Tithing-In the New Testament Church

This is just a question or thought of mine that I had:

But, if we-the Church-New Testament believers-are NOT under the Law of Moses-but are under grace, and of the Spirit of the Living God; then why do we Tithe in the New Testament?

2. In 90% of Old Testament scripture-tithing itself was mostly from what I see corn, oil, wine, oxen, etc...and only a few instances was it money.

Again, this is something that I just thought of-this is not, and I don't want it to turn into condemning people who pay tithes or condemning people who don't pay tithes-I just want your thoughts, understanding, knowledge or revelation of the topic. Thanks in advance.
:-D

[u][b]Luke 18:22 (NKJV)[/b][/u]

[i]So when Jesus heard these things, He said to him, “You still lack one thing. Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me[/i]

[u][b]Luke 21:1-4 (NKJV)[/b][/u]

[i]And He looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the treasury, and He saw also a certain poor widow putting in two mites. So He said, “Truly I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all; for all these out of their abundance have put in offerings for God, but she out of her poverty put in all the livelihood that she had.”[/i]

Everywhere you look, Jesus did not talk about tithing. The only thing that you see is where Jesus says to sell everything and give it away.

The reference of laying down everything at the diciples feet is another good verse on this.

[u][b]Acts 2:44-47 (NKJV)[/b][/u]

[i]Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need.
So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.[/i]

[u][b]Acts 4:32-35 (NKJV)[/b][/u]

[i]Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul; neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common. And with great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them all. Nor was there anyone among them who lacked; for all who were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold, and laid them at the apostles’ feet; and they distributed to each as anyone had need.[/i]

[u][b]2 Corinthians 9:6-15 (NKJV)[/b][/u]

[i]But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work. As it is written:

“ He has dispersed abroad,
He has given to the poor;
His righteousness endures forever.”

Now may He who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, supply and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness, while you are enriched in everything for all liberality, which causes thanksgiving through us to God. For the administration of this service not only supplies the needs of the saints, but also is abounding through many thanksgivings to God, while, through the proof of this ministry, they glorify God for the obedience of your confession to the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal sharing with them and all men, and by their prayer for you, who long for you because of the exceeding grace of God in you. Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift![/i]

Tithing is important, but not mandated. If anything is mandated by Jesus, I read only to give it all to the poor. In Acts and 2 Cor, we are supposed to divided amongst one another, lay it (money) at the diciples feet, and give with a cheerful heart.

I give with a cheerful heart. The Lord honors those who honor Him, and I try to honor Him daily. Giving is another way to honor the Lord.

[u][b]1 samuel 2:30 (NKJV)[/b][/u]

[i]...for those who honor Me I will honor...[/i]

Christiaan

dear brothers,

i have not talked to many people at all about this issue because my "church" is very pro-tithing. but i would encourage everyone to really look into how the early church operated and by what means they did so. many churches may use tithing to pay the bills, but then there are churches that operate on very little money but alot of love and dependence upon the Holy Spirit..

do i personally believe in tithing as something that we are bound to in the NT?? no. but i long for a church that wants people to give so that they can take all the offering and give it to those who are in need. missionaries, poor, people within the congregation who are hurting, etc.

but i understand why some people tithe and do my best not allow a disagreement on a small doctrine overshadow the unity and love with one another that we should have.. but if we're not careful, that is what can easily happen

phil

This has always been an issue to me that I have not agreed with most churches on.

We all know that the new testament does not teach tithing, that was a requirement of the children of Israel according to the law.

First thing about that is that as gentiles, the law was not given to us, it was given to the children of Israel, we were not ever obligated to fulfill any part of that law. We have only been obligated to fulfill the law of our consciences.

Now, a couple of things, one has already been mentioned a bit, and that is that we are to give, as led by the Holy Spirit, not out of the letter of the law, but out of a heart that is sensitive to what the Spirit of God is saying.

I believe churches out of desperation to keep themselves running have often turned to tithing, because it is principle like, and is easy to teach, it is march harder to stand in faith, believing that God will move upon the people to support the church and it's missions every month. I don't believe all churches are guilty of this, but I do believe they are not diligent to seek the Lord on this, rather they just follow tradition, because it has worked in the past, so it must be true.

I feel like the constant passing of money buckets makes a church look cheap, money hungry, and money driven. Every week, a five or ten minute sermon on tithing, and how great and good it is. Why not teach the people to hear from the Lord, and then tell them how much money the church needs a month, or a week to keep running, and let God impress upon the hearts of men and women to do what is needed.

Lastly, one thing that ministers do not talk about very much is this, when Paul was with the Jewish Christians, he told them they had a responsibility to support the ministers of God full time so that they could minister freely to the people.

But when he was with the gentiles, he did no such thing, rather he worked for a living, making tents, and then ministered when he was not working.

Perhaps if we saw a little more of that, we would see more humble pastors.

Intens4Him wrote:

If I could, I'd like to add what you said about, "I read only to give it all to the poor." I personally believe that includes widows and/or orphans.

100% agree. I lumped them into the poor catagory. Thanks for pointing this out

In Christ,

Christiaan

But, if we-the Church-New Testament believers-are NOT under the Law of Moses-but are under grace, and of the Spirit of the Living God; then why do we Tithe in the New Testament?

If they tithed 10% under the law, how much more should we tithe under grace?

Why is tithing such a big issue? Do you not agree with the ministry of your church? If not find another church to pay tithe at. Do you not know what the church is doing with the money? Ask them. What is truly the motivation for folks not wanting to tithe?

Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that [there shall] not [be room] enough [to receive it]. Mal 3:10

Can we take God at his word? Pay tithe to his house and he will bless your house. Tithing is nothing more than another way to worship the good Lord, and I am thankful for all the ways we have to worship this great God.

With Love -Timmyjoe

jimdied2sin wrote:

Giving 100% of your entire life expecting nothing back other then for God to be glorified is another story. Now if you feel led to give 10% to your local body, God bless you, do not do it under "law" or compulsion though.

In Christ - Jim

I just got paid. It's my first paycheck since becoming a true Christian. (And not believing I was already one because I said a "sinner's prayer" 24 years ago, but my heart didn't experience regeneration.)

I used to tithe, blindly, because I was told/expected to. I had fallen prey to the Word of Faith movement, so naturally it was greatly encouraged/demanded and checked-up on. :::shudder:::

I've been praying and studying about this. I'm tired of being deceived so I sought God instead of relying on man's opinions and doctrines. (I've been following the "ask God first" method, seeking first [i]His[/i] kingdom and [i]His[u] righteousness.[/u][/i]

In the New Testament, Paul says that Christians should set aside a portion of their income in order to support the church (1 Corinthians 16:1-2). He says it should be an amount “in keeping with his income.” Great! The issue of giving is settled. Christians should give to the church. How plain and simple is that?

Ok, How much? There is no percentage guideline like the law of the Old Testament. I need wisdom and guidance then. With the Word and the Holy Spirit as my FIRST resource, instead of asking the opinions of men, I prayed.

James 1:5 says that every Christian should diligently pray and seek God’s wisdom. This includes seeking Him about our giving. If we don't ask for His wisdom on how we should give, we won't receive wisdom on how to give. The Bible is full of assurances that when we ask, we will receive. So, I asked Him for wisdom in giving.

James 2 comes along as a reminder to check our motives for asking. If someone is asking in order to find justification to not "have to" tithe/give, they're asking with a wrong motive. I sincerely want to glorify God with my giving so I asked, I believe, with a right motive.

Then I read the following verse and felt a true release from the question of giving/tithing.

“Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7).

No more law! No more legalism! We're free! Free to give whatever is in our hearts to give! Free to give according to our motives and attitude! I asked and I received, just like the Bible said!

Makes me wonder if we maybe complicate some issues more than they need to be?

Hi Keith,

That was a beautiful example of a Christian being taught by the Spirit how to live by faith.

"But the anointing which you have received from Him abides in you, and you do not need that anyone teach you; but as the same anointing teaches you concerning all things, and is true, and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you will abide in Him" (1 Jn. 2: 27).

"...the just shall live by faith" (Gal. 3: 11).

Thanks for the testimony.

Amen to that...I am in the same position, tired of being deceived and making you feel guilty about tithing. We have always tithed, but mostly because I was told too, I was told it is in the bible and so on. I found for myself that I was tired about paying the "bills" at the church and large salaries. Is the tithe actually to support the mortgage, the new building addition, the knew sound system and so on and so on. Not being critical or angry but this is what I have been going through. I want to support the church, I want to give whole heartily. I want to know for MYSELF, not what some pastor says or what the mega-tron screen says during the offering.

Thanks Kieth for your testimony...it encouraged me today to know that God will answer my plea in the matter of tithing.

To be faithful and obedient
Mike

If you'll allow me to share it, I'm finding that there's an added benefit to seeking God [i]first[/i] with my questions. A benefit that's even greater than getting the answer to the question!

After so many years of being deceived by men and women, both preachers and teachers, and then coming to the Truth about salvation, I had an important decision to make - blindly follow and trust people again (which I would rather go completely cold than be that kind of lukewarm again!) or I would actually live what I professed to believe - that the Word of God is true and that He's not a respecter of persons and the Holy Spirit will teach and guide me as he did our great Bible teachers of the past.

I girded myself with scriptures of how God loves [i]me[/i]! How He cares about the things that concern [i]me[/i]! About how He has a plan for [i]me[/i]! For [i]me[/i], not just mankind [i]in general.[/i] I believed these scriptures and settled the fact right then and there to seek Him [b]first[/b] and His [b]righteousness[/b]. Then, and only then, when it's needed, to seek the counsel of Godly men. By taking our questions and running to others first (friends, forum members, preachers, Bible teachers, etc.,) they become idols in our lives. An idol is anything that comes before God in our lives. So, that basically puts everything on God's shoulders to answer me when I seek Him about [i]anything and everything[/i], doesn't it?

Once I realized this, I almost thought I heard a physical voice from Above sigh and say, "Finally! He gets it! And it only took 24 years!" (That's how long ago I said that silly "sinner's prayer" and thought I was saved!)

So, what's that added benefit I mentioned? Peace. Silly, wonderful, glorious, tear-worthy, praise-shouting, comforting peace! Knowing that I got my answer from God and not people. No more, "Brother so-and-so makes a good point, so that must be true. But, then again, Sister what's-her-name makes sense when she said that other thing. They both can't be right! How am I supposed to know and decide?! I just want to do what's right!!! Why does this have to be so hard?????" Confusion, irritation, anger, bitterness, fear - they're gone. These things aren't from God in the first place, which should have been my BIG CLUE that I was not on the right path to begin with. But, I put up with it because I was too lazy and/or ignorant to seek God first, for myself. It's what He's been wanting from all of us all along!

The problem is, people want to be in control. They want to be right. They want to be well thought of. They want to be liked and respected by others. Stubbornness, rebelliousness and pride. Frankly, now that I've had a taste of His peace from seeking Him first, I have no energy to put into these things anymore. They wore me out anyway! You have to work too hard to keep up the kingdom you built for yourself.

I find that many (not all) people who argue either side of tithing are only trying to justify their own views on the subject. Many who are tithing do so in compulsion and fear "just in case" its the right thing to do and they don't want to be wrong about it so they just do it. Many who don't tithe don't want to give [i]anything[/i] anyway, so they're trying to justify keeping "their money" for themselves. The problem with both of these viewpoints, along with pride and stubbornness, is the motive. God is a God of motives.

So, I'm just me. I gave up the arguments and fear and rationalizations to unashamedly need, seek, and cling to a God who wants to guide me down His perfect path. I'm like a kid whose dad is taking him to Disney World. He said we're going so I know we'll get there! We may get a few flat tires, need a few mechanical repairs, give someone else a ride, and need to stop and rest along the way. But I trust him because he's my dad. We'll get there! It's the same with The Father. He says in His Word that He's prepared an amazing place where we'll always be together and never be apart again! Great, that's settled then! I trust Him so I'm going to just let Him drive.

As far as tithing goes, the New Testament says we should give to help support the church. To give in a manner that's commensurate with our income. And to do so cheerfully and willingly. I'll do my part and I'll do it with joy because I sought God's advice first and have peace about it! I'm not in control of how anyone spends the money God tells me to give them. Each of us is accountable to God for our own obedience and stewardship.

Thanks, Keith. Once again, I was blessed by your post. This is exactly what God has been dealing with me about in my walk with Him--Seek Him for His will and obey what He shows me. What else can it mean to "walk by faith" than this?

What if the sole goal of every leader in the church was to teach believers to love, trust, hear, and obey God for themselves, as opposed to teaching them to "submit" to a man or the teaching of a man? I bet the church would be a lot further along towards God's goal of "equipping of the saints for the work of ministry" (Eph. 4:12).