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Are Christians required to tithe?: Difference between revisions
→New Testament principles for giving
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'''2 Corinthians 8–9.''' This passage provides a few additional principles for new covenant giving. Grace is the entire theme of this entire two-chapter section. In 2 Cor 8:2–3 Paul praises the Macedonians for their giving, which was (1) according to (and, in fact, beyond) their ability; and (2) voluntary. The Macedonians were not required to give a prescribed amount or percentage. Rather, they gave as they had been prospered, according to their ability. Their giving was sacrificial and generous in that they actually gave beyond what Paul thought they were able to do. In fact, the Macedonians were considered poor, yet they still gave. | '''2 Corinthians 8–9.''' This passage provides a few additional principles for new covenant giving. Grace is the entire theme of this entire two-chapter section. In 2 Cor 8:2–3 Paul praises the Macedonians for their giving, which was (1) according to (and, in fact, beyond) their ability; and (2) voluntary. The Macedonians were not required to give a prescribed amount or percentage. Rather, they gave as they had been prospered, according to their ability. Their giving was sacrificial and generous in that they actually gave beyond what Paul thought they were able to do. In fact, the Macedonians were considered poor, yet they still gave. | ||
Sacrificial giving is measured, not by what is given, but by what remains. | |||
Their giving was also ‘of their own accord’, a word that refers to the Macedonians’ free or spontaneous giving. They did not need to be asked to give. Giving should not have to be requested. Rather, the believer should seek to find a need that he is able to meet and thus help out a fellow believer. Notice that the Macedonians were pleading with Paul to allow them to be involved in this offering (2 Cor 8:4). Christians should be alert to find opportunities where they can use the resources God has given them. | Their giving was also ‘of their own accord’, a word that refers to the Macedonians’ free or spontaneous giving. They did not need to be asked to give. Giving should not have to be requested. Rather, the believer should seek to find a need that he is able to meet and thus help out a fellow believer. Notice that the Macedonians were pleading with Paul to allow them to be involved in this offering (2 Cor 8:4). Christians should be alert to find opportunities where they can use the resources God has given them. | ||
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The meaning of 2 Cor 8:13 is captured well by the NLT: “Of course, I don’t mean you should give so much that you suffer from having too little. I only mean that there should be some equality.” Paul does not want the Corinthians to give so much to the Jerusalem church that they end up needing an offering for themselves. To give so much that one ends up in debt is foolish. | The meaning of 2 Cor 8:13 is captured well by the NLT: “Of course, I don’t mean you should give so much that you suffer from having too little. I only mean that there should be some equality.” Paul does not want the Corinthians to give so much to the Jerusalem church that they end up needing an offering for themselves. To give so much that one ends up in debt is foolish. | ||
Paul’s main point in 2 Cor 8:12–14 is not that he desires the Corinthians and the Jerusalem church to switch places. Rather, he urges the Corinthians to give as they said they would and to do so out of love. | |||
Another principle that can be derived from 2 Cor 9 is found in v. 6. Paul illustrates this principle by saying that no farmer would ever consider his seeds wasted when he sowed. Therefore, “plentiful giving will result in a plentiful harvest.” This does not mean that we should give so we can get more for ourselves but that one motivation for giving is that God will bless us so we can continue to be generous. | Another principle that can be derived from 2 Cor 9 is found in v. 6. Paul illustrates this principle by saying that no farmer would ever consider his seeds wasted when he sowed. Therefore, “plentiful giving will result in a plentiful harvest.” This does not mean that we should give so we can get more for ourselves but that one motivation for giving is that God will bless us so we can continue to be generous. | ||