There are two major camps when it comes to whether or not Christians should tithe: ’No, we shouldn’t', and ’Yes, we should!’ It seems like these are logically the only two responses to tithing. However, both of these responses fall short of the New Testament teaching of giving.
No, we shouldn’t!
The main arguments given by those who reject tithing for today’s Christians are as follows:
1. Tithing in the Old Testament was part of a societal structure that is similar to our taxes today. However, today we are not living in a theocracy (where God is the King and we are his subjects). See Numbers 18:21
2. We are no longer under the law, we are under grace. See Romans 6:14
3. The tithes were primarily used in a sacrificial system that no longer applies. See Leviticus 27:32
Yes, we should!
Of course, the other side of the debate has their own set of arguments.
1. Tithing is still valid because Jesus didn’t come to abolish the law but to fulfill it. See Matthew 5:17
2. Jesus even told the Pharisees that they should not abandon tithing. See Matthew 23:23
3. Much like the temple, the church also has need for monetary gifts so that it can function. See 1 Corinthians 9:13-14
Before I dive into why I think both of these arguments fall short of New Testament teaching, I want to hear from you. Do you think we should or should not still be tithing? Are there other arguments you would add to the list above to support your position?
From a discipleship perspective, tithing allows me a way out from giving all God wants me to give. All I have to do it give 10% and then I am off the hook for anything more. It also leads to self-righteousness. The NT's teaching is much harder to follow than simply tithing — I must give everything to God! Ro 12:1; The NT also tells me that when I consider all that Christ gave for me, I should decide for myself what to give in response to him. What else can I give other than everything? 2 Corinthians 9:6-10
Tithing is an act of faith. We may feel that if we tithe we are denying ourselves. That's not true. I've never tithed anything that I didn't get back and more. It opens the door to God giving to us (though unlike the word-faith people I don't believe we should give for that reason. I believe selfish giving to get is sin.) "Test me in this,” says the LORD Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it." Malachi 3:10. Note that He doesn't specify monetary blessings, but you will not be in need if you tithe.
My recent post Short Item from One Touch from the Maker
Thanks for your thoughts Pat. I do believe that when we are faithful to give joyfully and sacrificially, God blesses us and enables us to give even more. Not that He necessarily gives us a greater income, but He helps us to shift our priorities so that more of what we have been blessed with goes to others in need and to support the mission and ministry of the local church.
My recent post Why Can’t We Just Ignore Tithing
I think this issue isn't should we or shouldn't we. In my opinion, it is the wrong question. It is still thinking within the parameters of the law or the old covenant. For if there had been nothing wrong with that first covenant, no place would have been sought for another (Heb. 8:7). We live in the new covenant where the law (what we are supposed to do) is put in our hearts and minds (Heb. 8:10). So a better question is how do we give in this superior new covenant. The answer to that question is found in 2 Cor. 8-9. To sum up that teaching…listen to what the Holy Spirit tells you to do and do it. It will be generous.
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Matthew 6.4:
so that your alms may be done in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
Galatians 2.4:
But because of false believers* secretly brought in, who slipped in to spy on the freedom we have in Christ Jesus, so that they might enslave us—