Our sermon series is called Serve the Church. We started in John 13 and then walked through Romans 12. Most of this series has focused on using our gifts to love one another and build up the body at Oakwood. But this week there is a specific command that we mustn’t hurry past.
“Contribute to the needs of the saints.” Romans 12:13
True love is generous – and sacrificially so. Praise the Lord that God’s love for us was generous, making the ultimate sacrifice for us. So when it comes to financial giving, what is God’s expectation of us?
Christians often talk about tithing – the Old Testament practice of giving the first 10% of one’s harvest (or whatever) to the Lord. “You shall tithe all the yield of your seed which comes forth from the land year after year” (Deut. 14:22).
Here is how John Piper sums up the OT view of tithing:
“In summary, then, from the Old Testament tithing goes back to the very beginning of Israel’s history before the law was given and seems to have been an expression of gratitude to the Lord who fights for his people and gives them all they have. Then as a part of the Mosaic law, tithing was made a part of Israel’s formal worship, and its various forms and purposes were prescribed. It was used to support religious orders; it was used for religious feasting in celebration of God’s goodness; and it taught the people to fear the Lord, that is, to fear not trusting him to meet all their needs.” John Piper
The New Testament says almost nothing about tithing. Jesus confronts the religious leaders for abusing the tithe (Matt. 23:23; Luke 18:9-14). The Apostle Paul never mentions it at all. So it seems that tithing, like the Law itself, was like training wheels to point toward the fullness of God’s will that would come in Christ. The tithe was never meant to be God’s final word on giving, but rather a helpful first step, a starting point.
The New Testament teaching on giving is far more radical. And, of course, our example is Jesus who owned nothing and gave away everything – including his life. The New Testament calls us to stewardship – managing all that God has given us (which is everything we have) for His glory and to advance His purposes. And ultimately, following Jesus calls us to sacrifice – to take up our cross and follow Him. Tithing is a step in the right direction, but let’s be clear – that’s all it is. Jesus wants more than our tips and tithes. He wants our hearts.
Here is a a summary quote from Piper. For more perspective read his entire sermon on this subject here. It’s really not about our money – what God wants is US.
“The best way that I know how to capture the spirit of the New Testament generosity is simply to say: the issue is not, How much must I give? but, How much dare I keep? Not: Shall I tithe? But: How much of the money that I hold in trust for Christ can I take for my private use? The financial issue in the church today is not tithing, but exorbitance of life-style. The question is not can I afford to tithe, but can I justify the life-style that consumes 90% of my income?
“And behind that is the question: Do I love to use God’s money to spread justice and mercy and spiritual hope in the world, or do I prefer to embezzle his money to purchase more and more personal comfort? The question whether the work of Christ here at Bethlehem in 1982 will be adequately supported is really the question of where your treasure is. And where your treasure is, there is your heart. Therefore, I do not seek what is yours but you. Amen.” John Piper