What happens if you don't tithe?

  • Christian Chat is a moderated online Christian community allowing Christians around the world to fellowship with each other in real time chat via webcam, voice, and text, with the Christian Chat app. You can also start or participate in a Bible-based discussion here in the Christian Chat Forums, where members can also share with each other their own videos, pictures, or favorite Christian music.

    If you are a Christian and need encouragement and fellowship, we're here for you! If you are not a Christian but interested in knowing more about Jesus our Lord, you're also welcome! Want to know what the Bible says, and how you can apply it to your life? Join us!

    To make new Christian friends now around the world, click here to join Christian Chat.
Sep 3, 2016
6,344
530
113
#1
Does the LORD our Father in Heaven rebuke the devourer (Satan) if I will not tithe? Mal. 3:11

Will I be cursed? Mal. 3:10

Should I tithe or pay my bills first?

Looking for biblical perspective.
 

Dino246

Senior Member
Jun 30, 2015
25,472
13,785
113
#2
The biblical perspective you need is found in Galatians, Romans, and Hebrews, along with other places.

What is tithing but part of the Mosaic Law? It is one of the many commands given to Moses for Israel to support the Levites and priests who had no land of their own. It was payable in agricultural produce only, not in cash.

The command to tithe was never given to the Church. Pay your bills; those are commitments that you have already made. Far be it to take what rightly belongs to someone else and give it to the Lord, unless in a specific case at a specific time, He is telling you otherwise because He has a specific plan in mind.

Be generous as the Lord has been generous to you: support the local assembly where you are fed, and support the work of the kingdom of God in your area and around the world. But don't embrace legalism by trying to warp the old covenant commands into works righteousness for the Christian.
 
L

Locoponydirtman

Guest
#4
The biblical perspective you need is found in Galatians, Romans, and Hebrews, along with other places.

What is tithing but part of the Mosaic Law? It is one of the many commands given to Moses for Israel to support the Levites and priests who had no land of their own. It was payable in agricultural produce only, not in cash.

The command to tithe was never given to the Church. Pay your bills; those are commitments that you have already made. Far be it to take what rightly belongs to someone else and give it to the Lord, unless in a specific case at a specific time, He is telling you otherwise because He has a specific plan in mind.

Be generous as the Lord has been generous to you: support the local assembly where you are fed, and support the work of the kingdom of God in your area and around the world. But don't embrace legalism by trying to warp the old covenant commands into works righteousness for the Christian.
What this guy said. Is all there is to say about it.
Save one thing; as long as you aren't legalistic about it a tenth is a good number to to set as a goal. If we can do more great. If we have to work toward being generous and freedom from materialism and debt and all the pit falls of materialist money based sin and temptation. Setting a goal is a good way to become disciplined. I personally think a tenth is a good number to attain to. If you aren't there yet do what you can best do with a good conscience toward God. It's best to pray and seek what the Lord would have you do in the matter before you do anything. The Lord will bless an honest and obedient heart.
 
P

pottersclay

Guest
#5
Well....God goes broke and you look for another job.
 

JaumeJ

Senior Member
Jul 2, 2011
21,429
6,707
113
#6
Does the LORD our Father in Heaven rebuke the devourer (Satan) if I will not tithe? Mal. 3:11

Will I be cursed? Mal. 3:10

Should I tithe or pay my bills first?

Looking for biblical perspective.
Pay your bills always. Keep idn mind that tithing in th eTheocracy of the first Israel was taken yearly out of the profits made and not on the principle. Tithing, as in the Word has never existed with me aside from those times. The word is mis-used in place of asking for donations to the assembly(ies).
 

Lafftur

Senior Member
Apr 18, 2017
6,895
3,633
113
#7
Does the LORD our Father in Heaven rebuke the devourer (Satan) if I will not tithe? Mal. 3:11

Will I be cursed? Mal. 3:10

Should I tithe or pay my bills first?

Looking for biblical perspective.
Giving to people is fun but, giving to the Lord is outrageous FUN!!! I highly recommend tithing 10% to the Lord with joy and thanksgiving for all He has done for us! He loooooooooves a cheerful giver! You will never be the same.........................Tithe! I dare ya! ;)
 

Dino246

Senior Member
Jun 30, 2015
25,472
13,785
113
#8
Giving to people is fun but, giving to the Lord is outrageous FUN!!! I highly recommend tithing 10% to the Lord with joy and thanksgiving for all He has done for us! He loooooooooves a cheerful giver! You will never be the same.........................Tithe! I dare ya! ;)
I appreciate your encouraging attitude, but I would encourage you to look carefully at the "doctrine" of tithing to see if it stands up to scrutiny. Tithing was never voluntary in Scripture; Christian giving is. The two are absolutely distinct. :)
 

Lafftur

Senior Member
Apr 18, 2017
6,895
3,633
113
#9
I appreciate your encouraging attitude, but I would encourage you to look carefully at the "doctrine" of tithing to see if it stands up to scrutiny. Tithing was never voluntary in Scripture; Christian giving is. The two are absolutely distinct. :)
Did Melchizedek "demand" or "command" Abraham to give a tenth? Abraham was returning after a great deliverance of Lot from the enemy, it was a great victory.......(God's provision for him and his household). -Genesis 14.

Are we so far removed from the "childlike" love for God, our Father?

Can't we just give our wonderful loving Father a tenth of what He gives us?

Can't we just say with our money, "Father, thank You, I love you, too!"

Why make it a law? Love is NOT a law.........Love is HIGH above laws.............
 

Magenta

Senior Member
Jul 3, 2015
60,147
29,457
113
#10
Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not
reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
2 Cor 9:7
 

Robertt

Well-known member
May 22, 2019
899
320
63
Bahrain
#11
Give what you can from your abundance. the tythe was from the increase not from their total flock births.
So after you paid your bills give to the kingdom happily.

but take care to remind yourself what tithe are fo

Deuteronomy 14:22-23 (KJV)
22 Thou shalt truly tithe all the increase of thy seed, that the field bringeth forth year by year.
23 And thou shalt eat before the LORD thy God, in the place which he shall choose to place his name there, the tithe of thy corn, of thy wine, and of thine oil, and the firstlings of thy herds and of thy flocks; that thou mayest learn to fear the LORD thy God always.

It was for you and your family to eat and have a great time when in Jerusalem, The levites got a portion too. so they could party.

Remember in old testament all the tithes went to Jerusalem and if it was too far to go you had to sell your tithe of your flock and spend it on whatever yuo wanted to .

Deuteronomy 14:24-26 (KJV)
24 And if the way be too long for thee, so that thou art not able to carry it; or if the place be too far from thee, which the LORD thy God shall choose to set his name there, when the LORD thy God hath blessed thee:
25 Then shalt thou turn it into money, and bind up the money in thine hand, and shalt go unto the place which the LORD thy God shall choose:
26 And thou shalt bestow that money for whatsoever thy soul lusteth after, for oxen, or for sheep, or for wine, or for strong drink, or for whatsoever thy soul desireth: and thou shalt eat there before the LORD thy God, and thou shalt rejoice, thou, and thine household,

Do not be deceived by so called Pastors calling people to give to the kingdom, that is not the purpose of tithes.
However we should take collections for the poor

1 Corinthians 16:1-3 (KJV)
1 Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye.
2 Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.
3 And when I come, whomsoever ye shall approve by your letters, them will I send to bring your liberality unto Jerusalem.

Also Offerings to help meet the needs of the ministry are separate again.

1 Corinthians 9:11-12 (KJV)
11 If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things?
12 If others be partakers of this power over you, are not we rather? Nevertheless we have not used this power; but suffer all things, lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ.
1 Corinthians 9:14 (KJV)
14 Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel.
Philippians 4:15-19 (KJV)
15 Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only.
16 For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity.
17 Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account.
18 But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God.
19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.


So in summary . It is not tithing you do.
Collections for poor are needed
Support of the ministers is needed.

In the end how much you give is upto you as it is clearly stated. A happy giver is what pleases God.
 

Lafftur

Senior Member
Apr 18, 2017
6,895
3,633
113
#12
Does the LORD our Father in Heaven rebuke the devourer (Satan) if I will not tithe? Mal. 3:11

Will I be cursed? Mal. 3:10

Should I tithe or pay my bills first?

Looking for biblical perspective.
I sense "fear" in all your questions............perfect love cast out all fear.

Answer all of "fear's" questions with love. By so doing, you will cast out fear!

Q: Does the LORD our Father in Heaven rebuke the devourer (Satan) if I will not tithe? Malachi 3:11

A: First, the Blood of Yeshua/Jesus reigns supremely over all believers - we have no sin. We do not fear ANYTHING Satan can throw at us - even tithing. WORKS are no longer under the microscope. However, our HEARTS are under the microscope. God is looking for faith in Him and love for Him. God is dealing with our hearts now, not our sin. Sin has been dealt with and "It is finished."

Q: Will I be cursed?

A: How can God curse someone He has blessed? You will not be cursed. However, you will miss a blessing of God's favor because tithing is an opportunity for all believers to say "Thank You and I love You, too!" to the Father. It's acknowledging that He has provided and blessed us and in return, we are saying "Thank You, and I love You, too!"

Q: Should I tithe or pay my bills first?

A: Definitely tithe FIRST! Seek FIRST the Kingdom of God and all these things will be added to you. Don't be afraid. Give God the FIRST part, He will settle ALL your accounts. Trust Him. He is faithful.

Looking for Biblical perspective...................

God is love. What would love do? Love would love. Love loves to give. :love:(y)
 

Lafftur

Senior Member
Apr 18, 2017
6,895
3,633
113
#13
Give what you can from your abundance. the tythe was from the increase not from their total flock births.
So after you paid your bills give to the kingdom happily.

but take care to remind yourself what tithe are fo

Deuteronomy 14:22-23 (KJV)
22 Thou shalt truly tithe all the increase of thy seed, that the field bringeth forth year by year.
23 And thou shalt eat before the LORD thy God, in the place which he shall choose to place his name there, the tithe of thy corn, of thy wine, and of thine oil, and the firstlings of thy herds and of thy flocks; that thou mayest learn to fear the LORD thy God always.

It was for you and your family to eat and have a great time when in Jerusalem, The levites got a portion too. so they could party.

Remember in old testament all the tithes went to Jerusalem and if it was too far to go you had to sell your tithe of your flock and spend it on whatever yuo wanted to .

Deuteronomy 14:24-26 (KJV)
24 And if the way be too long for thee, so that thou art not able to carry it; or if the place be too far from thee, which the LORD thy God shall choose to set his name there, when the LORD thy God hath blessed thee:
25 Then shalt thou turn it into money, and bind up the money in thine hand, and shalt go unto the place which the LORD thy God shall choose:
26 And thou shalt bestow that money for whatsoever thy soul lusteth after, for oxen, or for sheep, or for wine, or for strong drink, or for whatsoever thy soul desireth: and thou shalt eat there before the LORD thy God, and thou shalt rejoice, thou, and thine household,

Do not be deceived by so called Pastors calling people to give to the kingdom, that is not the purpose of tithes.
However we should take collections for the poor

1 Corinthians 16:1-3 (KJV)
1 Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye.
2 Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.
3 And when I come, whomsoever ye shall approve by your letters, them will I send to bring your liberality unto Jerusalem.

Also Offerings to help meet the needs of the ministry are separate again.

1 Corinthians 9:11-12 (KJV)
11 If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things?
12 If others be partakers of this power over you, are not we rather? Nevertheless we have not used this power; but suffer all things, lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ.
1 Corinthians 9:14 (KJV)
14 Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel.
Philippians 4:15-19 (KJV)
15 Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only.
16 For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity.
17 Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account.
18 But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God.
19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.


So in summary . It is not tithing you do.
Collections for poor are needed
Support of the ministers is needed.

In the end how much you give is upto you as it is clearly stated. A happy giver is what pleases God.
The widow woman did NOT give from her abundance. She gave according to her love. She gave all that she had. Giving to God is according to love. How much we love is how much we give.........:love:(y)
 

Robertt

Well-known member
May 22, 2019
899
320
63
Bahrain
#14
again you are combining the tithe and the offering and the collections.

One is not the other.

this thread is about the TITHE and the LAW behind it.

I used scriptures to say there are other reasons to give money.

Sorry if my bad typing and misalignment of paragraphs caused you to think otherwise.
 

Lafftur

Senior Member
Apr 18, 2017
6,895
3,633
113
#16
again you are combining the tithe and the offering and the collections.

One is not the other.

this thread is about the TITHE and the LAW behind it.
The widow was giving to the offering not her Tithes.
I used scriptures to say there are other reasons to give money.

Sorry if my bad typing and misalignment of paragraphs caused you to think otherwise.
Hello Robertt,

Thank you for all your scriptures! They are wonderful! Sometimes, we get bogged down in the scriptures and miss the truth of God's love. Yeshua/Jesus - God's Love manifested for us is the measuring stick. ALWAYS look for God's Love.........precious! Everything God does equals His Love.

God bless you and enjoy your journey! :love:(y)
 
P

pottersclay

Guest
#17
Tithing.......... is it really a written law for Israel only or a condition of the heart.......you decide.
 

JaumeJ

Senior Member
Jul 2, 2011
21,429
6,707
113
#18
Tithing as commanded in the law is for the Theocratic state of Israel. It cannot be accomplished anywhere els.

Now if you mean supporting your assembly and/or donating to the assembly for its upkeep and care of the flock, that is always welcomed and good, but donot call it tithing uless you havee a country that is lead by a human high priest with all the dtrappings. You do not but when we are with our High Priest the need will no longer exist either.
 

mailmandan

Senior Member
Apr 7, 2014
25,475
13,419
113
58
#19
Malachi 1:1 - The burden of the word of the Lord to Israel by Malachi. Malachi 3:8 “Will a mere mortal rob God? Yet you rob me. “But you ask, ‘How are we robbing you?’ “In tithes and offerings. 9 You are under a curse—your whole nation—because you are robbing me. The whole nation of Israel under the Old Covenant.

Many churches teach that Christians are obligated to give a minimum of 10% of their income to their church. Others teach that preachers of these churches are turning the 10% tithe in the Old Testament for Israel into a monetary, legalistic prescription for Christians under the New Covenant. I even once heard a Pastor make a challenge to his congregation to give 10% of their income for 90 days and if God does not bless them then he will give them their money back.

In 2 Corinthians 9:5-7 we read: Therefore I thought it necessary to exhort the brethren to go to you ahead of time, and prepare your generous gift beforehand, which you had previously promised, that it may be ready as a matter of generosity and not as a grudging obligation. 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.

I don't see a "specific percentage" given anywhere for Christians to give "under the New Covenant," but I certainly believe in giving and not just to our church. I also believe that everything we own belongs to God and we certainly can't out give God.
 

Dino246

Senior Member
Jun 30, 2015
25,472
13,785
113
#20
Did Melchizedek "demand" or "command" Abraham to give a tenth? Abraham was returning after a great deliverance of Lot from the enemy, it was a great victory.......(God's provision for him and his household). -Genesis 14.

You are correct. I thought about this event when I woke up. I was thinking, and should have said, "Under the Law...".

Are we so far removed from the "childlike" love for God, our Father?

Can't we just give our wonderful loving Father a tenth of what He gives us?

Can't we just say with our money, "Father, thank You, I love you, too!"

Why make it a law? Love is NOT a law.........Love is HIGH above laws.............
What you describe is not "tithing" though. It's a loving response to a generous God. When a Christian uses the word, "tithe" (or derivative) they usually mean (and are heard to mean) mandatory contribution of ten percent of one's monetary income to one's local church. That simply isn't taught in Scripture... anywhere. First, because tithing under the Law was not voluntary, and second, because the contributions were animals and agricultural produce, not cash. If an Israelite wanted to contribute cash instead, he had to add one-fifth of the value o the goods so replaced, making it 12%, not ten (See Leviticus 27).

I am in favour of generous giving, because Scripture does teach Christians to give generously. However, there isn't a shred of Scripture that teaches Christians must give ten percent of their income to their local church. By all means give, but don't inadvertently teach others to give in a way that Scripture doesn't support! :)