Biblical Giving: Why Tithes and Offerings Are Instructed by God Where Ministry Is Taking Place

The subject of financial giving within the church is often misunderstood. Some see it as optional generosity. Others view it as institutional pressure. Yet when we examine Scripture carefully, we find that offerings are neither manipulative nor incidental—they are divinely instructed, spiritually significant, and functionally necessary for the advancement of the gospel.

This study will examine:

1. The biblical foundation for offerings
2. The New Testament command to support ministers
3. How the early church gave so the gospel could advance

The goal is clarity from Scripture, not coercion.

1. Offerings Are Rooted in Worship and Obedience

Giving to God did not originate with modern churches. It is woven throughout redemptive history.

Offerings Before the Law

In Genesis 4:4 (KJV), Abel brought “of the firstlings of his flock” and the Lord had respect to his offering. This predates the Mosaic Law. The offering reflected faith and honor.

Later, Abraham gave tithes in Genesis 14:20 (KJV). Again, this occurred centuries before Sinai. The principle of honoring God with substance is older than the Law.

Under the Law: Structured Support for Ministry

In Israel, the tribe of Levi was set apart for spiritual service. They had no land inheritance because their work was ministry.

Numbers 18:21 (KJV)
“I have given the children of Levi all the tenth in Israel for an inheritance, for their service which they serve.”

The people’s giving enabled uninterrupted spiritual service. The pattern is clear: when God ordains ministry, He also ordains provision for it.

2. The New Testament Command: Ministers Are to Be Supported

Some argue that ministerial compensation was purely Old Testament. However, the New Testament explicitly reaffirms the principle.

The Lord Ordained It

In 1 Corinthians 9:13, 14 (KJV), the Apostle Paul writes:

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.

Notice the language: “the Lord ordained.” This is not merely apostolic opinion—it is divine order.

Spiritual Labor Merits Material Support

1 Timothy 5:17–18 (KJV) states:

“Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine… The labourer is worthy of his reward.”

Those who devote themselves to teaching, doctrine, prayer, and oversight are engaged in real labor. Scripture affirms they should receive compensation.

Those Taught Should Share

Galatians 6:6 (KJV)
“Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things.”

The word “communicate” means to share in materially. Receiving spiritual nourishment creates a reciprocal responsibility.

koinóneó: To share, to participate, to have fellowship, to partake

Original Word: κοινωνέω
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: koinóneó
Pronunciation: koy-no-NEH-oh
Phonetic Spelling: (koy-no-neh’-o)
KJV: communicate, distribute, be partaker
NASB: share, shared, contributing, participates
Word Origin: [from G2844 (κοινωνός – sharers)]

1. to share with others (objectively or subjectively)

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: distribute, partake. From koinonos; to share with others (objectively or subjectively) — communicate, distribute, be partaker. see GREEK koinonos Cognate: 2841 koinōnéō – to participate (share in), as an associate (“partaker”). See 2842 (koinōnia) which means 1. partnership
2. (literally) participation, 3. (social) intercourse (not literally), 4. (financial) benefaction (meaning, a donation or gift.)

3. Why Offerings Are Necessary Where Ministry Is Active

When people are being:

• Taught the Word
• Discipled
• Counseled
• Prayed for
• Evangelized

There is time, preparation, study, and spiritual labor involved.

If ministers must consistently divert their energy into secular employment out of necessity, gospel work is inevitably constrained. While Paul sometimes worked manually (Acts 18:3), he made clear that this was a voluntary choice—not the ideal pattern.

Biblically ordered giving allows ministers to focus on:

• Prayer
• Study
• Teaching
• Evangelism
• Shepherding God’s People
• Ministry

This is not about luxury—it is about stewardship and functionality.

4. The Spirit of New Testament Giving

New Covenant giving is not coerced and should NEVER make others feel pressured to give. Giving must always come by the direction of the Holy Spirit speaking to the heart of a believer and must be done with a joyful heart when giving.

2 Corinthians 9:7 (KJV)
“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 must be:

• Purposeful
• Willing
• Joyful
• Faith-based

But willing does not mean uninstructed. The same New Testament that emphasizes cheerfulness also commands support for ministers.

The Early Church Model

The early believers understood that gospel expansion required material support.

The Church at Philippi

Philippians 4:15–16 (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.”

Their financial support enabled missionary advancement.

Paul clarified:

Philippians 4:17 (KJV)
“17 Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account.”

Giving creates eternal fruit when giving is done as the scriptures teach.

The Jerusalem Church

Acts 4:34–35 (KJV)
Believers sold possessions and laid proceeds at the apostles’ feet. This allowed equitable distribution and sustained ministry.

Acts 6:4 (KJV)
“But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.”

The church structured support so apostles could remain devoted to spiritual leadership and the ministry to reach others for Christ Jesus.

The New Testament pattern is unmistakable:

Those who preach the gospel are to live from the gospel.
Those who are spiritually fed are instructed to materially support those who feed them.

Giving is not institutional maintenance—it is participation in the advancement of salvation to those whom God calls.

Addressing Common Objections people make about Tithing and Offerings.

Below are frequent objections raised by many regarding church giving, answered directly from Scripture.

Objection 1: “Tithing Is Old Testament Law. We Are Under Grace.”

It is true believers are not under the Mosaic ceremonial law (Romans 6:14). However:

• Tithing existed before the Law (Genesis 14:20).
• The New Testament replaces rigid percentages with proportional, willing giving (1 Corinthians 16:2; 2 Corinthians 8–9).
• Jesus affirmed tithing while condemning hypocrisy (Matthew 23:23).
  “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.“

Grace does not eliminate generosity—it deepens it. Jesus never condemned tithing, he condemns the hypocrisy of ignoring more important teachings of the law; judgment, mercy, and faith in God. The “other” Jesus mentioned is tithing that should have never been left undone. Many ministries today are doing the same thing, they focus on “tithes and offerings” and the flock of God is spiritually starving for the weightier matters that the scriptures teach.

Objection 2: “Paul Worked a Job. Ministers Should Not Be Paid.”

Paul worked at times to avoid burdening immature churches (1 Thessalonians 2:9). But he explicitly stated:

1 Corinthians 9:6 (KJV)
“Or I only and Barnabas, have not we power to forbear working?”

He had the right to financial support but only few supported his ministry efforts. He sometimes waived it—but never denied the principle because he understood and taught in 1 Corinthians 9:13, 14

Objection 3: “Churches Misuse Money.”

Misuse is a matter of accountability, not abolition. Abuse does not nullify instruction.

Scripture addresses dishonest ministers (2 Corinthians 8:20, 21), but it does not revoke the command to give. The solution is discernment, not disobedience.

Objection 4: “Giving Is Between Me and God. The Church Shouldn’t Teach It.”

If Scripture teaches it, the church must teach it.

Paul taught extensively on giving (2 Corinthians 8–9). Jesus spoke frequently about money and stewardship. Silence where Scripture speaks is not faithfulness.

Objection 5: “The Gospel Should Be Free.”

Salvation is free (Isaiah 55:1; Ephesians 2:8–9).
Preaching it, however, requires time, travel, resources, and labor.

Paul distinguishes between free grace and material support:

1 Corinthians 9:18 (KJV)
He preached without charge—but still defended the right of support

The never put a price on the gospel message because salvation is free; and Paul understood that the messenger must still live and pay his ministry expenses. While Paul never “abused” his authority, he did receive offerings when they were offered and collected for the use in ministering to other churches that were in need.

The Philippian church was the primary congregation that sent financial gifts to support the Apostle Paul, particularly when he was in need. Other Macedonian churches also gave generously, sometimes beyond their means, to support his ministry. Paul frequently worked as a tentmaker to support himself.

• The Philippians: Paul specifically thanked the Philippians, stating they were the only church to share with him in “giving and receiving” in the early days of his ministry.
• The Macedonians: Paul commended the churches in Macedonia (which included Philippi, Thessalonica, and Berea) for their deep poverty and rich liberality in supporting him, as mentioned in 2 Corinthians 8:2-4 and 2 Corinthians 11:8, 9.
• Voluntary Support: The support provided was described as voluntary, loving, and sacrificial rather than a mandatory tithe. 

While Paul argued that ministers have the right to receive support (1 Corinthians 9), he often waived this right to avoid being a burden or hindering the gospel, especially in Corinth which was a very carnally minded church that the Lord had him establish 1st century around A.D. 51–52  

Final Summary

Where Your Treasure Is, There Will Your Heart Be Also

Scripture brings the discussion of giving to a deeply personal level. This is not merely about church budgets, ministry structures, or financial sustainability. It is about the condition and direction of the heart.

The Lord Jesus Christ said plainly:

Matthew 6:21 (KJV)
“For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”

This statement establishes a spiritual diagnostic principle. Your treasure does not follow your heart—your heart follows your treasure. What you consistently invest in, support, and prioritize financially reveals what you value most.

If a person were to examine their checkbook, bank ledger, or debit card statements over the past several months, a pattern would emerge. Those transactions would quietly testify to what commands affection, priority, and confidence in their life.

• Do earthly comforts dominate?
• Are luxuries and personal upgrades consistently funded?
• Is entertainment heavily financed?
• Or is there measurable, intentional investment in the work of God?

Your financial records are often more honest than verbal profession.

Jesus warned in Matthew 6:19, 20 (KJV):

“Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth… But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven…”

The issue is not whether believers possess earthly goods. The issue is where accumulation and priority are directed. Earthly possessions terminate here. Kingdom investment produces eternal fruit that abounds to ones eternal account. – Philippians 4:17

When believers support gospel labor—biblical teaching, evangelism outreach, discipleship, missions—they are transferring earthly resources into eternal impact. The preaching of the gospel requires tangible means: facilities, materials, time, travel, communication, and sustained ministerial labor. While salvation itself is free, the proclamation of it requires stewardship and a sacrifice to give as the Lord directs.

The early church understood this reality. They did not merely agree with apostolic teaching; they financed its and the gospel message spread.

In Philippians 4:16–17 (KJV), Paul commends the church:

“Ye sent once and again unto my necessity… I desire fruit that may abound to your account.”

Their giving was not loss—it was eternal investment. Their material support translated into spiritual fruit credited to them.

Likewise, in Acts 4:34–35 (KJV), believers brought resources so that distribution could be made, ensuring the apostles were sustained and the ministry advanced. Because of that generosity, the gospel expanded across regions and nations.

When believers give however the Lord directs them, God in heaven is watching and paying attention as we read about a devout man called Cornelius in Acts 10:2, 4

Cornelius is the primary man in the Bible specifically highlighted for consistently giving alms to help the poor. As a Roman centurion in Acts 10, he is described as a “devout man” who feared God, prayed often, and gave generously to the people. His charity was recognized by God as a “memorial“.

Key Details About Cornelius and Almsgiving:

• Acts 10:2, 4: The Bible describes Cornelius as someone who “gave much alms to the people” and whose “prayers and alms have ascended as a memorial before God”.
• A “God-Fearer”: Although a Gentile, he worshipped the God of Israel and was respected by the Jewish people.
• Impact: Due to his devotion and generosity, he was chosen as the first Gentile household to receive the gospel message from Peter. 

Therefore, the question is not merely, “Do I give?”
The deeper question is, “What do my financial patterns reveal about my treasure?”

If nearly all resources are consumed on temporary pleasures, while the labor of the gospel receives minimal priority, the heart’s alignment is exposed. But when believers intentionally invest in God’s work, they demonstrate that eternity outweighs all that is temporal in this life.

Giving is not about purchasing favor. It is about revealing allegiance.

A practical spiritual exercise is simple: review your financial history. Let it speak. Where your money consistently goes, your treasure resides. And where your treasure resides, your heart follows.

The biblical pattern remains consistent:

• Ministers laboring in the Word are to live of the gospel.
• Believers are instructed to support those who teach and disciple them in Christ.
• The early church gave so the message of salvation could reach others, not to build bigger buildings and luxuray homes for ministers.

Kingdom advancement requires both spiritual calling and material provision. When God’s people give faithfully and intentionally, they participate directly in the spread of the gospel to those whom God brings to salvation.

In the end, offerings are not merely about sustaining ministry operations because God is faithful in supplying all that is needed ministry.- Philippians 4:19
They are about declaring, through tangible action, that Christ and His kingdom are of greater value than the fleeting treasures of this world.

Where Should My Tithes and Offerings Go?

This is a necessary and biblical question. Scripture does not leave it undefined.

1. To the Place Where You Are Spiritually Fed

A consistent biblical principle is that giving is directed to the place of spiritual nourishment.

Under the Old Testament system, the tithe was brought to the place God appointed for worship and ministry (Deuteronomy 12:5-8). It sustained those who ministered there.

In the New Testament, the same principle appears in functional form:

Galatians 6:6 (KJV)
“Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things.”

The one receiving instruction shares materially with the one providing it. This establishes a primary direction: your regular giving should support the ministry where you are being taught, shepherded, and spiritually strengthened.

If a local church or ministry is:

• Faithfully preaching sound doctrine
• Laboring in prayer
• Teaching the Word of God as it is written
• Evangelizing and discipling people
• Edifying the body of Christ

Then that is the first and proper place for your consistent tithes and offerings.

2. To Faithful, Gospel-Centered Work

The New Testament also records believers supporting missionary and apostolic ministry beyond their immediate assembly.

The church at Philippi supported Paul’s missionary efforts:

Philippians 4:15–16 (KJV)
“No church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only… ye sent once and again unto my necessity.”

They were not funding entertainment or personal ambition—they were funding gospel expansion.

Therefore, after supporting the place where you are spiritually fed, additional offerings may appropriately support:

• Faithful missionaries
• Evangelistic outreach
• Church planting
• Ministries advancing sound doctrine
• The poor in need

The governing principle is faithfulness and obedience to the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.

3. Not to Manipulative or Unsound Ministries

Discernment is required. Scripture warns about false teachers and corrupt leadership (2 Peter 2:1-3) that make medchandise of people by abusing them through covetous greed. Supporting ministries like this actually holds one accountable before God who will judge false prophets and false teachers who use His name to promote their own agenda.

Before giving, ask:

• Is Christ truly being preached?
• Is Scripture handled rightly?
• Is there financial integrity and transparency?
• Is the ministry producing spiritual fruit consistent with the Word?

Giving is worship. It should not be placed where doctrine is compromised or funds are misused or abused for self gratification and pleasures of this world.

4. With Priority, Consistency, and Intentionality

Paul instructs:

1 Corinthians 16:2 (KJV)
“Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him…”

This implies regular, planned giving—not occasional impulse generosity.

The pattern becomes clear:

1. First priority: Thithing to the ministry where you are spiritually taught and shepherded.
2. Secondary support: Faithful gospel work beyond your local fellowship through gifts and offerings
3. Always with discernment, cheerfulness, and intentional purpose to help grow the kingdom of God that will reach others for Christ.

Closing Reflection

When you review your financial records and evaluate where your treasure flows, you are not merely examining spending habits—you are examining worship patterns.

If a minister or ministry is feeding your soul, strengthens your family, builds your faith, and equips you for eternity, then supporting that ministry is not loss—it is alignment with God and his Word.

Kingdom work requires real resources.
The gospel is free—but its proclamation is costly in time, labor, effort, and provision.

Where your treasure is placed reveals what you believe is eternal.

Therefore, let your giving reflect what you truly value:
The advancement of Christ’s kingdom and the salvation of souls.

An Invitation to Partner in the Work of the Gospel

If you are being strengthened, taught, encouraged, corrected, or spiritually nourished through the ministry of Open Heaven Christian Church, and if the global platform we provide is serving your spiritual growth in Christ Jesus, then you may prayerfully consider partnering with us in the work the Lord has entrusted to our hands. Partnership is not obligation—it is participation. When you give, you are not merely supporting an organization; you are helping sustain the preaching of the Word, discipleship efforts, digital outreach, and the ongoing proclamation of the gospel to souls the Lord is drawing from many places throughout the entire world.

If this ministry is feeding you spiritually, and you believe in the mission to make Christ known worldwide faithfully according to Scripture, we welcome you to stand with us. As Paul said in Philippians 1:5, “For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now;” — biblical fellowship includes shared investment in advancing the good news. Should you desire to partner with Open Heaven Christian Church, may it be done prayerfully, cheerfully, and always as unto the Lord and His glory!