Tithing…Is it a command?

[mfblume]

Tithing is not a command. It's a good system.

[Jason B]

Originally Posted by mfblume

Tithing is not a command. It's a good system.

I think 20% is a better system.




When we exceed the authority and teaching of scripture then everything becomes subjective.

[good samaritan]

Originally Posted by mfblume

Tithing is not a command. It's a good system.

I agree. I believe we should be careful not to present tithes beyond what the scripture says, but it gives people an idea of what God expected in the law. People can decide on a personal level what they want to commit and God is who we all will answer to.

[Rudy]

Originally Posted by good samaritan

I agree. I believe we should be careful not to present tithes beyond what the scripture says, but it gives people an idea of what God expected in the law. People can decide on a personal level what they want to commit and God is who we all will answer to.

Not everyone tithed in the law. Also if your field of grain burned up one would have nothing to tithe if that is all you had. The problem today it just doesn't matter what your finances are pay up or reap the wrath of God. God did not expect a tithe if there was nothing to tithe. Quite the opposite today.

The thread says "tithing--is it a command?" No, it is not a command. Saying what God expected is a back door attempt to make one think it pleases God. With that it puts one on a guilt trip if they don't. They are singled out as in contempt.

It is not a command--leave it at that.

[HRea]

Originally Posted by Rudy

The thread says "tithing--is it a command?" No, it is not a command. Saying what God expected is a back door attempt to make one think it pleases God. With that it puts one on a guilt trip if they don't. They are singled out as in contempt.

Ephesians 2:20
20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;

2 Timothy 3:16a
16a All scripture is given by inspiration of God...

As many as would like to deny the scriptures, there is a fundamental truth, we need both the old and new testaments. Don't be stupid and say that I'm saying we must follow "The Law", because I'm not. However, I'm am saying that there are consistencies between the two testaments that God Himself instituted and we need to be mindful of them.

Tithing, in and of itself, is a secondary matter. God never changed the purpose of why He commanded people to tithe. Both testaments clearly agree that His ministers (sons of Levi in the old testament, 5-fold ministry of the new testament) were to be provided for from those to whom they ministered. Numbers 18:21 (along with several other verses), and the entire chapter of 1 Corinthians 9 and Galatians 6:6 agree together on this matter.

Jesus had no problem with tithing (Matthew 23:23), it was the incorrect emphasis, not the tithing itself, for which He condemned the scribes and Pharisees.

The condemnation of Malachi 3:10 is that there were no provisions (or a disregard for bringing provisions) for God's ministers. He considered this akin to robbing God Himself (Malachi 3:8).

Clearly, the Lord commanded (1 Corinthians 9:14) that His new testament ministers be provided for. This is consistent and taught to new testament churches (examples: 1 Corinthians 9 the entire chapter, Galatians 6:6, 1 Timothy 5:17)

1 Corinthians 9 uses very strong language to convey this principle. However, the only example that Paul has is the tithe of the old testament (v13). The Corinthians are Gentiles and Paul is bringing up tithing to Gentiles as though they understand what he is referring to (he knows what he taught them when he was present with them). In v14, he writes that the Lord brings forward AS A COMMAND that the gospel minister be provided for.

Would a man rob God? If you are not providing for those whom God has set in your church to minister to you, then, yes, you make yourself a thief.

[Truthseeker]

Originally Posted by HRea

Ephesians 2:20
20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;

2 Timothy 3:16a
16a All scripture is given by inspiration of God...

As many as would like to deny the scriptures, there is a fundamental truth, we need both the old and new testaments. Don't be stupid and say that I'm saying we must follow "The Law", because I'm not. However, I'm am saying that there are consistencies between the two testaments that God Himself instituted and we need to be mindful of them.

Tithing, in and of itself, is a secondary matter. God never changed the purpose of why He commanded people to tithe. Both testaments clearly agree that His ministers (sons of Levi in the old testament, 5-fold ministry of the new testament) were to be provided for from those to whom they ministered. Numbers 18:21 (along with several other verses), and the entire chapter of 1 Corinthians 9 and Galatians 6:6 agree together on this matter.

Jesus had no problem with tithing (Matthew 23:23), it was the incorrect emphasis, not the tithing itself, for which He condemned the scribes and Pharisees.

The condemnation of Malachi 3:10 is that there were no provisions (or a disregard for bringing provisions) for God's ministers. He considered this akin to robbing God Himself (Malachi 3:8).

Clearly, the Lord commanded (1 Corinthians 9:14) that His new testament ministers be provided for. This is consistent and taught to new testament churches (examples: 1 Corinthians 9 the entire chapter, Galatians 6:6, 1 Timothy 5:17)

1 Corinthians 9 uses very strong language to convey this principle. However, the only example that Paul has is the tithe of the old testament (v13). The Corinthians are Gentiles and Paul is bringing up tithing to Gentiles as though they understand what he is referring to (he knows what he taught them when he was present with them). In v14, he writes that the Lord brings forward AS A COMMAND that the gospel minister be provided for.

Would a man rob God? If you are not providing for those whom God has set in your church to minister to you, then, yes, you make yourself a thief.

Should all commands on tithing be obeyed?

[HRea]

Originally Posted by Truthseeker

Should all commands on tithing be obeyed?

Why did you completely disregard what I posted even though you quoted it in your reply?

Every preacher that I hear that preaches about tithing does so as "supporting the ministry". Supporting the ministry is, in deed, a new testament command and tithing was the example that Paul used when writing to the Corinthians (1 Corinthians 9:13).

I know about the other forms of tithing (and the Levitical tithe of the tithe, and so on). But the tithe that has folks so wound up is that tithe to support the ministry.

[Jason B]

Originally Posted by HRea

Why did you completely disregard what I posted even though you quoted it in your reply?

Every preacher that I hear that preaches about tithing does so as "supporting the ministry". Supporting the ministry is, in deed, a new testament command and tithing was the example that Paul used when writing to the Corinthians (1 Corinthians 9:13).

I know about the other forms of tithing (and the Levitical tithe of the tithe, and so on). But the tithe that has folks so wound up is that tithe to support the ministry.

Bottom line is that there is NO set percentage that believers are required to give.

Even if you want to say you're preaching it only as a way to support the ministry if you use the word "tithe" you are implying 10% (seeing as how the word literally means a tenth) and therefore you are overstepping your authority.

[Jason B]

Sorry I've just got to say, I wonder how many preachers actually work. I know there is a right to be supported by the church but we can like Paul, choose to work to supply our own needs so that others are not burdened.

Seems like a lot of ministers have the take care of me and my needs mentality.

If you are truly called you are called first and foremost to be a servant. A servant doesn't concern himself with wages but graciously accepts what he is given.

[mfblume]

Originally Posted by Jason Badejo

I think 20% is a better system.




When we exceed the authority and teaching of scripture then everything becomes subjective.

I think the concept of percentage is good, which is more what I meant. Basically consistent giving is a must. Consistent being the word, and not with pittance. After all, sacrifice is a command. What is is a sacrifice if it's a pittance?