While the principle of tithing (giving one-tenth) is not commanded in the NT, the practice of systematic, proportionate giving is taught.
In Mt 23:23 we read that the scribes and Pharisees were meticulous in giving the Lord a tenth of the most insignificant herbs they raised. Christ did not condemn them for this care about small details of obedience, but He excoriated them for being utterly unscrupulous when it came to showing justice, mercy, and faithfulness to others.
Using a figure of speech unsurpassed for expressiveness, Jesus described them as straining out a gnat and swallowing a camel. The gnat, a tiny insect that often fell into a cup of sweet wine, was strained out by sucking the wine through the teeth. How ludicrous to take such care with the insignificant, then bolt down the largest unclean animal in Palestine. The Pharisees were infinitely concerned with minutiae, but grossly blind to enormous sins like hypocrisy, dishonesty, cruelty, and greed. They had lost their sense of proportion.
In other words, Christ indicted the Pharisees for the very thing they were good at: majoring on the minors, concentrating on external details while ignoring that which was essential and eternal. It was not their tithing that was wrong, but their failure to love. If one truly loves, tithing will follow, for while it is possible to give without loving, it is not possible to truly love without giving.
We find an important lesson about tithing from Luk 16:12.
Giving replenishes us financially. We have been entrusted with that which is Another's. That is, specifically, though not exclusively, the Lord has given to us the first-fruits that are His (Lev_23:10). What are first-fruits? First-fruits are the tithe. The word "tithe" simply means "tenth." Therefore, the first tenth of everything we make is the Lord's. When the offering plate is passed in front of us, I'm sure none of us is tempted to reach in and take a handful of money to keep for ourselves. Yet when I don't tithe I am doing just that. I am robbing God of what is His (Mal_3:8).
To those who protest that the concept of tithing being prescribed in the law is no longer relevant to those who live under grace, note that tithing is seen prior to the law when Abraham tithed to Melchizedek (Gen_14:20).
Tithing was commended by Christ when He told the Pharisees that, although they should remember justice and mercy, they should not cease to tithe (Luk_11:42).
Tithing was taught by the apostle Paul when he told the Corinthians to give according to how God had prospered them (1Co_16:2)—which the early church took to mean tithing, as seen in the writings of Jerome and Chrysostom.
Tithing precedes the law, is spoken of by Christ, and is seen in the Epistles. Therefore, to say tithing is not applicable in this time is a failure to understand the full counsel of Scripture and church history.
2007-04-22 14:11:33
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answer #1
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answered by Ask Mr. Religion 6
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The New Testament nowhere assigns a certain percentage of income to set aside, but only says it is to be “in keeping with his income” (1 Corinthians 16:2). The Christian church has essentially taken the 10% figure from the Old Testament tithe and applied it as a “recommended minimum” for Christians in their giving. Although the New Testament does not identify a specific amount or percentage to give, it does talk about the importance and benefits of giving. They should give as they are able, “in keeping with his income.” Sometimes that means giving more than a tithe, sometime that may mean giving less than a tithe. It all depends on the ability of the Christian and the needs of the church. Each and every Christian should diligently pray and seek God’s wisdom as to whether to participate in tithing and/or for how much he or she should give (James 1:5). “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).
2007-04-22 16:02:34
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answer #2
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answered by Freedom 7
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you're talking about giving 10% to God's work... that is not in the new testament... but the old testament is the root of Christianity, and the religion that Jesus knew.. He does say to give to God what belongs to Him, but that is all I can find referring to tithing
2007-04-22 13:42:32
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answer #3
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answered by Laura S 4
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In Hebrews Chapter 7, the author recites how Abraham, the Father of the faithful offered a tithe to Melchizedek. The author here is developing the teaching of how Christ is foreshadowed in Melchizedek, and how He has become a High priest according to the order of Melchizedek.
As I understand this passage, Abraham is teaching us the lesson that believers are to be offering their tithe to their High Priest, who for us is the Lord Jesus Christ.
2007-04-22 13:43:14
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answer #4
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answered by Anonymous
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1. Tithing is mentioned in Genesis, which is not scriptural 'old testament'.
2. Another person answering this question, reference Abraham giuving to Melchizadek.
(Described in Hebrews). Be aware Melchizadek was God the Father (See Hebrews 7:3 description). Do you give to God the Father presently?
2007-04-22 14:24:02
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answer #5
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answered by jefferyspringer57@sbcglobal.net 7
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i've got self assurance Tithing (cheerfully giving) is a sparkling testomony theory in spite of the incontrovertible fact that this passage you're refering to does not back that up. you may desire to take the finished passage as an entire and view the message. the 1st verse in this passage states...(verse9) "additionally He spoke this parable to 3 who depended on in themselves that they've been righteous and despised others"...What Jesus became into pointing out in this passage became into that this guy became into boasting of all the best things he did at the same time with fasting, tithing and that he wasn't undesirable like different adult males yet in God's eyes he became into basically a hypocrite trusting in his very own reliable deeds and not trusting in God. So no that may not a reliable connection with New testomony tithing....If something it somewhat is a sturdy occasion of not being proud and trusting on your guy or woman righteousness.
2016-12-10 08:55:56
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answer #6
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answered by cruickshank 4
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yes, please look these up: 1 Corinthians 16:1-2, Acts 4:32-37, Luke 20:22-25, 2 Cor 8-9 (www.biblegateway.com)
2 Cor 9:7 - Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
God bless
2007-04-22 14:08:16
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answer #7
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answered by Ms DeeAnn 5
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The Bible does not Teach We are to Give any Fixed % (Such as 10%) of Our Salary or Property
Tithes were required by God from the Israelite farmers and ranchers (see Deuteronomy 14:22 and Leviticus 27:30). Tithes were agricultural produce and not money (and they had money back in those days). The tithes were used in the temple, for festivals and for helping the poor.
There were 3 tithes from some of the Israelites and a 4th from the Levites to the Levite priests.
1) The Levitical tithe required those who raised crops (not everyone and not all professions – just those who raised crops) to give 10% of that to the Levites. This tithe occurred 6 years out of the 7 year cycle. It also required those that raised 10 or more animals to give each tenth animal that passed under the rod to the Levites. If a person raised less than 10 animals, they were not required to tithe.
2) From what was given to them, the Levites in turn had to give a tenth of the very best to the priests.
3) The festival tithe required that those who raised crops or animals to set aside 10% for the annual festivals.
4) The Poor tithe occurred only in the 3rd year of the seven year cycle. This was set aside for the poor.
Now about Christians and tithing, God never established a set standard for Christians to give. The principle of 10% of earnings being required of believers is not taught in the Bible. Giving should be done out of freewill and love and sometimes God puts it in our hearts to give much more than 10% and it doesn’t have to be just money. We are to be led by the Holy Spirit. Giving should be done cheerfully from the heart (2 Corinthians 9:7) for the honour and glory of God, to help the needy (Hebrews 13:16, Acts 20:35, Matthew 25:35-45, Acts 6:1-4, 1 Timothy 5:1-16) and to support true pastors and ministries (1 Corinthians 9:7-14, 1 Timothy 5:17-18, Acts 2:44-45, 4:32-37, 1 Corinthians 16:1-3, 2 Corinthians 8:1-13, 1 Timothy 6:17-19). This is the true principle to be learnt.
It’s clear that God never told us that we should be giving 10% (or any fixed %) of our salaries. Those who preach that Christians are to give 10% (or any fixed %) are wresting the Scriptures to conform to their belief at the expense of the truth. An individual may teach this false doctrine due to one or more of the following:
• Ignorance
• Fear of ridicule or disapproval of others who support this teaching
• Not wanting to admit what they always taught was wrong
• Love of money (1 Timothy 6:10)
Applying Old Testament practices in the New Testament is in essence, placing those who hear them under the bondage and curse of the Mosaic Law (Galatians Ch. 3).
If you’re teaching others that God commands this no matter how good the intentions are, it’s a sin. It’s time to break free from the false doctrine of believers being required to give 10% of their earnings, and take a stand against it.
2 Corinthians 9:7
7 Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
http://www.cnview.com/on_line_resources/christians_and_the_tithe.htm
http://www.letusreason.org/doct54.htm
REDEMPTION BY GRACE THROUGH FAITH
Because mankind is incapable of meeting God’s standard of perfection necessary to abide in God’s presence (Romans 3:19-20,23), God sent His Son Jesus Christ to pay the total debt for the believer’s sins and mercifully credits to his account Christ’s righteousness (Romans 3:21-28,5:1-11; 2 Corinthians 5:18-21). Jesus’ gracious act of atonement was complete and covers all sin (Colossians 2:13-14; 1 John 1:9). Salvation is not based on good deeds but according to the mercy of God (Titus 3:4-5). Believers are justified by faith; it is a gift by God’s grace (Romans 4:3-8; Ephesians 2:8-9). A true, living faith will result in a desire to live a holy, loving life of good works (Ephesians 2:10; Galatians 5:6; James 2:14-26), but failure to be absolutely successful at righteous living does not negate the believer’s justified status.
If you sincerely say this prayer, your sins will be washed away, you will be redeemed to God, be saved from eternal torment and inherit the Kingdom of God:
"Dear Jesus,
I am a sinner.
I repent of my sins.
Please forgive me and save me by your shed blood;
come into my heart.
I want to receive you as my own personal Lord and Savior.
Amen"
https://victoryinjesuschrist.wordpress.com/
2015-08-30 08:04:59
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answer #8
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answered by Anonymous
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God mentions that one tenth of the mans posses ions should go to God first, before anything else is done. that is from the old testament. Jesus tells us to render unto Caesar what is Caesars but to render one tenth to God in the new testament.
2007-04-22 13:43:57
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answer #9
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answered by CheryllDianne 3
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Secretly and humbly
Beware of practicing your righteousness before men to be noticed by them; otherwise you have no reward with your Father who is in heaven.
When therefore you give alms, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be honored by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full.
But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing that your alms may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will repay you (Matthew 6:1-4).
We are to give in a secret and humble way.
2007-04-22 13:50:05
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answer #10
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answered by tebone0315 7
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