Are Believers to give financially by tithing or as they choose – Section 3?

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COMPARING AND CONTRASTING SCRIPTURES ON HOW BELIEVERS SHOULD GIVE FINANCIALLY—PART THREE

It’s not surprising that money is an important topic in the New Testament churches. Did you know that financial giving is mentioned in over 2300 verses in the Bible, which is twice that of any other subject?

Let’s begin by turning to the book of 2 Corinthians.



NONDISPENSATIONALIST—As He Has Purposed in His Heart

Suggested Reading: 2 Corinthians 9:1-15; 2 Corinthians 8:1-24

The Christians of the church in Jerusalem are suffering for their faith and need financial assistance. The Apostle Paul was reminding the saints at Corinth, who pledged to give, of the Macedonian believers, who, despite being poverty-stricken, gave liberally. And now it’s their turn.

2 Corinthians 9:7 Let each one do just as he has purposed in his heart; not grudgingly or under compulsion; for God loves a cheerful giver. NASB

He shows what manner and attitude the gift should be undertaken. Let each one (believer) do as they purposed (are motivated) in their heart (thoughts). They were not to do this grudgingly (annoyance) or under compulsion (as of the tithe) but as a cheerful giver (free-will offering). The Jews had in the temple two chests for alms; the one was shel chuwbah, of what was necessary, [i.e., what the law required;] the other was shel nedabah of the free-will offerings.67

This was a free-will offering that followed the tithe.



DISPENSATIONALIST—As He Has Purposed in His Heart

Suggested Reading: 2 Corinthians 9:1-15; 2 Corinthians 8:1-24

The Christians of the church in Jerusalem are suffering for their faith and need financial assistance. The Apostle Paul was reminding the saints at Corinth, who pledged to give, of the Macedonian believers, who, despite being poverty-stricken, gave liberally. And now it’s their turn.

2 Corinthians 9:7 Let each one do just as he has purposed in his heart; not grudgingly or under compulsion; for God loves a cheerful giver. NASB

He shows what manner and attitude the gift should be undertaken. Let each one (believer) do as they purposed (the consent of free will) in their heart (thoughts). They were not to do this grudgingly (not as if he were constrained to do a thing that was extremely painful to him68), or under compulsion (imposed by duty; outer pressure from other people) but as a cheerful giver (joyful willingness).

Whatever they gave was to have the proper motivation, grace giving. And if they couldn’t afford it, that was ok.

Where I’d like us to turn to in the Bible is the book of Galatians.



NONDISPENSATIONALIST—Share All Good Things with Him Who Teaches

Galatians 6:6

And let the one who is taught the word share all good things with him who teaches. NASB

The Apostle Paul was bringing up the subject of financial giving. He says that those who are taught (instructed) in the word (God’s message) should share all good things with him who teaches. The word share in Koine Greek is a verb as a present active imperative. The imperative indicates a mood of command, which says that those taught the word must share. Share what? All good things with those that teach. The words all good things mean tithes of coins or money.



DISPENSATIONALIST—Share All Good Things with Him Who Teaches

Galatians 6:6

And let the one who is taught the word share all good things with him who teaches. NASB

The Apostle Paul was bringing up the subject of financial giving. He says that those who are taught (instructed) in the word (God’s message) should share all good things with him who teaches. The word share in Koine Greek is a verb as a present active imperative. The imperative indicates a mood of command, which says that those taught the word must share. Share what? All good things with those that teach.

The words all good things in Koine Greek mean the sharing of material blessings with one another.69 Another description is provided by the Bible Knowledge Commentary. This concept of voluntary giving to provide for the Lord's servants was revolutionary since Jews were taxed for the support of their [priests,] and Gentiles paid fees, made vows, etc., to sustain their religions.70 In all likelihood, believers who were taught in the Word of God were implored to provide financial support for their instructors, which could range in the form of money, housing, food, etc.

Where should we proceed next? How about the book of 1 Timothy?



NONDISPENSATIONALIST—The Law Is Good

1 Timothy 1:7-8

The Apostle Paul gave Timothy instructions on how to deal with particular situations that might occur in the church at Ephesus. In this instance, there is instruction about the nature and function of the Law within the Christian community.

7 wanting to be teachers of the Law, even though they do not understand either what they are saying or the matters about which they make confident assertions. NASB

There were some believers who wanted to be teachers (to have the credit and reputation of being [well-versed in the law of Moses] and qualified to explain it to others71) of the Law. Paul responded that they lacked understanding of what they say or matters about which they appear to exercise confidence or certainty.

8 But we know that the Law is good, if one uses it lawfully, NASB

He follows this up by talking about the benefits of the Law. He says that the Law is good (of the various rules and regulations that are included in the Torah, or the Law of Moses72) if it’s used lawfully (as it should be used).



How should it be used?

It should be used in whatever manner benefits the New Testament church. One of the ways, as this study is centered on, is giving financially using the tithe followed by free-will offerings.



DISPENSATIONALIST—The Law Is Good

1 Timothy 1:7-9

The Apostle Paul give Timothy instructions on how to deal with particular situations that might occur in the church at Ephesus. In this instance, there is instruction about the nature and function of the Law within the Christian community.

7 wanting to be teachers of the Law, even though they do not understand either what they are saying or the matters about which they make confident assertions. NASB

There were some believers who wanted to be teachers (to have the credit and reputation of being [well-versed in the law of Moses] and qualified to explain it to others73)of the Law. Paul responded that they lacked understanding of what they say or matters about which they appear to exercise confidence or certainty.

8 But we know that the Law is good, if one uses it lawfully, NASB

He follows this up by talking about the benefits of the Law. He says that the law is good (morally excellent) if it’s used lawfully (as it should be used).



How should it be used?

9 realizing the fact that law is not made for a righteous man, but for those who are lawless and rebellious, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers NASB

Galatians 3:24 Therefore the Law has become our tutor to lead us to Christ, that we may be justified by faith. NASB

The Law was designed to show people their sinfulness. [Thus,] the Law is not for one who had already recognized his sin and turned to Christ. That person is no longer under the Law but should now walk in the Spirit (Gal 5:13-26). The Law is intended for those who remain unconvinced of their sin.74

The Mosaic Law still has a place during the Church Age, i.e., to convict sinners of sin and direct them to the saving knowledge of Christ. Financial giving was not mentioned because it’s apparent in what aspect the Law is useful.

We have one final scriptural section to look at. Please turn your Bibles into the book of Hebrews.



NONDISPENSATIONALIST—I Will Put My Laws into Their Minds

Suggested Reading: Hebrews 8:1-13

6-8 But now He has obtained a more excellent ministry, by as much as He is also the mediator of a better covenant, which has been enacted on better promises. For if that first covenant had been faultless, there would have been no occasion sought for a second. For finding fault with them, He says, "Behold, days are coming, says the Lord, When I will effect a new covenant With the house of Israel and with the house of Judah; NASB

The writer of the book of Hebrews was talking about why the Old Testament covenant with the Jews was found to be faultless. This is because it did not contain the ample provision for the pardon of sin and the salvation of the [soul,] which was desirable.75 So, a search for a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah was underway.

10 "For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel After those days, says the Lord: I will put My laws into their minds, And I will write them upon their hearts. And I will be their God, And they shall be My people. NASB

What follows is a surprising statement. In respect to the Jews, the Lord said He’d put His laws (fulfill their Christian life according to the Old Testament Law76) into their minds (to think about them) and write them upon their hearts (souls).

All that constitutes the Mosaic Law should be obeyed by the New Testament saint. One of the commands is the tithe, which is to be followed by free-will offerings. This should be the protocol for financial giving.



DISPENSATIONALIST—I Will Put My Laws into Their Minds

Suggested Reading: Hebrews 8:1-13

6-8 But now He has obtained a more excellent ministry, by as much as He is also the mediator of a better covenant, which has been enacted on better promises. For if that first covenant had been faultless, there would have been no occasion sought for a second. For finding fault with them, He says, "Behold, days are coming, says the Lord, When I will effect a new covenant With the house of Israel and with the house of Judah; NASB

The writer of the book of Hebrews was talking about why the Old Testament covenant with the Jews was found to be faultless. This is because it did not contain the ample provision for the pardon of sin and the salvation of the [soul,] which was desirable.77 So, a search for a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah was underway.

10 "For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel After those days, says the Lord: I will put My laws into their minds, And I will write them upon their hearts. And I will be their God, And they shall be My people. NASB

What follows is a surprising statement. In respect to the Jews, the Lord said He’d put His laws (the laws of the new dispensation would relate particularly to the inner man78; the spiritual nature) into their minds ((to think about them) and write them upon their hearts (designed to control the soul).

James 1:25 But one who looks intently at the perfect law, the law of liberty, and abides by it, not having become a forgetful hearer but an effectual doer, this man shall be blessed in what he does. NASB

To further clarify the new laws that God has given for the Christian church, the book of James talks about the perfect law, the law of liberty. In Koine Greek, these words mean teaching that sets us free from sin and death.79

As believers, God has declared in His Word all that He has made us be. At salvation, we have received the Holy Spirit along with additional blessings of eternal life. Our new life is not to be lived by adherence to external rituals, ceremonies, commands, etc., under the Mosaic Law but under the rule of the Holy Spirit.

With these thoughts in mind, the New Testament believer is not obligated to obey any of the commands of the Law, i.e., according to this study, tithing.

There we have it. We’ve completed this study on whether tithing or being allowed to give as each believer chooses is the protocol for the New Testament church. I hope this endeavor will help you sort out this topic for yourself. Before I provide us with some final thoughts, I’d like to leave us with one more article on financial giving.

This article is one I’ve wrestled with, and maybe other believers have done the same thing.



IS IT BETTER TO GIVE YOUR TITHES TO THE POOR & NEEDY OR TAKE IT TO THE CHURCH?

Personally, I believe that it would be better to give it to the poor and the needy. The church can (and will) survive and succeed without [it, but to a needy person,] it could make a world of difference. If you believe that the church is a house of [God,] then giving to the poor is an ACT of God. The effects of your charity will be immediate.

Donating your [hard-earned money to the church is a good intention, but perhaps the effects of it are far-reaching] and less immediate. By helping a person in need, you make an actual impact on that [person’s] life. You also cut [out the middlemen] involved in your charitable donation, meaning that most (if not all) of your money will go to that person who needs it.

There are a lot of people [who donate to the church and HOPE that some good is done, but very few who help those in need [directly will] KNOW the good that was done. [Besides,] wouldn’t you want to know and see the faces of those you are helping? Wouldn’t you want to hear their stories? [Wouldn’t] you like the opportunity to know more about the societal problems that bring your fellow humans to such a state?

Just like prayer, charity is purest when it’s done by one’s own hands.

Blessings.80



Endnotes

67Adam Clarke’s Commentary.

68Barnes' Notes.

69The Bible Exposition Commentary/New Testament.

70Bible Knowledge Commentary/New Testament.

71Barnes’ Notes.

72UBS New Testament Handbook Series.

73Barnes’ Notes.

74Bible Knowledge Commentary/New Testament.

75Barnes’ Notes.

76The Bible Exposition Commentary/New Testament.

77Barnes’ Notes.

78Barnes’ Notes.

79UBS New Testament Handbook Series.

80Shani Periera. “Is it better to give your tithes to the poor & needy or take it to the church?” Quora 14 January 2025

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