Tithing and Faith

Tithing is not first about money—it is about lordship, obedience, and surrender. Throughout Scripture, the way people handle their resources reflects their posture toward God. When we tithe, we are making a declaration: Jesus is Lord of all, not just in theory but in practice.

This first part explores four reasons why tithing matters. Each one points to the heart behind generosity and the spiritual foundation it rests upon.

1. Because Jesus Is Lord

The starting point is simple: Jesus is Lord. He is not a consultant or a part-time king who steps in only when invited. He is Lord over every part of life—time, relationships, choices, and possessions.

Tithing is one way of living out that truth. When Jesus gives an instruction—whether about generosity, faith, or sharing the gospel—the response of His followers must be surrender. Submitting even finances is a way of saying, “You are Lord, not just of some things, but of all.”

2. Because Scripture Calls Me To

The Bible is saturated with teaching on generosity. More than 2,000 passages speak of stewardship, giving, and possessions. By comparison, there are about 500 verses on prayer and 500 on faith.

This does not mean prayer and faith are less important. It means that possessions and generosity are areas where humanity continually struggles, and so God continually speaks. If Scripture is so clear on the matter, the people of God cannot afford to ignore it.

Tithing is a simple yet profound response of obedience.

3. Because of Who God Is and What He Has Done

God deserves worship simply because of who He is. But He has also acted with extraordinary grace:

* Through Jesus’ death and resurrection.

* Through the gift of the Holy Spirit.

* Through ongoing blessing and transformation.

* Through the promise of Christ’s return to rule and reign.

Even if He did nothing beyond these, He would still deserve everything His people could give. Tithing, then, is not only a response to what He provides but to who He is.

4. Because Giving Starts with Self-Surrender

In 2 Corinthians 8, Paul describes the Macedonian churches. Though poor and under great pressure, they overflowed with joy that expressed itself in generosity. Their secret was this: they first gave themselves to the Lord.

Before considering percentages or amounts, true generosity begins with surrender. A tithe without the heart will always fall short. The first action is always to give oneself completely to God—and from that place, financial giving becomes a natural overflow.

The first four reasons reveal that tithing is not primarily financial but spiritual. It flows from acknowledging Jesus as Lord, obeying Scripture, recognising God’s worth, and surrendering the whole self to Him.

Tithing is not about dollars and cents. It is about aligning life with God’s kingdom and declaring in practice: “Lord, everything I have belongs to You.”

In the next part, we will look at four more reasons why tithing matters—reasons that focus on grace, treasure, positioning, and faithfulness.