Tithing/Giving in the New Testament

[Gideon300]

There is a great deal of confusion about this subject, yet it is covered extensively in the NT. Just as the Law no longer applies, neither does the tithe apply. However, God's principle of giving and receiving still applies.

Lord Jesus said that we serve one of two masters, God or Mammon. Mammon is basically riches. Being wealthy does not mean that you serve mammon. Being poor does not mean that you are free from the love of money. Lotteries depend on the not well off lusting after riches.

I grew up in a home where money was a constant source of conflict. My mother worked to keep the family afloat. My dad was a drinker and gambler. When I was born again, I brought my attitude to money with me. Basically, I gave as little as I could get away with. I added up my expenses and gave whatever I imagined that I could afford. I was always broke. If I had money, something would come along and relieve me of it. My car broke down a few times, I bought a car that was an expensive dud, money just seemed to evaporate.

I met someone who astounded me. He was pastor of a home group. He was a full time electrical contractor. He gave and gave and gave. God provided the work, he would bless others. One time he came to my flat to check out my situation. He looked in the refrigerator to make sure I had enough to eat. This was his normal way of doing things.

Before I met this man, I heard someone else testify to God's goodness. He told us that he gave 75% of his income. I knew that I had an attitude problem, so I asked God to change my heart. He did.

It was extremely hard for me to be a cheerful giver. But once I began to be freer, my finances began to improve. My car started to fall apart. It had been excellent, but repairs were pointless as they were more than the car was worth. A position came up with my work that included a company car. Just what I needed.

I'm 70, free of debt, I own a decent vehicle and I can pay my bills when they are due. I have money in the bank. That makes me one of the richest people in the world. No, I'm not rich like Bill Gates and I would not trade places with him. But I have proven that God is faithful to His promises.

Do yourself a favour. Forget what other people are doing. Give what you can and ask God to give you more so you can bless others more. If you have an attitude problem, ask God to change you. We need to come out of worldly economics. If you are tied to the world's ways, your finances depend on how the world is doing. If you are living according to God's principles, you will be blessed accordingly.

It's not an issue of percentages or the amount you give. God looks for those who are free to give in their hearts. I can assure you that you will never regret giving, as long as it is in the right attitude.

 

[Dino246]

There is a great deal of confusion about this subject, yet it is covered extensively in the NT. Just as the Law no longer applies, neither does the tithe apply.

Great testimony... thanks!

I appreciate you stating the bolded point above. So many Christians either believe that we are required to pay tithes, or use the term loosely to mean 'giving' and inadvertently mis-teach newer believers. After getting into financial distress under a legalistic church, I studied the issue and discovered that "tithing" (surrendering 10% of one's income to the local church) is not required of Christians. I advocate as you do: give where the Lord leads, according to Scripture, and you will be blessed.

 

[Charlie24]

There is a great deal of confusion about this subject, yet it is covered extensively in the NT. Just as the Law no longer applies, neither does the tithe apply. However, God's principle of giving and receiving still applies.

Lord Jesus said that we serve one of two masters, God or Mammon. Mammon is basically riches. Being wealthy does not mean that you serve mammon. Being poor does not mean that you are free from the love of money. Lotteries depend on the not well off lusting after riches.

I grew up in a home where money was a constant source of conflict. My mother worked to keep the family afloat. My dad was a drinker and gambler. When I was born again, I brought my attitude to money with me. Basically, I gave as little as I could get away with. I added up my expenses and gave whatever I imagined that I could afford. I was always broke. If I had money, something would come along and relieve me of it. My car broke down a few times, I bought a car that was an expensive dud, money just seemed to evaporate.

I met someone who astounded me. He was pastor of a home group. He was a full time electrical contractor. He gave and gave and gave. God provided the work, he would bless others. One time he came to my flat to check out my situation. He looked in the refrigerator to make sure I had enough to eat. This was his normal way of doing things.

Before I met this man, I heard someone else testify to God's goodness. He told us that he gave 75% of his income. I knew that I had an attitude problem, so I asked God to change my heart. He did.

It was extremely hard for me to be a cheerful giver. But once I began to be freer, my finances began to improve. My car started to fall apart. It had been excellent, but repairs were pointless as they were more than the car was worth. A position came up with my work that included a company car. Just what I needed.

I'm 70, free of debt, I own a decent vehicle and I can pay my bills when they are due. I have money in the bank. That makes me one of the richest people in the world. No, I'm not rich like Bill Gates and I would not trade places with him. But I have proven that God is faithful to His promises.

Do yourself a favour. Forget what other people are doing. Give what you can and ask God to give you more so you can bless others more. If you have an attitude problem, ask God to change you. We need to come out of worldly economics. If you are tied to the world's ways, your finances depend on how the world is doing. If you are living according to God's principles, you will be blessed accordingly.

It's not an issue of percentages or the amount you give. God looks for those who are free to give in their hearts. I can assure you that you will never regret giving, as long as it is in the right attitude.

Abraham and Jacob paid a tithe (a tenth) before the Law, Gen. 14:20/28:22, it carried over into the Law and many will say there is no reason why it shouldn't carry over after the Law.

I've heard preachers say that we are the sons and daughters of Abraham and Jacob by faith in Christ and the tithe applies to us as well.

It is my opinion that God does not leave it up to the individual as to whether they are able to give or not. He asks for a tenth as a minimum and anything above that is our choice.

 

[Nehemiah6]

It is my opinion that God does not leave it up to the individual as to whether they are able to give or not. He asks for a tenth as a minimum and anything above that is our choice.

While this is fine as an opinion, we need to see what the New Testament says regarding Christian giving. It is actually called "liberality" (but literally it is charis = grace) and it is determined by how God leads. See both the chapters shown below.

And when I come, whomsoever ye shall approve by your letters, them will I send to bring your liberality unto Jerusalem. (1 Cor 16:3) Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit [know] of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia; How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality. (2 Cor 8:1,2)

So for some 10% would be acceptable, and for others 90%.

 

[Dino246]

Abraham and Jacob paid a tithe (a tenth) before the Law, Gen. 14:20/28:22,

Actually, Jacob only promised. There is no evidence in Scripture that he (personally) ever fulfilled that promise.

it carried over into the Law and many will say there is no reason why it shouldn't carry over after the Law.

Nothing "carried over into the Law". There was no command to tithe prior to Moses. There actually is a reason why it shouldn't carry over after the Law: Christians are not under the OT Law!

I've heard preachers say that we are the sons and daughters of Abraham and Jacob by faith in Christ and the tithe applies to us as well.

It is my opinion that God does not leave it up to the individual as to whether they are able to give or not. He asks for a tenth as a minimum and anything above that is our choice.

Respectfully, you are confused about the Christian's relationship to the old covenant Law. I encourage you to read Romans, Galatians and Hebrews and get it sorted out.

 

[Charlie24]

While this is fine as an opinion, we need to see what the New Testament says regarding Christian giving. It is actually called "liberality" (but literally it is charis = grace) and it is determined by how God leads. See both the chapters shown below.

And when I come, whomsoever ye shall approve by your letters, them will I send to bring your liberality unto Jerusalem. (1 Cor 16:3) Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit [know] of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia; How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality. (2 Cor 8:1,2)

So for some 10% would be acceptable, and for others 90%.

Is it ok then to give nothing if it is your choice because your bills take all of your money?

Is that acceptable with God?

That is the attitude many will take when it's left to them what to give instead of what God asks.

 

[Charlie24]

Actually, Jacob only promised. There is no evidence in Scripture that he (personally) ever fulfilled that promise.


Nothing "carried over into the Law". There was no command to tithe prior to Moses. There actually is a reason why it shouldn't carry over after the Law: Christians are not under the OT Law!


Respectfully, you are confused about the Christian's relationship to the old covenant Law. I encourage you to read Romans, Galatians and Hebrews and get it sorted out.

I encourage you to remember that robbing God in tithes and offerings carries a curse.

 

[Aaron56]

Ironically, this question is being approached by most from a legal POV: do we have to tithe or not?

Must we tithe? Tithing or not tithing does not change the love of the Father toward us in any way. We came into grace as sons of God and we will remain in His grace as sons.

Is their benefit to tithing? Of course.

To whom should we tithe if we do? Under the law it was to the temple. Since we are not under the law that standard no longer applies. In the accounts before the law (Jacob and Abraham), the tithe was to be given either to Jacob's father or to the one who blessed Abraham. In the life of a believer today, this may be the same person: the one through whom our faith was birthed (our father in the Spirit) and the one who blesses us.

 

[Diakonos]

There was no command to tithe prior to Moses.

Before and after the Law, tithing (Lit "giving a tenth") is not commanded. It is welcomed. Just as Melchizadek's priesthood is of faith, while Aaron's was of Law, tithing is an issue of faith, not law.

Similar to the peace offering (Lev 3) that would later come with the Law, tithing was an optional offering.

 

[EternalFire]

I find the video below quite informative concerning this topic. He even posted his notes on which this video is based to his website.

https://ithinkbiblically.com/the-three-tithes-of-the-mosaic-law/

 

[Charlie24]

The way I see it God introduced the tithe with Abraham and then Jacob and then in the Law of Moses.

Each time more understanding was given. Under Law the tithes were brought to the Levites and it seems they were to be supported by these tithes of the people and as Priests they also distributed to the poor and widows, etc.

To me this is a picture of the Church to carry out the message of the sacrifice of Christ, as did the Priests under the Law, and to help the poor and disadvantaged.

We see the tithe before the Law, during the Law, and I believe after the Law in this age of Grace.

I do not believe we have a choice to tithe, I believe it is a demand of God to support the Gospel of Christ and help the poor and needy.

 

[Dino246]

I encourage you to remember that robbing God in tithes and offerings carries a curse.

And I encourage you to stone your neighbours for committing adultery. You are either under the whole law or none of it. In Christ, we are not under the law. Malachi was written to those who were under the law.

 

[Charlie24]

And I encourage you to stone your neighbours for committing adultery. You are either under the whole law or none of it. In Christ, we are not under the law. Malachi was written to those who were under the law.

LOL, looks like some want an excuse to tithe when it's convenient.

 

[JStates]

Thank you for this! Yes, I grew up being taught that you had to give 10%. But you are correct, this is a command of the Law, we are under grace.

There is no longer a mandatory tithe, but instead a love-offering given freely.

 

[Dino246]

Before and after the Law, tithing (Lit "giving a tenth") is not commanded. It is welcomed. Just as Melchizadek's priesthood is of faith, while Aaron's was of Law, tithing is an issue of faith, not law.

Similar to the peace offering (Lev 3) that would later come with the Law, tithing was an optional offering.

Perhaps I'm not understanding you; I don't see anything in the Law that suggests tithing was optional (rather than required) and I don't see anything in the NT suggesting that it is to be continued in any form.

 

[Dino246]

LOL, looks like some want an excuse to tithe when it's convenient.

Clearly you don't understand the Christian's relationship to the Law.

Either we are under the Law, or we are not. There is no middle ground. If you want to be under the Law, you go right ahead, but bear these verses in mind:

Galatians 3:10 For all who rely on the works of the law are under a curse, as it is written: “Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law.”

James 2:10 For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it.

I'm a believer in Christ therefore I am not under the Law, and I won't tolerate anyone trying to put my brothers and sisters in Christ under the Law either.

 

[Charlie24]

Clearly you don't understand the Christian's relationship to the Law.

Either we are under the Law, or we are not. There is no middle ground. If you want to be under the Law, you go right ahead, but bear these verses in mind:

Galatians 3:10 For all who rely on the works of the law are under a curse, as it is written: “Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law.”

James 2:10 For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it.

I'm a believer in Christ therefore I am not under the Law, and I won't tolerate anyone trying to put my brothers and sisters in Christ under the Law either.

So the born-again Christian gives to support the local church when he chooses to? That is robbing God!

To suggest that tithing to support the church is keeping the Law is ridiculous!

 

[Diakonos]

Perhaps I'm not understanding you; I don't see anything in the Law that suggests tithing was optional (rather than required) and I don't see anything in the NT suggesting that it is to be continued in any form.

Yes, you are correct (and I agree) that tithing is not optional during the time of the Law. I am currently working on a lot of schoolwork, so I'll have to respond in detail another time.

But in the meantime, consider all the offerings people gave before the Law was given. They were not commanded, but God welcomed people's offerings. Some examples are Abel's offering (Gen 4), Noah's offering (Gen 7), Abram's offering (Gen 14), job's offering (Job 1). They were not under the Law, just as we. The point is that faith is pleasing to God and all forms of genuine offering/sacrifice (including tithing) are an expression of faith. For more clarity, study the implications of how Melchizadek's priesthood remains current (Heb 7).

I hope that helps

 

[arthurfleminger]

Tithing is never taught in the New Testament. The Old Testament practice of tithing at a 10% rate has been fulfilled by the practice of giving from the heart out of love just as the poor widow gave her 2 mites. But that mite was more than all those who gave their 10%, out of their abundance.

Lesson on giving from the Parable of the Widow's mite, from the New Testament.

I’m sure if any scribe, Pharisee, or Sadducee had approached the offering box while Jesus sat there, what they had put in would have been exactly what they should have put in according to the Law. But that was the problem.

They cared more about following the Law, or appearing to follow it, than they did treating people with love and respect.

The poor widow understood sacrifice. She loved God enough to give Him all she had. Her heart was in the right place. She gave out of love and not because any law demanded it.


Jesus watched the people as they made their offering. And yet, it was this poor widow’s offering that was significant to Him.
Somehow, she came in possession of two mites–an insignificant sum of money. Did she first think of all the things she could purchase with that money? Did she consider hiding it away for a time of greater need? The Bible doesn’t say. What we do know is that her ultimate decision was to bring it to the Temple.

This woman gave all she had, all that she had to live on . After those two coins dropped into the box, that was it. There was nothing else. There was no money in the bank. No credit card to use. No stocks or bonds to liquidate. And more than likely, it meant that there was no food for that day unless there was a miracle.

The widow gave, not because she could, but because she wanted to. It was a sacrifice of love similar to that of a man giving his life for a fallen world.

So, the New Testament fulfills the Old Testament's law of tithing at 10%, instead we are to give out of love and from the heart.

 

[Dino246]

So the born-again Christian gives to support the local church when he chooses to? That is robbing God!

To suggest that tithing to support the church is keeping the Law is ridiculous!

You might unconfuse yourself by reading Bible passages in their appropriate context. Malachi was not written to Christians.