Is today’s emphasis on tithing biblical or man-made?
Tithing can be a confusing topic for Christians. There are different interpretations of what it means to tithe, and some preachers claim God withholds blessings from those who don’t give 10%. This fear-based approach has led many Christians to feel condemned and pressured to tithe, even if they can’t afford it. But is this what the Bible teaches? Absolutely, not. The Bible encourages cheerful giving, not forced giving.
6 But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows [a]bountifully will also reap [b]bountifully. 7 So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of [c]necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.
These preachers claim God cares more about money than your well-being, suggesting he punishes those who don’t tithe. This fear leads some Christians facing hardship to question God’s love. Perhaps tithing and offerings need a closer look. Social media is full of similar doubts. It’s important to remember that the Old Testament requirements for giving (tithe, first fruits, etc.) were tied to the Law, from which the New Testament tells us Christ has freed us through grace.
“For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse; for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who does not continue in all things which are written in the book of the law, to do them.” But that the law justifies no one in the sight of God is evident, for “the just shall live by faith.” Yet the law is not of faith, but “the man who does them shall live by them.” Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree”), that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.”
Will You Receive Blessings From God If You Tithe?
For years many pastors have been using Malachi 3:10-11 to control the congregants. they’ve geminated a breed of Christians who wholeheartedly believe that tithe is mandatory to Christians and that if you don’t tithe you will be under a curse and God won’t bless you. Some preachers claim poverty is a direct result of not tithing.
In modern evangelical circles, some pastors have been reviving the practice of tithing, urging followers to give a tenth of their income to the church. They often use examples from the Old Testament, like Abraham’s gift to Melchizedek in Genesis, to justify this demand. Unlike prosperity preachers who openly sell blessings for cash, these pastors promote tithing with an air of biblical authority, making it seem like a religious duty for modern Christians. This trend has become increasingly common in conservative churches, where it’s often presented as a requirement to receive God’s blessings and avoid curses.
However, critics argue that this rigid approach is manipulative and misinterprets biblical teachings. Most pastors go beyond encouraging generosity, suggesting that not tithing leads to sin and Satan’s influence, creating fear among churchgoers. John MacArthur, a notable critic, points out that tithing was originally a form of taxation for ancient Israel’s theocratic system and does not apply to Christians under the New Covenant.
The New Testament encourages giving from the heart, without compulsion. This rigid tithing practice is reminiscent of indulgence sales in church history, where fear and guilt were used to extract money, posing a significant challenge for modern churches that operate on large budgets.
If tithing is essential for Christians, why didn’t Jesus emphasize it as he did generosity and other principles? The Apostles wrote extensively about money and Christian living, yet didn’t explicitly command tithing.
Sadly, some churches prioritize tithing over the righteous living the Bible defines. Preachers instill more fear about the consequences of not tithing than about the consequences of living without holiness. Shouldn’t a Christian’s deepest concern be, “Am I living a life worthy of God?”
Honoring Some Old Testament Laws And Not Others?
Many churches emphasize tithing, yet the New Testament shifts our focus to cheerful giving, not giving out of fear or compulsion. God loves a cheerful giver, and generosity motivated by love matters more than a specific percentage.
Attributing a career or financial gifts solely to tithing practices shifts glory from God to the act of tithing itself. Tithing should never be a tool to manipulate God for blessings.
Churches today often uphold giving practices from the Old Testament, particularly tithing, while citing verses like Romans 6 and Galatians 3 to say we are no longer under the law. They use Malachi 3:9-10 to threaten believers how they will be cursed if they don’t tithe while ignoring Galatians 3:13, which states that Jesus redeemed us from the law’s curse.
The Old Testament contains many laws and practices. Preachers intentionally downplay our freedom from the law except when it comes to tithing. The Old Testament contains many laws and practices. Preachers intentionally downplay our freedom from the Law except when it comes to tithing. The Bible teaches that violating one law makes us guilty of breaking them all. Even faithful tithing is meaningless if other laws are disregarded.
Should We Tithe? What Does The New Testament Teach
Before examining the New Testament, let’s clarify: the Old Testament never commanded tithing with money. In the New Testament, Christians are not explicitly commanded to tithe. Jesus rebuked those who meticulously tithed while neglecting justice, mercy, and faithfulness. (Matthew 23:23.)
The Bible encourages us to give generously as we decide in our hearts, not under compulsion (2 Corinthians 9:6-8). This relieves the pressure Christians face regarding forced giving. God promises blessings on the generous (Proverbs 11:25)
Who Should Receive Tithe?
The Old Testament designated tithes for the Levites. Some argue that pastors/priests in churches today receive tithes. However, the New Testament teaches that all Christians are part of a “royal priesthood.” (1 Peter 2:9.)
If we replace Levites with priests under the New Covenant, who should then rightfully receive the tithe? How can a believer tithe to a priesthood of which they are a part, or to a temple that does not exist (Matthew 24:1-2) when they are the temple of the Holy Spirit? We have Christ Jesus as our perfect intercessor (Hebrews 7:28-8:1).
There is no direct verse in the bible that indicates Christians are supposed to go to church. The bible only encourages believers not to neglect the meeting of believers as it helps in growth and it’s much safer to be with other believers than to be alone.
Sometimes people find themselves in positions that don’t allow them to be church attendance. having said that, so if you are a Christian but not a church attendee as discussed in the blog WILL I GO TO HEAVEN IF I DON’T GO TO CHURCH? Where should you tithe? If the tithe is supposed to be given to the priest then where should these guys take
their tithe?
Differences Between Old Testament And Modern Tithing
Old Testament tithing practices focused specifically on agricultural yields and livestock, serving as a primary means to support the Levitical priesthood. These practices differ significantly from contemporary tithing within many Christian denominations, which often emphasize monetary giving.
Key distinctions include:
- Abraham’s Tithe: Abraham’s tithe of war spoils was a unique event rather than a standard practice. It’s distinct from the agricultural tithe mandated in Leviticus.
- Levite Priests: Only Levite priests were authorized to collect tithes, a role that doesn’t have a direct equivalent today.
- Tithed Commodities: Only agricultural products like crops, fruits, and livestock were designated for tithing. There was no explicit requirement to tithe money.
- Jacob’s Conditional Tithe: Jacob’s tithe in Genesis was a conditional vow, dependent on God’s blessings, whereas many modern teachings emphasize tithing as a prerequisite for blessings.
- Malachi’s Focus: The prophet Malachi emphasizes bringing food offerings to the temple storehouse, not monetary gifts.
Overall, it’s important to recognize the specific historical and cultural context of Old Testament tithing. Applying these practices directly to modern times requires careful interpretation and consideration of the broader principles of generosity and stewardship found throughout the Bible.
What The Bible Teaches About Giving
The Bible encourages generous giving from a willing heart, not giving out of compulsion. This relieves the pressure Christians often face from churches that threaten consequences for not tithing (2 Corinthians 9:6-8). True generosity brings blessings: ‘A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed’ (Proverbs
11:25).
In Conclusion
Giving is an expression of our love for God and our gratitude for His blessings. Whether we choose to tithe or embrace another model of giving, let’s focus on fostering a generous spirit. True, joyful generosity flows from a heart of worship, where we recognize that all we have belongs to God.
As Christians, we are called to be stewards of God’s resources, generously supporting the work of our churches and helping those in need within our communities. Let’s explore ways to give that align with our means and reflect our priorities for building God’s Kingdom.
It’s less about the amount we give, and more about the attitude in which we give. Take some time to prayerfully consider what kind of giving practices best honor your relationship with God. How can your generosity be a true expression of your faith?
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FAQ
Giving from the Heart: A New Testament Perspective
The New Testament provides a new perspective on giving – one that emphasizes the heart rather than the law. It encourages us to give according to our means and generosity, not fear and obligation. In fact, Jesus rebuked the religious leaders for their meticulous tithing while neglecting justice, mercy, and faithfulness. He valued generosity that came from a cheerful heart, not a forced obedience. The apostle Paul also encouraged giving that focused not on following a set rule but on following the example of Christ. In 2 Corinthians 8:9, he writes, “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.” The transformative act of giving invites us to participate in the abundance and generosity of God’s grace. It enables us to extend love and hope to those who need it most. Let’s embrace the New Testament view of giving – one that reflects God’s abundant love and generosity towards us. Let’s give out of a cheerful and grateful heart, one that delights in sharing what we have with others. By doing so, we become a blessing to others, and we find ourselves blessed in return.
True that…
Malachi 1:1 and 2:1 gives context to Malachi 3:9-10. The prophet Malachi was addressing the Nation of Israel and their priests – not the Christian Church. And as for the curse, Galatians 3:13 says that Jesus redeemed us from the curse of the law. And finally, NO WHERE in all of scripture did God command a monetary tithe of anyone – not even the Israelites.
The verse concerns the Israelites not bringing their offerings to the temple. Because of their disobedience, God had judged them with a small harvest. The Lord challenged them to bring the “full tithe” of grain sacrifices (Leviticus 6:14-23) and see that He would bless them with an abundance of future crops. The “storehouse,” mentioned in verse 10, Jews were to give a tithe as part of the temple worship, but it does not teach that Christians are to give to churches. Malachi was written more than 400 years before the start of the first church in Jerusalem. Applying its command of temple giving to the local church takes these verses out of their original context. Jesus introduced us to a free will giving. We are supposed to give as the heart desires. If your heart chooses to give a tithe then that's fine, but that doesn't give one a right to look at others who give a different form of giving as not obeying God.
So how should i treat Malachi 3:9-10 "… About getting cursed, robbing God, and God commanding us to tithe…?'
?