Tithing. What are Christians suppose to do?

IMO it's a rather important point to use the correct vocabulary about this, and that the right vocabulary is "giving" not tithing. as @Judges1318 has been trying to point out, if we're calling it 'tithe' we're using specific Sinai covenant language, and we are being hypocritical if we don't pattern it after how the law specifies how people are/were to 'tithe'

i'm not personally 'fine' with using commandment/requirement language to describe what should in reality be completely non-compulsory, voluntary acts of free will. that's especially important when we have congregations full of largely Biblically illiterate members. they hear this word 'tithe' and they look it up, and they find it spoken about in the OT only, and only as a law. so what do they naturally conclude? that they are under this law, because the elders in the church are speaking about gifts as tho they are given under this law. so they see this as a commandment, even if it's not specifically preached as one, and they consequentially look at their Christian walk from a works-based, legalistic framework.
and this abuse of language doesn't just affect the ordinary parishioners, but as it goes on generation after generation using inappropriate vocabulary, generation after generation of preachers, teachers and other ministers grow up with the same works-based, legalistic framework of giving. error creeps in and gets spread exponentially - and we have presumably Biblically literate people in a position regarded as authoritative teachers, continuing to use the wrong language and sometimes even preaching sermons on $$$ that are completely contrary to how the NT describes the topic. knowingly spreading and reinforcing this error. and why? because it has become tradition they don't want to upset, and because they are afraid the finances will drop if they don't keep insinuating and/or openly teaching tithes instead of free-will, thanksgiving gifts.
yes, i'm giving a slippery-slope / snowballing argument. i realize that. but i don't think it's without merit. don't we all give essentially the same argument when we complain about the 'normalization' of sexual perversion in our society? about abusing language with regard to transsexual people's pronouns, and re-definition of all kinds of moral nomenclature? inclined planes are real geometry.

*sigh* i miss @Yet

McDonald's is almost 4 times bigger than Chik-Fil-A in terms of gross sales in the US and has more than 10 times as many franchises just in America alone, and McDonald's is worldwide whereas 'Christian Chicken' is more or less only in the Bible belt.
Chik-Fil-A's restaurants are on average individually about 1.5 times as profitable as an average McDonald's - but IMO there is no way one can legitimately say they're 'bigger than McDonald's' -- that's just factually incorrect.
https://www.qsrmagazine.com/content/qsr50-2019-top-50-chart


statistics i could find for % of regular church-goers that 'tithe' is between 10% and 25%
https://pushpay.com/blog/church-giving-statistics/
given the comments in this thread i suspect that a lot of people responding to the surveys this data was collected from might have rebuffed at the word 'tithe' and checked 'no' even though they do regularly give to the church, so i would look at that 10-25% as a bit of a lower bound, the true percentage of church attendees that participate in offerings being somewhat larger.
to be honest even 35% of the church giving to the ministry is sad. but either way we're looking at a lot more than 5%

it's true that Truett Cathy gave 90% of his income, and that's pretty wonderful thing to see how his business was rewarded.
https://www.renegadeentrepreneurs.com/chick-fil-as-truett-cathy/

but let's get all the facts straight if we can

that's not been my experience at all.
the majority of Christians who use the word 'tithe' think specifically of 10 percent of their weekly income being donated directly to the clergy, and they think of it as a requirement i.e. 'what they're supposed to do / expected to do'
furthermore the majority of sermons i have heard on the topic preach Malachi 3 'you have robbed God' rather than Matthew 10 'freely you have been given, freely give'

especially if a believer is 'new' the way giving is preached and taught they have the impression they are under a law to give a specific amount as minimum and to do so weekly. it's especially important to ground new believers in right doctrine. don't you agree? so what should be taught with regard to giving -- Matthew 10 or Malachi 3? should we teach new believers right vocabulary or should we confuse them by abusing language in such a way as to coerce their wallets out of their pockets?

i just searched sermonaudio, which has a database of almost 2 million sermons.
i found around one thousand five hundred sermons on 'tithing'
i found ten sermons on 'freewill offering'

over 2,000 sermons on Malachi 3 ((hit limit of search))
16 sermons on Matthew 10:8

hmm. are you sure nobody talks about OT tithing?

Another way to view "giving money" and not tithing?

If you "feel" like you are being "fed" good Spiritual food. Whether "milk", or "meat?"

Should be worth something, eh?

John 5:39 --- all scripture is about Jesus Christ.

so profitable for doctrine, reproof, correction, instruction in righteousness regarding what? regarding Christ.
the law is a picture-book of Christ. the tithing laws are pictures of Him. so IMO if you look at these laws and think, this is here to instruct me how much my bill for attending church services should be, you're missing the point. we're to look at scripture and find Jesus in it. knowledge of Him will instruct us in how we ought to live, yes. but the primary point of Leviticus isn't to teach us how to go about our business; it's to teach us about the person and work of God.

i didn't notice anyone in this thread talking about the Christology of the Levitical tithing commandments. i think we're not going to see what they really mean until we see how they testify of Him.

I tithed this way for years because I was taught it and accepted it as a hard and fast expectation of the true believer, just like we all accept 'do not murder' that way. I will tell you one thing I learned. God will not leave you twisting in the wind if you tithe. If you can afford it, and you want to, I recommend tithing into proven, accountable helps ministries. Not churches. Unless you're just really happy with a particular church and want to support it's existence (nothing wrong with that). Technically, though, the tithe was for the Levite himself, not for temple maintenance, which, if I'm not mistaken was done through taxes and free will offerings apart from the tithe.

I think tithing is a good benchmark, or goal, for one's personal giving to help others. It does help keep God foremost and the center of what you do. I would not tithe to a pastor who makes tithing a centerpiece of his ministry and says it's to finance the church. Speaking strictly from opinion, and only in general, the pastor who harps on tithing has an unhealthy love of money based in fear. The church has become a business in which it's leaders take out loans to go to school which they have to pay back. And, many of them think being in service to God entitles them to a safer 'better than the average Joe' life, even if just a little better. The message of tithing is a godsend to them. Too bad they of all people don't know how tithing was actually done in the OT. And if they did, they probably wouldn't want you to know.

I had an insight into this once. Shared it in an on line forum. Someone else had it too. I have since forgotten what it was. I hate when that happens.

Just like one time for a moment I could see and feel what it meant when Jesus said to Peter that someone else will dress you, referring to when he (Peter) would die for Him. Haven't had it since. I only know I had it.

I have not read in the Old Testament where tithes were money, but animals, and food, and I have not heard of it being money from someone else.

So why do they say give money for tithes.

The early Church sold all they had that was not a necessity, and distributed the money to the saints as every person had need.

Charity is greater than faith, and faith works by love, no love, no faith.

Love is the fulfilling of the law, and money is the root of all evil for it neglects the poor and needy, which Paul said if they go by money for their wants they have erred from the faith.

Paul said he could have all faith so as to remove mountains, but if he did not have charity he is nothing.

And if anybody preaches that God blesses with money and material things for their wants withdraw yourself from them having food and clothing be content.

James said if they do not have charity their faith is dead.

John said if they do not have charity then the love of God does not dwell in them, so do not love in word, neither in tongue, but in deed and in truth.

God only blesses us with our needs, and not our wants.

But the saints should provide food and clothing to the preacher if they have a need like they should do the same for all the saints.

But I do not understand the preacher's birthday in which they give money, and their vacation which they give money, or their anniversary, or anything else where they give money that is not for a need.

And the Bible says the preacher is not to be in the ministry for the money.

The tithes are the same as the Old Testament where it went to the priests to take care of their needs which the tithes coming in to the Church is for those that have a need.

Offerings can go towards other things like the building, maintenance, or whatever that furthers the kingdom of God.

And God said whatever a person purposes in their own heart let them give that which is offerings, and all the saints have to take care of the poor and needy.

But if tithes are for the saints that have need then what do tithes mean for there is no 10 percent but whatever is above your needs to help people.

Which some people might cry about tithes not wanting to believe it for they do not want to give up a tenth of their money for then they cannot enjoy their wants, but some could actually afford 50 percent and that is what they should do for there is no percentage in giving when helping the poor and needy for it is all the time.

So tithes mean nothing when we are to take care of the saints with their needs which can be 3 percent, 10 percent, or 80 percent.

And God said those that are rich distribute your money, which can cause many people to not believe Christianity, or not to believe among the saints because they will believe it is all a money grubbing system.

Which does not help that many preachers are living by their wants and some abundantly believing God blesses them with that so they take advantage of the saints, some even telling them what to give.

If a preacher has 1000 people as part of their congregation and each one gave a 100 dollars, which is 100,000 dollars do people think it could all go for the preacher for them to enjoy for they are to go by the same standard as everyone else going by their needs.

We are to feed and clothe the saints that have need if it is possible, and we only go by our needs and not our wants, which is whatever percentage that is for having food and clothing be content, which in the Old Testament 10 percent, but can be more than 10 percent in the New Testament.

I know a lot of people do not want to pay 10 percent and only go by their needs for then there is no Playstation, or Nintendo and games, and no vacation, and cruises, and going by their wants and they sure do not want to pay more than 10 percent.

That is because not all who claim Christ is willing to make the sacrifice and stop enjoying their wants, and fleshy pleasures, which God said they are lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God, and do not want to give up the bragging saying look what I got like the world.

Having Cribitis, or the Baby Crib Syndrome, wah, notice me, give me attention, and the child show and tell mentality look what I got.

Rev 3:15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.
Rev 3:16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.
Rev 3:17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked.

Use your words. What is your point?

Use your words.

This will be an interesting question that scripture chose to remain silent. All it says is that Jacob for example, promised to give back to Jehovah a tithe. Genesis 28:22

My best guess is that he made sure he gave a burnt offering of animals for that purpose. There was no money used then but he was richer than Abraham or Issac, Abraham being stated to be full of livestock, and scripture recorded the following about the Lord multiplying Jacob's livestock in Genesis 30-31, that God conspires against Laban to increase the wealth of Jacob by making Jacob's flocks grow. And it is from these flocks that he would have tithed. The customary way of doing so was through making an offering.

Genesis 30:31 ...“Don’t give me anything,” Jacob replied. “But if you will do this one thing for me, I will go on tending your flocks and watching over them

43 In this way the man grew exceedingly prosperous and came to own large flocks, and female and male servants, and camels and donkeys.

Given that in making his vow Jacob builds an altar, this is likely the means by which he intends to give a tenth to God.

Sorry should of clarified meant they are more successful per store and closed on Sunday, when I read the article they made almost 2X per store vs. McDonald’s almost.

So it would most likely make them the most successful franchise, per store numbers.

Regarding giving that seems extremely high this puts it at 3-5%, and others I’ve read put it at 5% max. Unless you’re reading about just Protestant denomination or something. And even out of the 5% how many are giving at least 10% probably only a certain % too.

Which means very low numbers:
https://www.church-development.com/blog/on-tithing-how-many-churchgoers-tithe

https://www.cdfcapital.org/tithing-generosity/

You right that tithing is a law.

But you have to Remember Jesus say all the law hang oN love

37] Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. ... [39] And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt lovethy neighbour as thyself. [40] On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.

So Jesus say oN those command hang oN ALl the law, all include tithing.

So the real porpuse of tithing law is love

The real porpuse of law do not kill is love etc.

Is giving 10 percent a give? Yes

Is giving 5 percent a give? Yes.

But I agree with you law of tithing is No longer efective for Christian, but law of love is.

Is law of love require giving money? It may Yes or No deppend the case

2 Corinthians 3:14-16 King James Version (KJV)

14 But their minds were blinded: for until this day remaineth the same vail untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which vail is done away in Christ.

15 But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the vail is upon their heart.

16 Nevertheless when it shall turn to the Lord, the vail shall be taken away.


Your statement about the "Christology of the Levitical Tithing Commandments has provided much food for thought. We must admit, as is plainly evident, that the Vail/Veil is upon the heart. Where is the Mind of Christ?

My reply in post #108 exposed your shameful adding to scripture in Genesis chapter 18.

This reply points out your blatantly deceitful display of adding to scripture. In Gen 26, to promote your false tithing narrative

KJV
Genesis 26:12 Then Isaac sowed in that land, and received in the same year an hundredfold: and the Lord blessed him.

AMP
Genesis 26:12 Then Isaac planted [seed] in that land [as a farmer] and reaped in the same year a hundred times [as much as he had planted], and the Lord blessed and favored him.

ESV
Genesis 26:12 And Isaac sowed in that land and reaped in the same year a hundredfold. The Lord blessed him,

Douay-Rheims 1899 American Edition
Genesis 26:12 And Isaac sowed in that land, and he found that same year a hundredfold: and the Lord blessed him.

NIV
Genesis 26:12 Isaac planted crops in that land and the same year reaped a hundredfold, because the Lord blessed him.

You don’t understand the use of a hypothetical “if”?

Why do you keep harping on this like a modern day Pharisee?

My reply,
In each case I have posted a reply to your questions to me.

Find here your deceitful work in post #91

QUOTE "Genesis 18:33 When the Lord had finished speaking with Abraham, he left, and Abraham returned home, and Abraham tithe to the Lord

(NOTE: here you added this to scripture """and Abraham tithe to the Lord"""

Genesis 26:12 Isaac planted crops in that land and the same year reaped a hundredfold, because the Lord blessed him, and Issac tithe to the Lord. END QUOTE

(NOTE: here you added this to scripture """and Issac tithe to the Lord""")

First you deceitfully add to scripture, promoting a false tithe narrative. And now you falsely accuse me of being, again, QUOTE "a modern day Pharisee".

If there is a law promoting Pharisee in our exchange, it isn't me!

How did I deceitfully add to scripture when i deliberately bold the addition so that everyone could see it? If that was really my aim, why would I do a thing like that?

In the first place, you were not originally in the discussion, I was discussing with Dino, and you chipped in halfway with all these silly accusations.

Nice try, Dino had no part in my post that you replied to. Where you deliberately & deceitfully added to 2 verses of scripture to promote your false tithing narrative.

Find here again your #91 post.
Genesis 18:33 When the Lord had finished speaking with Abraham, he left, and Abraham returned home, and Abraham tithe to the Lord

Genesis 26:12 Isaac planted crops in that land and the same year reaped a hundredfold, because the Lord blessed him, and Issac tithe to the Lord.

Just shameful!!