Posted on 04/09/2006 9:39:42 PM PDT by ScubieNuc
Should Christians tithe?
Recently, I was asked about tithing. Being like most Americans, I don’t tithe regularly. It’s not that I think I shouldn’t, it has more to do with my current debt. I’ve always felt that tithing would be a great thing to be able to do, but sadly, I have never been able to do it on a consistent basis. So, I decided to do a more thorough Biblical study on tithing, so that I could give an answer consistent with what God wants. What I discovered surprised me, so I decided to post what I found to see what Freeper’s had to say.
The first thing I did was look at all the verses with the word “tithe” in them. It occurs 14 times in 13 verses. The word “tithing” occurs 2 times in one verse. The thing that jumped out to me was that the word “tithe” occurs only twice in the New Testament ( Matt. 23:23 & Luke 11:42).
When you look at those events, in Matthew and Luke, Jesus is scolding the Pharisees, who have apparently mastered tithing, but have overlooked more important things such as judgment, mercy, faith, and the love of God. Now, Jesus does imply that tithing is good, but that it should not be done at the expense of more “weighty matters of the law.”
Now, when I looked at the Old Testament verses dealing with tithing, I also saw a familiar theme. Tithing was tied into the ceremonies and rituals given to the Nation of Israel after the Exodus out of slavery.
Tithing was used to build the tabernacle and the Temple. Tithing was used to set aside food. Tithing was to be used by those who would be serving in the Tabernacle or Temple. Tithing was as much a ritual as was the rituals surrounding the Sabbath. So then, how do we Christians today, who are under the New Covenant of Jesus, deal with the rituals given by God under the Mosaic Covenant?
I looked at the rituals of the Sabbath for an example. First, the Sabbath was a sign for the Nation of Israel and not for all people (Exodus 31:12, 13, 16, 17). Sabbath was a ceremonial law for the Jewish Nation. Sabbath was more then just the 7th day of the week, but also dealt with the 7th month (Lev. 23:24) and the 7th year (Lev. 25:4). In the entire New Testament there is not a single command to Christians to keep the Sabbaths. Why?
In short, the ceremonial laws were “nailed to the cross” because they were a “shadow” of Jesus.
Col 2:10 And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:
Col 2:11 In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ:
Col 2:12 Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with [him] through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.
Col 2:13 And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;
Col 2:14 Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;
Col 2:15 [And] having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.
Col 2:16 Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath [days]:
Col 2:17 Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body [is] of Christ.
Next, I looked for examples of what the early Christians did. They didn’t give 10%, they gave it ALL!
Act 4:32 And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any [of them] that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common.
And
Act 2:44 And all that believed were together, and had all things common;
Act 2:45 And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all [men], as every man had need.
I noticed a few points from their example. One, the church took care of its own house first. Two, it was unanimous. They voluntarily sold all their goods, pooled the monies, and distributed where it was needed among the Church. Once they had their own church finances taken care of, they could then focus on others who were outside of the church. This is not an example of reinstituting the rituals of the Old Testament.
The New Testament Church does give guidelines for leaders in the church, who are “stewards for God.” (Titus1:5-7) The KJV mentions “not given to filthy lucre.” This is translated from the Greek word aischrokerdes. This word means eager for base gain or greedy for money. It is clear that to be a steward of God, finances is part of the picture. However, there is no mention of tithing.
The New Testament church was an example of the following verses…
Rom 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, [which is] your reasonable service.
Rom 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what [is] that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
2Cr 8:5 And [this they did], not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God.
These verses point out that stewardship involves giving all of yourself.
Finally, I looked at what the Bible has to say about borrowing and debt. Borrowing is always involved whenever there is lending. Since lending is sometimes permissible, so is borrowing. Still, normally it is the righteous who are lenders rather than borrowers.
"The LORD will open the heavens, the storehouse of his bounty . . . to bless all the work of your hands. You will lend to many nations but will borrow from none." (Deuteronomy 28:12)
"The wicked borrow and do not repay, but the righteous give generously. . . . They are always generous and lend freely; their children will be blessed." (Psalm 37:21, 26)
"Good will come to him who is generous and lends freely, who conducts his affairs with justice." (Psalm 112:5)
There is danger in debt.
"The rich rule over the poor and the borrower is servant to the lender." Proverbs 22:7
"You were bought at a price. Do not become servants of men." 1 Corinthians 7:23
"No one can serve two masters. . . You cannot serve both God and Money." Matthew 6:24
The New Testament warns against debt.
Rom 13:8 Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.
There is a penalty for debt.
"All these blessings will come upon you if you obey the LORD your God:
". . . The LORD will open the heavens, the storehouse of his bounty, to . . . bless all the work of your hands. You will lend to many nations but will borrow from none. The LORD will make you the head, not the tail.
"However, if you do not obey the LORD your God and do not carefully follow all his commands and decrees I am giving you today, all these curses will come upon you and overtake you:
". . . The alien who lives among you will rise above you higher and higher, but you will sink lower and lower. He will lend to you, but you will not lend to him. He will be the head, but you will be the tail. Deuteronomy 28:2,12-13; 15; 43-44
Debt causes desperation.
Some were saying, "We and our sons and daughters are numerous; in order for us to eat and stay alive, we must get grain."
Others were saying, "We are mortgaging our fields, our vineyards and our homes to get grain during the famine."
Still others were saying, "We have had to borrow money to pay the king's tax on our fields and vineyards." Nehemiah 5:2-4
So, what is my conclusion? Tithing was part of the ceremonies and rituals given to the Nation of Israel after the exodus from slavery in Egypt. Tithing was not instituted by the early church examples given in the New Testament. Jesus never commands tithing. Tithing is not one of the “weighty matters of the law.” Tithing was a shadow that directed people toward Jesus.
So what is a Christian to do financially? One, is to recognize that all we have is to be used for God. That is not limited to money, but to our time, our talents, etc. Two, we need to take care of our brothers in Christ, even if it means greater sacrifice by some. Three, we need to take care of others outside of the body of Christ. Four, we need to get out of debt so that we can better provide for others.
Finally, I recognize that I am an un-schooled layman. Plus, I do not have my own financial house in complete order (debts). Therefore, I recognize that my study/conclusions may be biased to support what I want, as apposed to what Jesus actually wants. I am not seeking to attack certain traditions, rather to “speak the truth in love.” (Eph. 4:11-15) I think that 1 Corinthians 4:2 summarizes it best…
“Moreover, it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.”
Sincerely
If one considers God from the perspective of God, and his creations have taken a liking to shiney objects (nt to mention heresey and simplicty) why not demand they gve it up?
God's point throughout history ha been abandon earthly things for the eternal things.
That is a little confusing were you the nester or do you mean you children moved out?
I like him saw him on a PBS fund raiser, he has a kind way about him!
I have no problem giving where I fell that God has directed me to give. I don't believe that giving or not giving draws God any closer to you if it did then God can be bought. I have herd that old line well it's all God's anyway. Yes and He has given it to us to be good stewards over it. How many of those that use that line well it’s God’s anyway have given all away as the rich young ruler did? How many would go out as 40 did with nothing but shoes? Not many. Would you?
Your right that God doesn't need our money. However, the tithe was given to the Nation of Israel for building the Temple and taking care of the priests.
We learn more about God by putting our faith in Him. You can definately demonstrate your faith that God will take care of you by giving to Him 10%, 15%, 30%, or 90% of your income, but a Tithe is not commanded to Christians. The key is faith and not tithe.
Sincerely
I notice his tongue and cheek remarks makes one puzzled if he really did come here legally why he bothered.
When he thinks there are greener pastures out there which he never named!
Kiyosaki has a column on Yahoo Finance.
No, it's a matter of money and how the people view their churches. If they view their church priests/peachers/bishops/etc as corrupt, or protecting corruption, like a priest supporting illegal immigrants in their quest to live off of taxpayers, then people will not give money to that church.
Such as trying to keep up with the Jones and not living with one means!
That is a very ignoble statement considering the way this country is set up currently with taxes and fees, if one wishes to live in even a small home they have to borrow money for a morgage/debt.
There's a reason people are living pay check to pay check and not saving, it's because the system has been so warped that it is next to impossible to save money when you know government will eventually take it all your savings away from you in (S.S./Walfare/Medicare) taxes to pay for the care of others while government leaves you starve to death.
Is it true you think America
Well, US has to be better than other places - not across the board, of course, but at least in some aspects - in this here and in that there.
Some how I feel I should be more tolerant in some of the things you say because you can only go by what you experience in life and so it has caused you to be cynical in some aspects!
IMHO
I can't imagine how one really lives that has little regard for the Creator!
I do hope a time will come you have better encounters here and not let the noise of the media and world turmoils drown out the lovely things around you!
You know I live in NYC for about $1400. a month my rent is about a 3rd of my SS.
Each day I feel I am getting stronger and hope to find a way of working again!
I have everything I need and can save for something I really want!
I really think it has to do with mind set!
Tithing no matter how you cut it is about exercising faith!
Credit cards are a curse.
I will grant you there is a economic revolution going on to usurp property rights and personal Sovereignty!
I see it as clear as day!
Now the government is getting into afordable housing which means with the hidden hand we are going to be glorified (surfs) tenants on the land these folks live on!
Well, to say that a country is better across the board is less than modest - and also less than true. For example, in sports the United States did not pick all the medals at the most recent Olympics, which could serve as a good illustration and an example of the proper approach. In some sports - yes, better, in others - not so good, but hopefully improving. The same applies to all other aspects of life besides sports. Pride goeth before fall, right?
So you are a New Yorker, living in a "rent controlled" appartment, living off of taxpayers through Social Security. No wonder you like to tell other people to throw away their money.
My dear friend I paid into this SS all of my life it was compulsory not voluntary!
I live in a rent stablized apt it goes up every two years!
Just got a raises!
I lived through those days when they had progressive income tax so if I worked 60-70 hours a week I did not get rewarded for my efforts for my uncle sam was there first to take his cut!
I worked much my life in food services and long hard back breaking hours!
Nope, government spend it, your living off younger generations' money paid in taxes. Nothing is being saved in S.S., it's all being spend as it is taken, and that is not enough the U.S. has to currently borrow money in the hundreds of billions of dollars per year to meet the current output for Social Security payouts.
And I have no illisions about what government will do, they will raise taxes until they bankrupt the younger generations.
For the record, I am 25 years old, and because of this and other actions taken by government, I don't expect to live to see my 50th birthday.
My generation is already bleeding out money in taxes and fee and people ask my generation to give MORE!! while they live off the sweat of younger generations. That is quite ignoble.
Sorry if you feel I was telling one how to throw around money when what I said is testified my many who lived the law of tithing!
I only shared with you what is a truism you can either try it or not you still have free will!
If you listen to Dave Ramsey caller after caller call in how tithing and controled spending has helped them in their live and get debt free and have a work able plan that works when applied!
http://www.daveramsey.com/
I don't care if you believe they spend my share, had I been allowed to save that money or have my own retired ment plan I would be getting more than this small amount for all I paid into it!
it is not entitlement it is my insurance!
You are 25 you have no clue what it was like before 1981
truly I don't say that with distain it is painful to remember what once was a bulwark in the world is now becomming a shadow of it self!
We all been rob!
When I graduated from school the world turn up side down all the years I was growing up we were a moral country!
In 1962 it start to break down and the left got those young folks who grew up with out supervions on drugs and free sex etc.
My whole world was shatted each year more and more decay took place beautiful America was loosing her innocents.
I am sorry you generation feels jaded, but it is up to your generation to learn what you didn't in school what made America great establish those links!
I bet you know little about your family history or things before the time you were born.
I was born in the 40's and I was able to have a link going back to the 1860 and reading in history for more.
There is a thread that runs all down through history that is filled with tried and true things that have worked and adapted into the next generation!
After 1970 little was mention and erased from the mind, but much could be kindled in your memory of you DNA when you read certain things it will seem like deja vu.
This generation should insist the great works are taught again in schools
I googled great literature
Great books on line
http://www.bartleby.com/
http://www.educationindex.com/lit/
The time to learn these things is when you are young and idealistic this way you have a balance.
What NEA teachers have done was short circuit these works and only gave what would promote their agenda!
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.