Tithing. What are Christians suppose to do?

  • 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.

Tithing


  • Total voters
    25
Dec 12, 2013
46,515
20,402
113
The tithe is holy and it belongs to God. The tithe has a purpose to fullfill.

But nothing stops you from helping someone in need. Even after returning your tithe.

And everything belongs to God. We are but stewards of God's possession. The principle behind returning the tithe is for us to forget about self. And learn to give. The blessings lays in sharing with others. The problem doesn't lay with the actions of the pastor. It has to do with a trust issue. Whom do you trust God or mammon?
We are not under the LAW........and if you want to get technical.....10% off the top when to the PRIESTS and then AN offering was given...

Tragic how many conflate the OLD with the NEW and in so doing corrupt both........

IN the NEW>.....LET EVERY MAN determine what he will GIVE....we are NOT commanded to TITHE.....That was o the JEWS under the OLD Covenant......
 

Ghoti2

Well-known member
Nov 8, 2019
469
283
63
All guests of a church should not be expected to support that church. The pastor should tell them that when the offering plate gets passed around.
That is why I wrote that post using the words I used.
 
Dec 12, 2013
46,515
20,402
113
I hope your not getting too smoked up there in Penrith mate!!
Oh man it has been bad brother.....had 50 c a few days ago and ALWAYS smokey migo......these fires are surreal...was raining ash and burnt leaves a few days ago....
 

DesertWanderer

Active member
Nov 17, 2019
366
201
43
61
New Mexico, USA
Well, you were right. You kicked a hornet's nest. But the nice people on this forum-- as usual-- have answered the question with grace and humility. In a week or two, I would like to revisit this topic, maybe in a different post since I have a complicated view of it.

Kudos for a great question.
 

FlyingDove

Senior Member
Dec 27, 2017
1,274
436
83
This is a strange argument from silence. Just because Genesis did not record him regularly tithing, its plain silly to say Abraham did not do it.

Imagine if the Bible included Jacob, or Issac or Abraham tithing, it will sound like this

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.

Can you see how silly it is for the Bible to record down every time these people tithe, in order to convince us Christians 2000 years later that tithing was before the Law?
My reply:
1st:
Gen chapter 18 isn't about tithing. Gen 18:33

KJV 33 When the Lord had finished speaking with Abraham, he left, and Abraham returned home.

AMP 33 33 As soon as He had finished speaking with Abraham the Lord departed, and Abraham returned to his own place.

ESV 33 And the Lord went his way, when he had finished speaking to Abraham, and Abraham returned to his place.

Douay-Rheims 1899 American Edition 33 And the Lord departed, after he had left speaking to Abraham: and Abraham returned to his place.

NIV 33 When the Lord had finished speaking with Abraham, he left, and Abraham returned home.

What I find silly & frankly shameful, is the FALSE narrative presented in your post.

Gen chapter 26 context isn't about tithing either.

2ndly: Some facts on tithing pre-law:
Jacob did tithe, however, NOT under a must give system. His free will giving, came with his own conditions. IF YOU/GOD DO, I WILL!

After wrestling with the Lord Gen 32:28. The Lord changes Jacobs name to Israel. Jacob's 12 sons become the 12 Tribes of Israel. Each son receives a portion of Land except Levi. Leiv's Tribe is chosen to be the priests.

Before the Mosaic Law is implemented Abraham's grandson Jacob makes a FREEWILL vow to God: "IF GOD"

Gen. 28:20 And Jacob vowed a vow, saying, If God will be with me, and (IF GOD) will keep me in this way that I go, and ""IF GOD"" will give me bread to eat, and raiment to put on,

21 So that I come again to my father's house in peace; then shall the LORD be my God:

22 And this stone, which I have set for a pillar, shall be God's house: and of all that thou shalt give me I will surely give the tenth unto thee.

(NOTE: Jacob's proposition is "IF GOD" meet's Jacob's requirements. He will give God back 10%.)

Point: this was a freewill 10% offering. And only made on the increase of things already in Jacobs possession. NEVER on something future, like an unearned paycheck.

No Mosaic Law, no Levitical Priests, no local Churches. So, how or to whom did Jacob tithe? Two different way's:

Deut. 12:6 & 7 & 14:29
6) Bring your freewill offering, (7) have a communion meal with God/Christ. (14) Now freely share/give to the, poor, the stranger, the fatherless & the widow. And God will bless you in all the work of thine hand.

3rdly:
The purpose of the tithe, under the Mosaic law. Was because, unlike all the other tribes. The Levites did not reveice or own any property. Therefore had no means of income. So God provided for the Levite tribe, the priestly’ tribe. With the tithes (Plural) of the other tribes. So the tithe is not biblical, unless it is given to the Levites.

4th Landowners only! Paid tithe on product & animal INCREASES!

A fisherman paid nothing on his catch, tradesmen, cobblers, who made the shoes for the servants of the field, did not tithe. Carpenters, potters, the women, who made the soliders garments, the servants who worked in the fields for wages, did not tithe.

The tithe was exclusively a tax on the produce on the land of Israel land & animals. So if you didn't live within the Promised land (Israel), then you were not required to pay tithe. Numbers 18:21 clearly states; “all the tithes in Israel,” tithes were only paid on people’s increase (Deuteronomy 14:22), on their agricultural products (Leviticus 27:30), within the land of Israel & the owners herd & flocks Lev 27:32.

Land owners paid three tithes of a tenth each, not one. The Levitical tithe (Numbers 18:19-20), the festival tithe (Deuteronomy 14:22-17), and the poor tithe, every 3rd year (Deuteronomy 14:28-29). Paid to the tribe of Levi within one of 48 designated cities within Israel (Numbers 35:7).

Every 7th (Sabbath) year (Exodus 23:10-11), and 50th (Jubilee) year (Leviticus 25:10-11), the entire nation of tithers, within the nation of Israel were completely excluded from paying tithes for those ENTIRE YEARS.

Any Churches you know preach this?

Finally: New testament giving:
1 Cor 16:2 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.
(NOTE: Bring WEEKLY your best freewill gift)

2 Corinthians 9:6 But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.
(NOTE: Give a little, receive a little, give alot, receive alot)

7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, ""or of necessity"": for God loveth a cheerful giver.
(NOTE: A tithe was given out of the laws necessity. A worthless gift from todays believer. A freewill gift from the heart is loved and rewarded by our Lord. Even a drink of water given in His name Mk 9:41)

When it comes to giving. New covenant Christians are taught to give generously, sacrificial & expectant of a blessing in return. And most certainly be CHEERFULL FREEWILL GIVER'S!

We should all prayerfully examine our giving patterns. Pray earnestly that the Holy Spirit would challenge us. To see whether they are in line with God's New Testament plan of being Generous, Sacrificial, Cheerful Giver's!
 

Dino246

Senior Member
Jun 30, 2015
25,587
13,857
113
You want to live by the Law, that's you. Read all my comments b4 speaking.
You're the one preaching adherence to OT Law.

Clearly stated that under Grace, tithing is an act of love for God. Today, tithes and offerings go into the General Fund of the Church to covver all Ministries, costs of the church.
Clearly stated where? Certainly not in Scripture!

You people want 2 emphasise Law to discredit the act of love of tithing. It's the only way u can do it.
Giving one tenth of your monetary income is not biblical tithing.

Love your money and hold it tight
Assuming that because I don't believe in "tithing" that I don't give generously, is merely an ignorant personal attack.
 

Dino246

Senior Member
Jun 30, 2015
25,587
13,857
113
This is a strange argument from silence. Jacob ended up being richer than both Abraham and Issac. Just because Genesis did not record him regularly tithing, its plain silly to say Jacob did not do it.

Imagine if the Bible included Jacob, or Issac or Abraham tithing, it will sound like this

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.

Can you see how silly it is for the Bible to record down every time these people tithe, in order to convince us Christians 2000 years later that tithing was before the Law?
It is as much an argument from silence to say that he did tithe... simple as that. I'll caution you strongly against imagining additions to Scripture to support your position.
 

Dino246

Senior Member
Jun 30, 2015
25,587
13,857
113
I think letting others support the church you attend with them is a pretty sad thing to do.
That statement has nothing whatsoever to do with whether the Bible teaches Christians to tithe.
 

Dino246

Senior Member
Jun 30, 2015
25,587
13,857
113
I have much more to say, however on my phone I can not provide Scriptures to support my belief.

From the start, I and one other here have been speaking of tithing through spiritual eyes. Others, including you only see tithing through physical eyes.

That is clear in reading the comments.
Physical vision is what Paul called carnal christians, spiritual vision is what Paul called spiritual christians.
Spiritualizing old covenant laws and claiming that they are Christian principles is far worse. Paul made it clear that we are not under the Law. The new covenant principle is generous giving, not tithing.
 
S

SheepSheep

Guest
It's difficult to consider the issue of tithing. I do see it as necessary to support the Church, but sometimes, it's hard to agree with how the tithes are used. For instance, I sometimes attended a large Church and was told the Pastor made almost $70,000. I never made more than about half of that amount, and it seems difficult to me to pay towards a salary which is that much higher than I can or will attain. It does say, and I am not sure the exact wording, that a servant is worthy of his hire. Also, I noticed in some areas, alot of the Churches were intent on building bigger Churches than the one they occupied, but what amount went to helping the needy, or reaching out to the lost? I know God approved of large beautiful Churches, and would want the larger Churches as well. Another insight I can offer is in regards to tipping a waitress or waiter vs. tithing. Isn't it interesting that tips now require 20%, but tithing to GOD is still only 10%? Tithing shows your loyalty and devotion to God. It helps pay to run utilities in the building. It may pay for the Sunday School books or supplies needed to use in service. I do have to admit that sometimes I like to decide how a "tithe" is used. I have given out a few Bibles to people who beg for money. Although I know some of these people may prefer money or food, I hope they can benefit from a Bible as well. But the print on these Bibles I was buying kept getting smaller. Right now, I'm not sure where to buy a Bible at an inexpensive price that isn't as difficult to read. Happy Tithing!
 
Jan 12, 2019
7,497
1,399
113
My reply:
1st:
Gen chapter 18 isn't about tithing. Gen 18:33

KJV 33 When the Lord had finished speaking with Abraham, he left, and Abraham returned home.

AMP 33 33 As soon as He had finished speaking with Abraham the Lord departed, and Abraham returned to his own place.

ESV 33 And the Lord went his way, when he had finished speaking to Abraham, and Abraham returned to his place.

Douay-Rheims 1899 American Edition 33 And the Lord departed, after he had left speaking to Abraham: and Abraham returned to his place.

NIV 33 When the Lord had finished speaking with Abraham, he left, and Abraham returned home.

What I find silly & frankly shameful, is the FALSE narrative presented in your post.

Gen chapter 26 context isn't about tithing either.

2ndly: Some facts on tithing pre-law:
Jacob did tithe, however, NOT under a must give system. His free will giving, came with his own conditions. IF YOU/GOD DO, I WILL!

After wrestling with the Lord Gen 32:28. The Lord changes Jacobs name to Israel. Jacob's 12 sons become the 12 Tribes of Israel. Each son receives a portion of Land except Levi. Leiv's Tribe is chosen to be the priests.

Before the Mosaic Law is implemented Abraham's grandson Jacob makes a FREEWILL vow to God: "IF GOD"

Gen. 28:20 And Jacob vowed a vow, saying, If God will be with me, and (IF GOD) will keep me in this way that I go, and ""IF GOD"" will give me bread to eat, and raiment to put on,

21 So that I come again to my father's house in peace; then shall the LORD be my God:

22 And this stone, which I have set for a pillar, shall be God's house: and of all that thou shalt give me I will surely give the tenth unto thee.

(NOTE: Jacob's proposition is "IF GOD" meet's Jacob's requirements. He will give God back 10%.)

Point: this was a freewill 10% offering. And only made on the increase of things already in Jacobs possession. NEVER on something future, like an unearned paycheck.

No Mosaic Law, no Levitical Priests, no local Churches. So, how or to whom did Jacob tithe? Two different way's:

Deut. 12:6 & 7 & 14:29
6) Bring your freewill offering, (7) have a communion meal with God/Christ. (14) Now freely share/give to the, poor, the stranger, the fatherless & the widow. And God will bless you in all the work of thine hand.

3rdly:
The purpose of the tithe, under the Mosaic law. Was because, unlike all the other tribes. The Levites did not reveice or own any property. Therefore had no means of income. So God provided for the Levite tribe, the priestly’ tribe. With the tithes (Plural) of the other tribes. So the tithe is not biblical, unless it is given to the Levites.

4th Landowners only! Paid tithe on product & animal INCREASES!

A fisherman paid nothing on his catch, tradesmen, cobblers, who made the shoes for the servants of the field, did not tithe. Carpenters, potters, the women, who made the soliders garments, the servants who worked in the fields for wages, did not tithe.

The tithe was exclusively a tax on the produce on the land of Israel land & animals. So if you didn't live within the Promised land (Israel), then you were not required to pay tithe. Numbers 18:21 clearly states; “all the tithes in Israel,” tithes were only paid on people’s increase (Deuteronomy 14:22), on their agricultural products (Leviticus 27:30), within the land of Israel & the owners herd & flocks Lev 27:32.

Land owners paid three tithes of a tenth each, not one. The Levitical tithe (Numbers 18:19-20), the festival tithe (Deuteronomy 14:22-17), and the poor tithe, every 3rd year (Deuteronomy 14:28-29). Paid to the tribe of Levi within one of 48 designated cities within Israel (Numbers 35:7).

Every 7th (Sabbath) year (Exodus 23:10-11), and 50th (Jubilee) year (Leviticus 25:10-11), the entire nation of tithers, within the nation of Israel were completely excluded from paying tithes for those ENTIRE YEARS.

Any Churches you know preach this?

Finally: New testament giving:
1 Cor 16:2 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.
(NOTE: Bring WEEKLY your best freewill gift)

2 Corinthians 9:6 But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.
(NOTE: Give a little, receive a little, give alot, receive alot)

7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, ""or of necessity"": for God loveth a cheerful giver.
(NOTE: A tithe was given out of the laws necessity. A worthless gift from todays believer. A freewill gift from the heart is loved and rewarded by our Lord. Even a drink of water given in His name Mk 9:41)

When it comes to giving. New covenant Christians are taught to give generously, sacrificial & expectant of a blessing in return. And most certainly be CHEERFULL FREEWILL GIVER'S!

We should all prayerfully examine our giving patterns. Pray earnestly that the Holy Spirit would challenge us. To see whether they are in line with God's New Testament plan of being Generous, Sacrificial, Cheerful Giver's!
My point was that to use the argument from silence, that "Oh scripture did not spell out that Abraham/Issac or Jacob tithe regularly from their possessions to the Lord" is dubious. If Scripture had to record such regular tithing, it will sound like what I have given as examples.

Looks like the idea of tithing existing before the Law is difficult for people to accept. Okay, as I have said, if you prefer to call that giving instead of tithing, I am fine too.
 
Jan 12, 2019
7,497
1,399
113
It is as much an argument from silence to say that he did tithe... simple as that. I'll caution you strongly against imagining additions to Scripture to support your position.
My point was that to use the argument from silence, that "Oh scripture did not spell out that Abraham/Issac or Jacob tithe regularly from their possessions to the Lord" is dubious. If Scripture had to record such regular tithing, it will sound like what I have given as examples, which to me is silly.

Looks like the idea of tithing existing before the Law is difficult for people to accept. Okay, as I have said, if you prefer to call that giving instead of tithing, I am fine too.
 
Jan 9, 2020
182
27
18
From personal experience there is no yes if you can afford it you just do it. Even when I barely had anything god provided and has provided multiples increase.

God specifically challenges and dares you to do it and see what happens. And as a witness I can say he has kept his word.

“Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse,that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.”

And as a New Testament saint your supposed to tithe everything, meaning non financial things too. And again being saved by grace 10% is the bare minimum Christians are supposed to tithe even above that out of grace.

There are also interesting statistics with the number of people who even tithe their 10% and the typical numbers you see of the worlds financially wealthy.

Granted it’s not the prosperity gospel, if you do it out of impure intentions don’t expect anything.

But last time I checked less then 5% or so tithe 10%, and of tithing on net income that’s even less, which corresponds to the number of well off financially 5% of people.

Look at the late owner of chic fil a tithed 90% of his income which would amount to insane amounts for a company bigger then McDonald’s.

And he started tithing with his very first restaurant when he barely had anything. He was faithful and then god was faithful. Again not a get rich quick scheme, but if you aren’t tithing out of the goodness of your heart with joy god won’t reward it nor does he want it.

But I challenge you to do it, I’ve always been scared as are 99% of people, but you take a leap of faith and god rewards you.

In ending god purposely dares you to do it and trust him? Will you accept his dare?
 
Nov 8, 2019
230
22
18
London, England
I can certainly see your position with regards to Abraham. Christians follow and belong to Christ. When Jesus was speaking to the Pharisees, he was calling them out for their hypocrisy. They said Abraham was their Father. Well as the Jewish Leaders, they were not doing as Abraham did. Also, they were not believing in Jesus claims about himself. No where in the New Covenant are we Christians are called to tithe. We give as to what our hearts determines what we should give. Of course we should give out love for our Father, but Jesus nor the Apostles gave a commandment to do so.

Ephesians 3:20 King James Version (KJV)

20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,


Real Disciples are totally contrary to doing the Minimum and do Way Beyond what is expected of them, thus, demonstrating their gratitude. They are Miracle Workers for Elohim/God. The True Disciple must be separated from the False Disciple.

What happens to the other 90%?
 
L

Locoponydirtman

Guest
Ok wow, there is a bunch of arguing and no real help for the OP.
This is a some and practical way to operate. Look at your income, and look at your bills, understand that the church has bills also, decide a reasonable amount to give to the church so that the church can pay their bills and have to give to those in need, and be generous with those around you in your life. If they have a need then help out as you can. Don't put a legalistic number on it. Sometimes needs will ask more of you sometimes less. Enjoy the freedom you have on Christ.
 

Aerials1978

Well-known member
Dec 10, 2019
1,707
987
113
Ephesians 3:20 King James Version (KJV)

20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,


Real Disciples are totally contrary to doing the Minimum and do Way Beyond what is expected of them, thus, demonstrating their gratitude. They are Miracle Workers for Elohim/God. The True Disciple must be separated from the False Disciple.

What happens to the other 90%?
What happens to the other 90% is up to the person. A wise individual will not squander it but use it to what is good. Of course if we lived in a perfect world there would be no need for currency.