(Clip) The Real Truth On Christian Tithing
Zac Poonen explains that true Christian giving is not about tithing money as in the Old Testament, but about offering our whole bodies as living sacrifices to God in the New Testament.
This sermon addresses the concept of tithing in the Old Testament versus giving in the New Testament. It emphasizes the shift from tithing to presenting our bodies as a living sacrifice to God in the New Covenant. The focus is on offering ourselves completely to God, including our eyes and every part of our being, rather than just a portion of our income. The message challenges the idea that God desires our money over our wholehearted devotion.
Full Transcript
Should people cheat God? Yet you have cheated me. I said, where did we cheat you? You cheated me in tithes and offerings. This is the favorite verse of many pastors.
Bring the tithes into the storehouse, verse 10, and if you don't do that, you will be cursed. If you do it, I'll open the windows of heaven for you. Do you know that tithing is not even mentioned once after the day of Pentecost? When the new covenant was instituted.
Something more difficult than tithing is mentioned after that. Giving. And what do we have to give first? Our bodies.
As tithing was emphasized in the Old Testament, presenting your bodies is emphasized in the New Testament. This, just like they offered a lamb in the Old Testament, and the offer of Jesus was offered for us in the New Testament, just like they had a day of rest called the Sabbath in the Old Testament, and in the New Testament, we have an inward rest. In the Old Testament, they offered a tithe.
In the New Testament, we offer our body. Romans 12.1, I beseech you brethren, by the mercies of God, not present your tithes, but present your bodies, a living sacrifice to God. Tell me, what does it mean to offer your body? That means I give my eyes to God and I never want to use it for myself again.
Is that easier? Or is it easier to give 10% of your income to God? You tell me. Any day, giving 10% of your income is easier. That's why people talk about tithing.
And usually a lot of people who take that verse from the Old Testament, it's because those preachers themselves are lovers of money and they want the tithe from everybody. And that's how these pastors become rich. See, if 10 people give one-tenth of their income, you got one man's salary, right? Simple multiplication, arithmetic.
10 into 10% is 100%. So 10 people give their tithes, you get one man's income. That's enough to support a pastor.
When 100 people give their tithes, what happens to this pastor? He becomes a millionaire. This is what's happening. This is not, this is Old Testament.
I will curse you. In the New Testament it says, give your body. Let me tell you that.
God doesn't want your money, He wants your body. And when you give your body, then give as you feel happy to give. Okay.
I hope that liberates a lot of you.
Sermon Outline
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I. The Old Testament Practice of Tithing
- Tithing was commanded and emphasized in the Old Testament
- Malachi 3:8-10 warns of curses for withholding tithes
- Tithing supported the Levitical priesthood and temple needs
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II. The New Testament Shift from Tithing to Giving
- Tithing is not mentioned after Pentecost or in the New Testament
- Giving is emphasized, especially offering our bodies to God
- Romans 12:1 calls believers to present their bodies as living sacrifices
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III. The Heart and Motive Behind Giving
- God desires our whole selves, not just money
- Tithing can be misused by money-loving pastors
- True giving is voluntary and joyful, not legalistic
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IV. Practical Implications for Believers
- Giving 10% is easier than offering your whole body
- Believers should focus on wholehearted surrender to God
- Giving should be motivated by love and gratitude
Key Quotes
“Tithing is not even mentioned once after the day of Pentecost.” — Zac Poonen
“God doesn't want your money, He wants your body.” — Zac Poonen
“I beseech you brethren, by the mercies of God, not present your tithes, but present your bodies, a living sacrifice to God.” — Zac Poonen
Application Points
- Focus on offering your whole life to God rather than just giving a portion of your income.
- Give generously and joyfully, not out of obligation or fear of curse.
- Be wary of teachings that emphasize tithing as a legalistic requirement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is tithing required for New Testament Christians?
No, tithing is an Old Testament practice and is not commanded in the New Testament after Pentecost.
What does it mean to offer your body as a living sacrifice?
It means dedicating every part of yourself to God’s service, living in obedience and holiness.
Why do some pastors emphasize tithing?
Some pastors emphasize tithing because it provides a steady income, but this can lead to misuse and greed.
How should Christians give according to the New Testament?
Christians should give voluntarily and joyfully, motivated by love, not obligation.
Does giving money still matter in the New Testament?
Yes, giving is important but it flows from a heart fully surrendered to God, not as a legalistic requirement.