The topic of tithing is often debated in the church today. There are several related Bible verses that appear more frequently in the Old Testament than in the New Testament. Due to their placement in the Bible, tithing may seem like a spiritual mandate.
Some believers view tithing as a way of adhering to Biblical laws. Others see it as a fundamental responsibility for New Testament followers. Opponents of the tithing practice argue that the New Testament abolishes all laws from the Old Testament, making tithing irrelevant in the modern church.
However, several New Testament verses still make tithing a pertinent practice for believers today.
New Testament Bible Verses About Tithing
There is no shortage of verses in the New Testament related to tithing in church. Here are some of the most important and well-known:
- Jesus rebukes the Pharisees in Matthew 23:23 for neglecting weightier matters of the law, despite their scrupulous adherence to tithing.
- It is advisable to set aside something on the first day of the week as a contribution for fellow believers. This is mentioned in 1 Corinthians 16:2.
- In 1 Timothy 5:17-18, the Bible says teachers and preachers of the gospel should be compensated for their labor.
- Acts 4:32-37 recounts the story of land and property owners who sold their possessions and distributed the proceeds to the apostles for those in need.
- In Matthew 6:1-4, Jesus advises people to give without seeking recognition or praise from others.
- 2 Corinthians 6:1-24 emphasizes that those who give generously according to their means will be blessed with more than enough.
- Luke 6:38 states that those who give generously will receive a generous reward.
- Luke 12:33 teaches that storing up treasures in heaven is wiser than accumulating earthly possessions.
- 2 Corinthians 9:6-10 provides valuable lessons about giving and stresses that those who give generously will have their needs met.
- In Luke 18:12, Jesus tells a parable about a Pharisee and a tax collector, in which the Pharisee proudly mentions his tithing practice while praying.
How Malachi 3:10 and New Testament Verses Relate
You can find the main bible verse about tithing in Malachi 3:10. This is in the Old Testament and is considered a legal requirement. As a result, some believers who prioritize the teachings of Matthew 5:17 resist tithing, arguing that the latter emphasizes the importance of grace over the law. However, the New Testament provides evidence that living under grace does not exempt anyone from tithing.
Upon closer examination, it becomes apparent that the New Testament verses regarding tithing closely relate to Malachi 3:10 in the following ways:
The Law of Tithing Is Strong
- In Matthew 23:23, Jesus acknowledges the Pharisees’ practice of tithing as a righteous habit. Despite replacing laws with grace, Jesus still recognized the importance of following the tithing law.
- 2 Corinthians 9:6-10 discusses the concept of abundance. This is similar to the overflow mentioned in Malachi 3:10 that comes as a result of giving.
- Luke 18:12 and Matthew 23:23 both reflect Jesus’ view of tithing as a righteous action. This is even after the introduction of grace.
- 1 Corinthians 16:2 draws a parallel between savings and tithing, as both actions bring provisions into the house of the Lord.
- Matthew 6:1-4 emphasizes the importance of making giving a secret, similar to the nature of tithing. It is the responsibility of the tither to calculate the value of their total harvest and give a tenth without revealing the amount to others.
- Luke 6:38 and 2 Corinthians 9:6-10 address the common issue of receiving more than enough, just like the results of tithing mentioned in Malachi 3:10.
- 2 Corinthians 6:1-24 compares to the harvest collected in Malachi 3:10. That’s because the amount of tithe gets determined by the total amount of the harvest collected.
Receipt of Rewards in the Lord’s House
- Luke 12:33 highlights the importance of storing wealth in heaven. This includes taking a tithe to the house of the Lord in accordance with the principles in Malachi 3:10.
- According to 1 Timothy 5:17-18, those who serve in the house of the Lord are entitled to receive compensation for their work. This includes the provision of food that is mentioned in Malachi 3:10.
- Similarly, Acts 4:32-37 describes the selling of property and the collection of money for distribution among the disciples. This is comparable to the practice of tithing as described in Malachi 3:10.
The common theme in these verses, along with others that discuss giving, reinforces the idea that Biblical tithing is an essential practice for believers to follow.
Bible Verses About Tithing That May Confuse
The confusion of tithing arises from various New Testament verses. For instance, Romans 6:14 suggests that Jesus’ arrival introduced grace, freeing believers from the law. Consequently, some believers argue that tithing is unnecessary under the grace of God, elevating the significance of the New Testament above the Old Testament.
Additionally, Colossians 2:13-14 highlights the elimination of written laws after God’s decision to redeem humanity. At the same time, Galatians 2:19-21 emphasizes the need to die to the law to live in Christ, both suggesting that Biblical laws are no longer relevant.
Clearing Up the Confusion
Jesus made it clear in Matthew 5:17 that he did not come to abolish the Law of Moses and the writings of the prophets. He came to fulfill them. Therefore, tithing remains a relevant practice in the New Testament. Rejecting it is akin to rejecting truth, and it is a sin to a believer.
Furthermore, the New Testament’s teachings on tithing serve as proof that grace does not make the law obsolete but instead strengthens it and makes it more applicable to modern-day churches. Those who oppose tithing must take time to understand these verses and note the similarities between the details of Malachi 3:10 and the New Testament’s teachings on tithing.
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