they feel they owe a real debt to them. Since the Gentiles received the wonderful spiritual blessings of the Good News from the Jewish Christians, they feel the least they can do in return is help them financially." (Rom 15:26-27 NLT) What happens when you give freely? "Remember this--a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. You must each make up your own mind as to how much you should give. Don't give reluctantly or in response to pressure. For God loves the person who gives cheerfully. And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. As the Scriptures say, "Godly people give generously to the poor.Their good deeds will never be forgotten." For God is the one who gives seed to the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will give you many opportunities to do good, and he will produce a great harvest of generosity in you. Yes, you will be enriched so that you can give even more generously. And when we take your gifts to those who need them, they will break out in thanksgiving to God. So two good things will happen--the needs of the Christians in Jerusalem will be met, and they will joyfully express their thanksgiving to God. You will be glorifying God through your generous gifts. For your generosity to them will prove that you are obedient to the Good News of Christ. And they will pray for you with deep affection because of the wonderful grace of God shown through you. Thank God for his Son--a gift too wonderful for words!" (2 Cor 9:6-15NLT)
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