Churches talk a lot about tithing. Is it really biblical for Christians to give a "tithe" since we do not live under the Law of Moses?
Talking Points:
- Practically, tithing in ancient Israel was about supplying the physical needs of the priests and Levites who served the nation.
- One important fact is that the OT does not only speak about “a tithe,” but a series of tithes. When these varying tithes are added up, Israelites could have expected to pay a higher percentage, at least 20%, of their income – not just a flat 10%.
- Is tithing discussed in the Bible? Yes. Do Christians need to tithe? No. Christians are not under the Mosaic Law that required God’s people to participate in tithing. Galatians 3:23-25; Romans 7:1-6; Hebrews 7:12-22; 8:6-13
- Giving is required of Christians – and this means giving out of our financial resources. Christians are to financially support ministers in the church and missionaries abroad. 1 Corinthians 16:1-3, 2 Corinthians 8:7, 11-13
Discussion:
- Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
- What have you learned about tithing/giving in churches you’ve attended now or in the past? Explain.
- How does giving to the local church/Christian ministries differ from the tithing system of ancient Israel?
- Read Galatians 3:23-25. How does understanding Jesus’s fulfillment of the Mosaic Law and replacing it with the New Covenant help address some of the questions about this topic?
- Read 2 Corinthians 8:7. Christians are to be “givers” rather than “tithers.” Why is this an important distinction? What does it look like for a Christian to be a godly “giver?”
- What does your giving to your local church and Christian ministries look like these days? Explain. How can you grow in this area?
- Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?
