Should Christians Tithe?
December 18, 2008 | 16 Comments
12/17/08: Should Christians Tithe?
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December 27th, 2008 @ 7:37 pm
This is an interesting topic. The broadcast isn’t up yet….but I guess leaving a few thoughts on the topic of the broadcast itself is cool
From what I’ve read in the New and Old Testament, the principle of tithing is one linked to the priesthood. In the Old this is represented by two persons, first Abraham in his presenting of a tithe to Melchidezek (though no Law obligated Him to do so, but out of free will He gave). There is also that which is Legal, codified in the Torah and applying to the children of Israel, the children of Israel (those given a land inheritance), gave to the priests of the tribe of Levi (who had no land inheritance). This tribe (Levi) or rather, the priesthood thereof received ten percent of the produce of the land from the children of Israel and they themselves (the priests and Levites) gave a tithe of tithes to The LORD. The Levitical priests also shared in the offerings and other holy things such as the shew bread etc.
The tithe was very specific in description, prophets who were not of the Levitical order could not receive a tithe from the people as that would be transgressing the Law.
Any prophet who did not belong to the Levitical priesthood did not receive a tithe, rather as Men of God (servants of The Most High). They were served, or rather there needs were met by those who Loved them and sought to care for their needs (which was good and just). Example’s of this are Samuel, Elijah and Elisha. These men’s needs were cared for in different ways at different times by different persons. For example a barren woman built a room for Elisha in her own house. This was not so for the Levites to whom the rest of the children of Israel were obligated by Law to pay a tithe.
The New Testament does not command believers of Messiah, disciple’s of The Way to pay a tithe to pastors, churches or elders etc. There is no such command. At no point did Jesus command it, neither did the Lord Jesus through The Holy Spirit (After His ascension) command it through The Apostle’s. The New Testament does however talk about the tithe, and it says thus;
Hebrews 7:4-5
Just think how great he was: Even the patriarch Abraham gave him a tenth of the plunder! 5Now the LAW requires the descendants of Levi who become priests to collect a tenth from the people—that is, their brothers—even though their brothers are descended from Abraham.
[Emphasis on the word Law is mine].
The New Testament testifies with the old Testament that the tithe mentioned in the Law of Moses regards The Levitical priests and their collecting of the tenth from their brethren of the other tribes of Israel.
The book of Hebrews also mentions how the levitical priests served in the temple which is a copy, which we who are called in the NT Scripture’s a Royal Priesthood can not according to the Torah minister in as they do in offering gifts and sacrifices on the Brazen altar as they did. Neither can they minister or share in the altar above they who are not united with Messiah, for we are partakers through Messiah not of the copy which is on earth (which in Galatians 4 Paul likens (Earthly Jerusalem) with Hagar and Sinai on account of their bondage to sin whose power is in the Law, rather we are likened to the children of Sara the free woman on account of the Grace we have received through Messiah [which faith establishes the Law). Thus they who believe [in Yeshua Ha'Mashiach] and are of the Levitical priesthood, can come now boldly before the Throne of Grace in the Highest Heavens unlike before. The book of Acts testifies that many priests and levites did infact join the faith early on after the ascension of Messiah.
In the same way that unbelieving Levitical priests continued to serve at the altar even after the ascension of Messiah (and the priesthood regarding the shadow of the Temple above [which we do have boldness to now enter] they do minister in [the shadow being the one on earth), yet could not come boldy before the Throne of Grace on account of unbelief and rebellion [not being part of the body of Messiah]. So to can we not take those things which are rightfully theirs. Things which God has expressly blessed them with, and has commited to them and has not (unlike the office of High Priest and the bringing in of priests to serve in the True Temple) given to unother [For both Zechariah and David testify that Messiah would be a Priest-King]. That means that a believer who is not a Levitical Priest who ministers at a place where the Name of The LORD is honoured (the Tabernacle) can not ever lawfully claim that tithes are to be brought to him.
That said, what of the sayings of Paul such as don’t muzzle an oz as it treads the threshing floor, or the servant is worthy of his wages? This a principle’s which he used as illustrations of how those who minister full time in the work of The Lord are due their wages (much like the ancient prophets who ministered full time). Their needs are to be cared for, for they too care for our spiritual needs, we too should care for their earthly needs. The prophets did not ask receive a regular tithe, neither did the Apostle’s. But their needs were cared for by those with eyes to see and ears to hear that, the servants are worthy of the wages.
The principle that is outlined in Scripture regarding our giving is that of giving freely, one is free to give as much as he desires. In fact the scriptures declare that it is more blessed to give than to receive. Jesus commended the poor woman who gave much, he commended the women who came to him and blessed him with oils of anointing such as she who broke the alabaster box and poured out the contents on his body. Or she who with her tears and her own hair washed his feet. He commended these for out of their hearts they gave. There is no law for giving out joyfully from the heart. It is like they who ministered to the prophet’s needs. There is no law that tought that we ought to build rooms in our houses for the prophets to use at their will and pleasure. Yet out of her heart a woman built Elisha a room in her house. Out of simple obedience a widow gave Elijah room and food as she and her son waited to die.
Our giving to the needs of the Assembly should be like that of they who of old gave in the wilderness, that the Tabernacle may be built. They gave bountifully and of their own will, that the dwelling place of the LORD may be built up. Similarly we give that all in the body may be well nourished and the body (which is the Temple of The LORD) be built up, we give liberally in the Spirit for it is blessed to do so. The workmen work as did those skilled men and women who worked on the Tabernacle when the children of Israel were in The wildreness. The Lord asked that they give, and in similtude the Lord has given us talents and gifts of various kinds, earthly and Spiritual gifts. Possesions like property and money as well as bodily gifts such as singing or Spiritual gifts such as prophecy or the working of miracles. It is for us to use these gifts so that we give the increase to Him who it belongs to, The Master who will reward us at the due time (though being bondservants our service to Him is a blessing in itself).
There is no biblical precedence to say tithing in the assembly is a rule. Or as some say if we don’t tithe we rob God (as they quote from Malachi). In Messiah we are blessed with all blessings in the Heavenlies. Legalisticly tithing can neither add to this, if any thing it is a wrong use of both the Torah and the book of Malachi. If one seeks to give liberally when ever moved by The Spirit to do so, it is blessed what he or she does. If one seeks to give part of their salary to the work of God, it is a blessed thing to do. One is not obligated to give 10% by rule (that is unless they are under Torah and a Temple with a working levitical system is present [remembering that Paul even after coming to Messiah gave an offering at the Temple and that the Apostle’s early on did teach there daily), in the Assembly of The Firstborn (Yeshua The Messiah) the children of The Lord can give 1% or 50% plus. All that is ours is His to begin with so, what matters is giving abundantly to his work and caring for the needs of those around us whilst not neglecting the needs of family etc. We may not have an obligation to tithe, but we have an obligation to Love one another as He has Loved us, this means caring for one anothers needs and the needs of the body as a whole too, in both spiritual things and earthly things.
There is no obligation for us in The Body to tithe, but The commandments of The Lord are clear. Love the LORD your God with all your heart soul, mind and strength and Love your neighbor as your self. The Lord Yeshua also gave us this commandment “love one another as I have loved you.”
Doing all things in the Name of The Lord as Paul commands us to do, we should do all things in Love as the commandments of The LORD clearly dictate. In giving, in receiving, in tribulations and trouble’s and in the calm. All things must be done in Love.
Those are my thoughts/comments on the topic itself, can’t wait to hear the broadcast though, will be good to hear your opinion Dr Brown.
Shalom
December 28th, 2008 @ 12:57 am
Mwiya,
We’ve had a problem with several recent broadcasts getting lost in the studio of posted incorrectly, so there’s a possibility this one will not be posted either.
So, here’s what I stated (in short) on the show: There is no NT command to tithe, but it is an excellent healthy practice with, precedent existing before the Torah was given at Sinai (Gen 14 and Gen 28). And even when Yeshua rebuked the hypocrites for tithing in great detail while neglecting the weightier matters of the law, he still said it was right that they tithed. The NT encourages proportional giving, which would work well for tithing; the principle of giving the firstfruits is always commendable (Prov 3:9-10), and the Lord’s promise still stands in Malachi 3 (although it is more of an invitation to us in the NT than a command).
If everyone started their giving to their local fellowship with a minimum of ten percent and built from there, not only would that fellowship be able to help the poor and needy, but they would funds for missions work, they would be able to support those who minister to them (in accordance with clear NT teaching), and the people who gave in faith and out of a heart of love would be blessed.
So, I personally encourage it strongly, but do not believe it is commanded in the NT.
December 28th, 2008 @ 6:53 am
What you say is true. It reminds me of how early on after the acsension of the Lord, many disciple’s sold some of their properties and put the proceeds before the feet of the Apostle’s. I think any giving done in Love is great, I had issues with the doctrine of tithing early on, mostly because of how it seemed many pastor’s almost guilted their flocks into giving, I heard elder’s at this one assembly make the claim that the tithe belonged soley to the pastor of the assembly (he quoted from Deuteronomy to try make his point). This really grieved me especially that in the Body there is no clear command to tithe. But I took it to the Lord, and I think He’s word is clear. We should give because its blessed to do so, and like you’ve said 10% is a good place to start. But I don’t think it should be forced as some assemblies do.
I have a more general question though. Many Messianic prophecies point to a reinstitutionalization of the levitical priesthood (with Mashiach as Kohen Ha’Gadol of order of Melchizedek) and the attendance of feasts like Sukkot in Jerusalem by many during the messianic reign. Do you have an idea of how various offerings such as the sin offering etc could be practiced whilst Messiah reigns? Is it because the remnant of Israel would not be in a glorified state like them who were previously united with Messiah and caught up to Him, and as such perhaps would still be prone to sinning even after he forgives them. Or will this be for the sins of the other nations as it written “My house will be a house of prayer for all nations.” Or perhaps will it be done as a memorial to remember what Mashiach did for us as some have said?
December 31st, 2008 @ 12:27 am
Christians should definitely give.
I think missions are underfunded precisely because the first 10% of Christians’ money is going to a local church and usually after that, not much is left over from the local church or the individuals who attend. Obviously, we are to support the local church, and the full time ministry- God is not mocked-, but we have made it a set in stone practice to call the local church the ‘store house’, which is an incredible leap, and transfer the practice of tithing to the local institution… I don’t see it practiced exactly that way in the OT, or in reading the NT.
If we were to carry the tithing teaching over, and practice it biblically, then we should tithe three times a year, eat the tithe ourselves at the temple in Jerusalem, give it every third year to the widow, orphans, and foreigners, and Levites, and what we give to local ministry should be live goats, and fresh grown grains and garden veggies, but how many would be happy about that?? Also we should not work the 7th year, I mean if the system of giving was to be set in stone and transferred to the NT, then why isn’t the whole system transferred to the NT?
That is not to say that Christians are not responsible to support their local churches, local ministries, the poor, ect; the thing is such a requirement may demand 20% of my income or more; what if it required half and very frugal living?
December 31st, 2008 @ 12:29 am
I did not mean to post that last comment “anonymously”… sorry. josh
December 31st, 2008 @ 12:29 am
Christians should definitely give.
I think missions are underfunded precisely because the first 10% of Christians’ money is going to a local church and usually after that, not much is left over from the local church or the individuals who attend. Obviously, we are to support the local church, and the full time ministry- God is not mocked-, but we have made it a set in stone practice to call the local church the ‘store house’, which is an incredible leap, and transfer the practice of tithing to the local institution… I don’t see it practiced exactly that way in the OT, or in reading the NT.
If we were to carry the tithing teaching over, and practice it biblically, then we should tithe three times a year, eat the tithe ourselves at the temple in Jerusalem, give it every third year to the widow, orphans, and foreigners, and Levites, and what we give to local ministry should be live goats, and fresh grown grains and garden veggies, but how many would be happy about that?? Also we should not work the 7th year, I mean if the system of giving was to be set in stone and transferred to the NT, then why isn’t the whole system transferred to the NT?
That is not to say that Christians are not responsible to support their local churches, local ministries, the poor, ect; the thing is such a requirement may demand 20% of my income or more; what if it required half and very frugal living?
December 31st, 2008 @ 1:55 am
Joshua,
From my experience, those churches whose members tithe (as a starting point) tend to be very generous to world missions and actually are the primary supporters of workers around the world. Again, to me, it’s the principle, not the law, that’s importtant. In light of that, I’m with you on your closing paragraph!
December 31st, 2008 @ 11:50 am
hmm… eating my tithe, now there’s a thought!
January 1st, 2009 @ 1:14 am
I do agree that though the practice of tithing is not commanded in the NT, it is surely commended. However, I would also like to think that it is important in a way that one gives his/her first ten percent, rather than just any 10 percent as mentioned in the book of Proverbs.
Shalom,
In Yeshua’s Name.
Bijoy.
January 1st, 2009 @ 3:38 am
Dr Brown,
I believe you when you share your observation; however, it has not been mine. So much more could and should be done for missions, supplying bibles overseas, but it is diverted to the local ‘storehouse’ by the perpetuation of well meaning intentioned, but misinterpreted scripture. I mean, Abram gave a tithe one time to Melchisedek, and it has been acceptable to use that passage to teach it as a practice; it was a one time act recorded, not a life long practice recorded.
Marcus,
I was not being a smart alek in saying that, “eating the tithe”; see Deut 14:23. eating the tithe at Jerusalem, during the feasts, was God’s idea, and not just my tongue in cheek sense of humor. I think most would be shocked if they studied what scripture (beyond Malachi) actually says about the tithe.
If you had to travel too far, you could sell your tithe grain, and carry the money to Jerusalem, and buy whatever your soul desired to eat for the feast, including strong drink; that’s not my idea, it’s God’s. read the whole word of God concerning tithing and I don’t see how we can’t conclude that Christians haven’t been wrongfully coerced concerning the direction of their finances.
The fact is that it has been made into an imposed law in church practice, and there has been heaps of condemnation dished out on the basis of a distorted perception of scripture. Not shaking my head or fist at anyone over this, really: God Bless, josh
January 1st, 2009 @ 4:25 am
Joshua,
Thanks for sharing your own experience. I’m all for getting the gospel out to the nations (and to our own communities) the best way possible, being good stewards of the funds God commits to us. If you’ve seen a better way to do it, wonderful! On our end, having a community of believers working together, with committed leadership serving them (some of whom are salaried), we have been able to raise up and sustain a movement that has helped put scores of full-time missionaries on the field around the world, raising mulitiplied hundreds of thousands of dollars for their support along the way (despite the fact that we do not have a large, wealthy congregation). If we were fragmented into many little groups, we would not have been able to do this — and tithing has been a life practice for all us as leaders, never legalistically, but as something written on our hearts.
So, it has worked well for us and for many other groups that I know, but by all means, if you have a better way that touches more people with the gospel in a more effective manner and generates more generosity from God’s people — wonderful!
January 1st, 2009 @ 5:00 pm
Dr Brown,
] and when I back over vacations I usually go to my mom’s church (im studying abroad at the moment). We go to a local church which is pentecostal. The doctrine that was pushed on tithing is as Joshua has described. It was treated not as an option one can do if they wish but as a command using a misinterpretation of deuteronomy and malachi to back it. It really sadenned me to hear this sort of preaching. The thing is though I heard it over and over again mentioned by television preachers. Those who don’t tithe are demonized as theives stealing from God! Which is why I’m glad that you handle it in the liberty that it should be handled in.
I like that!! Liberty without stepping on others toes, adherance to the word!
As it has been said before, “let all things be done in Love” also “do all things in the name of the Lord.” That said I agree with Josh regarding how many teachers and pastors have treated the tithe. I’m zambian by citizenship [regarding the flesh
That said, I would like to wish you all a blessed new year. To those who will be celebrating their new years over passover only a few more months to go!! To the Line of Fire admin and staff, thank you for a great learning and socializing experience!! It has been great to discuss matters of the faith with brothers and sisters who love the Lord!! Dr Brown, thank you for being patient with people like myself!! lol. It has been an honor sir!! Marcus thanks for the great work you do!!
Grace and Peace to all the saints!!
January 1st, 2009 @ 6:51 pm
Bless you, Mwiya! Thanks for being part of our online community!
January 2nd, 2009 @ 11:12 am
I’ve tithed for 50 years. I think 10% is a great starting point. Many people would pay more for a country-club membership. Well that church building has to be paid for, as does the heat, electricity, and staff. Its a (or should be) a central part of our lives – why not value it more than those material things that suck at our wallet?
My employer just annouced a 10% across the board pay cut. I’ve met many christians who would respond by ceasing to tithe. I’ve seen those who do suffer even more. I’m not looking for any formulaic blessing (10/100 fold return) but I’m smart enough to understand that if I contines to be faithful to God, He will provide for my needs (needs, not wants). So I mentioned this to my wife and we just laughed – ceasing to give at this time would be the worst thing we could do.
My pet peeve is the tithe-haters. I’m not so dogmatic to believe that the new testament makes a strong case for tithing, but it certainly seems like a biblical thing to do, and no harm in it – and probably some blessing in it.
Those who campaign against tithing as if it is a sign of the antichrist are, in my opinion, warped. I’ll let them in on a big secret- God does not do direct deposit into the local church’s bank account. Fund to do the work of the church come from the generosity of those in the church. And the discipline of setting aside money for the church is needed the most by those who have had problems serring thoer spending priorities.
ANothe obejection to tithing is the “storehouse” issue. I’ve met people who want to give, but prefer to give wherever they please. One of the advantages of giving to the church with general undesignated offerings is that you truly are surrendering control of the moey to God. Watchman nnee, in the “Normal Christaan Church” addresses this issue of those who wan to give but still retain control. His thesis is that you really are not giving if you reatin control. I think he is right.
Along with this then is the trust issue. You give to the chirch but are the unhappy with how the money is spent. If abuse is actuially taking place then the best thing you can do is vote with your feet and find a Godly body to plug into. If more people did this the many questionable ministries would hgo “out of business.”
Give faithfully, give responsibly and start with God’s benchmark – which is 10% of the income – income that HE provided for you. This falls far short of the more radilcal Acts 2 sell everything perspective, which might even be netter, but has its owne special set of drawbacks.
December 4th, 2010 @ 4:45 am
I wish this recording was saved. Is there anyway to revive this topic on the radio show? Just to summarize why tithing is not required for the NT believers.
January 22nd, 2011 @ 7:17 pm
Finally, I am hearing Bible-believing Pentecostals/Charismatics addressing the tithe in a Biblical way, with integrity, with faithfulness to the gospel of Christ and the Spirit of God. I wish a solid book could be written to free the thousands or perhaps millions of Christians from the legalistic approach to tithing that kills faith and robs people of the blessings God intends. I was in a church some years ago where this non-legalistic teaching on tithing was given and the giving increased phenomenally – no compulsion, no manipulation, no threats of curses, no charges and accusations of robbing God – and the giving increased. That is the way of the Spirit of grace. It is very clear why many, many churches and pastors hang on to the legalistic approach but thank the Lord there is a better way. I wish Dr. Brown would come forth with with such a book – something of the calibre of your “Israel’s Divine Healer”. I love Myiwa’s response at #1 above, Dec 27, 2008, 7:37pm.