What New Testament teachings align with the giving principles in 2 Chronicles 31:5? Setting the Old Testament Scene – 2 Chronicles 31:5: “As soon as the command was issued, the Israelites gave generously of the firstfruits of their grain, new wine, oil, honey, and all the produce of their fields. And they brought a great amount — a tithe of everything.” – The verse showcases firstfruits, tithes, and overflowing generosity that supported temple worship and the priests. Key Principles in 2 Chronicles 31:5 • Priority: firstfruits came to the Lord before anything else. • Proportion: a measurable “tithe of everything.” • Generosity: “a great amount.” • Purpose: maintaining God-ordained ministry. Jesus Affirms Priority of Giving – Matthew 23:23 reminds that meticulous tithing should be accompanied by justice, mercy, and faithfulness—“You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former.” – Luke 6:38: “Give, and it will be given to you… For with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.” • New-covenant giving still puts God first and trusts Him to respond abundantly. Proportionate, Purposeful Giving in the Epistles – 1 Corinthians 16:2: “On the first day of every week, each of you should set aside a portion of his income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made.” • “First day” mirrors firstfruits; “portion” echoes the tithe principle. • Planned, systematic, income-based giving aligns perfectly with 2 Chronicles 31:5. Generosity Fueled by Grace – 2 Corinthians 8:2, 5 reveal Macedonians who “gave themselves first to the Lord” and then overflowed in “rich generosity.” – 2 Corinthians 9:6-8: sow generously, give cheerfully; God supplies every need. • Grace, not compulsion, produces giving that is abundant and joyful, just as Judah’s response was immediate and wholehearted. Supporting Those Who Minister the Word – 1 Corinthians 9:13-14: “Those who serve at the altar partake of the offerings… the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel.” – Galatians 6:6; 1 Timothy 5:17-18 repeat the call to share material blessings with spiritual leaders. • The Old Testament tithe sustained priests; New Testament giving sustains gospel workers. Early Church Models of Sacrificial Sharing – Acts 2:44-45; 4:32-35 show believers liquidating assets to meet needs. • Though not legislated percentages, the spirit of 2 Chronicles 31:5—open-handed, needs-based giving—permeated the first churches. Eternal Perspective in Giving – Matthew 6:19-21: treasure in heaven, heart follows treasure. – Philippians 4:17: Paul sought “fruit… credited to your account.” • Giving first to God, like Judah’s firstfruits, stores eternal dividends. Practical Take-aways for Today • Give first, not last—make the Lord’s portion the opening line in every budget. • Decide a proportion that genuinely honors God; a tithe is a trusted benchmark, generosity pushes beyond. • Plan weekly or monthly gifts intentionally, just as Paul instructed the Corinthians. • Partner with your local church and faithful ministries; ensure laborers in the gospel are well supplied. • Let grace, gratitude, and eternal vision ignite cheerful, overflowing generosity—mirroring the heart behind 2 Chronicles 31:5 and every New Testament passage that echoes it. |
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