You may have heard many pastors and preachers of the Word of God declaring that tithing is of the old covenant and therefore not applicable in our time. Even today there are still website owners that have and continue to publish their work disproving the paying of tithes. I also published an article on the topic of tithes where one reader posted a comment against tithing.
I can safely say that the people that oppose tithing are people that do not pay tithes. They have their reasons and some include the following:
- The New Testament does not compel people to tithe. Tithing is an Old Testament commandment and therefore not of our time. The reason why a tithe was necessary is no longer applicable today.
- Tithing is a law issue, meaning that those that tithe under the notion that it is compulsory live under the law. The Bible says people no longer live under law and therefore tithing is not relevant. Nicely put ‘We’re Under Grace, Not Under the Law’.
- God wants our hearts and not our wallets. Opposers say that God wants us to follow His lead, to decide in our hearts to give to His work and then to give it cheerfully.
- Jesus does not talk about tithing. Later we will see that He actually did talk about tithes.
Well known Christian leaders that oppose the prosperity gospel/theology often declare that tithing is not an obligation. Zac Poonen for example, he believes that tithing is not obligatory but giving to God should well be beyond the 10 percent Biblical tithing stipulates.
There are actually countless blogs and websites that shoot down the concept of tithing. Similarly, countless promote it and advocate for it, this website included.
Woe to prosperity gospel preachers that have hijacked tithes for their personal use. This one thing they should know, ‘God will never let any sinner go unpunished’ (Proverbs 11:21).
The Command to Tithe in the New Testament
Next I discuss why tithing is a command from Jesus. You will note that the verses I shall quote are Jesus’ words. It is always best to consider the context in which the Word is spoken but you may take literal as well and it will give you the same message in this case.
Luke 11:42 (New Living Translation) “What sorrow awaits you Pharisees! For you are careful to tithe even the tiniest income from your herb gardens, but you ignore justice and the love of God. You should tithe, yes, but do not neglect the more important things.
Matthew 23:23 (KJV) Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.
I have no business explaining these verses because they are straight to the point. Nevertheless, I implore you to take time with the Lord in prayer and find out on His position on tithing.
I also want to suggest that you search the internet for revelations on what God says about tithing. I have seen good discussions on the subject and suggest you visit the post below:
TITHING shown in 9 HEAVEN & HELL Testimonies
The reference verses and the testimony linked to above, I agree with Wibitz C. Stewart on the 10 reasons why people don’t tithe.
Facebook
Youtube
I would imagine that an overwhelming amount of Christians tithe. But we are given the example of the woman who gave all she had and in Luke 21:1-4 – this is Jesus speaking. It says she gave all she had, beyond her living expense. She felt compelled to give this amount, would God have let her fall further into poverty? – certainly not!! What you give is between you and God, but the Church relies on these funds to function. If you feel upset or angry because you are forced to tithe, then don’t tithe. But stepping out in Faith and giving abundantly of yourself after time spent in prayer is simply awesome. I personally tithe as a starting point, God is always paid first. But as mentioned I earn good money, if a member in the church who steps out in faith and pays God first – then finds they cant pay for rent/food/whatever – do you not think the church would then not uplift those that have less? If the church did not help the lower income families, then you are in the wrong church.
Very interesting thought. I also believe that tithing is an expression of love for God.
Sir,
I do not think it is right to stand in the New Covenant, free of the Law, in grace, and saved by belief in salvation through acknowledging Jesus….
AND go cross back into Laws and scripture which were not written TO or FOR us gentiles!
You chastise those who speak the Grace doctrine and the New Covenant, but we are either under the Law or we are not! Scripture, from Romans and beyond, say we are clearly not under the law!
It is said that tithing, a Jewish temple Law, was resurrected when corporate churches needed to pay bills and have income streams in 300 AD and to the present day!
I give freely to support my church, above 10%, not out of obligation or command or Law, but out of Holy Spirit discernment and my heart!
Thank you for your comment. All that you are presenting about the New Covenant and the law is true. However, I have no guards to change that which I quote in my article. It is in the Bible and written the way I presented it. I don’t mean to be harsh or not understanding but it is the scriptures.
Be blessed.
10% was for the levtis and it was crops and cattle it was for them to help them get on there feet at that time.10% tithing is not giving 10% is a obligation if it a obligation then its not from the heart tith was never mony it was crop, cattle very slopy studying. On tithing .giving come from the heart and there are no % if i was a crook what what you said about tithing sounds great first you give your 10%than you can give from heart why don,t you bump it up to 50% tithing. Then you leave. The giving part out.in stead worrying. About mony worry about geting gods words rightgod bless .the wolf slayer.
Its seem more like he making fun of them for tithing not what your saying
How so?
Brother Dube, I respect you view that tithing is commanded by God in the New Testament. However, how you arrive at you analysis amounts to proof-texting of Luke 11;42 and Matthew 23:23. You fail to understand these verses in light of (1) who Jeus was speaking to when He used the words “should” and “ought,” (2) why Jesus said this to only this religious group, and (3) the impracticality of commanded God’s people who are poor and destitute to surrender 10% of their income to the church. The scribes and pharisees adhering to the Old Testament law of tithing, which they were required to do under Jewish law. It was in this religious context Jesus used the words ought and should. If Christians are commanded to tithe, what would you say to someone in your church who said to you “if I tithe, I won’t have enough money to feed my family and pay my rent? Can you see how erroneous your view in light of 2 Cor. 8:12 which says let everyone give according to what he has and not what he doesn’t have. I am afriad you are leading people astray with your contention that tithing is a commandment for believers today.
Jesus said he came to fulfill the law not to change it. Why do people not understand this? Do they think they know more than the son of GOD?
I believe we are all relieved of any duty to tithe until the government corruption of unconstitutional taxing and spending and inflation that is currently being practiced is brought to an end.
I don’t see the connection in tithes and government taxes. Please elaborate on your point.
You can tithe, but it’s not commanded by God in the new Testament, but rather cheerful and responsible giving.
What you are quoting is in the New Testament, but before the cross, He was also speaking to Scribes and Pharisees. The new covenant was not in effect at that time. Ask yourself, when did the New Covenant start. There is no mention after that time.
Thanks for the comment but I would appreciate if you could quote me a verse that tells us not to tithe anymore.
but are we under the law?
We may not be but no verse is directly against or nullify tithing.
2 Cor. 9:6, 7