Tithes and offering in the new testament

In the New Testament, the concept of tithes and offerings is still present, but it has undergone significant changes and refinements. Here are some key points to consider:

Tithes:

  1. Jesus' teaching: Jesus did not explicitly teach about tithing, but He did emphasize the importance of giving to God (Matthew 6:19-20, 24, 33-34).
  2. The Old Testament context: Tithing was a part of the Old Testament law, and Jesus did not abolish it (Matthew 23:23). However, He did emphasize that giving should be done with the right motivation and not just to fulfill a legal requirement (Matthew 6:2-4).
  3. The New Testament perspective: In the New Testament, the focus shifts from tithing as a legal requirement to giving as an act of worship and obedience to God (2 Corinthians 9:6-7).

Offerings:

  1. The concept of offerings: In the New Testament, the concept of offerings is broader than just tithing. It includes any gift given to God, whether it's a portion of one's income or a specific offering (2 Corinthians 9:7).
  2. The importance of generosity: The New Testament emphasizes the importance of generosity and giving beyond the tithe (2 Corinthians 8:1-15, 9:1-15).
  3. The connection to worship: Giving is seen as an act of worship and a way to express gratitude to God (2 Corinthians 9:11, Philippians 4:18).

Key principles:

  1. Giving is a matter of the heart: The New Testament emphasizes that giving should be done with a willing heart, not just as a legal requirement (2 Corinthians 9:7).
  2. Giving is a response to God's generosity: The New Testament teaches that giving is a response to God's generosity and blessings in our lives (2 Corinthians 9:10).
  3. Giving is a way to support the church: The New Testament emphasizes the importance of giving to support the local church and its ministries (1 Corinthians 16:1-4, 2 Corinthians 9:1-5).

Conclusion:

In the New Testament, the concept of tithes and offerings has evolved to emphasize the importance of giving as an act of worship, obedience, and generosity. While tithing is still mentioned, the focus has shifted to giving beyond the tithe and to supporting the local church and its ministries. Ultimately, the New Testament teaches that giving is a matter of the heart and a response to God's generosity in our lives.