The Ministry of Giving

I have heard very many "tithe sermons” from various pastors who will always give a short little "sermon" on giving before they pray and take up an "offering."

However, there's one particular Scripture that these pastors will use in order to convince the congregation that they should tithe/give.

One thing that bothers me is that these pastors never differentiate between a "tithe," a "gift" and an "offering." They kind of mix it all together and call it “tithing” or an “offering” without discernment or distinguishing between the three.

The one Scripture these pastors will use for tithing is 2 Corinthians chapter 9. Let’s examine the context of this chapter.

2 Corinthians 9 - “I really don’t need to write to you about this ministry of giving for the believers in Jerusalem. 2 For I know how eager you are to help, and I have been boasting to the churches in Macedonia that you in Greece were ready to send an offering a year ago. In fact, it was your enthusiasm that stirred up many of the Macedonian believers to begin giving.
3 But I am sending these brothers to be sure you really are ready, as I have been telling them, and that your money is all collected. I don’t want to be wrong in my boasting about you. 4 We would be embarrassed—not to mention your own embarrassment—if some Macedonian believers came with me and found that you weren’t ready after all I had told them! 5 So I thought I should send these brothers ahead of me to make sure the gift you promised is ready. But I want it to be a willing gift, not one given grudgingly.
6 Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. 7 You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” 8 And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. 9 As the Scriptures say,
“They share freely and give generously to the poor.
Their good deeds will be remembered forever.”
10 For God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you.
11 Yes, you will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous. And when we take your gifts to those who need them, they will thank God. 12 So two good things will result from this ministry of giving—the needs of the believers in Jerusalem will be met, and they will joyfully express their thanks to God.
13 As a result of your ministry, they will give glory to God. For your generosity to them and to all believers will prove that you are obedient to the Good News of Christ. 14 And they will pray for you with deep affection because of the overflowing grace God has given to you. 15 Thank God for this gift too wonderful for words! (NLT)”

Here are ten questions we should ask ourselves:
1. What is the topic addressed in this chapter? The ministry of giving (Verse 1).
2. How many times was the word “gift” used in this chapter? 2 times in verse 5, 1 time in verse 11.
3. How many times was the word “tithe” used in this chapter? None.
4. To whom is the collection of money for? The believers in Jerusalem (Verse 1 & 12).
5. What kind of money was being collected? An offering in the form of a gift (Verses 2 & 5).
6. How much money was Paul asking them to send? Was it 10% of their income? No, Paul suggests that “You must each decide in your heart how much to give (Verse 7).
7. Why are the Macedonians and the Corinthians partnering in giving money to the believers in Jerusalem? It was because they were poor and needy (Verse 9 & 12).
8. How should we give? Should it be by the letter of the Law in tithe money or by the generosity of our hearts through the love of Jesus Christ? It will prove that you are obedient to the Good News of Christ (Verse 13).
9. Why should we give freely and not give reluctantly or in response to pressure? Because Paul wants them to give “cheerfully.”
10. What is the result of their giving? Will the pastor get a new vehicle or the church build a youth center? No, they who receive the “gift” will give glory to God (Verse 13) and they will pray for the giver or the church who sent the gift with deep affection because of the overflowing grace God has given to you (Verse 14).

Not any verse in this chapter can be used to support a tenth or tithing sermon. This chapter never addresses the idea of tithing or giving 10% of your income to the church. In fact, this chapter addresses something that is rare in most modern churches. That is, giving freely to other poor and needy believers with a generous heart because of Christ. In fact, in 2 Corinthians 8:11-12, Paul says that those who have the eagerness to contribute should “Give in proportion to what you have. Whatever you give is acceptable if you give it eagerly. And give according to what you have, not what you don’t have.”

How many times have there been an offering taken up at your church to help a family who is struggling with bills or losing their home?

Repeatedly throughout the New Testament, there are multiple references that speak of helping the poor and needy to other believers. Hardly ever is there a reference of helping the community or non-believers. As a universal church, we should take care of our own first, and then we should help others for the sake of Christ.