Understanding the "tithe"

The book of Acts details people giving to support the early Church. However, the Church was much different than it is today.

Further I would add some Christians, I have observed, have the attitude that in giving tithe to their local Church body that they are sufficiently being a good steward of what God has given them.

To this I say "no". God wants US to give to others as freely as we have received. It's not enough to give to a church or charity and go on your way.

Remember also, churches and charities have their own bills to pay. So it's more than probable that less then 100% is going to actually help those in need.

 

Don't get me wrong! Supporting organizations that have resources to help people beyond your own individual capability is a good thing, but we must exercise wisdom in what to do with the blessings God has given us.

After all we will have to account for our deeds.

Many churches were the only source of relief that evacuees from the hurricanes had. Without the financial support of their members, things would have been worse for thousands of people.

 

Words of Wisdom

 

Rom. 6:14. For sin shall not be master over you, for you are not under law but under grace.

1 Cor. 15:56. The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law;
57. but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
58. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord.

 

"Remember also, churches and charities have their own bills to pay. So it's more than probable that less then 100% is going to actually help those in need."


But I would not have all of my donation to my church going to help those in need. As members of our church, aren't we responsible for making sure the church pays its bills? We don't just give in order to have it go out to the community. We give to pay the lights, the heat, the cooler, the water, not to mention to pay our dear pastors!
I have no problem with calling it a "gift" rather than a "tithe". Im not really worried about it. But as members of our churches we have a responsibility to support our church. Its more than just giving to a charity like the Red Cross. We have more of a responsibility in our own local church.

 

The tithe was the inheritance of the tribe of Levi.

 

Yet we see Abram gave a tithe in Gen. 14, some 400+ years before the law was given. So, even though it was performed as part of the ceremonial law, it's more than just ceremonial law.

Why did Abram give a tithe to Melchizedek?
Gen 14:18 And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God.

Who is our priest?
Hebrews 5 tells us Jesus is our high priest.
5 So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest; but he that said unto him, Thou art my Son, to day have I begotten thee.
6 As he saith also in another place, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.

So all Christians should tithe to Jesus via the local church (the body of Christ).

 

During Jesus' ministry He made use of the gifts of others to support Him and his disciples. Giving to a church, ministry, or charity is not wrong and should be encouraged. (See my second response above)

If your local church body is a blessing to its members and the community in which it resides, support it however you can.

But if a person believes they can simply tithe to a local church and that is the extent of their stewardship responsibility, they are robbing themselves of the blessings God will bestow.

 

I see now, Crusader.

I have no problem with the idea that tithing should only be a starting point, and not the end of our giving.

 

Bapmom, I'm sure we are in agreement here.

Would you believe I have actually met atheists who attend a church, GIVE TITHE regularly, sing hymns, and even pray.

I've asked them why they do these things if they don't believe in God. I get different answers, but mostly it boils down to the fact that it makes them feel good about themselves to give their time and money in helping their community.

Jesus instructs us through Scripture that our love must exceed that of the publicans, tax-collectors, etc. Giving as God has provided me to do has been such a blessing in my life, I try to encourage it as much as I can in the lives of other believers.

God bless.

 

It has always been puzzling to me how many are opposed to dispensationalism, but one mention of 10% going to the Lord and everyone is a dispensationalist...HA HA HA!

 

Ares

You would be amazed at how many people say that they have studied the tithe, but are stunned when you ask them, "So what does God mean when He said: 'thou shalt eat before the LORD thy God, in the place which he shall choose to place his name there, the tithe of thy corn, of thy wine, and of thine oil, and the firstlings of thy herds and of thy flocks; that thou mayest learn to fear the LORD thy God always.'?"

 

Pastor MHG,



Bro Tony

 

Okay, look, everyone, tithe means "tenth", so as a matter of custom and good stewardship, I return 10% of my income to the Lord. If you feel so called, then I invite you to do likewise. If you feel called to return something else, or some other amount, then by all means do it.

It seems that there's a movement in teh church that berates those who tithe. You'd think it was some sort of "giver's lib" movement. They'll be burning their offering envelopes next.

Regardless of how a person feels about what they should give, the fact is that all who attend a church have a responsibility to financially support that church. Heck, it costs $6 for a fast-food lunch and $9 for a movie. You should at least be dropping in that much when the plate goes by.

 

Under the Mosiac Law, the Israelites were commanded to pay tithes at various times throughout the year. The various tithes together add up to about 30 percent, not 10 percent. The tithes of Israel supported the ministry of the priesthood, the government of the day. The tithes commanded to Israel were in reality a form of taxation. The church is nowhere instructed to pay tithes, as such. Paul tells the Corinthian assembly to give regularly, proportionally, and sacrificially (1Cor 16:1-2; 2Cor 8:1-5). This giving is to flow from their personal commitment to the Lord and is to be motivated by their love for the Lord Jesus and desire to promote the spread of the gospel. Giving under grace should not be motivated by a fear that “if I don’t give it willingly, God will take it anyway”. Nor should we give to the Lord with expectation of getting more back than we give. This “seed faith” tithing is popular in some groups, but does not find support in the Word of God. All giving should be done with full understanding that everything we have is from the Lord and it is He who has given us the ability to work and acquire wealth. While recognizing that the tithe was a command to Israel and not the church, believers should be very cautious in using their liberty as an excuse to give less than the Old Testament saints. To who much is given, much shall be required (Luke 12:48). Giving under grace is a recognition that God owns it all – we give back a portion of that with which He has entrusted us out of gratitude and love.

 

rj

I have heard the 30% ... but I cannot find it ... where does the OT teach 30%?