Tithing, Truth, and the Trap of Tradition

What if what you’ve been taught about tithing—about duty, percentages, and fear—was never meant for you in the first place?

I. Introduction: Breaking the Envelope

• Many churches treat tithing as the spiritual benchmark.
• We’ve been told: “If you don’t give 10%, you’re robbing God.”
• The real question isn’t should Christians give, but how and why?

II. The Origin of the Tithe: Old Covenant, Old System

• Tithing was part of the Old Testament law (Leviticus 27:30–33).
• Israel gave multiple tithes—up to 23% per year (Numbers 18; Deuteronomy 14).
• It was about crops, livestock, and temple support—not income.
• Malachi 3:10 was written to Israel, not the Church.

III. The Shift: From Law to Grace

• Galatians 3:24 – “The law was our tutor to lead us to Christ.”
• Matthew 5:17 – Jesus fulfilled the law.
• Trying to keep the law for righteousness brings us under bondage (Galatians 5:4).
• In Christ, giving is led by the Spirit, not enforced by law.

IV. What Jesus and the Apostles Didn’t Say

• Jesus mentioned tithing before the cross (Matthew 23:23), speaking to Pharisees still under the law.
• After the resurrection, neither Jesus nor the apostles ever commanded tithing.
• Paul, Peter, James, John, and Jude never taught a 10% rule for the Church.

V. What the New Testament Does Teach About Giving

• 2 Corinthians 9:7 – Give as you decide in your heart, not under compulsion.
• Acts 2 & 4 – Early Christians gave sacrificially, not systematically.
• 1 Corinthians 16:2 – Give as God prospers you. No percentage required.

VI. Why Tithing Preaching Is Dangerous

• It reintroduces law where grace should lead.
• It stirs guilt instead of joy.
• It’s often used to manipulate emotions or behavior.
• Prosperity teachers distort it: “Sow a seed, reap a harvest.”

VII. The Real Standard: Spirit-Led Generosity

• Romans 12:1 – Offer your whole self as a living sacrifice.
• The early Church gave freely, led by:
  • Grace
  • Conviction
  • Love
  • Unity
• Giving isn’t about percentages—it’s about participation in the mission.

VIII. Common Objections Answered

1. Abraham’s tithe to Melchizedek – A one-time, voluntary act (Genesis 14:20).
2. Jacob’s vow – Personal and conditional, not law (Genesis 28:22).
3. “Ministry needs money!” – True, but support must come from grace (Galatians 6:6; 1 Corinthians 9:14), not guilt.

IX. Final Challenge: We Need You—Not Just Your Money

• The Church needs your heart, not just your donation.
• Giving under grace is about surrender and participation.
• When God has your heart, you’ll give more freely and joyfully than any law could require.

Conclusion: Walk in Freedom

• You are free—not to give less, but to give from a deeper place.
• The tithe was a shadow; Christ is the substance.
• Don’t give from fear, pressure, or pride.
• Give because He gave everything for you.