For serious bible students

2 Corinthians 8:9simple study

2 Corinthians 8:9 KJV
[9] For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for
your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.
Does this verse of scripture promise believers wealth?
A fundamental rule of bible interpretation is to study in context and the use of
corroborative texts.
Three words need clarification here , grace ,and rich .( rich and poor will be defined
together )
So let's read in context
2 Corinthians 8:1-8 KJV
[1] Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the
churches of Macedonia
Grace was first mentioned as touching the church in Macedonia
; [2] How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep
poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality.
This church had grace yet were poor materially but yet their giving was referred to
as riches .
[3] For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing
of themselves;
He describes this grace as giving even beyond their ability .
[4] Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us
the fellowship of the ministering to the saints
. [5] And this they did , not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord,
and unto us by the will of God.
He commends their attitude that despite not having enough the grace upon their
lives was unique in how they gave
[6] Insomuch that we desired Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also finish in
you the same grace also.
Titus was sent to Corinth to build them up so they can function in this grace of
giving .
[7] Therefore, as ye abound in every thing, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge,
and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also.

The church in Corinth was commended for faith ,diligence and love and admonished
to excel in the grace of giving just like Macedonia ( who were poor )
8] I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and
to prove the sincerity of your love.
He isn't commanding only showing examples of the grace of giving
Now to verse 9
2 Corinthians 8:9 KJV
[9] For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for
your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.
Contextually the grace is to give even in the state of poverty .
Jesus made us rich when he was poor ,the church in Macedonia made others rich
whilst they poor .
Clear ?
Now to the word rich .
Without qualms the term rich couldn't have meant material riches even though he's
teaching material giving. The second verse depicts that,they were materially poor
but spiritually rich ..
John used the same illustration of Jesus's sacrifice to teach giving
1 John 3:16-17 KJV
[16] Hereby perceive we the love of God , because he laid down his life for us: and
we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. [17] But whoso hath this world's
good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion
from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?
The spiritual used to encourage material giving .
Read James
James 2:5 KJV
[5] Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich
in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?
Rich spiritually but not materially
Revelation 3:17 KJV
[17] Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of
nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and
blind, and naked:

Same .
Paul will elsewhere use an adjective
1 Timothy 6:17-18 KJV
[17] Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust
in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;
18] That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to
communicate;
Rich in this world ( normal for both believer and non believer ) ,however rich in good
works ,that's for believers.
Note this guys were not givers. Hence the exhortation .
The term rich is again used for non material things ,attitude of giving .
It flows with ALL texts examined so far .
Rich wasn't material there ,as paul was teaching Jesus in His riches was made
poor .very similar text to 2 Corinthians 5:21, Became sin .
Through His sacrifice of death We are made enriched to act in His stead .
Now let's quickly view Philippians 4:19
Philippians 4:19 KJV
[19] But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ
Jesus.
The term riches in glory
Ephesians 1:18 KJV
[18] The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is
the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the
saints,
Obviously not material .
Ephesians 3:16 KJV
[16] That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be
strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;
Riches of His glory refers to the Indwelling of the Spirit,not money
So back to Philippians 4:19
Paul was commending giving .

Philippians 4:15-18 KJV

[15] Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I
departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving
and receiving, but ye only. [16] For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again
unto my necessity. [17] Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may
abound to your account. [18] But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received
of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a
sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God.
His ( paul )needs were supplied by the spiritually riches of believers ( giving ) which
is the riches in glory
Hence God will supply their needs too by the liberality of other believers just like
his.
Not some imported interpretation.
Needs are met via industry
2 Thessalonians 3:10 KJV
[10] For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would
not work, neither should he eat.
Work !
Ephesians 4:28 KJV
[28] Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his
hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.
Honest work .
Others have their needs met by the giving by other saints ( riches in glory by christ
Jesus ).
This verse in context refers to needs being met by the gifts of other saints .
This is in tandem with other texts
Acts 2:44-46 KJV
[44] And all that believed were together, and had all things common; [45] And sold
their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men , as every man had need.
[46] And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread
from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,
Acts 4:34-35 KJV
[34] Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were
possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that
were sold, [35] And laid them down at the apostles'
feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need.

Acts 6:1 KJV

[1] And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose
a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were
neglected in the daily ministration.
Acts 11:28-30 KJV
[28] And there stood up one of them named Agabus, and signified by the Spirit that
there should be great dearth throughout all the world: which came to pass in the
days of Claudius Caesar. [29] Then the disciples, every man according to his ability,
determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judaea: [30] Which also
they did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.
Acts 20:34-35 KJV
[34] Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my
necessities, and to them that were with me. [35] I have shewed you all things, how
that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the
Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.
Romans 15:26-27 KJV
[26] For it hath pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain
contribution for the poor saints which are at Jerusalem. [27] It hath pleased them
verily; and their debtors they are. For if the Gentiles have been made partakers of
their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister unto them in carnal things.
1 Corinthians 16:1-2 KJV
[1] Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the
churches of Galatia, even so do ye. [2] Upon the first day of the week let every one
of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings
when I come.
Galatians 2:10 KJV
[10] Only they would that we should remember the poor; the same which I also was
forward to do.
Galatians 6:10 KJV
[10] As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men , especially unto
them who are of the household of faith.
Ephesians 4:28 KJV
[28] Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his
hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.
If you read through well u will see how God supplied the needs of the saints
according to the riches of His glory ,the giving of saints .
Its sad most scriptures written to teach us to help others have been converted into
our selfish prosperity verses.

The poor were not told to sow to go up ,there needs were met according to His
riches in glory in other believers Called giving !
Hence James rebuke
James 2:15-16 KJV
[15] If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, [16] And one of you
say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give
them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?
When a brother is in need u don't lay hands or ask to connect ,u meet his needs .
So Paul's use of the Spiritual to explain the natural in giving in 2 Corinthians 8:9 isn't
peculiar to him
Even John as reiterated earlier
1 John 3:16-17 KJV
[16] Hereby perceive we the love of God , because he laid down his life for us: and
we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. [17] But whoso hath this world's
good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion
from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?
Just like 2 Corinthians 8:9, Jesus death teaches ,empowers us and leads us giving to
others not for prosperity .
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ is used elsewhere
2 Corinthians 13:14 KJV
[14] The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of
the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen.
Non material.
Romans 16:24 KJV
[24] The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
Galatians 6:18 KJV
[18] Brethren, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.
1 Corinthians 16:23 KJV
[23] The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
Ephesians 6:24 KJV
[24] Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen.
Philippians 4:23 KJV
[23] The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

1 Thessalonians 5:28 KJV

[28] The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.
Not material but His love and sacrifice
God blesses us materially but the above texts teach giving to meet the needs of
others not yours !
Hope this is clear ?
Blessings

For Serious bible students 2

Explaining 2cor9:8
2 Corinthians 9:8 KJV
[8] And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all
sufficiency in all things , may abound to every good work:
This is a text teaching and describing the giving to saints .
2 Corinthians 9:1 KJV
[1] For as touching the ministering to the saints, it is superfluous for me to write to
you:
2 Corinthians 9:5-15 KJV
[5] Therefore I thought it necessary to exhort the brethren, that they would go
before unto you, and make up beforehand your bounty, whereof ye had notice
before, that the same might be ready, as a matter of bounty, and not as of
covetousness.
Bounty will be the contrast of covetousness .
In other words we aren't making a demand on u but asking u do it willingly
( bounty )
This will come out better later as we study .
[6] But this I say , He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which
soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.
Bountifully and sparingly are used because sowing seeds is inferred .
Sowing seeds is never literal here but an allegorical explanation of actions NOT
objects
IF U MISS THIS,U MISS EVERYTHING!

The seed is used allegorically for the non material.

For example
Luke 8:11 KJV
[11] Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God.
Allegory .
Its a figure of speech
Galatians 6:7-10 KJV
[7] Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he
also reap. [8] For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but
he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.
9] And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint
not.
10] As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men , especially unto
them who are of the household of faith.
1 Corinthians 3:6-8 KJV
[6] I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. [7] So then neither
is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the
increase. [8] Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man
shall receive his own reward according to his own labour.
Sowing here isn't material .
Same as seed ,As well as the increase .
Similar to the index text ,it describes the non material .
The soil is non material.
The harvest is non material .
Clear enough .
[7] Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give ; not
grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.
Giving grudgingly is sparing referring to grudge ( unwilling,vex,pain ,unhappy )
giving not small amount .
It's dealing with spiritual things here .
Btw-Only God knows your heart !
Again the focus here isn't the amount But rather the heart in the giving .
Hence cheerful giving is bountiful giving .

Jesus taught also distinguishing amount given from the value of the gift .the
Attitude .
Luke 21:1-4 KJV
[1] And he looked up, and saw the rich men casting their gifts into the treasury. [2]
And he saw also a certain poor widow casting in thither two mites. [3] And he said,
Of a truth I say unto you, that this poor widow hath cast in more than they all: [4]
For all these have of their abundance cast in unto the offerings of God: but she of
her penury hath cast in all the living that she had.
She gave more.the Focus isn't the amount but the attitude.She was richer than
them all
Rich in good works .
Now to the main text
Slowly read into this text knowing paul was emphasizing giving .
[8] And G03od is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having
all sufficiency in all things , may abound to every good work:
What's the grace?money?
NO!
We had established that earlier as willing giving (2corinthians 8:9), remember?
The grace ( free giving ) ,is the attitude that abounds towards us ,why?
So that when we have ( all sufficiency ) in all things we abound to every good work .
Again Paul isn't teaching grace to prosper but grace to give !
Stay in line!
The grace abounds towards us to give !
Just as explained in chapter 8.
Grace means Charis,to give freely .Willingly cheerfully .
the emphasis remains giving .
In your sufficiency you abound (used for doing more ) ,You give.
Again He's teaching giving to the needs of saints .
We have reversed the roles,we give for God to give .
No, Giving is a ministry,
Freely have u received, freely give

We have turned giving into lottery, casino with the love of money some have erred
from the faith .
Because in such giving, it's motivated by the love of money .
They want more from their offering .
1 Timothy 6:9-10 KJV
[9] But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish
and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.
10] For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after,
they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
"Sowing money "to be rich will produce the above troubles .
This is fruit of the gospel of money .
The false teaching / doctrine on giving .More money not meeting more needs .
Paul's wasn't the architect of this misfortune .
Rather
Paul is teaching giving because you love the saints ,
You minister to them .
We have taught sowing money ( whatever that means ) to reap money
That's an eisegesis .
Reading meaning into a text.
[9] (As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his
righteousness remaineth for ever.
This text is from the Old Testament
Psalm 112:9 KJV
[9] He hath dispersed, he hath given to the poor; his righteousness endureth for
ever; his horn shall be exalted with honour.
Again the non material is implied ,that is ,your gift is material but your seed is non
material .
Follow through and this becomes clearer .
10] Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food,
and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;)

This text again is from the Old Testament

Isaiah 55:10-11 KJV
[10] For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not
thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give
seed to the sower, and bread to the eater:
11] So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto
me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing
whereto I sent it.
Once again the seed is used allegorically for the non- material ,Can u see this
now ,My Word.
Gods Word .
[11] Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us
thanksgiving to God.
The harvest is the thanksgiving of the saints .
[12] For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want of the saints,
but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God;
Very clear !
The fruits of our righteousness is supplying the want of the saints and abundant
also by many thanksgiving unto God.
Not God giving you increase of your finances because you gave Your brethren
Grace means free unconditional gift .
In order words You don't give to get it .
[13] Whiles by the experiment of this ministration they glorify God for your
professed subjection unto the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal distribution unto
them, and unto all men ;
That's It!
The saints glorify God for your subjection to the gospel ( bountiful giving )
[14] And by their prayer for you, which long after you for the exceeding grace of
God in you.
What's the grace of God in u?
Your attitude,willingness to Give .
[15] Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.

Amen .
God gives us,then we give .
When we give the needs of the saints are met and our works ( fruits of our
righteousness ) remains ,
Just as paul taught in two other texts.
1 Timothy 6:18-19 KJV
[18] That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing
to communicate; [19] Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against
the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.
Time to come .laying up in store .the rewards of giving are eternal in nature not
more cars and jets .
Jesus gave a parable in this regard
Matthew 25:35-37 KJV
[35] For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me
drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: [36] Naked, and ye clothed me: I was
sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. [37] Then shall the
righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee ?
or thirsty, and gave thee drink?
They saw their giving in eternity .They gave to His brethren ( not NGO as he never
uses brethren for non believers ).
Same with the rich fool
Luke 12:20-21 KJV
[20] But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee:
then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided? [21] So is he that
layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.
Fool ,eternity counts more than the temporariness of appearing on Forbes list .
This is why we don't need to be so acclaimed .
Matthew 6:19-20 KJV
[19] Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth
corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: [20] But lay up for yourselves
treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves
do not break through nor steal:
Our true treasures are our rewards ,Eternal rewards ,just like soul winning ,prayer
etc ,Giving to saints is service unto God .

All service are / is rewarded at the judgement seat of Christ interpreted Bema
seat ,Award seat or Reward seat .
Galatians 6:7-9 KJV
[7] Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he
also reap. [8] For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but
he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. [9] And let us not
be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
Sowing is to the Spirit ,it easy to see this by reading previous chapters .
It's well doing ,the harvest can't be money ,
Reap life ever lasting here means its eternal .
Paul had distinguished the material and physical earlier
1 Corinthians 9:11 KJV
[11] If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap
your carnal things?
Carnal here isn't same as eternal( Galatians 6:8-9&1 Timothy 6:18-20), carnal
means physical ,temporary .
Not to remain forever as in 2 Corinthians 9:9-10.
Giving is service NOT lottery,
It's sowing seeds spiritual in nature not money ,money is made available but the
attitude is the seed .
Rewards will be given at the END.
Yes,give with service in mind ,eternity in view .
1 Corinthians 3:13-15 KJV
[13] Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because
it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is.
[14] If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a
reward. [15] If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself
shall be saved; yet so as by fire.
Every work will be tested .
Your manner of giving will be tested too,its a work ,it must be a good work to stand .
Some will abide ( eternal )
Others will be burned ( non eternal ).
Does God bless us materially ,YES.

Matthew 7:11 KJV

[11] If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how
much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask
him?
Matthew 6:8 KJV
[8] Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have
need of, before ye ask him.
Matthew 6:30-32 KJV
[30] Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to
morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?
[31] Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink?
or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? [32] (For after all these things do the Gentiles
seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.
The Earth is His.
1 Corinthians 10:26 KJV
[26] For the earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof.
Fullness means abundance .Nothing belongs to satan even the meat offered to
idols.
We can eat ( save when another's conscience is wounded , we study this later ),
because our Father owns everything !
Even the wealth of the unjust is His
Matthew 5:45 KJV
[45] That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh
his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the
unjust.
1 Timothy 6:17 KJV
[17] Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust
in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;
To enjoy .He blesses us .
But 2 Corinthians just like many texts of the epistles emphasize giving
Acts 20:35 KJV
[35] I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the
weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed
to give than to receive.
He ( in His epistles )taught more of giving .

So the Lesson - Give cheerfully ,give from your heart ,give willingly ,give
bountifully ,meet the needs of others ,this is Grace at work .As God gave u the same
way .
He blesses us/you to sow not because you sowed money !but Just like Him sow
bountifully ( attitude ) your materials( money etc)
Clear ?
Blessings

Tithes -Something to think upon

( please read patiently )
The Word(s) tithes,tithing to tithe was NOT emphasized in the Epistles.
As a matter of Fact,it was only mentioned ONCE by the writer of Hebrews,the
mention is no instruction rather an historical emphasis .
Hebrews 7:5-9 KJV
[5] And verily they that are of the sons of Levi, who receive the office of the
priesthood, have a commandment to take tithes of the people according to the law,
that is, of their brethren, though they come out of the loins of Abraham:
[6] But he whose descent is not counted from them received tithes of Abraham, and
blessed him that had the promises.
7] And without all contradiction the less is blessed of the better.
[8] And here men that die receive tithes; but there he receiveth them , of whom it is

witnessed that he liveth. [9] And as I may so say, Levi also, who receiveth tithes,
payed tithes in Abraham.
This account can be found in Genesis 14:17-23.We shall refer to it later.
The Book of Hebrews wasn't encouraging to tithe as much as it wasn't encouraging
to offer your son just as Abraham did.
Hebrews 11:17 KJV
[17] By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had
received the promises offered up his only begotten son ,
These are historical accounts with lessons to learn from ( we shall touch this later).
Some have tried to create doctrine out of the Hebrews mention of tithe .
They claim verse 8 means Jesus receives tithe .Not so.
The phrase " he receives them " is italicized ,by implication it's not in the original
text .
A contextual reading will plainly show the reader he's referring to melchelzedek as
symbolic.
Back to the emphasis of tithe.
Not one mention in the Book of Acts.Not one mention in the Pauline epistles .None
in Peters .Not John.Not Jude.
That's instructive .
They ALL taught giving .But NONE taught tithe .
Let's see Jesus's mention of the tithe.
Just twice, one was a rebuke the other a parable
Matthew 23:23 KJV
[23] Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and
anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment,
mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.
Audience - Pharisees and Scribes .He expressly refers to tithe here as a matter of
the law,same as mercy ,judgment and faithfulness ( written as faith ).
He is NOT instructing tithing .As tithing preceded His incarnation .Same with
Passover,and all the ceremonial sacrifices .
The other mention is a parable

Luke 18:11 KJV

[11] The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am
not as other men are , extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.
[12] I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.
Its notable to see that the speaker is a Pharisee yet again .On the two occasions
where Jesus mentioned the tithe ,He is NOT commending the tither .
So we have two mentions by Jesus ,which is in rebuking and exposing the hypocrisy
of the Pharisees ,one in the Epistles which is historical NOT an instruction .
A fundamental rule is be silent where the New Testament is silent .
That said is it wrong to tithe ?
Tithe means to give 10% of your income !earnings etc .
Since its yours,it can't be wrong .
Is it mandatory to tithe your income ? obviously since no such instruction is in the
New Testament whoever makes it so is not Doing so from the scriptures .
However one key lesson we might be failing to see is the tithe was done to Honor
God.
From Abraham ,He gave to honor the priest melchelzedek in the above texts.
Jacob
Genesis 28:22 KJV
[22] And this stone, which I have set for a pillar, shall be God's house: and of all that
thou shalt give me I will surely give the tenth unto thee.
He made a vow to tithe if God blessed him .
The two scenarios showed tithes as honor to God from whom all blessings came .
Its noteworthy that both examples depicted what was done once .
We sure have lessons from the tithe .
Romans 15:4 KJV
[4] For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that
we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.
Things were written for our learning .We can learn from these examples .
Let's see the Old Testament ( the law ) on tithing .
There are several texts on tithing in the law ( I did a series on each several years
back ,it's recorded ,u can order if u so wish)

However the the following one is very instructive

Deuteronomy 14:28-29 KJV
[28] At the end of three years thou shalt bring forth all the tithe of thine increase
the same year, and shalt lay it up within thy gates:
29] And the Levite, (because he hath no part nor inheritance with thee,) and the
stranger, and the fatherless, and the widow, which are within thy gates, shall come,
and shall eat and be satisfied; that the Lord thy God may bless thee in all the work
of thine hand which thou doest.
The tithe was meant for this set of folks
1)Levite , they didn't have property in the land and were priests hence the need to
support them.
Numbers 18:20-21 KJV
[20] And the Lord spake unto Aaron, Thou shalt have no inheritance in their land,
neither shalt thou have any part among them: I am thy part and thine inheritance
among the children of Israel. [21] And, behold, I have given the children of Levi all
the tenth in Israel for an inheritance, for their service which they serve, even the
service of the tabernacle of the congregation.
Clear enough .
Since they were to be at the service of the people ,they had to be taken care of .
Paul equates New Testament ministers this way .
1 Corinthians 9:13-14 KJV
[13] Do ye not know that they which minister about holy things live of the things of
the temple? and they which wait at the altar are partakers with the altar? [14] Even
so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the
gospel.
He didn't ask us to give them tithes but to support them materially ,He gave no
percentages .
We are Instructed to care for our ministers .
1 Timothy 5:17-18 KJV
[17] Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially
they who labour in the word and doctrine. [18] For the scripture saith, Thou shalt
not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his
reward.
Double wages !Not handout .

Galatians 6:6 KJV

[6] Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all
good things.
All good things.Teachers must be well maintained .
Notice tithe wasn't used,rather support ,wages ,good things .
Why ?paul had taught how to give .
2 Corinthians 9:7 KJV
[7] Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give ; not
grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.
You decide what's wages ,good things and support for your ministers .
But not grudgingly .
Ministers ought to be well cared for .
We mustn't support appetites but needs .
2) Strangers,Widows and Fatherless ,the poor / needy amongst us
This category are our responsibilities .
The epistles teach this
Romans 15:26 KJV
[26] For it hath pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain
contribution for the poor saints which are at Jerusalem.
1 Corinthians 16:1 KJV
[1] Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the
churches of Galatia, even so do ye.
James emphasized it .
James 1:27 KJV
[27] Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the
fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the
world.
To visit here refers to care and support .
In The book of acts ,the church took care of the widows and the poor
Acts 4:34-35 KJV
[34] Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were

possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that
were sold, [35] And laid them down at the apostles' feet: and distribution was made
unto every man according as he had need.
Acts 6:1 KJV
[1] And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose
a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were
neglected in the daily ministration.
The tithe of the Old Testament law was meant for this category of men .
Today our giving are for pastors ,church members who are poor and need support .
The tithe was meant to honor God.
Our giving should do the same ,all the time .
Proverbs 3:9 KJV
[9] Honour the Lord with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase:
No christian finds it difficult to honor God with his income ,we believe He blessed us.
However ,no mandatory percentages are foisted on any one in the epistles .
NONE.
However paul instructs further on how to give .
1 Corinthians 16:2 KJV
[2] Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God
hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.
As You prosper You give .the term " God " there isn't original,it's italicized .
Your giving should be proportional to your income .
Notice again Paul hasn't mentioned tithe .
He need not use percentages for Men born of the Spirit.
2 Corinthians 3:3,6 KJV
[3] Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered
by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of
stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart. [6] Who also hath made us able ministers of
the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the
spirit giveth life.
We are of the Spirit
We are born givers.

Our Father is .
The law was Made for men in the flesh .
1 Timothy 1:9 KJV
[9] Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless
and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for
murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers,
We are told to give because we are born to give .
Blessed to give .
Examples in the book of Acts shows the New Testament spirit .
Acts 2:45 KJV
[45] And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men , as every
man had need.
If u did this in some places ,you will be termed manipulated !
But its scriptural .
New testament .to sell property to give .to give cars and houses .
Many don't give because of the appetites of some clergy .
When your pastor says he wants to be the richest man in the world ,not because he
runs his own business like paul ( acts 20:34)but based on your giving to him ,such
words can discourage .
Ministers mustn't be greedy nor covetous .
1 Timothy 3:3 KJV
[3] Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a
brawler, not covetous;
Not a lover of money .
1 Timothy 6:10-11 KJV
[10] For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after,
they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
[11] But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness,
godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.
Some have erred from the faith to be rich ( err from the faith here refers to doctrinal
error ).
Paul warned Timothy to flee!
That said .

It's no excuse to be stingy ,and not give .

You will be disobedient to scriptures .
For every money loving pastor there are several who are decent ,faithfull.
Don't take your fury for the bad apples out on everyone ,
Your pastor deserves decent accommodation ,mode of transportation ,good holidays
,his kids and family well taken care of.
It's your duty .
However,same with the needy in your church .They deserve good accommodation
etc as well.
It's our duty too .
However where a preacher starts to teach in greed .
Starts to attach money to blessings .
Money for grace,Seed for anointing.
Dangerous seed for power .
Stay away from him !
Change church fast.
1 Timothy 6:5 KJV
[5] Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth,
supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.
Withdraw yourself.
leave the church ,stop listening to the minister !
There are preachers I stopped listening to their teachings when I noticed this kind of
emphasis .
evil communication corrupts good manners (1corinthians15:33).
Also when the " poor" are mere idle folks don't support them ,
2 Thessalonians 3:10-11 KJV
[10] For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would
not work, neither should he eat. [11] For we hear that there are some which walk
among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies.
Don't support anyone not willing to work .
Don't support bad habits.
Even for widows .
1 Timothy 5:9,11,13 KJV
[9] Let not a widow be taken into the number under threescore years old, having

been the wife of one man,

11] But the younger widows refuse: for when they have begun to wax wanton
against Christ, they will marry;
13] And withal they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house; and not
only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not.
That's clear enough .
Are we meant to tithe in the New Testament ? No.
Are we instructed to set apart part of our income to support our ministers and the
poor,needy etc
Yes!
If u are a strong advocate of the New Testament you aren't unwilling to go beyond
any percentages be it 10% or more at every time to do this ,
Hope this is clear enough ?
Blessings