Notes of Faith May 28, 2026
Pastor’s Pen Pulpit Accountability Series
June 29, 2003
God And Your Giving
Part II
In last week’s (Yesterday, for those reading this daily devotion) Pen Pulpit we learned who should give, why we give, and how we should give. Next we ask -
WHAT IS THE STANDARD FOR OUR GIVING?
Probably the most popular way for God’s people to give today is to follow the standard of the Old Testament tithe which means “a tenth portion”. The basic argument for the tithe standard is found in the fact that tithing was practiced before the law (Genesis 14:20), later incorporated into the law, but not necessarily a principle attached to the law. So the question - is tithing (giving a tenth of your income to the Lord) a valid practice for today?
The Sabbath was observed before the law and was later incorporated into the law just as tithing. Christians do not observe the Sabbath today so should they observe the tithe? Also we see that the Old Testament tithe was not just 10 percent, but more like 22 percent! Charles Ryrie, a noted Bible scholar writes:
“The Old Testament required that a tenth of all be given to the Levites (Lev. 27:30-33), who in turn tithed what they received and gave it to the priests. In addition, the Jews understood that a second tithe (a tenth of the remaining nine tenths) was to be set aside and be consumed in a sacred meal in Jerusalem (Deut. 12:5-6, 11, 18; those living too far from Jerusalem could bring money). Further, every third year another tithe was taken for the Levites, strangers, fatherless and widows (Deut. 14:28-29). Thus the proportion was clearly specified and every Israelite was obliged to bring to the Lord approximately 22 percent of his yearly income. WOW!
On the first day of the week let each one of you lay something aside, storing up as he may prosper, that there be no collections when I come.
I Corinthians 16:2
The New Testament standard, then, is “As God has prospered each one.” The standard for giving is relative in the Body of Christ. Some should give more than others because they have greater prosperity. The standard may also be relative to any one believer at any given time, as his income may fluctuate. The guideline for our giving is found in II Cor. 9:7.
So let each one give as he purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. II Corinthians 9:7
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN WE GIVE? If the existing membership of our church is giving according to this principle, the existing needs will be met, and we will be blessed both as a church and individuals, beyond measure. We cannot out-give God. We shovel out the front door and He shovels in the back, and His shovel is so much bigger than ours! Examine carefully the principles set forth in II Corinthians 8:12-15 and 9:6-9.
Beloved, lets check our own giving pattern. How are we doing in regard to the needs of our church? And remember – when we place our contribution in the collection plate, we are not giving to the Lord, we are just taking our hands off what belongs to Him already! God bless.
In His love,
Pastor Charles Covington
My personal giving has been related to …
Acts 1:8
you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth."
Therefore, I try to be faithful in giving and supporting the work of ministry in these areas as they relate to me…my church, the community where I live, my country, ministries throughout the world! We should pray for more resources to give more! May you truly understand the blessing of giving to the work of the Lord and GIVE! The rewards are eternal and immediate!
Pastor Dale