Theological Thoughts on Tithing (Part 2)

By now I am sure you can hardly wait to read this second installment on tithing [insert laughing to tears emoticon]. So far, we’ve looked at two frames of reference. First, the Bible really does command us to tithe; and it is a command that comes with the promise of blessing when we obey. Second, the prevalent biblical theme of firstfruits teaches us the reason God commands us to tithe is to help us remember that all of our wealth really belongs to Him. This month we will conclude with our final viewpoints on tithing: stewardship and worship.

3. Stewardship: Tithing teaches us more than just tithing.

Like many wonderful theological truths, the idea of stewardship is woven into the Creation story and the resulting Covenant:

"God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. God blessed them; and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth, and subdue it; and rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over every living thing that moves on the earth.” Then God said, “Behold, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is on the surface of all the earth, and every tree which has fruit yielding seed; it shall be food for you" (Gen 1:27-29).

We learn from this passage that as His image-bearers, God designed men and women to be Creation-keepers. God appointed us to a very important duty: To manage, care for, nurture, and increase His Creation. This call to stewardship affects every area of our lives. We are called to be stewards of our bodies (1 Cor 3:16-17, 9:27), our time (c.f. Pro 24:30-34), our gifts (1 Tim 4:14), our spouses (Eph 5:22-33, 1 Pet 3:1-7), our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ (Gal 6:1-2), and of course, our finances.

Faithful tithing is a reflection of good stewardship of our finances as we obey God’s command in this area. The significance of this act runs deep. Because stewardship is built into human (Creation) hardwiring, good stewardship practices like tithing reflect, improve and build spiritual health; and help us grow in our sanctification. The opposite is true as well! Christ commended the poor widow who gave more than a tithe (Luke 21:1-4), illustrating a deep devotion to God because she was fulfilling her redeemed image. On the other hand, Cain’s refusal to give his best to God (Gen 4) was indicative of a deep spiritual darkness within him. God pointed Cain to the path of restoration when He told him: “If you do well, will not your countenance be lifted up (Gen 4:7a)? But Cain was not willing.

These are the two poles of the financial stewardship spectrum, and we should ask ourselves where on the spectrum do we stand? May God give us grace to have the heart of the poor widow to faithfully tithe, and even more than tithe, as we fulfill our image-bearing appointment as stewards of our finances.

4. Tithing is worship

During the exodus, once the people of Israel had put off and cleansed themselves of idolatrous worship, they became serious about devoting themselves to the building of the tabernacle. They were ready to dig deep and give generously: "Everyone whose heart stirred him and everyone whose spirit moved him came and brought the Lord’s contribution for the work of the tent of meeting and for all its service and for the holy garments" (Exo 35:21). In fact, they gave so much that Moses had to restrain them from giving more (Exo 36:5-6)! These people were serious about worshiping God and were willing to give everything to be able to draw near to their Maker. 

Tithing then, is an act of worship. Tithing is worship because it is one manifestation of what Paul meant when he wrote: "Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship" (Rom 12:1). Tithing represents a sacrifice of self that is representative of your entire self. Pastor Rossell summarized this point well in a recent sermon:

“All that you are, all that you have, all that you hope to be or accomplish belongs to God - not because He has snatched it from you or threatens to do so, but because as His child you have willingly placed yourself and your everything in the palm of His hand and you renew this as a covenantal position in life every week when you receive your life from Him and place your life symbolically back into His hands here - by the presentation of your life and your life's work and the harvest of it in your tithe offering.”

Next month we will conclude this series with answers to a list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on tithing. May God bless you as you study and consider the importance of tithing in a Christian walk of faith.

Elder Mike Ruff

1. To catch up on this series, read it online at: www.trinitybiblicalcounselingcenter.blogspot.com