Freely You Receive
Adapted from Daniel Moss’s book work · Scripture readings: KJV ·
When a household is counting every dollar, the question of what GOD requires is more than a debate. What has He actually commanded? Begin by hearing the passages that make the strongest case for a continuing tithe, then listen to what the apostles ask of the church.
The tenth before and under Moses
Abraham gave Melchizedek a tenth after returning from battle. Jacob promised a tenth in a vow. Both accounts precede Sinai and deserve careful attention. Genesis records particular acts in particular circumstances. It gives no recurring command to every household in either account.
Under Moses, GOD gave the Levites Israel's tithes in connection with their service. Malachi calls the people back to faithfulness with the tithe and the storehouse. Read who is addressed and what GOD had entrusted to them before deciding how to apply the passage to a paycheck today.
Genesis 14:17–24, Genesis 28:18–22, Numbers 18:20–24, Malachi 3:6–12
Hear the case for a continuing tithe
Jesus tells the scribes and Pharisees they ought to have attended to judgment, mercy, and faith while continuing to tithe. Read that alongside Abraham's example and you can see why some Christians take a tenth as an enduring obligation.
In Matthew 23, Jesus addresses people tithing under the law and rebukes their neglect of weightier matters. Hebrews 7 uses Abraham's tenth to establish Melchizedek's greatness in its argument about priesthood. Each passage matters. Neither explicitly directs every Christian household to give a fixed tenth.
Give deliberately and gladly
Paul defends the right of those who preach the gospel to receive support. For the collection for the saints, he calls believers to set something aside in keeping with how GOD has prospered them. In 2 Corinthians, he appeals for willing, cheerful giving and points to the grace of Jesus Christ, who became poor for our sakes.
I see room to use ten percent as a household discipline, with Scripture calling us to planned, willing generosity as we are able. That may ask more of one household and look different in another. Sit down with what you actually have, consider whom you can help and how you can support faithful ministry, and make a plan you can carry out. The mercy you received in Christ is the reason to open your hand.
1 Corinthians 9:7–14, 1 Corinthians 16:1–4, 2 Corinthians 8:8–15, 2 Corinthians 9:5–11
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