Is Tithing Scriptural - Part 2
We continue with a quick look at “Tithing,” picking up where we left off in this 3 part writing.
So then, if we are not under the Law, how do we properly give today and how much?
1 Corinthians 16:2, Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.
Simply put, God, speaking through Paul, tells us that at the beginning of each week, Sunday as it were, we are to consider how God “prospered” us individually the past week and give accordingly. To some this is 10%, to some more, to some less. In other words, give according to your income last week and related needs.
Now some may throw in a lot of things to that “income” to secure a “low 10%,” but now you are playing with God. Remember Cain did that, as did Ananias and Sapphira, Acts 5. Cain tried to by pass that which he knew with that which he developed. Ananias and his wife put on a show of deceit, lying about their giving in order to uplift themselves in the church community.
“Prosper” means a lot of things to a lot of folks. Might I suggest a meaning of “prosper” here? It’s what you have above what you need to care for your family, to keep them fed, housed and clothed. This does not include cable TV, cellphones and movies and such. It’s what you have above what you need to basically care for your family, to keep them fed, housed and clothed in the necessities of today’s world. Let God be the judge. And He is a very good accountant and budget manager.
And last, “Do you give because it is a tax deduction? Do you give for show as did Ananias and Sapphira? Do you give more than the Law required as the widow, Luke 12:2?”
Cain and Abel brought offerings. It was not a tithe, but an offering. Christians bring offerings which may be more or less than a “tithe” and out of an act of faith in and love of God. But it is an offering, not a required tithe.
A couple words need to be said about man-made offering programs such as “faith promise giving” or other equally nice sounding, but unscriptural, or some other unscrupulous programs to generate more income for a church, i.e., the church leadership. Don’t be fooled by these emotional, supposed Christian messages that tug at the heartstrings.
Don’t be fooled by sermons that misuse Luke 6:38, too make you give because God will give you back more. When you give, give as you are drawn by the Spirit of God. You should not allow avarice or guilt from the speaker to drive you to give more using social mores instead of the Word of God.
As to a “cheerful giver,” read the whole verse, 2 Corinthians 9:7. There is nothing “cheerful” about giving while the needs of your family tear at your mind and heart. On the contrary, the word is oft times missed use and it is also unscriptural in the standard context.
We finish this writing with Part 3 shortly. In the meantime,