Is it possible to tithe legalistically?

Answer 1

All tithing is legalistic. Tithing was never given as a commandment to we who are the church, the Body of Christ. Tithing is a JEWISH requirement meant to insure that the priests had money to live on in times PAST under the program God had with the Nation Israel.

We are told to be cheerful givers, but tithing is never mentioned in OUR instructions today.

Tithing IS however, stressed in many "churches", because they dont KNOW the difference between Gods plan with Israel and His instructions for us today! Plus, they want the MONEY.

Again, tithing is always legalistic as it was part of the KINGDOM program that had to do with the LAW of Moses.

Answer 2

Yes, it's very possible to tithe legalistically.

It's possible to serve God the same way. It's possible to teach and preach legalistically as well.

Love always needs to be the motive for what we do.......... God blesses what is done in love.

You can tithe legalistically - but you won't get blessed for it!

Answer 3

I dunno...to treat it as a law you mean rather than an article of faith to so as we are called...any commandment in the Bible could be possible to perform legalistically..but that implies lack of trust. Tithe but do so from your heart as you are able and as you are called and don't give your money to any ministry that doesn't support needy children, the poor or the medically challenged. Supporting Cancer research is not a charity nor are political affiliations or giving to build a multi-million dollar worship center with a sports center, Disney artist designed childrens church sporting a 2 story indoor slide with computerized visitor log-in kiosks...stuff like that...Jesus was very specific - feed the hungry, clothe and shelter the needy, visit the sick, fatherless and imprisoned and anyone who accepts a child to even give them a cup of water in His name is doing what is right by Him. Love in Christ, ~J~

Answer 4

Yes. But ask God to help you - ask him to give you a cheerful heart and He will do it. Don't tithe out of necessity or thinking that God will punish you if you don't, but tithe because of your love for Him. Talk to God and tell him what you are feeling from your heart - He will listen and He will change your heart and mind. Blessings dear one.

Answer 5

Yes....

If you get to the point where you are actually afraid to not tithe....that's when it becomes legalistic.

Tithing should be from the heart......the Lord loves a cheerful giver.

Answer 6

isn't like 10% of Gross or something a law in the bible or something

As for making a law which makes people tithe won't happen in the US since it would be a violation of the first amendment.

Answer 7

God Does Not Command Us to Give 10% or Any Fixed % 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 GENUINE Christian pastors and ministries who would use what is given to them for GODLY PURPOSES AND NOT FOR WORLDLY PURSUITS (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).

Just as the animal sacrifices were replaced under the New Covenant by the great sacrifice of our wonderful Saviour and Lord, Jesus Christ (Hebrews 7:27) and circumcision was replaced by circumcision of the heart (Romans 2:29), Old Covenant tithing was replaced by giving cheerfully of what one (who is being led by the Holy Spirit, of course) has decided in their heart to give (2 Corinthians 9:7). Examples of what we can offer are: food, money, clothing, furniture and our service as Christians. We must use wisdom and make sure that the things we offer are needed. Some ministers use others' hard earned cash to embellish their churches and feed their worldly desires.

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% (or any fixed %) of their earnings, and take a stand against it.

2 Corinthians 9:7
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.

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/