Bible Study April 2, 2025
“Money On Loan From God”
A few days ago I was asked to provide some scriptures on tithing by a wonderful lady in our church. I believe tithing is an Old Testament command and the New Testament is based on grace. The New Testament concept of giving I believe is based on Jesus giving His life for us there is no way we can out do Him. Here is what I provided her. Much of it contains scripture.
Here are some scriptures on tithing / giving. I am giving you both Old Testament and New Testament references.
In the Old Testament tithing / giving emphasizes returning some of our possessions to God to show gratitude. It is the idea of giving the first of the harvest or the offspring of the herd but only giving the very best. That was what got Cain in trouble. In the New Testament and Jesus death on the cross we are encouraged to give from the heart for what He has done for us.
Old Testament Examples:
Leviticus 27:30:
“A tenth of the produce of the land, whether grain or fruit, is the Lord’s, and is holy.”
Proverbs 3:9-10:
“Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the first fruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will overflow with new wine.”
Malachi 3:10:
“Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.”
Genesis 28:20-22:
Jacob vows to tithe to God if He protects him on his journey and provides for him.
New Testament Principles:
2 Corinthians 9:7:
“Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
Luke 6:38:
“Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over, will be poured into your lap. For by the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” What is interesting here is that when we give to God the Men will give to us. It is not to give to get but the principle of sowing and reaping.
Mark 12:41-44:
Jesus observes a poor widow give her entire livelihood to the temple treasury, highlighting the importance of giving sacrificially.
1 Corinthians 16:2:
Paul instructs the church to set aside money for the poor on the first day of the week, emphasizing the importance of consistent and proportional giving.
Some Thoughts:
Tithing and giving are seen as expressions of gratitude for God’s blessings and recognition of His provision. We see this throughout the scriptures but most evident in the New Testament.
The scriptures call believers to be good stewards of their resources, recognizing that everything belongs to God. Resources is more than money.
The New Testament emphasizes giving from the heart, not out of obligation, but from a place of love and generosity. If Jesus gave His all (I believe He did) then what an I give in return?
Giving is an act of faith, demonstrating trust in God’s provision and His ability to meet our needs.
Giving supports the church, the spread of the gospel, and other ministries that advance God’s kingdom. This is one way we can simply spread the message of salvation.
I would be interested in your thoughts.
Asbury Chapel 