Tyree

Tithing was part of the Old Covenant system for Israel (Num 18:21-24). The Levites received it because they had no land inheritance-but even they tithed from what they received (Num 18:26-28).
In the New Covenant, Jesus never re-establishes a 10% law for the church. Instead He corrects religious focus:
“You tithe... but neglect justice, mercy & faithfulness” (Matthew 23:23)
The New Testament model shifts from obligation to VOLUNTARY giving:
“Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not under compulsion” (2 Cor 9:7)
The early church shared freely to meet needs (Acts 2:44-45; Acts 4:34), not under a tithe system.
New Covenant giving = generosity, not legal
requirement.
Support the gospel. Care for the poor. Give willingly—not under pressure.

Many modern Christians are taught that the Old Testament tithe is a binding requirement, but biblically, tithing was part of the Old Covenant given to Israel. It was established to support the Levites, who had no land inheritance and were set apart for full-time service in the tabernacle and later the temple (Numbers 18:21–24).

The Levites served in temple duties, teaching the Law, and maintaining worship, and therefore received the tithe as their inheritance (Deuteronomy 14:27–29). However, the Levites themselves were also required to give a tithe from what they received, offering a portion to the priests (Numbers 18:26–28), showing that even within the system, provision and accountability were present.

In the New Testament, the emphasis shifts away from a mandated tithe system. Jesus rebukes religious leaders in Gospel of Matthew 23:23, saying:
“You tithe mint, dill, and cumin, but have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice, mercy, and faithfulness.”
His correction was not to establish a New Covenant tithe law, but to expose misplaced priorities—outward religious compliance without inward righteousness.

Nowhere in the New Covenant writings is the church commanded to maintain a 10% tithe. Instead, giving is consistently described as voluntary and heart-led:
“Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
(2 Corinthians 9:7)

Believers are instead encouraged to support ministry and meet needs through generosity:
“On the first day of every week, each of you should set aside something in keeping with your income.” (1 Corinthians 16:2)
“They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need.” (Acts 2:44–45)
“There was no needy person among them.” (Acts 4:34)
The early church in Acts of the Apostles functioned not under a legal tithe system but under voluntary sharing, unity, and care for the poor and the body of Christ.

Jesus’ mission also centered on practical compassion and liberation:
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me… He has anointed Me to proclaim good news to the poor… to set the oppressed free.” (Luke 4:18)
Therefore, New Covenant giving is not framed as taxation but as love in action—supporting the gospel, caring for the poor, and strengthening the body of Christ.

At the same time, Scripture warns against misuse of spiritual leadership:
“Shepherd the flock of God… not for dishonest gain, but eagerly.” (1 Peter 5:2)
And Jesus said:
“The greatest among you will be your servant.” (Matthew 23:11)

So the biblical model is not financial exploitation or obligation under law, but generous giving, servant leadership, and shared provision within the body of Christ.

We are no longer sinners—we have become the righteousness of God in Christ.

Many churches teach that we are still “sinners saved by grace,” but Scripture shows that sin no longer has dominion over us (Romans 6:14). The Word says, “Whosoever is born of God does not continue in sin… because he is born of God” (1 John 3:9). It also says, “Such were some of you: but ye are washed, sanctified, and justified” (1 Corinthians 6:9–11). And again, “Our old man is crucified with Him… that we should no longer serve sin. For he that is dead is freed from sin” (Romans 6:6–7).

So when we are in Christ, sin is no longer our identity. Yes, we may be tempted, but temptation does not define us, and it does not change the standard. We cannot lower the standard to accommodate sin—righteousness is the standard.

It is possible to live a life of freedom in Christ. Even if there are struggles, we are not called to identify with sin, but to walk in the righteousness that has already been given to us.

My prayer is that you recognize your identity in Christ, stand in it, and walk in it daily. In Jesus’ name, amen. Be blessed.