WHY WE MUST GIVE: What the Bible Says and Its Impact on the Kingdom
Tithing is a topic that often stirs a variety of emotions and opinions within the Christian community. Some see it as an essential act of worship and obedience, while others view it as an outdated practice and all the church talks about. Understanding what the Bible says, though, about tithing and how our giving impacts the Kingdom of God can transform the world and allow us to not miss out on the blessings that come with generous giving. (Please don’t stop reading right now. Read until the end!)
Tithing has biblical foundations.
The concept of tithing is rooted deeply in Scripture. The word "tithe" literally means "a tenth." In the Old Testament, tithing was a command given to the Israelites as a way to support the Levitical priesthood and the temple services.
Leviticus 27:30: "Every tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land or of the fruit of the trees, is the Lord's; it is holy to the Lord."
Numbers 18:21: "To the Levites I have given every tithe in Israel for an inheritance, in return for their service that they do, their service in the tent of meeting."
We see in these verses God's intention for His people to support the Levitical priesthood and the sanctuary through their tithes, thereby honoring Him with their firstfruits. Worship of God is central to our lives, so a tenth was to be given to God to perpetuate the worship of God. Our giving today does the same. It is an act of worship to God and facilitates the continual worship of God to the ends of the earth.
When we give, we help those in need.
Deuteronomy 14:22-29 shows us that the tithe was not only for the Levites but also to provide for the sojourner, the fatherless, and the widow. It was a means of ensuring that the needs of the community were met and that no one was left in want. God has a heart for the vulnerable members of society and He desires for His people to demonstrate His love through their generosity and care for others. When we give, we help others. It truly is better to give than receive (Acts 20:35).
We are blessed when we tithe.
Malachi 3:10: "Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need."
The one thing we are told to test God in is His provision amidst our sacrificial giving. God promises abundant blessings for obedience, including divine provision and overflow. He is generous towards His people when they honor Him with their resources.
The New Testament goes above and beyond the Old Testament when it comes to giving.
In the New Testament, while the explicit command to tithe is less emphasized, the principles of generous giving and supporting the work of the Kingdom are even stronger.
We are encouraged to give generously and cheerfully.
2 Corinthians 9:6-7: "The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."
The law that governs generosity is that of sowing and reaping. Being in a farming community, we understand this naturally. The only way to reap a harvest is to sow seed. We are told to give (specifically of our money in this context), in order to reap a harvest. Paul here also encourages believers to not just give generously, but to give cheerfully, not out of obligation but as an expression of their gratitude and trust in God's provision.
Our giving keeps the church going.
1 Timothy 5:17-18: "Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching. For the Scripture says, 'You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain,' and, 'The laborer deserves his wages.'"
This passage shows us the importance of financially supporting those who are called to vocational ministry, affirming their right to receive compensation for their work in serving the church. It reflects God's concern for the welfare of His laborers and His desire for His people to honor and care for those who minister to them. Our church has voted together on a yearly budget, and in doing so, each person has covenanted together to meet that budget, to provide for the salaries of the staff and the impact of the ministries of the church.
Jesus desires that we give to the point that it hurts.
Mark 12:41-44 is a well-known passage where Jesus commends the poor widow who gave two small copper coins. It highlights that true giving is measured by the heart and sacrifice, not the total amount.
Jesus' observation of the widow's sacrificial giving challenges our conventional notions of generosity. He commends her act not because of the amount she gave but because it represented her wholehearted devotion and trust in God's provision. He desires the same from us.
Our giving brings about the Kingdom of God.
Tithing and generous giving are tangible acts of worship that impact the Kingdom of God in very real and significant ways. They enable the church to function, support those in need, and spread the gospel. As we give, we are not only fulfilling God’s commands but also positioning ourselves to receive His abundant blessings. Embrace the joy of giving and experience the impact it has on our lives and the world around us.
Giving at First Baptist
In response to God’s Word, I would like to encourage you to give two ways. Would you take the many verses you just read to heart and give a sacrificial gift this moment above your tithe? There are current needs within the church and community that can only be met by your sacrificial gift. Out of obedience and love, would you do so right now? You can at https://www.fbcportland.org/give-now
Secondly, as we have seen the clear importance of the tithe, after you have given a one-time gift, I would like to encourage you to set up recurring giving. You can set up the exact amount of your “tenth” to come out directly after each pay period. Since the Bible is so clear on this matter, we need to make certain that we are living out, in faith, what He has commanded and encouraged.
As you do these two things, God will honor your giving. I am certain of it. He has told you to test Him in that. He will provide your every need as your giving helps provide a harvest of needs, both physically and spiritually, for so many others.
