Jan 4, 2025 2 min read Meetup

January 2025 Meetup - Tithing

In the New Testament, the principle of generosity remains, but the specific legal requirement of tithing is not emphasized. Instead, we are encouraged to give cheerfully and according to our means.

Abraham Paying Tithes to Melchizedek, Battista Franco cir. 1498 - 1561

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Meetup on Jan. 16th, 2025, at 6:30 PM CST at Rigby's, downtown Paris, Texas.

Tithing was a central aspect of the Old Testament covenant. The tithe served as both an act of worship and a means to sustain ancient Israel's religious and social infrastructure.

10% - The General Tithe (Leviticus 27:30; Numbers 18:21-24): This was a tenth of the Israelites' agricultural produce and livestock, given to support the Levites, who were responsible for temple duties and had no land inheritance.
10% - The Festival Tithe (Deuteronomy 14:22-27): An additional tithe was set aside for communal feasts and religious festivals, allowing the Israelites to celebrate in the presence of the Lord.
10% - The Poor Tithe (Deuteronomy 14:28-29): Every third year, a tithe was collected to assist the poor, including widows, orphans, and strangers.

These tithes collectively averaged about 23.3% annually.

In the New Testament, the principle of generosity remains, but the specific legal requirement of tithing is not emphasized. Instead, we are encouraged to give cheerfully and according to our means. The emphasis is on personal stewardship.

The point is this:

Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 9:6-7

Discussion Questions

Q: What changed that in the New Testament? Are we not required to follow the Old Testament tithe system?

Q: How much should one give?

Q: What does it mean to give “as he may prosper”?

Now concerning the collection for the saints: as I directed the churches of Galatia, so you also are to do. On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper, so that there will be no collecting when I come.
1 Corinthians 16:1-2

Q: Some churches suggest 10% as a starting point for giving. Is this helpful?

Q: How can we determine how much we should give? What factors should we consider, like personal ability, needs of others, gross income, net income, and business income?

Q: Should Christians give mainly to a local church? Ministries?

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This month's master of ceremonies is Heinrich Friesen.
He's an elder at Grace Bible Church in Paris, Texas.