JEFFERSON CITY – Does the Bible command tithing – that is, giving 10 percent of our income to God?
If we don’t tithe, are we robbing God?
Doesn’t the Old Testament teach tithing, while the New Testament teaches giving?
Isn’t the whole issue one of law vs. grace?
These questions – and others – are addressed in a new video and Bible study just released by the Missouri Baptist Convention.
The video/study package is called, “Will a man rob God? What the Bible really says about tithing and giving.” The video and accompanying study are available as free downloads at mobaptist.org/cp.
“We produced this teaching package because every sincere Christian wants to get the answers right to questions about biblical stewardship,” said Rob Phillips, team leader for communications.
“We all agree the Bible is our authority – and the last word on this issue. So it’s important to dive into what both the Old and New Testaments have to say.”
The 9-minute video highlights key passages from the books of Moses and the prophets, showing that Israelites under the Law were required to tithe a minimum of 22 percent of their annual income, mostly in the form of crops and animals.
The New Testament, however, does not teach giving a legalistic amount. Rather, it instructs Christians to give according to several key principles. Christians are to give locally, consistently, proportionately, sacrificially, liberally and cheerfully.
“When the people of God catch a vision of God, you won’t be able to stop them from giving to the work of God,” said Phillips. “The idea of New Testament tithing is not a legalistic requirement but a principle. The degree to which we give sacrificially and joyfully proves the degree to which our hearts are surrendered to the One who gave Himself for us.”
The four-page study guide that accompanies the video may be downloaded, printed or shared electronically. It highlights key Old and New Testament passages and offers questions for further personal consideration or group discussion.