📢 "TITHING IS A SIN" | Billy Graham Stanley Best Powerful Speech

Key Concepts:

• Tithing (as a mandatory 10% giving requirement)
• Old Covenant vs. New Covenant
• Law vs. Grace
• Cheerful Giving
• Freedom in Christ
• Legalism
• Malachi 3:8-10 (Robbing God)
• 2 Corinthians 9:7 (Giving as decided in the heart)
• Blessings and Curses
• Spirit-led Giving

Tithing: Old Covenant Requirement, Not a New Testament Command

The speaker argues that the common teaching of mandatory tithing (giving 10% of one's income) in many churches is not only unnecessary but a sin against the gospel of grace. Tithing, as described in Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy, was specifically for the nation of Israel under the Old Covenant. It involved giving crops, livestock, and produce to support the Levitical priesthood and the temple system. The Levites had no land inheritance, so the tithe sustained them.

• Specific Details: The tithe was not money but agricultural produce and livestock. It was designed to support the Levitical priesthood and maintain the temple system.
• Key Argument: The Levitical priesthood and the temple no longer exist, as Christ fulfilled the law.

Abraham and Jacob: Not Establishing a Tithing Law

The speaker addresses the common argument that tithing existed before the law, citing Abraham's giving a tenth of the spoils of war to Melchizedek and Jacob's conditional vow to give a tenth to God.

• Specific Details: Abraham's giving was a one-time event of spoils of war, not income. Jacob's vow was conditional ("If you bless me, then I will give you a tenth").
• Key Argument: These were not commands or laws for the church.

Absence of Tithing in the New Testament

The speaker emphasizes that the New Testament never commands the church to tithe. Jesus never instructed his disciples to give 10% of their wages, and Paul never mentioned it in his letters to the churches.

• Key Argument: If tithing were required under grace, the apostles would have made it clear. Instead, the New Testament calls for free, joyful giving as the Spirit leads.
• Example: The early church gave out of love, not legal obligation.

Malachi 3:8-10: Misinterpretation and Misapplication

The speaker addresses the common use of Malachi 3:8-10 ("Will a man rob God?") to guilt-trip believers into tithing.

• Specific Details: Malachi was rebuking the priests of Israel who had corrupted the temple and failed in their duties.
• Key Argument: This passage was not directed to the church or the body of Christ.
• Counter-Argument: Christ took the curse upon himself, and believers are no longer under the law but under grace.

Giving in Faith, Not Fear

The speaker asserts that giving out of fear, duty, or the belief that God will withhold blessings is not giving in faith and is, therefore, sin.

• Key Argument: God is looking for a cheerful giver who gives out of love, gratitude, and trust.
• Significant Statement: "Anything that is not of faith is sin."

Freedom in Christ: No Longer Under the Law

The speaker reiterates that believers are no longer under the Old Covenant law but have stepped into the freedom of Christ.

• Key Argument: Clinging to the tithe as a requirement denies the power of the cross.
• Analogy: The law was a shadow, but Christ is the reality.

Jesus Fulfilled the Law

The speaker emphasizes that Jesus fulfilled the law, including the tithing system.

• Specific Details: Matthew 5:17 ("I did not come to destroy, but to fulfill").
• Key Argument: The temple sacrifices, priesthood, dietary laws, and tithing system were all fulfilled in Christ.

Matthew 23:23: Jesus Speaking to Those Under the Old Covenant

The speaker addresses the passage where Jesus mentioned tithing in Matthew 23:23, rebuking the Pharisees.

• Key Argument: Jesus was speaking to those still under the Old Covenant, before the temple was destroyed and the old system ended.
• Significant Event: The veil in the temple was torn from top to bottom, signifying the end of the old way.

Generosity, Not Tithing: Paul's Teaching

The speaker highlights that Paul taught generosity, not tithing.

• Specific Details: 2 Corinthians 9:7 ("Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver").
• Key Argument: Giving should flow from a willing heart, not from compulsion or requirement.

Redemption from the Curse of the Law

The speaker refutes the idea that not tithing brings a curse, citing Galatians 3:13 ("Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law").

• Key Argument: Insisting on tithing as a requirement denies the power of the cross.

New Testament Giving: Freedom of the Heart

The speaker explains that New Testament giving is not about obligation, legalism, or fear but about the freedom of the heart.

• Key Argument: Believers are to give as led by the Holy Spirit, cheerfully, generously, and willingly.
• Example: The early church in Acts 2 shared everything they had, selling possessions and giving to those in need.

Giving as an Act of Worship

The speaker emphasizes that giving freely is an act of worship, love, and faith.

• Key Argument: God wants hearts surrendered to him, leading to giving out of a desire to bless others and further the gospel.

The Church Sustained by Faith, Not Law

The speaker argues that the church is sustained by faith and the generosity of believers, not by legalistic tithing.

• Key Argument: God can supply the needs of the church through the willing hearts of his people.

God's Blessings: Not for Sale

The speaker refutes the idea that blessings come at a price or that God withholds favor if a certain percentage is not given.

• Key Argument: God's blessings are not for sale, his grace is not earned, and his love is not bought with money.
• Example: Matthew 5:45 (God makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good).

Philippians 4:19: God's Provision According to His Riches

The speaker cites Philippians 4:19 ("My God shall supply all your need according to his riches and glory by Christ Jesus").

• Key Argument: God's provision is not based on tithing records or giving percentages but on his limitless riches.

The Enemy's Deception: Turning Grace into Law

The speaker warns against the enemy's deception of twisting pure things into burdens, turning grace into law, and generosity into obligation.

• Key Argument: The idea that tithing is a divine command for believers is a lie.

Jesus Came to Set Captives Free

The speaker reiterates that Jesus came to set captives free from legalism and bring them into the liberty of grace.

• Key Argument: Giving in the kingdom of God is about the heart, being led by the Spirit, and living in the overflow of God's grace.

Conclusion:

The speaker concludes by urging listeners to give freely, in faith, and out of love, knowing that they are already blessed, favored, and loved through Jesus Christ. The emphasis is on walking in the freedom of grace and trusting in God's provision, rather than adhering to a legalistic system of tithing.