Doesn't the Bible say to tithe only once every 3 years?

Question

Deut 26 12] When thou hast made an end of tithing all the tithes of thine increase the THIRD YEAR, WHICH IS THE YEAR OF TITHING, and hast given it unto the Levite, the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow, that they may eat within thy gates, and be filled;

Answer 1

The subject of tithing is a very interesting topic for conversation. Many churches today enforce the 10% tithe to pay. However, is tithing necessary today? What was the real purpose behind tithes? Who paid it? When? Why were tithes paid? What does the Bible really teach regarding it? Consider the following below with an open mind.

Tithing and the Law…

The commandment to tithe was part of the Law that Jehovah God gave to the 12 tribes of ancient Israel more than 3,500 years ago. That law decreed that a tenth of the produce of the land and fruit trees and a tenth of the increase of the herds to be given to the tribe of Levi in support of their services at the tabernacle. (Leviticus 27:30, 32; Numbers 18:21, 24)

Jehovah assured the Israelites that the Law ‘would not be too difficult for them.’ (Deuteronomy 30:11) As long as they faithfully observed Jehovah’s commandments, including tithing, they had his promise of abundant harvests. As a protection, an additionally yearly tithe, normally consumed when the nation met for its religious festivities, was regularly set aside. Thus, ‘the alien resident, the fatherless boy, and the widow’ could be satisfied. (Deuteronomy 14:28, 29; 28:1, 2, 11-14)

Generally national laws are just that, national. For instance, the law that obliges motorists in Britain to drive on the left does not apply to drivers in France. Similarly, the law requiring tithing was part of an exclusive covenant between God and the nation of Israel. (Exodus 19:3-8; Psalm 147:19, 20) Only the Israelites were bound by that law.

Additionally, it is true that God never changes, but his requirements sometimes do. (Malachi 3:6) The Bible states categorically that the sacrificial death of Jesus, in 33 C.E., “blotted out,” or “abolished,” the Law and with it the “commandment to collect tithes.” (Colossians 2:13, 14; Ephesians 2:13-15; Hebrews 7:5, 18)

Christian Giving…
However, contributions to support true worship were still needed. Jesus had commissioned his disciples ‘to be witnesses to the most distant part of the earth.’ (Acts 1:8) As the number of believers grew, so did the need for Christian teachers and observers to visit and strengthen the congregations. Widows, orphans, and other needy ones had to be cared for at times. How did the first-century Christians cover the costs involved? About 55 C.E., an appeal went out to Galilee Christians in Europe and Asia Minor in behalf of the impoverished congregation in Judea. In his letters to the congregation in Corinth, the apostle Paul describes how this ‘collection for the holy ones’ was organized. (1 Corinthians 16:1)

The apostle Paul did not cajole (or deliberate use of flattery to persuade in the face of reluctance or reasonable objections) or force (for lack of a better word) fellow believers to give. Hence, Macedonian Christians who were “under affliction” and in “deep poverty” had to ‘keep begging him with much entreaty for the privilege of kindly giving and for a share in the ministry destined for the holy ones.’ (2 Corinthians 8:1-4)

True, Paul encouraged the more affluent Christians to imitate their generous brothers in Macedonia. Even so, observes one reference work, he ‘declined to issue directives, preferring rather to request, suggest, encourage, or appeal. Spontaneity and warmth would be absent from the Corinthians’ giving if coercion were present. Paul knew that “God loves a cheerful giver,” not one who gives grudgingly or under compulsion. (2 Corinthians 9:7) Abundant faith and knowledge together with genuine love for fellow Christians would have impelled the Corinthians to give spontaneously. (2 Corinthians 8:7, 8)

‘As He Has Resolved in His Own Heart…’

Rather than specifying and amount or a percentage, Paul merely suggested that “on the first day of each week, each one…should set aside a sum of money in keeping with his income.” (1 Corinthians 16:2, New International Version) By planning and reserving an amount on a regular basis, the Corinthians would not feel pressured into giving begrudgingly or on emotional impulse when Paul arrived. For each Christian, the decision of how much to give was to be a private matter, one that ‘he had resolved in his own heart,’ (2 Corinthians 9:5, 7)

In order to reap generously, the Corinthians had to sow generously. No suggestion of giving until it hurts was ever made. ‘I do not mean for it to be hard on you,’ Paul assured them, Contributions were ‘especially acceptable according to what a person had, not according to what a person did not have.’ (2 Corinthians 8:12, 13; 9:6) In a later letter, the apostle warned: “If anyone does not provide for those…who are members of his household, he has disowned the faith and is worse than a person without faith.” (1 Timothy 5:8) Paul did not encourage giving that violated this principle.

It is significant that Paul supervised a ‘collection for the holy ones’ who were in need. We do not read in the Scriptures about Paul or the other apostles organizing collections or receiving tithes to finance their own ministries. (Acts 3:6) Always be grateful to receive the gifts that the congregations sent him, Paul consciously avoided imposing “an expensive burden” on his brothers. (1 Thessalonians 2:9; Philippians 4:15-18)

Sources:

New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures

December 1, 2002 Watchtower Magazine
Giving That Brings Joy (pages 4-7)
Published by Jehovah’s Witnesses

Answer 2

No. This law requires a tithe that is only to go to "the Levite, the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow," i.e. it is a special tithe that is only to go to those who have no way of providing for themselves.

The regular tithe (which was given to the Temple) was done twice each year, since there were two separate harvests (Deut. 14:22). Herdsmen were also required to tithe of the increase of their herds, once per year.

Answer 3

Tithing for the hot testomony believer is un- scriptural. we don't furnish burnt options the two. that could be a faux coaching for pastors to coach their individuals to tithe 10% of their earnings to the church. it would be greater advantageous in the event that they only instructed the reality, that they choose help paying the charges for the construction, or despite else the money desires for use for. people do no longer examine the e book of Malachi in any different case they might comprehend why God rose him as much as chat approximately it! After Malachi, God did no longer talk for 4 hundred years; till John the baptist. Aloha!

Answer 4

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/

Answer 5

You are absolutely correct. Just don't try to tell a church that!
The other two years of savings were for a person's own vacations (Sabbaths)!