1 Corinthians 9:14 KJV explained | Tithes, Gifts, Offerings: New Testament Instructions

1 Corinthians 9 vs. 14 –  Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel.

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1 Corinthians 9:14 KJV explained

Tithes, Gifts, Offerings: New Testament Instructions

Tithes and Offerings belong to Priests (Old testament verses)

1. Giving to the needy is one of the ‘acts of righteousness’ that must be done in secret for it to attract a divine reward. Matthew 6:1-4

2. Jesus fed the hungry. We should emulate him by feeding those who are hungry or starving. Our Lord fed 5,000 men, besides women and children, on a singular occasion and on another occasion, 4,000 men, besides women and children. Matthew 14:13-21, 15:29-39.

3. To achieve earthly perfection, the Lord demands that we sell of our possessions and channel the proceeds as gifts to the poor. We should strive towards perfection by sharing our wealth, riches and possessions with the poor. We must not hoard wealth. Matthew 19:16-30

4. The reactions of Jesus and his disciples when a woman poured a very expensive perfume on Jesus’ feet imply that Christians should not indulge in luxuries. In this event, Jesus justified the woman’s action because he, ‘Jesus’, will soon depart. If it were somebody else, it would have been better to sell the luxury at a high price and give the proceeds to the poor. We must cultivate the habit of offering precious gifts to God. The wise men were recorded to have given Jesus Christ precious gifts. Matthew 26:1-13

5. The law of Reciprocal Gift multiplication

• We must give before we can receive.
• The quality/quantity of the gift determines our reward. Luke 6:38

6. Philanthropism, Humanitarianism, extolled. Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Luke 12:33

7. As a work of appreciation for our salvation, we must follow the Zacchaeus example.

• Commit half of your wealth to the poor
• Make restitution – 4 times over

This is acceptable to the Lord. Luke 10:8

Tithes, Gifts, Offerings: New Testament Instructions

8. Tithing is biblical, but so is judging fairly, maintaining justice, expressing mercy to the needy and being faithful to God. Worshipping him with a sincere heart is a much more important act of righteousness.

Pay your tithes, but more importantly be an impartial, incorruptible, fair judge, a merciful leader, and faithful servant. Matthew 23:23

9. The Lord recognises sacrificial offerings. The widow’s mite attracted more attention from God. Luke 21:1-4

10. Examples of the 1st believers.

• They were not self-centred.
• Willing to share their material possessions for the benefit of all – ‘had everything in common’.
• They met the needs of one another through monetary gifts, funds derived from sales of excess material possessions and profits from merchandise devoted to a ministry of gifts.
• Each willing to use his/her wealth to satisfy the needs of another. Acts 2:44, 4:32

11. We must work hard to be productive to:

• Supply our own needs
• Supply the needs of our companions
• Supply the needs of the weak (disabled)

This is the example of Apostle Paul.

The creed: It is more blessed to give than to receive. Acts 20:34-35

12. We must excel in the grace of giving. The purpose of giving is to ensure equitable distribution of wealth among the brethren. ‘Be your brother’s keeper’. 1 Corinthians 8:1-15

13. We must give generously to reap generously. We must give cheerfully, so that our gift will be accepted. The service of giving is meant to meet the demands of God’s people. 2 Corinthians 9:6-15

14. To be pure and faultless before God. We must take care of the widows and orphans. James 1:27

1 Corinthians 9:14 KJV explained

15. We must not qualify to be described as rich oppressors: James 1:27

• We must not hoard wealth
• We must not exploit our workers/laboureres
• We must not live in luxury and self-indulgence.

16. Offerings for God’s people. 1 Corinthians 9:14, 16:1-9

• Ministers have a right to live on the gospel.
• Christians must voluntarily save up a portion of their earnings, and contribute towards the substance of the ministers of God.

17. Gifts Priority list. 1 Timothy 3:3-8

Widows who are really in need

Relatives

Members of immediate family

18. Tithing set aside for Jesus for the following reasons;

• We can never be made perfect through the rules and regulations and legalise regulation of the Mosaic laws.
• The Levitical priesthood to which we paid tithes, since the covenant has been set aside by the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ – the permanent high priest.
• Jesus is now the guarantee and mediator of a better covenant which draws us nearer to God. As the law is now on our minds and hearts. We now act not by rules but by faith.
• The new covenant has rendered obsolete the old covenant. ‘For when there is a change of the priesthood, there must be a change of the law’
• We should not give like in the case of tithe – an act of compulsion but out of faith. ‘No longer will a man teach his neighbour, or a man his brother, saying ‘know the Lord’, because they will all know me. Hebrews 7 & 8

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