The Tithe: It's For Today

There was a time in years past where I didn't tithe.  I was without knowledge of the true origins of the tithe, and felt keeping the tithe was merely a religious, possibly legalistic ritual that was not in line with the completed work of Christ.  However, I believe the opposite today.  And, over the next few weeks on each Sunday morning, I am going to explain why, using three main reasons to show the literal 10% tithe is still for today.  That's what a tithe is--it's 10%.

Some will say/ask, as I did some years past, "Hey, don't you know this isn't Old Testament times?  What is this OT stuff about keeping the tithe?  Why be legalistic?  Just give with your heart like stated in 2 Cor 9:17."  I have personally made those statements and questions regarding the tithe, before I actually understood the tithe and its blessing.  It's a good Word (it's God's Word, of course it's good) and I would in no way seek to undermine, change, or discourage anyone from doing what it says, whatsoever.  I've noticed, however, that many people misuse the word "tithe" by applying it to freewill giving.  That's really not what the tithe is at all.

What many people actually do (as we all should do) is 2 Cor 9:17.  Again, this is good, but then we should not call it the tithe--because it is not tithing.  Tithe has a specific meaning, command, and blessing.  It isn't giving as we purpose in our own hearts.  The tithe is giving 10%, as best you can humanly calculate.  I will seek to convince, to the glory of God and the edification of His body, that a literal 10% tithe should be observed by all believers, and that it in no way negates or changes the will of God stated in 2 Cor 9:17.  God loves a cheerful giver!

Looking to the future, here is a little preview...

1. The tithe predates the law and is therefore not nullified by any end or completion to the law

2. There is a special blessing that goes along with the tithe.  You will miss it if you don't tithe.

3. Lastly, simply, Jesus approved/approves of the tithe.