Tithing Scriptures: What the Bible Says About Tithing
77Finding and Understanding Tithing Scripture
Tithing Scripture Books and Resources
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Should the Church Teach Tithing? A Theologian's Conclusions about a Taboo Doctrine
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Tithing : God's Financial Plan
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Tithing
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Giving and Tithing (Resourceful Living)
Price: $1.39
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Tithing Scriptures in the Bible
From one end of the pew to the other, the gold-plated collection plate is passed as its lustrous surface scatters light along the ceiling and walls.
The act of tithing, as such collections are called in the church, is one of the most questioned practices in Christian living; however, tithing scriptures in the Bible tell us it is one of the greatest acts of obedience a Christian can practice.
The purpose of tithing, found in Deuteronomy 14:22-23 (NLT), is made clear: to “teach you always to fear the Lord your God.” By practicing good tithing habits, scripture tells us we are showing God our desire to put him first place in our lives.
In Deuteronomy, Christians are directed to not only give ten percent of their income, but to give their first and their best. This means Christians should strive to not only pay or take out tithes upon receiving your paycheck, but to always put God above your bills and other responsibilities.
While tithing scripture lays out the foundation for why the tithe is an important part of obedience, a struggling economy or other interests can tempt us with fear or greed to skip the tithe.
Writing from Macedonia to encourage the Corinthians to solve internal struggles, Paul defended the collection of tithes in scripture, saying, “Whatever you give is acceptable if you give it eagerly,” (2 Corinthians 8:12, NLT).
Paul points out a family’s needs should not be affected by tithing, but rather, each person should give in proportion to what they have been given (2 Corinthians 9:10) while giving as much as they are able to (2 Corinthians 8:12, 9:16).
2 Corinthians also contains two other important factors in which Christians are encouraged to measure their giving against, including following through on previous financial promises (8:10), such as pledges to ministries not met; and to give according to what your own heart and mind tell you is right.
The latter factor is an important one, as church debate and debate among other Christians on tithing can create pressure on a person to pay more, thinking they won’t see the blessings or favor of God without increasing their tithe.
These feelings of fear or unnecessary pressure are the works of the enemy; don’t listen and instead, do as Paul outlines in 2 Corinthians 9:7:
“You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. ‘For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.”
Finally, tithing scripture even outlines directions in measuring whether or not the ministry you are tithing into is the right place for you to sow your seed.
Twice in the Bible, scripture dictates churches and other Christian ministries should give at least a tenth of tithes collected (Numbers 18:25-29) to advance the kingdom of Heaven on projects outside the church, such as feeding the needy and providing assistance to struggling families or communities (1 Timothy 5:3).
When the church tithes, regardless of economic climate or uncertainty, you can be assured that God will return to you in full measure grace, favor, mercy and blessings you cannot contain.
Remember what Paul said:
“Right now you have plenty and can help those are in need. Later, they will have plenty and can share with you when you need it,” (2 Corinthians 8:15).
This is the only area in which God directly tells us to challenge Him; invest in Christ’s people by sowing your seed--your tithe--into strong Christian ministries and be a cheerful giver!
Living the Tithe
How Often Do You Tithe?
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I hear arguments against thithing saying that was under law. Duh! Abraham paid tiths to Melchizedec before the law was given (Gen 14:20)
Thank you, Carrie, for your kind comment!
Oscar, I have also heard similar arguments against tithing, claiming Old Testament law is dead to Christians as we live under grace. My question for you--and any of you--is how do you respond to those who do not believe Christians should tithe?
We are indeed not under the Old Testament Law (I just published two hubs on the Old Covenant and the New Covenant to explain this using several scriptures and very little narration by me). However, you gave New Testament scriptures about giving. We are not under the Law to make a "payment" of 10%, but a greater law, that of giving all we can to further the ministry of our Lord! This giving can be monetary, food, clothing, shelter, time and skills, prayer, so many things!
Carrie, I really enjoyed reading your Old Covenant law hub and appreciate the depth of your research and understanding of scripture. I sincerely suggest all my readers check out Carrie Bradshaw's blessed body of work.
Praise God! Thank you! I am blessed by your writings as well (left a response for you, by the way ~ some specific scriptures regarding your question). Be sure to balance that with II - The JOY in the New Covenant! God bless you!
"it is one of the greatest acts of obedience a Christian can practice."
As a Born Again son of God I don't obey anyone nor am I required to, for I am under Grace, so what are you under!!??
Nil points for getting the answer right!
Yes2Truth, I am not obeying just anyone, but the living seed of the Word of God, the Bible, the truth, which is unfallible. Are you calling the Bible fallible? Somehow flawed?
Tithing scripture exists even in the New Testament, when the new Covenent was made, therefore, tithing is still made important for us even today.
Whereas you might think I am wrong, I am not going to debate you on this point because the Bible ALSO says not to get into quarrels over Biblical principle, but rather remember we share the most basic fundamentals which are Jesus Christ came and died for our sins and that through him, we all shall be saved.
One last point, can you show me anywhere in your understanding how being obedient to tithing can somehow HURT us? :) Thanks for reading.
"Yes2Truth, I am not obeying just anyone."
I will repeat: I do not obey ANYONE and nor do I have to - I am under Grace and in brotherhood with the Lord Jesus Christ.
"The living seed of the Word of God, the Bible, the truth, which is unfallible. Are you calling the Bible fallible? Somehow flawed?"
Absolutely, it's the most corrupted English book in the world and the most evil book if not in the right pair of hands.
Tithing is Old Covenant Law - Period.
As for arguing, I do not argue nor do I debate, I tell people The Truth, but they, unfortunately, and from their erroneous Christian Religious position want to argue with me.
Cant go with this
your first mis-quote "In Deuteronomy, Christians are directed to not only give ten percent of their income,"
Deuteronomy is for the Israelites, The Israelites were called to tithe, not Gentiles.
Jesus Christ is the Tithe the First fruits, that's why he set humanity free, especially free from religion, tithing is religion.
God loves a cheerful giver, dont confuse the two.
Isaiah 58
I would be interested to know what you think about Deut. 14:22-29. Thank you.
Heres my questions. What purpose does tithing serve? Is tithing something which is only something which is monetary? Where does the tithing go? I assume some goes to the preach to pay for his necessaries of substance, and some towards helping someone. It just seems to me that it would be a more direct tithing to physically to go and participate in the works of helping. Money seems like a very indirect route to help. Just curious, the hub seems to me more about the "how" of tithing and less about the "why" and "what" of tithing.
Great sudy...Thank You
Okay, here is my 2cents on tithing. Earlier today,a great man of God explained it like this. We are under grace and as a previous blogger explained Abram gave a tenth of his earning to the high preist Melchizedek
Genesis 14:18 And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God.
19 And he blessed him, and said, Blessed be Abram of the most high God, possessor of heaven and earth:
20 And blessed be the most high God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand. And he gave him tithes of all.
Then the pastor referenced Hebrews 7:1-17 with emphasis on v.11 and v. 17
Abram tithe before there was a law to tithe. Therefore he was not under 'mandate' to tithe. He did out of love for God.Also Bishop pointed out, Jesus did not command us to tithe in the new testiment. However, He did say in 1 Corinthians 13:1- And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.
Yes God loves a cheerful giver, just has He gave His son to die for us out of love, then out of love we should do the things He has asked us to do. Honestly, have I neglected to tithe, yes I have at times.Yes I have screwed up and this is why it is so important for me to write on this because God corrected me today.
You can't go around quoting Malachi3:10 to everyone, He spoke to me and said, Don't waste your time quoting this scripture because the law hold them to the law. Yet, If you claim to love me with all your heart, all your soul, all your spirit, then I should not have to make you tithe, you would tithe because you Love me. Not for what I can do for you but for what I have done for you. If you say you love me then show me.
You don't have to tithe if you don't want it is your choice just like everything else. However, if you love someone, then you would show that person love in action and not in lip service. Do not give grudgently, nor with haste, but with the love that God has shown you. I was living under the law because i kept quoting malachi to myself. I was more afraid of not tithing and giving to God out of haste, yet when i give now, it is because i'm trying to strenghten my relationship with Him. I love my children, and when they ask for fish should I give them a stone. What kind of love is that. So since I say I love Him I should do all things according to the love I have in my heart for God.
According to the Word of God, tithing was NEVER on income or anything that man made or earned. The Lord's was ALWAYS on the miraculous increase from God, not man. Tithing could NEVER be on income, according to the Word.
Abraham did NOT tithe on his wealth or his income. He gave 10% of war spoils to one king, and the other 90% to another king and kept nothing for himself. ONE example of a tithe out of over 2,000 years of history. Abraham's tithe has absolutely nothing to do with the way tithing is taught in the church today.
God said the tithe belongs to Him, and He gave the tithe to the Levites. At no time did God ever change that command, so what right does anyone have to give what God directed to the Levites to give it to the church? ONLY the Levites had a right to collect the tithe. What pastor has a right to collect the tithe today?
The whole tithe was given to the Levites who were then required to give a tenth of the tithe to the priests.
God gave the Twelve Tribes of Israel an inheritance. ELEVEN got the promised land, and ONE, the tribe of Levi, got the tithe.
The purpose of The Lord's tithe was to support the LEVITICAL PRIESTHOOD. Once that priesthood ended, there was no further purpose for the tithe.
Jesus did not tithe. Paul did not tithe. Peter did not tithe. ONLY Israelites who had farms with crops and or animals were commanded, or even allowed to tithe. It HAD to be from God's increase, and from the Holy Land to quality. That is why the tithe was Holy - it came from God, not man.
Paul NEVER taught tithing. That is pure nonsense to say he did. Paul taught giving from the heart, not under compulsion.
Church leaders have essentially diluted the tithe from God’s miracles to man’s achievements. In other words, in the tithing formula, man has replaced God with himself!
Church leaders have taken scripture out of context, CHANGED the words, and teach a false doctrine. The ONLY part of the Biblical tithe church leaders teach is the ten percent. Church leaders ignore who is to pay the tithe, where the tithe comes from (or what is to be tithed), and who the tithe is to be taken to.
It's time Christians research the topic for themselves instead of believing what is being taught in their local church. The pastor's intentions may be good, but good intentions do not make up for incompetency.
I am a former accountant and tax auditor and have done an in-depth analysis of the scriptures and have written a book titled TITHING TODAY which is available as a free download at tithingbook.info
Great hub thanks for sharing it with all of us. God Bless!
great hubs! Tithing is very important! I sometimes feel bad that I cant give to the church because I dont have a job times are tough, I know God understands though and when I do come across money I give some of it to the church.
I just started writting hubs my preacher said I should follow my heart and write if thats my desire so I write all christian hubs.
My latest hub is
http://hubpages.com/hub/You-are-special-in-Gods-ey
if you want to check it out.
God bless
GOD SAID:MY PEOPLE PERISH BECAUSE OF THE LACK OF KNOWLEGDE. AND SPECIFICALLY CONCERNING THIS TITHING TOPIC I KNOW THAT SOME OF US ARE STILL LACKING IN KNOWLEDGE AND THE PERSON THAT SHALL HELP US IS GOD HIMSELF THROUGH THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT, SO LET US ASK THE LORD ABOUT THIS ISSUE AND SEEK HIM WITH THE ANSWER IN FAITH SO THAT WE WILL NEVER BE CONFUSED AND ALSO SO THAT THE DEVIL WILL NOT GET A CHANCE TO ABUSE US ABOUT TITHING AS THE CHILDREN OF GOD
There seems to be a mixture in your scriptures, while I agreed with most of what you wrote when you jumped over into 2 Corinthians you assumed that Paul's speaking is of the tithe and not of the offering. It then appears that you are stating that a believer should decide the amount they tithe. I don't get that because "tithe" by definition is a tenth. It is impossible to tithe 5% or 15%.
It is interesting that you avoided Hebrews 7 in your comments which brings the Old Testament practice and the NT responsibilities of the tithe together.
Many try to point to "grace" to nullify the requirement of the tithe illustrating a lack of understanding of what Grace truly is. What was abhorred by God in the Old Testament is still abhorred by God in the New. The cross didn't change the heart of God it is to change the heart of man.
No where do we find the abolishing of the tithe, even though the tithe is rarely spoken of in the NT. But one must differentiate between the tithe (a tenth of) and an offering which is a matter of the heart.
Actually, the tithe WAS ABOLISHED in the New Testament.
SIX STEPS TO UNDERSTANDING WHEN AND HOW THE TITHE ENDED:
Step 1: Hebrews 7:5 confirms that Levi received tithes according to the law under the Levitical priesthood.
Step 2: Hebrews 7:12 tells us changing the priesthood will also change the law.
Step 3: Hebrews 7:18 verifies that the command to tithe was disannulled (canceled).
Step 4: Ephesians 2:15 and Colossians 2:14 confirm that the Old Testament laws were abolished; nailed to the cross.
Step 5: Galatians 4:5 tells us that Jesus redeemed those who were under the law. Ephesians 2:15 and Colossians 2:14 above tell us how Jesus redeemed those under the law – by nailing the laws to the cross.
Step 6: Galatians 3:10 is telling us those who reject what Jesus did on the cross and continue to put themselves under the law are cursed by the law. That verse also tells us those who put themselves under even one of the laws, are putting themselves under all of the laws written in the book.
That's pretty clear to me.
Wow this is interesting. After studying the scriptures for myself. I see that according to the old covenant the people were bound by law. According to the new testament it is not about law but the Spirit of God. Law says you must pay a tenth. Spirit says give and it shall be given. If you give bountifully you reap bountifully vice versa. I used to be bound up under the law. The scriptures have taught me that I should be a liberal giver period. The book of Galations set me free! I came out of religion and into the freedom Christ has given me. It's about giving!!
It is hard in this economic climate to give but stay faithful and know that God will bless you for your gifts. Test the Lord in this, He says to.
We've been struggling constantly with money issues but God will keep you afloat I promise you that. We've been out of work now for almost a year but just yesterday my husband was blessed with a good job. I owe it all to God and staying faithful to my tithe.
thelesleyshow - And what about all those people who do NOT tithe, but also lost their jobs, but got another job within a few weeks?
Tithing had nothing to do with your husband getting another job.
The Lord does bless those who give. Tithing is Old Testament Law that Jesus nailed to the cross.
It's about obedience Gary.
There are principles behind tithing that have nothing to do with the money itself. Tithing teaches us obedience. When God asks us for something, we should be willing to give it freely and gladly. He has CLEARLY ASKED FOR IT!
In Luke 14:33 the Bible says, In the same way, any of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be my disciple.
You clearly are not willing to give up everything and that is something you will have to resolve with Him. Not me.
I know when the floodgates of heaven have been opened on me. My husband found work because we stayed obedient to the Lord.
Your bitter answer really something you should think about. Rather than arguing with Christians for the sake of arguing and just to hear yourself talk, maybe you should pray and listen to what the Holy Spirit is trying to tell you.
thelesleyshow - Can you give me scripture that tells us we are to tithe? Tithing was never taught in the New Testament. Tithing was commanded only of the Israelites, and ONLY on crops and animals (Leviticus 27:30-34). The Lord's tithe was NEVER on anything that man made or earned. To change God's words to tithing on income is to say that God didn't know the future, and/or that God didn't provide for the future in His Word.
God, Himself, through the Spirit, taught me what I needed to know about the tithe last year, a little bit at a time over a period of ten days. He told me what to "tell the people."
I have spent thousands of hours researching and studying this topic. Why have I spent so much time on it? Because my previous pastor asked me to teach a Sunday School Class on finances, and when I started researching to prepare for the class, I discovered tithing ended at the cross. I prayed and prayed and begged The Lord to NOT let me be a false teacher. That is when He taught me the truth. From there, the Spirit lead me to teaching others. My pastor disagreed with me at first, but then told me he would really study the topic. Weeks later, he STOPPED teaching tithing. Another pastor I had for years told me I was correct, but that he had to teach that tithing was required because people just don't want to give. I have learned of other pastors who also have admitted the same thing. Over 100 ministers recently left the Worldwide Church of God because they said it was immoral to teach tithing.
Show me scripture where tithing is being obedient to God in the New Testament.
SIX STEPS TO UNDERSTANDING WHEN AND HOW THE TITHE ENDED
STEP 1 - Hebrews 7:5 confirms that Levi received tithes according to the law under the Levitical priesthood.
STEP 2 - Hebrews 7:12 tells us changing the priesthood will also change the law.
STEP 3 - Hebrews 7:18 verifies that the command to tithe was disannulled (canceled).
STEP 4 - Ephesians 2:15 and Colossians 2:14 confirm that the Old Testament laws were abolished; nailed to the cross.
STEP 5 - Galatians 4:5 tells us that Jesus redeemed those who were under the law. Ephesians 2:15 and Colossians 2:14 above tell us how Jesus redeemed those under the law – by nailing the laws to the cross.
STEP 6 - Galatians 3:10 is telling us those who reject what Jesus did on the cross and continue to put themselves under the law are cursed by the law. That verse also tells us those who put themselves under even one of the laws, are putting themselves under all of the laws written in the book.
All tithing before the law and after the law is free-will giving and was NEVER commanded by God.
Tithing before or after the law was not commanded by God and therefore is free-will giving.
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SIX STEPS TO UNDERSTANDING WHEN AND HOW THE TITHE ENDED
STEP 1
Hebrews 7:5 (KJV)
5And verily they that are of the sons of Levi, who receive the office of the priesthood, have a commandment to take tithes of the people according to the law, that is, of their brethren, though they come out of the loins of Abraham:
Hebrews 7:5 confirms that Levi received tithes according to the law under the Levitical priesthood.
STEP 2
Hebrews 7:12 (KJV)
12For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the law.
Hebrews 7:12 tells us changing the priesthood will also change the law.
STEP 3
Hebrews 7:18 (KJV)
18For there is verily a disannulling of the commandment going before for the weakness and unprofitableness thereof.
Hebrews 7:18 verifies that the command to tithe was disannulled (canceled).
STEP 4
Ephesians 2:15 (KJV)
15Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;
Colossians 2:14 (KJV)
14Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;
Ephesians 2:15 and Colossians 2:14 confirm that the Old Testament laws were abolished; nailed to the cross.
STEP 5
Galatians 4:5 (KJV)
5To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.
Galatians 4:5 tells us that Jesus redeemed those who were under the law. Ephesians 2:15 and Colossians 2:14 above tell us how Jesus redeemed those under the law – by nailing the laws to the cross.
STEP 6
Galatians 3:10 (KJV)
10For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.
Galatians 3:10 is telling us those who reject what Jesus did on the cross and continue to put themselves under the law are cursed by the law. That verse also tells us those who put themselves under even one of the laws, are putting themselves under all of the laws written in the book.
my experience with tithing is it has become a way to exploit the book of malachi. this book has been used by televangelist to say that it is the way to success & prosperity. televangelist say that if you give your 10% you will be rich, successful & prosperous.
REALLY? in the book of proverbs, it talks about sharpening your SKILLS, UNDERSTANDING & HAVING WISDOM WITH REGARDS TO YOUR JOB & WORKING HARD. it is like a farmer who plant seeds during the spring or summer & harvest his crops during the fall. this involves HARD WORK, understanding the process of planting & finally harvesting what you sow.
is it because pastors & televangelist are lazy & using & exploiting malachi can result in easy money?
pastors & televangelist exploit the book of malachi. but in the same book of malachi, it also rebukes the priest bec. they give the wrong instructions & teaching that causes the people to stumble.
give you tithe because you want to give to god for the blessings he has given you & you are not FORCED TO give in the name of obedience. that is not obedience & humility but you are giving out of guilt, shame, blame & fear.
I think most miss the point of tithing. Just as what Christ did for all of us on the Cross was a GIFT - mercy and grace - we too should be willing ( 2 Corinthians 8:12 ) to follow the same example by giving to others.
I would say that gifting to your local church would allow you to help out many of your own neighbors in a much larger way than one person/family could do. I would also say that our service (abilities), talent, spiritual gifts could be tithing too. ( 2 Corinthians 9:7 )
Grace has two very clear acts - 1. in salvation and 2. in the walk and service of the saved (Rom 6:15).
Greetings,
What a powerful hub! I believe that today's christian are cheerful givers -- giving out of their abundance as God has given unto us.
In fact, just this evening when I got home, Christian neighbors across the street brought over bags filled with produce. Giving out of their abundance! I believe the Holy Spirit led them and God blessed them!
Great Hub! and I've enjoyed ALL the responses of our brothers and sisters in Christ!
He came that we might have LIFE and that more abundantly!
I THINK GOD HAS MADE IT CLEAR THAT TITHING IS NOT GIVING . IT IS A SPECIAL PORTION OF YOUR INCREASE WHICH GOD HAS RESERVED FOR HIMSELF. Lev 27:30 And all the tithe of the land, of the seed of the land, or of the fruit of the tree, is Jehovah's. It is holy to Jehovah.
JESUS ALSO PUT A STAMP ON TITHING HAS A NEW CONVENANT PRACTISE {Mat 23:23 Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you pay tithes of mint and dill and cummin, and you have left undone the weightier matters of the Law, judgment, mercy, and faith. You ought to have done these and not to leave the other undone.}
seyiari - Where does God say to tithe on YOUR increase? You quote Leviticus 27:30 which is tithing on God's increase - items from the land, that come directly from God, NOT on anything that man made or earned. Next, you quote Matthew 23:23 which is PRIOR to Calvary; therefore, prior to the New Covenant, or New Testament. Jesus was speaking to those who were under the Old Testament laws. Therefore, Matthew 23:23 does NOT show that Jesus, in any way, endorsed tithing for the Christian church.
All you need to do is study Hebrews 7:5, 12, and 18 and you will plainly see that when the Levitical priesthood ended, so did ALL the laws that supported it, including tithing. Can't be any clearer than in The Word itself.
what we cannot deny is that both Tithing and Free will offering is mentioned in the Bible...albeit one is of the Old Covenant sealed with the Blood of bulls and the other of the New Covenant sealed with the Blood of Jesus the Son of God. Study the both concepts of giving and then make your decision with the guidiance of the Holy Spirit as to whether you are to Tithe or give freely to the Lord or do both. God has given us the fereewill to chose.....and chose only at the conviction of the Holy Spirit....either way you chose you reap the consequences...
Gentiles were not Gods chosen people nor were they under any Mosaic laws in the Old Testament. Jews were forbidden to marry Gentiles and were forbidden to even eat with them or go into their houses. Gentiles (non Jews) were not even included as Gods people until after Jesus went to the Cross so the point is moot in my opinion on whether Gentiles were commanded to Tithe. Unless you were Jewish none of the Jewish Mosaic laws applied to you period and end of story. It is amazing how some Tithe Teachers have made a square fit into a circle with their scripture twisting!
Hubster meetbrandon,
You asked Yes2Truth how paying tithe could hurt. Very good question. I find many questions like it in Scripture. Here is the first one—
“How could eating a piece of fruit hurt?”
It is easy to show how paying the tithe can hurt. Let us begin with a guy from Guyana named Jim Jones. Ol’Jimmyboy loved the tithe. Shall we continue this discussion? Or is it time to pass the plate
Andy
this has been a blessing to read, but the true of the matter is about OBEDIENCE.You can keep your eyes closed are not but you will see that it is only about OBEDIENCE.
Why would someone not want to do more under grace than what was forced by the law. We have a greater debt then they!
Anyone having trouble with the practice of tithing, has a problem with both obedience and a wrongful relationship with their money. Period. Excuses abound and are always available for those that refuse to acknowledge the truth of the tithe. (Excuses is something that the devil never runs out of and he is quick to distribute them.)
Why, even in the garden of Eden, God kept back a portion for Himself. The tithe acknowledges that God is our source and it is an act of obedience. Prolly, the very ROOT of obedience concerns our tithes.
And there is a difference between the tithe and an offering, as Rising Glory pointed out.
Good hub, Brandon.
Tithing was for the Israelites not the Gentiles, and Jesus Christ beacme the Tithe for believers, and the true Tithe is called the Firstfruits which is Christ
1Co:15:20: But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.
1Co:15:23: But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming.
Old Covenant laws were pointing towards Jesus Christ, and when he came he fulfilled them all including the tithe.
So tithing is giving of Firstfruits, and this has been stopped according to Jesus Christ being the offering, the Old has ceased.Old has faded away. Old has no effect today under the New Covenant.
It has been used as a money making machine in the church. Reject tithing as a teaching of obedience, God is already pleased with those in his son Jesus Christ .
Dont confuse giving with Tithing
Giving is a better practice than Tithing, it offers freedom and right of choice without a law attached.
Tithing is a law of bondage, and many have been set free of this bondage to walk in freedom, thats why Christ is that freedom the Firstfruits
Many believers are walking in error thinking God blesses tithers. God blesses his children regardless of giving or tithing, its his promise.
We owe God nothing, he has set us free from Laws and Ordinances.
Giving is the answer to support of spreading the Gospel, you can decide "purpose in your heart" one day and decide differently another day, hence the freedom to decide. God will not force your mental choice or press a Law on you to obey. Grace covers it.
Shalom
Everything belongs to the Lord. When we tithe, we are acknowledging this truth. When we do not tithe, we are refusing to acknowledge this truth.
Tithing is not us giving God ten percent but God giving us nine tenths of what belongs to Him. Therefore, when we refuse the tithe we are truly robbing God, just as the Word says, because we are taking 100 percent.
Tithing is one of the most misunderstood topics in the Bible.
Let's get the facts straight. First, firstfruits has NOTHING to do with the tithe. Nehemiah 10:37-38 shows us that the firstfruits were taken to the temple for the priests while the tithe was taken to the Levites to go into their cities. Firstfruits has NOTHING to do with a tenth. The word tithe means a tenth, nothing else.
The first mention of a tithe in the Bible is in Genesis 14:20 which is repeated in Hebrews 7. No church basis it's teaching of the tithe on Abraham's tithe - pagan spoils of war, a one-time event, not on his income or prior wealth, and Abraham kept NOTHING for himself.
The next mention of a tithe is in Genesis 28:22 where Jacob makes a vow to give a tenth, but ONLY IF God fulfills Jacob's terms. No church basis it's teaching of the tithe on Jacob's vow to tithe. By the way, there is nothing in the scriptures to show that Jacob ever, in fact, gave a tenth.
The next mention is in Leviticus 27:30-33. These verses are the definition of what is known as The Lord's Tithe. The actual law for the Levitical tithe is in Numbers 18. You cannot change God's Word. The definition of the Biblical Tithe is clear - it is ONLY on food items (crops and animals). The law in Numbers 18 makes it clear as to who is to receive the tithe (the Levites), what the duties are, etc. Numbers 18 IS the law that established the Levitical priesthood. That law includes how the priesthood is to be financed, and who could be the priests, and who could be high priest.
Numbers 18 was never changed. The priesthood of Jesus Christ was established WITHOUT law. There is NO law from God that commands the duties, how the priesthood will be finances, etc. Because Numbers 18 was never changed, and since it did NOT allow a high priest from the tribe of Judah, the ONLY WAY we can accept Jesus Christ as high priest now, and for born-again believers to be the priests now, is to CANCEL THE LAW, at least Numbers 18 and ALL OTHER LAWS relating to the Levitical priesthood. That includes tithing. Hebrews 7:28 actually tells us that Numbers 18 was disannulled, or cancelled.
The priesthood of Jesus Christ is based on FAITH and GRACE.
NOWHERE in the Bible does it show that God ever commanded anyone to tithe on anything that man made or earned. The tithe was always on the miraculous increase from God, not man.
To be "obedient" to an Old Testament Law is showing disrespect to Jesus, and in my opinion, is denying what Jesus did on the cross.
Tithing today does NOT show obedience to God or love of God. It shows ignorance which is being perpetuated by dishonest and/or ignorant preachers who obviously have little faith. I know of many pastors who know that tithing ended at the cross but who continue teaching and collecting the tithe to keep the money coming in.
All of the following well-known scholars agree that tithing ENDED AT THE CROSS, and that there is NO tithing in the Christian Church.
Scholars at the SOUTHEASTERN BAPTIST THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY who published their report on tithing in 2005, John MacArthur, Chuck Swindoll, J. Vernon McGee, Robert Baker (chief SBC historian), Dr. David Croteau and Dr. Russell Kelly (both of whom wrote their thesis on tithing to get their Ph.D.), Phillip Schaff (historian), Alfred Edersheim, James W. Winfree Ministries, C. I. Scofield, Craig Blomberg (Denver Seminary), Geoffrey W. Bromiley (Fuller Theological Seminary), Charles Ryrie (Dallas Theological Seminary), Walter A. Elwell (Wheaton College), Theodore H. Epp (founder Back to the Bible), Gary Friesen (former Dean of Multinomah College), Scholars at the Dallas Theological Seminary, DALLS THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY, TALBOT BIBLE COLLEGE, and the list goes on and on.
CORRECTION TO ABOVE - Hebrews 7:18 actually tells us that Numbers 18 was disannulled, or cancelled.
I don't think it is a sin to not tithe. I don't think that God will punish us or withhold our prosperity and blessings simply because we aren't tithing. However, when we tithe, God loves us for it and will bless us with increased prosperity flow.
People should not be tithing out of feelings of fear that they will be breaking God's law or be punished if they don't tithe. They should not be tithing simply out of obedience and obligation. God will love us and help us and grow us whether we tithe or don't tithe.
However, when you are flowing in grace, you will automatically feel like you want to tithe, and you will have no fear that tithing will deplete your finances. You will just know that as you give, you also receive. You won't be feeling like you are being forced to tithe out of some old law in the Old Testament. You won't be complaining about ministers teaching tithing.
Tithing cannot hurt us, it can only increase our blessings and help the church to pay its bills and grow.
We give to the church out of love and appreciation for all that the church has done for us. When someone helps you, you have a desire to help them, too, and you have a desire to give something back to them. That's just automatic, when you are flowing in love and appreciation and have no fears or false beliefs.
The Devil wants us to stop tithing because if we stop tithing, then the churches and TV ministries will suffer financially. Without tithing, TV ministries would cease to exist.
I don't see anything wrong with teaching tithing, as long as it isn't being taught that you must tithe because to not tithe is considered to be a sin and a breaking of God's law. Tithing should be taught in the same way that a church would teach about giving and receiving. There should be no judgments or threats involved.
Also, ministers should not be in a state of greed when they teach tithing; yet ministers should have a good healthy sense of the fact that they deserve to have wealth and know that they will be good stewards of that wealth and flow in their divine guidance as to how to allocate their wealth, according to God's will.
Many people still do not understand that as they give, they also receive. Many people are still afraid to tithe because of a lack of finances or because of a down economy. The church can heal those false beliefs by teaching concepts of tithing and giving.
Perhaps some people have a problem with how tithing is being taught, as opposed to their being against tithing entirely? It's like as soon as they hear the term, "tithing," some sort of red flag goes up. It's almost like they think that tithing is a sin. This is not right.
Some people also view the ministers who teach tithing as being too greedy. I don't think that this is usually the case. Ministers have to be able to pay their bills and expand their ministries. And I don't see anything so wrong about ministers wanting to be prosperous. God wants everyone to be prosperous, especially his ministers. It's like the Devil wants us all to think that ministers shouldn't have a lot of money. What's wrong with ministers having money? If anyone should have lots of money, the ministers should be at the top of the list to receive first, not last! It is not a sin to be wealthy! The government is trying to restrict the amount of money that ministers are allowed to pull in from donations. Is this right or fair? Certainly, greed is a sin. But one has to determine whether a wealthy minister is wealthy out of greed, or wealthy out of love and integrity. Sometimes only God knows their heart.
Tithing is not about obedience, it is voluntary, and it has to come from the heart. You cannot tithe out of fear and obligation and expect to receive your hundredfold return. Do not tithe out of a fear that God and the church will judge you if you don't tithe. Don't tithe because you fear that if you don't tithe your prosperity won't flow.
I liked how you said, "How does tithing hurt us?"
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Maraiya Storm - You are confusing tithing with giving. Tithing is NOT giving ten percent. Tithing is a PAYMENT, not a gift. The Biblical tithe was PAID. See Matthew 23:23 and Hebrews 7:9. Abraham GAVE a tenth, and Jacob vowed to GIVE a tenth. Abraham's gift was pagan spoils of war, NOT from his own income or wealth, was a one-time event, and HE KEPT NOTHING FOR HIMSELF. There is NO evidence that Jacob ever in fact gave a tenth, and if he did, he put conditions on God to fulfill before he would give. No church bases their teaching of the tithe on either one.
Churches today base their teaching on The Lord's Tithe. As I have already explained, the definition of The Lord's Tithe is in Leviticus 27:30-33, and the law, or requirements, or in Numbers 18.
Those against the false teaching of tithing are NOT against generous giving as taught in the New Testament. If a person wants to GIVE ten percent of their income to the church, that's fine. But they should NOT confuse this giving with the Biblical tithe which was law, a payment (not a gift), only on crops and animals, and required to be given to the Levities who were assigned duties at The Temple where the Spirit of God lived. To take the Biblical tithe to your local church is a sin against God since God made it perfectly clear where to take His tithe. It is being disobedient to God. God said His tithe is to be taken to the Levites. Period.
Pastors use Malachi 3:8-10 out of context to make people believe they are robbing God if they don't tithe. They should start with verse 7 which refers to not following the "ordinances." Those ordinances are contained in Numbers 18 which was cancelled in Hebrews 7:18. Therefore, Malachi 3:8-10 cannot possibly apply today.
People need to study this issue on their own and stop listening to dishonest and/or ignorant preachers who continue to perpetuate this false teaching.
This will shut up the tithe police, who claim the not all of the law was abolished,just ask them if they also keep the Sabbath which is also law and it means to cease from all activity from Friday night to Saturday night. None of them keep the Sabbath so this shoots their false doctrine to continue to pay God to be blessed even since Jesus went to the Cross to pay all in full for us is not logical.
If you don't keep the Sabbath you have no right condemning us for not swallowing your pay God the tithe or be cursed stupidity. I am more blessed accepting the fact that Jesus paid in full for not only my Salvation but for every need for free. I wish you people would stop slandering the good Character of our merciful and loving Father by saying to pay up or else!
Carrie Bradshaw says:
5 months ago
I really appreciate the balance of LAW versus GRACE in this hub. Praise God! Thank you for this very encouraging message.