Tithe: A requirement for Christians?

[Shinka]

Should
Christians Tithe?
AN IN-DEPTH ANALYSIS OF A MISUNDERSTOOD DOCTRINE
by: Kevin Whitehead

WHAT IS TITHING?

Tithing is the practice of giving one-tenth of one's income or possessions to one's leader. In Judaism, that leader was God. The first tithe recorded in the Bible was given by Abraham to Melchizedek, king of Salem. "....Then Abram gave him a tenth of everything." (Genesis 14:20) The next biblical mention of a tithe is when Jacob made a vow to God, saying, "...of all that you give me I will give you a tenth." (Genesis 28:22) Secular kings often demanded tithes as well, as a tax on the peoples they ruled. Samuel told the Israelites who were asking for a king that a king would "...take a tenth of your grain and your vintage..." as well as "...a tenth of your flocks." (1 Samuel 8:15,17)

Eventually, the tithe was codified into the Law of Moses, under which the Israelites were required to give three different tithes amounting to around 23% of their income. The first tithe was consumed by the giver each year during the annual temple feast. Regarding this tithe, the Israelites were instructed as follows: "...set aside a tenth of all that your fields produce each year. Eat the tithe of your grain, new wine and oil, and the firstborn of your herds and flocks in the presence of the LORD your God at the place he will choose as a dwelling for his Name...." (Deuteronomy 14:22-23) The second tithe was given annually to support the Levites: "I give to the Levites all the tithes in Israel as their inheritance...." (Numbers 18:21) The third tithe was given once every three years for the support of the poor: "At the end of every three years, bring all the tithes of that year's produce and store it in your towns, so that the Levites (who have no allotment or inheritance of their own) and the aliens, the fatherless and the widows who live in your towns may come and eat and be satisfied...." (Deuteronomy 14:28-29; see also Deuteronomy 26:12)

The LORD commanded the Israelites to "Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house...." (Malachi 3:10) "Christians are often urged to tithe based upon a mistaken appeal to this Old Testament text, which is wrested out of its rightful context, when applied to such a purpose....The storehouse is clearly the temple, not the church....Taken in context this passage lends no support to the mistaken doctrine of `storehouse tithing,' whereby Christians have been directed to restrict all their financial giving to their own denomination or local church, or as a variation, church members have been directed to pay the tithe to the local church, and restrict giving to outside organizations to amounts over and above the church tithe." (The New Treasury of Scripture Knowledge, Jerome Smith, p. 1026.)

In Christian theology, the Mosaic Law is usually divided into three parts: the moral, the ceremonial, and the judicial. The Ten Commandments comprise the moral part. The ceremonial part regulated the worship of Israel. The judicial part pertained to rights between men. However, the Law should be viewed as a unit. "For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it." (James 2:10) Obviously, "no one will be declared righteous in his sight by observing the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of sin." (Romans 3:21) "...[T]he law was put in charge to lead us to Christ that we might be justified by faith. Now that faith has come, we are no longer under the supervision of the law." (Galatians 3:24-25) Indeed, Christians need not be burdened under the law. "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery." (Galatians 5:1)

In the Sermon on the Mount, Christ demonstrated his deity by issuing several commands which supersede the Law. Six times he repeated the following couplet about various Mosaic commands: "You have heard that it was said......But I tell you..." (Matthew 5:21-22, 27-28, 31-32, 33-34, 38-39, 43-44) Each time he raised the standard of the Mosaic Law above that which was perceived to that which was intended. His final command fully encapsulated the intent of the Law -- holiness: "Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect." (Matthew 5:48). However, perfection was impossible under the Law. Therefore, Christ came as a priest in the order of Melchizedek. "If perfection could have been attained through the Levitical priesthood...,why was there still need for another priest to come -- one in the order of Melchizedek, not in the order of Aaron?" (Hebrews 7:11)

Along with the change of the priesthood came a change of the law: "For when there is a change of the priesthood, there must also be a change of the law." (Hebrews 7:12) "The former regulation is set aside because it was weak and useless (for the law made nothing perfect), and a better hope is introduced, by which we draw near to God." (Hebrews 7:18-19) "Now the Mosaic Law was done away in its entirety as a code. It has been replaced by the law of Christ. The law of Christ contains some new commands (1 Timothy 4:4), some old ones (Romans 13:9), and some revised ones....All of the laws of the Mosaic code have been abolished because the code has. Specific Mosaic commands which are part of the Christian code appear there not as a continuation of part of the Mosaic Law...but as specifically incorporated into that [Christian] code, and as such they are binding on believers today. A particular law that was part of the Mosaic code is done away; that same law, if part of the law of Christ, is binding." (Basic Theology, Charles C. Ryrie, p. 105)

The tithe, therefore, as a component of the Mosaic Law which was never restated as part of the law of Christ, does not apply to Christians. "While not requiring a tithe of believers today, the New Testament does speak of God's blessing on those who give generously to the needs of the church and especially to those who labor in the Word." (The Bible Knowledge Commentary: Old Testament, John F. Walvoord, Roy B. Zuck, p. 1585.) "Tithing is not taught in the New Testament as an obligation for the Christian under grace....Because we are not under law, but under grace, Christian giving must not be made a matter of legalistic obligation, lest we fall into the error of Galatianism...." (The New Treasury of Scripture Knowledge, Jerome Smith, p. 1152.)

GUIDELINES FOR CHRISTIAN GIVING

The absence of a command for tithing does not relieve Christians of the responsibility to give. Rather, Christians are held to the higher law of stewardship -- acknowledging that everything we have is a gift from God and being willing to give it all up at any moment that Christ commands (Matthew 19:21). The Bible specifies two main reasons for Christian giving.

First, Christians should provide for the needs of fellow Christians who are experiencing financial hardships. For example, while Barnabas and Saul were ministering in Antioch, "...some prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. One of them, named Agabus, stood up and through the Spirit predicted that a severe famine would spread over the entire Roman world. (This happened during the reign of Claudius.) The disciples, each according to his own ability, decided to provide help for the brothers living in Judea. This they did, sending their gift to the elders by Barnabas and Saul." (Acts 11:27-30) Later in Paul's ministry, he gave instruction to other churches that they also should give to the poor Christians in Jerusalem. To the Christians in Corinth he wrote: "Now about the collection for God's people: Do what I told the Galatian churches to do. On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with his income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made." (1 Corinthians 16:1-2) Later, he explained to the Christians in Rome, "...Macedonia and Achaia were pleased to make a contribution for the poor among the saints in Jerusalem." (Romans 15:26) Today's Christians should follow these examples and provide for the needs of our brothers and sisters in Christ who are in financial distress.

A second reason for Christian giving is to support Christian leaders. Paul wrote to the Corinthians that "...those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel." (1 Corinthians 9:14) To the Galatians, he wrote: "Anyone who receives instruction in the word must share all good things with his instructor." (Galatians 6:6) Note that Christians are not restricted to giving only to one's local fellowship. Instead, Christians should give to those who disciple them, whether within their local fellowship or not.

The final question remains -- how much should Christians give? Each Christian "...should give what he has decided in his own heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." (2 Corinthians 9:7) No set amount or percentage of income is dictated, rather, "...if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what he does not have." (2 Corinthians 8:12)

In summary, Christians should not subject themselves to the Old Testament law of the tithe. Instead, they should give according to the following four New Testament guidelines. Christian giving should be:
· Proportional to one's income (1 Corinthians 16:2, 2 Corinthians 8:12)
· Consistent (1 Corinthians 16:2)
· Sacrificial (Mark 12:43-44, 2 Corinthians 8:2-3)
· Cheerful (2 Corinthians 9:7)

Christians should live their lives open-handed -- acknowledging that they are merely stewards of God's possessions. They should always be willing to give 100% of that which they steward at any time required by the Lord (Matthew 19:21). Indeed, they should even be willing to offer their very "...bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God...." (Romans 12:1)

[Shinka]

Here the link to the website. http://www.mindspring.com/~k.w/tithe/tithe.html

The FAQ questions link at the end of the article is very helpful.

[Supergirl]

I actually agree with this. I tbelieve that tithing is part of the Old Testament Law, but not a requirement under the New Covenant of Christ.

I do tithe and give out of my love for the Lord, and I know that finances are necessary to keep churches running and for helping in the building of His kingdom.

[star]

Tithing is not just money. It is time, talent and money or your stewardship. Jesus came and built on the laws of the old testment and says give according to your income(I will find the scripture later) this actually means above 10% for some people. This is why the many churches ask for tithes and offerings. I do not believe we should abolish the old testment teachings we should use the old testament as a foundation for your giving. Christians should give at minumium of 10% of their money and give their time and talent to help build up the kingdom of God. Tithes is what we owe God and the offering is above and beyond.

[fivefoursweetie]

Personally I feel that tithing is less about money and more about obediance, gratitude and trust. We would have nothing if it weren't for God, so to give 10% I feel, shows that you respect and are gratful for what God has done for you and you are giving something back as a sacrifice. If FICA can get more than 10% in taxes, than I think we can give God 10%.
I regularlly tithe and give offerings, and for me, the more I give, the more I get...God has blessed me emensely. I don't look at it as a requirement, yet as something I want to give.
Just wondering...do others feel like they mind giving tithes, or is it a burden to them? Cause I think it's about the attitude of the heart that matters too, not the action. Please give some feedback

[BlkHoneyLuv2U]

Originally Posted by fivefoursweetie

Personally I feel that tithing is less about money and more about obediance, gratitude and trust. We would have nothing if it weren't for God, so to give 10% I feel, shows that you respect and are gratful for what God has done for you and you are giving something back as a sacrifice. If FICA can get more than 10% in taxes, than I think we can give God 10%.
I regularlly tithe and give offerings, and for me, the more I give, the more I get...God has blessed me emensely. I don't look at it as a requirement, yet as something I want to give.
Just wondering...do others feel like they mind giving tithes, or is it a burden to them? Cause I think it's about the attitude of the heart that matters too, not the action. Please give some feedback

What she said.

[Enchantmt]

The article seems sound, tho I only skimmed it. This is a touchy subject for many, especially if raised in a church that bases blessings on tithing and uses guilt and other tactics to get folx to comply.

God will bless you simply because you are His child. We are under grace. Works gain you nothing as far as salvation goes. You *are* instructed to give, but we are no longer under bondage of the law and, like animal sacrifices and other things that are no longer required, we are not required to give based on a specific amount as a law. Your heart in giving is more important the the amount. I believe we should give our best, but there should be no guilt or condemnation surrounding giving. We are to give freely as we are lead to give.

Tithing was part of old Jewish law. Scripture tells us we are not required to practice Jewish law to be justified, we are justified by faith. This was dealt with in Galatians when the Jews were trying to get the gentiles to observe Jewish law for cirumcision. The gentiles were buying into this and basically regressing spirtually, as Christ freed us from these laws.

The law was an *external* guide designed to keep folx in line until Christ came and for folx to see the need for a Savior, as no one could keep the law in full. As Christians we have the Holy Spirit *internally* to guide us.

Under the old covenant you had to keep all of the law, if you missed one part, you missed all of it. Jesus was the only one to keep the law perfectly, He fulfilled the law and gave us a new covenant. If you observe tithing as *law* then you must keep the ENTIRE Jewish law, and the sacrifice Jesus made to free you was for nothing as you are putting yourself under the bondage of the law again.

[Jewell]

I tithe and I was taught about tithes and offerings at a young age, but as with everything, individual values and beliefs set the tone. I tithe so that there might be "meat in my house" and so that my finances are not cursed. Its a part of my life. For me, offerings give increase. Its tried and true in my life.

I have no problem with tithes and offerings because I have been blessed. I do believe that it is a requirement for Christians. If I can spend money on this and that, I would be ashamed to be so stingy and not freely and cheerfully give to God what he has been so gracious to bless me with.

[Isis]

Originally Posted by Jewell

I tithe and I was taught about tithes and offerings at a young age, but as with everything, individual values and beliefs set the tone. I tithe so that there might be "meat in my house" and so that my finances are not cursed. Its a part of my life. For me, offerings give increase. Its tried and true in my life.

I have no problem with tithes and offerings because I have been blessed. I do believe that it is a requirement for Christians. If I can spend money on this and that, I would be ashamed to be so stingy and not freely and cheerfully give to God what he has been so gracious to bless me with.

I believe this too and I have tithed throughout my adult life. I believe tithing is important wherever one gets one's spiritual support and knowledge, which can be at church.

[Shinka]

The reason I posted this is because I would listen to sermons and read the tithe passages in the old testament and it didn't seem right to force people to do out of guilt. It didn't make sense to me that we didn't follow other old testament laws but this one was okay. I was really torn and I felt bad when I couldn't give my 10%. It not that I didn't want to but because on have a very small income as I am a college student and working. I myself cover my family's expenses,

I really looked to God, I didn't necessarily pray for an answer but it really caused some anxiety because I want to do the right thing and not pick and choose God's ways to follow. So I found this article as I was researching tithing with a good heart to understand not to avoid it. I read the biblical passages and chapters sited in this article etc.

If I was To give 10% of by income, It would have taken away from my food or rent or electric bill, as things I know that God has given me money to pay for. I know that God wants me to be clothed and feed. Also not to be indebted to others. So through this article and the passages of the new testament. I understand as long as i give sacrificiously and cheerfully I can still recieved my blessings and am honor God for the people He has given the gift to TEACH and spread the Word. Now I also understand to give according to my income. Giving also includes time, giving to the poor so they may have, etc.

My anxiety is no longer there, God has set no minimum amount other to give persistently, sacrificiously, and cheerfully.

While 10% might be a goal for some, my amount is the amount that I can give after the money that lord has allowed me to earn covers my living expenses..I mean the basics. food, heat, electric, rent, and at least min payments for debt (not luxuries). I don't see that as putting God last. God is providing for me first because I am his child, God and Jesus order us to pay taxes because no authority is created without God ( I think that's in 1 or 2 Cor.). It's just that the taxes are taken out automatically. Therefore I don't need to ask how will I be clothed or Feed or prevent from being indebt to another becoming their slave ( I can only serve one God).

Then, I will give, before I buy more books or toys or whatever luxuries after that. In reality, by then I have no money for luxuries.

It doesn't make sense to me that God wants us to suffer or lack in essentials to provide for the church building, the pastors food, and give to the poor. Then we'll have to ask (Jesus says not ask this) how will I be feed, clothed etc. In Ecclesiatics( sorry for spellling) says Money is the answer for everything. God gives money or allows the ability to earn money to cover your living expenses. Food is a necessity, clothes a necessity (excess clothes or shopping every weekend, not a necessity).

If by giving your money away you can't pay for those essential things...but provide for some else to have those things. It doesn't make sense to me, you're not giving according to your income. Although I do believe that in sudden diasters, etc we may give more than we can in sacrifice of a whole chicken or some corn for some else to have a meal or a place to stay. However, everytime giving more than you can afford will make you debt increase because they you need to borrow to cover essentials or your may become anxious, depress , or worry which we are also instructed not to do.

I believe:
God gives us what we need. When he Blesses in excess of what we need, then we should that away. If that's time, give time. Money give money, gifts give gifts. If all of the above, give it all.