Tithing…Is it a command?

[Aquila]

I believe that the practice of tithing was an Old Testament law which was necessary for supporting the Old Testament priesthood. With the death of Jesus Christ on the cross as a sacrifice for our sins, the veil in the temple was torn in two by the hand of God. This resulted in a new covenant in which the priesthood and its financial support structure was abolished and a new Priesthood of all Believers was established. God’s financial plan for the church today is called "giving," not tithing. (Romans 12:13; I Corinthians 16:1-3; II Corinthians 9:6-7)

Romans 12:13 King James Version (KJV)
13 Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.

1 Corinthians 16:1-2 King James Version (KJV)
1 Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye.
2 Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.

2 Corinthians 9:6-7 King James Version (KJV)
6 But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.
7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.

The early church shared their lives, possessions, and resources. The financial plan of the church was "giving", and giving generously and graciously. So, I don't believe in a NT "command" to tithe.

That being said, the NT teaches that every man should give, "according as he purposeth in his heart". This is means that what is given is a contemplated and determined amount or percentage. It's like a "pledge" (or vow). One can pledge/vow to give a specific amount or percentage from each paycheck. Thus they are to pray about it, review their personal finances (one who doesn't provide for his own home is worse than an infidel), and determine to give a set amount or percentage that they have purposed in their hearts.

Paul promises that "He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully". This means that God will bless according to our level of faith, devotion, and sacrifice when giving.

Is it wrong to tithe? No! God forbid! If one has prayed about it and has purposed in their heart to freely give 10% of their income to the work of God they will indeed be blessed. If one purposes to give a set amount or another percentage (higher or lower than 10%), they too will be blessed in accordance to their measure of faith. God loves a cheerful giver. God desires that we not give grudgingly or out of necessity (feeling pressured or commanded). Therefore, a tithe "mandate" or "command" flies in the face of God's desire for giving in the NT church.

I found the following link to be very interesting. There is actually a rather dark history of the tithe. For example, did you know?

In 1714 the English Anglican exacted agricultural tithes from Roman Catholics and Presbyterians for the support of the Church of Ireland. Soon revolt became ripe in France. Some of the earliest stages of the French Revolution were actions which struck at the privileges and status of the Roman Catholic Church.

In 1789, tithes were abolished in France by the secular authority.

Other revolts against tithing followed. Between 1836 and 1850 tithing was mostly abolished in England. It was later commuted to a rental to be paid in cash. In 1868, as a result of agitation which began at least as far back as the 1830’s and which was pushed by Dissenters, the compulsory payment of local parish tithes for the maintenance of the church was abolished and was made purely voluntary. However, the final tithe rent charges were not abolished until 1936 in England.

Here is a secular history of tithing:

http://tithing-russkelly.com/id15.html

[Lanny60]

Originally Posted by Aquila

I believe that the practice of tithing was an Old Testament law which was necessary for supporting the Old Testament priesthood. With the death of Jesus Christ on the cross as a sacrifice for our sins, the veil in the temple was torn in two by the hand of God. This resulted in a new covenant in which the priesthood and its financial support structure was abolished and a new Priesthood of all Believers was established. God’s financial plan for the church today is called "giving," not tithing. (Romans 12:13; I Corinthians 16:1-3; II Corinthians 9:6-7)

Romans 12:13 King James Version (KJV)
13 Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.

1 Corinthians 16:1-2 King James Version (KJV)
1 Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye.
2 Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.

2 Corinthians 9:6-7 King James Version (KJV)
6 But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.
7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.

The early church shared their lives, possessions, and resources. The financial plan of the church was "giving", and giving generously and graciously. So, I don't believe in a NT "command" to tithe.

That being said, the NT teaches that every man should give, "according as he purposeth in his heart". This is means that what is given is a contemplated and determined amount or percentage. It's like a "pledge" (or vow). One can pledge/vow to give a specific amount or percentage from each paycheck. Thus they are to pray about it, review their personal finances (one who doesn't provide for his own home is worse than an infidel), and determine to give a set amount or percentage that they have purposed in their hearts.

Paul promises that "He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully". This means that God will bless according to our level of faith, devotion, and sacrifice when giving.

Is it wrong to tithe? No! God forbid! If one has prayed about it and has purposed in their heart to freely give 10% of their income to the work of God they will indeed be blessed. If one purposes to give a set amount or another percentage (higher or lower than 10%), they too will be blessed in accordance to their measure of faith. God loves a cheerful giver. God desires that we not give grudgingly or out of necessity (feeling pressured or commanded). Therefore, a tithe "mandate" or "command" flies in the face of God's desire for giving in the NT church.

I found the following link to be very interesting. There is actually a rather dark history of the tithe. For example, did you know?

In 1714 the English Anglican exacted agricultural tithes from Roman Catholics and Presbyterians for the support of the Church of Ireland. Soon revolt became ripe in France. Some of the earliest stages of the French Revolution were actions which struck at the privileges and status of the Roman Catholic Church.

In 1789, tithes were abolished in France by the secular authority.

Other revolts against tithing followed. Between 1836 and 1850 tithing was mostly abolished in England. It was later commuted to a rental to be paid in cash. In 1868, as a result of agitation which began at least as far back as the 1830’s and which was pushed by Dissenters, the compulsory payment of local parish tithes for the maintenance of the church was abolished and was made purely voluntary. However, the final tithe rent charges were not abolished until 1936 in England.

Here is a secular history of tithing:

http://tithing-russkelly.com/id15.html

Well said and we agree 100%. (You have a very obvious gift for writing and teaching. Your posts are easy to read, easy to follow and done respectfully. It is noticed and appreciated.)

[jfrog]

Originally Posted by Spiritwarrior

Tithing is such a touchy subject. But here is some questions and thought.

First: I do believe in paying at least 10% of my income. I always have and feel good about it. Is it biblical? not everything in the old Testament was done away with or yet fulfilled. Does that mean we cut out the old Testament? No.And the Tithing does carry over in the New. Didn't Jesus say give Caesar that is Caesars and God's the things that are God's? Yes, I know this was referring to taxes, but what are the things of God? Taxes? I think not.

Second: I'll talk about my Church. We would have a building if people didn't tithe. We would have a pastor how could go out and visit the sick and the people that are having problems. Doesn't tithing bring a good feeling into the church? we've been able to pay our church off in about 6years. We have a wood ministry to give to people in need. That also means people that aren't in the church as well. we have members that give their time(tithes) also. You see tithes are more than just giving money, it can be your time, talent, going and visiting people. it's giving of yourself. But what ever you do, do with a cheerful heart or it's for not.

Lastly: Do I believe in giving 10% of my income? Yes I do. Can I fully back this up, No. But I believe God isn't going to keep repeating himself. He doesn't do that. And I'm not going to take the chance and one day stand before God and answer to that. I'd rather Tithe now, then find out I didn't need to. once it's over you can't go back and undo.
And I love his blessings also.
Remember The time and money we give goes to further his Kingdom. Without it we don't send people out to preach, teach and bring people to hear the word.

If your giving your 10% or more begrudging than it's not doing you any good. bring it to the Lord in prayer and put on the Helmet of Salvation. Conquer your mind and heart. Walk as He walked, Talk as He talked, Think as He thought. You're see and may even find your giving more of yourself and even any extra money you get in blessings you may find yourself giving it back to God or his mission.
May God settle this in everyone's heart. For you see we have greater things to get on with. We having people drying everyday without the Lord. This is a side trail that we don't need to be on. Watch That the devil don't keep you on things that have no worth.

So in closing, is it a Command? Does it matter? I want to be part that sends out and raises mighty men and women of God to do the work I can't do.
If a man of God at the local Church says we need to tithe 10% than obey.

I have to say this. I feel someone is reading this feeling bad about not being able to give more than they do. Read Mark 12:42-44 She gave all she had. I'm not saying for you to do that. Only God knows where you're at in life, but I can say this to you. You can give of yourself. Help out in the church, help out an older couple or person with something they can't do for themselves anymore. All this is counted toward your tithing.

Yes it matters. How it is presented matters. A little leaven will leaven the whole lump. If one teaching can be truthfully discounted does it not cast an instant shadow of doubt on all the others?

[Spiritwarrior]

You are correct, it does matter. Everyone should be paying their Tithes.
The Bible should be obeyed in it entirety.

another question. Does the local church as a whole pay their tithes to the district and then they pay to the one above them?

[peter83]

The tithing costume was before even the law was given! So we see it as an eternal principle that godly men kept.
It is not a law neither a commandment in the new testament. But is a respective church tradition. Anyway we have to give to God...so tithing without crying is a good thing. Especially if the money goes for the ministry and not make reach some leaders.

[Tithesmeister]

Originally Posted by peter83

The tithing costume was before even the law was given! So we see it as an eternal principle that godly men kept.
It is not a law neither a commandment in the new testament. But is a respective church tradition. Anyway we have to give to God...so tithing without crying is a good thing. Especially if the money goes for the ministry and not make reach some leaders.

The tithe is defined in the scripture, by God. That definition of tithing is not one that is observed today in any church that I am aware of. Also the tithe (as instituted by God) was not a custom or a principle, nor was it ever money, what it was is a LAW! Did the Bible give anyone the authority to change the definition of the tithe? No!! God forbade that His words would ever be added to or diminished aught from. Do we think we have a better idea . . . than God?!

[Sean]

It is funny how folks use "eternal principle" for only 1 particular Law of over 600 Laws.....money.

[Sean]

Was this O.T. "eternal principle".....



8 Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings.

9 Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation.



A N.T. principle?.....



Romans 12:14-21King James Version (KJV)

14 Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.

[jediwill83]

Originally Posted by Sean

It is funny how folks use "eternal principle" for only 1 particular Law of over 600 Laws.....money.

If preachers believed what they preached about the principles of giving, they would be the ones writing the checks and sending them out to people.

Waiting for my Joel Osteen check...itll be here any day...my psychic done tole me.

[jediwill83]

Originally Posted by Sean

Was this O.T. "eternal principle".....



8 Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings.

9 Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation.



A N.T. principle?.....
12:14-21King James Version (KJV)

14 Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.

Funny thing is that Malachi wasnt written to the "normal citizens "....it was written to the ones that were receiving the tithe and misusing it....go back to the beginning where it tells you who its written to.