Since my wife and I have been talking about tithing, I wanted to share some articles over the ensuing weeks that I’ve found beneficial in fine-tuning my own perspective. Why don’t you read through the short article below and share your thoughts. I look forward to hearing from you. Oh, and by the way, I’ve included my thoughts in bold.
From the English Standard Version Study Bible (pgs. 2559-2560 ):
A third use of resources, one repeatedly emphasized in Scripture, is giving money to those in need, or to the Lord’s work in the church and in missions. In the OT, God required his people to give a “tithe” (that is, 10 percent) of their grain (Lev. 27-30) and of their “herds and flocks, ever tenth animal” (Lev. 27.32; see also Gen. 14.20; 28.22; Num. 18.21, 26; Deut. 12.17; 14.22; 26.12-13). But while Jesus spoke about the tithing of the scribes and Pharisees (Matt. 22.23) during his earthly ministry after his resurrection and the establishment of the NT church at Pentecost (Acts 2) the requirements to give a “tithe” or a tenth of one’s income is never explicitly imposed on Christians (bold mine).
If tithing was limited to farmers, can we conclude that:
(1) Priests, poor, tradesmen, and general laborers would not have been included in the tithe; and
(2) Even if the tithe was applicable for today, shouldn’t churches just require farmers to tithe?
Rather than stipulating a fixed amount, the NT places emphasis on generous abundant, cheerful giving: “God loves a cheerful giver” who “sows bountifully” (2 Cor. 9.6-7), and promises that “you will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way” (2 Cor. 9.11). So, while Christians are not obligated to give a fixed amount, it is hard to imagine that God expects people of the new covenant to give any less than the 10-percent tithe in the old covenant
The NT specifically encourages giving to assist others in need (1 John 3.17; cf. James 2.14-17). Jesus even encourages active imitation of God in doing good for “the ungrateful and the evil” (Luke 6.32.36). Paul devoted a significant portion of his third missionary journey to collecting funds for the needs of poor Christians in Jerusalem (Acts 21.17; 24.17; Rom. 15.25-28, 21; 1 Cor. 16.1-4; 2 Cor. 8.1-4; 9.1-5).
Though it is right to give to the material needs of all people, both believers and unbelievers, the NT prioritizes giving to t needs of Christian brothers and sisters: “So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith” (Gal. 6.10; cf. “brother” in 1John 3.17).
The NT also encourages Christians to support the needs of the church and of those who do the work of evangelism. Paul received financial support from the church at Philippi (Phil. 4.154-19), and he told churches to support their elders, “especially those who labor in preaching and teaching” for the laborer deserves his wages (1 Tim. 5.17-18; cf. 1 Cor. 9.6-14; Gal. 6.6). This would require that those who are part of a church should regularly give to support the ministry of the church.
If we – as Christians – feed off of someone’s ministry via the Internet or Radio, do you think that we should financially support their work?
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Bonnie
on Jan 13th, 2010
@ 11:04 am:
I don’t think churches should *require* tithing, but, absolutely, Christians should tithe. It’s an act of faith – knowing that God is the one who provides for us and knowing that His is the universe and you’re only giving him back a portion of what he’s let you use. It’s an act of obedience – you are showing Him that you submit your life to him, literally. It’s just the right thing to do. And there are innumerable benefits to trusting and obeying God!!
To your second question: yes, we should financially support those who feed us spiritually, if we can. The number of places that feed me spiritually, however, I could not support them all. I read blogs, listen to radio, podcasts, etc. I couldn’t support them all. But if there is one radio station, or one podcast in particular that I go to over and over again, yes, I will send in money.
Jesse
on Jan 13th, 2010
@ 1:49 pm:
@ Bonnie: Thanks for commenting. Good thoughts and encouragement that God does in fact own everything.
In response to your first thought, I do agree that Christians should give and give liberally and I agree that churches should not require a tithe and/or make people think they are doing an injustice – breaing the Law – if they’re not giving a tithe.
Based upon a litany of factors, some may be able to give 1%, 3%, 5%, while others are able to give 20%, 40%, and even 90% of their income. In 2 Cor. 9.7, “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion…”
There are great benefits in trusting God. In light of so much “prosperity” Gospel teaching, I would just add that we’re not guaranteed to get a return on our money.
I like your second point you make and I would agree with you in your approach to giving.
Cheers, Jesse.
Tithing Us » Should Christians Tithe? « Reformed and Reforming
on Jan 14th, 2010
@ 1:40 am:
[...] from: Should Christians Tithe? « Reformed and Reforming Categories: Tithing Tags: ensuing, giving, over-the-ensuing, pay, short, the-ensuing, tithed, [...]
Guest
on Aug 2nd, 2010
@ 9:36 am:
Tithe Promoters and people following them may not even be saved according to Paul the Apostle
Paul promoted Grace over Law keeping & that the terms and conditions of our Covenant is under the Dispensation of Grace. This change occurred after the Cross. Favor and blessings come from praying to God, in the name of Jesus we now have access to God by faith in his payment not our own!
Galatians 3:13 "Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law"
(Wake up Christians cannot be cursed by an Old Covenant curse said to Jews under the law if we have now been redeemed from the curse of the law (tithing was a law). Contrary to what is taught Abraham and Jacob did not pay God, they gave a one voluntary tithe. However, God did command them to be circumcised before the Mosaic law was given and it is obvious that Paul the Apostle vehemently argued against keeping the circumcision (and other laws) to gain favor and justification with God. People go along with the tithing because they lack knowledge of what Jesus meant by Paid in full (It Is finished).
Galatians 3:10 "All who rely on observing the law are under a curse, for it is written: "Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law."
Galatians 3:10 "So it is clear that no one can be made right with God by trying to keep the law. For the Scriptures say, "It is through faith that a righteous person has life."
Galatians 5: 4 "For if you are trying to make yourselves right with God by keeping the law, you have been cut off from Christ! You have fallen away from God's grace".
Christians need to read all of Galatians verse by verse line by line, then pray for God's revelation of Grace which means unearned favor, given freely without anything we have merited.
Guest
on Aug 2nd, 2010
@ 9:38 am:
Correction" Galatians 3:11 "So it is clear that no one can be made right with God by trying to keep the law. For the Scriptures say, "It is through faith that a righteous person has life."
Anonymous
on Aug 2nd, 2010
@ 9:40 am:
Christians should give voluntarily as an act of worship not to keep a law that Jesus fulfilled at the Cross.