One. No one ever starts tithing if he waits until he can afford it.
Everyone I know needs a little more money than they have now. Suggest that they take the first 10 percent of their income and give it to the Lord through His church, and you’ve asked them to do something extremely difficult. It’s a tremendous faith decision and was probably even meant by the Lord to be hard.
So, underline this, highlight it, capitalize it: BEGINNING TO TITHE IS TOUGH! Always has been, always will be–for everyone. No exception.
And yet, there is a little deception that plays in the back of our minds. “We will start tithing when we get the next raise.” A better job. Past these bills. When the kids leave home. Come into our inheritance.
But it’s a deception. It is not going to happen. If you’re not tithing now, having more money is not going to make it easier to begin.
Anyone who begins to tithe does so when he cannot afford it. You just take it off the top, write that check and with perhaps a little fear and trepidation, give it to the Lord in prayer, and go forward. Faith.
Expect it to be hard for a while and for your fears to well back up each payday. Do not do this automatically; do it prayerfully. Let your check-writing and your offering-giving be acts of worship, both at the kitchen table and in the church pew.
We might should emphasize that tithing is not the end-all and be-all of the Christian. It’s one aspect and only one of a full Christian life, one characterized by devotion to the Savior, dedication to the Word and prayer and worship, and by obedience in every area of life. We must never mislead some carnal church member to think that if he starts tithing, he’s going to get something from God.
First, give yourself to the Lord, then give what you have to Him. In turn, He will give Himself and what He has to you, and you will come out the winner, believe me!
Two. After the first year or so, tithing becomes easier.
What happens is that you adjust your lifestyle to the new reality. Perhaps you get a raise or a new job and more money is coming in, and you are able to continue tithing without the pain you had the first year. You’re so glad you started, and now you look back and realize that beginning to tithe was like starting on a diet: the hardest part was deciding to start.
Everyone’s experience is not the same, so we mustn’t overstate the case here. However, the experience of most people is that after the first year of tithing, it’s like you have climbed a steep stairway and come out onto a higher level. What is this new level?
Jesus said, “Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” (Matthew 6:21) Your child goes off to school in a distant city and suddenly what happens in that town becomes your concern. Your treasure is there; your heart followed. Likewise, you will care far more about the things of the Lord when you start investing in God’s work financially. Jesus said so. You actually love the Lord more and take more pleasure in the work of the Kingdom.
Will you have to deal with pride? If you’re like the rest of us, you will always have to deal with that monster and not just about tithing. He shows up at the strangest times, wears the most surprising disguises, and has one overriding goal: to deaden your spiritual life. Which in turn will neutralize your effectiveness for Christ.
So, stay humble before God. Stay on your knees in prayer. This Christian life is not lived in the flesh.
Three. No tither ever comes down to the end of his life and regrets it.
Jesus said, “Lay up treasure in Heaven where moth and rust do not corrupt and where thieves cannot break through and steal.” (Matthew 6:20)
The way I read that, our Lord is saying that while “you can’t take it with you,” you may send it on ahead. Giving to the Lord here on earth is laying up treasure in Heaven. A type of divine alchemy, if you will.
I don’t explain it; I just believe it.
Some years ago while pastoring the First Baptist Church of Kenner, the Lord impressed me to challenge our people to begin tithing for three months–June, July, and August. We were to “test the Lord” and see if He would not keep His word in Malachi 3:10 to “open the windows of Heaven” and bless. (Many pastors have pointed out this is the only place in Scripture where we are invited to test God. So, we’re merely taking Him at His promise and not acting presumptuously here.)
We did not stipulate what those blessings would be–some might be financial and some might be far better than money–we would leave that to the Father.
This was the kicker: at the end of the summer, anyone who decided God had not keep His promise could receive all his money back. Such requests had to be made in writing.
One fellow got his money back, the church had the best summer’s income in decades, and several members wrote letters with glowing testimonies of the Lord’s powerful work in their lives.
We gave the emphasis a name: “Summer Blessed.” As in, make this a “summer blessed” of the Lord. Of course, some wag got hold of it and said, “Summer blessed and some ain’t.”
Which is always the case, I suppose. Personally, I want to be among the blessed.
Here’s a wonderful scripture the Father has been impressing upon me. “Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be dismayed by the king of the Assyrians or by the multitude with him. For the One with us is greater than the one with him. With him is only an arm of flesh, but with us is the Lord our God to help us and to fight our battles.” (II Chronicles 32:7-8)
My “daughter” Mary says, “How many times does the scripture tell us to be strong and courageous!” I doubt if anyone has counted them, but the fact that God keeps repeating it ought to tell us that it’s a biggie.
Strength is an inner thing but courage has to do with an outward challenge–meeting an enemy, facing a crisis, going forward when fears are working overtime and you’re close to retreating.
It takes courage to witness for Christ in a secular environment, to stand up for the right when you’re in the minority, and to take on the powers that be to get them to do the right thing. But it also takes courage to step forward in a worship service and confess that you are a Christian, to be baptized publicly, to make yourself get out of bed early Sunday and take your family to church, and to rearrange your schedule to read the Word and pray each morning. It takes a great deal of courage to write that tithing check, particularly at the start.
But for those who begin tithing, I’ll tell you a special little open secret, one so many who read this blog know and treasure. It’s another Second Chronicles scripture and a real keeper. “The eyes of the Lord run to and fro in the earth that He may strongly support those whose heart is completely His.” (16:9)
The Father wants to help you do right. And He promises to be there ready to assist when you make up your mind to start.
3 things that i learned about tithing.
1. It was only for the nation of Israel
2. It was only for livestock and agriculture.
3. It is not commanded for the NT church.
I never cease to be amazed at how the bible scholars’ and theologians’ view of tithing in general differs so greatly from the pastoral perspective. While many (though not all) scholarly writings tend to view tithing as an old covenant practice, distinct from the new covenant principle of joyful, generous, FREEWILL giving- most pastors and their governing bodies take the stance that tithing is a mandatory aspect of Christian life. My study of the whole of Scripture has led me to the conclusion that we as new covenant believers are not obligated or compelled to tithe. If this is as vital an issue as some would have us believe, then among all the new testament instruction regarding giving there should be SOME reference to this “mandatory” part of our stewardship. Jesus’ words to the Pharisees certainly would not apply, as this group of people our Savior addressed while under the law. Hebrews 7 reference to tithing also does not apply, as the purpose of this passage was to show Jesus’ superiority to Melchizidek, not an endorsement of tithing. Other than those 2 references, the new covenant speaks loudly by it’s silence regarding tithing.
Lest some accuse me of just being “stingy”, I might add that my stewardship has gone significantly above 10%, but I am not bound by the Malachi curse, or blessing of the tithe, except Paul’s promise that “God shall supply all your needs, according to His riches in glory”.
I will also concede that this view could be an excuse for some to give less (or free others to cheerfully give more rather than being coerced into paying a tenth). However, pastors need to concede that to preach tithing is a convenient way to assure a steady flow of money into the church coffers without any accountability as to how the money is used. I have seen in my church an irresponsible spending of the parishioners” by the leadership, and it grieves my heart.
Thanks for allowing this post.
Todd
Recent comments on this blog about tithing — okay AGAINST tithing, seem to me to serve only one purpose.
Todd: “I will also concede that this view could be an excuse for some to give less (or free others to cheerfully give more rather than being coerced into paying a tenth).”
Somehow I doubt that those who “cheerfully give” will give even more (and more cheerfully) when the “coercion” aspect is removed — this is the choir that need not be preached to! As for an excuse to give less, ask yourself whose purpose that would serve…
Todd follows with: “However, pastors need to concede that to preach tithing is a convenient way to assure a steady flow of money into the church coffers without any accountability as to how the money is used”
This relationship between preaching tithing and accountability is strained, at best. Irresponsible leadership doesn’t care whether the gifts they mismanage and abuse were “cheerfully given” or “coerced”. The source is not important to them — it’s the accountability (or lack thereof) that matters.
The net total of the anti-tithing comments that have been left here recently serve one purpose, and one purpose alone — to weaken the body of Christ, and to undermine the Church.
You might as well be telling us that it is biblical to ordain practicing homosexuals like they do over at the Episcopal Church. Even if the debatable points are indeed “debatable”, the result of even holding such a debate yields only one result: a weakened faith, a weakened church (singular), and a weakened Body of Christ (plural).
Now whose purpose do you think THAT result might serve?
Anyone?
This “debate” over the theology of tithing sounds remarkably similar…
Thanks, Marty, for your comments. I believe you are trying to be constructive in your defense of tithing. I would ask you, however, to cite one passage of scripture that mandates tithing for the new testament church. In fact, there are none. To promote a doctrine that is not supported by the bible would seem to me as “weakening the body of Christ, and to undermine the Church”. Any time the leadership of Christ’s body place legalistic demands on His people that are not supported by scripture- THAT weakens the Church.
I do take issue with your attempt to try to impose guilt-by-association concerning your comparing the tithing debate with homosexuality. There is no debate that homosexuality is SIN. However, there is much to debate concerning tithing. You seem to be of the opinion that ANYTHING that is worthy of debate is anathema. A very dangerous position to take!
Todd
Thanks Todd, for your trolling by. I’ll answer you anyway:
Todd: ” I would ask you, however, to cite one passage of scripture that mandates tithing for the new testament church.”
In light of my previous comment, I’ll turn the question around and ask YOU why that even matters?
It’s okay though, you don’t have to answer that — because you already did answer it with your next statement:
Todd: “To promote a doctrine that is not supported by the bible would seem to me as “weakening the body of Christ, and to undermine the Church”. Any time the leadership of Christ’s body place legalistic demands on His people that are not supported by scripture- THAT weakens the Church.”
An interesting statement — what evidence do you have to back it up? If the doctrine of tithing has weakened the Body of Christ, and Undermined the Church, surely you can show us all how, and where, that has happened.
Reminding me once again of recent events in the Episcopal Church, where the pro-homosexual forces insist that being more “tolerant” and “inclusive” will result in a stronger more vibrant and more diverse church. Yet in every single place where this new theology is embraced, what do we find? A weaker, smaller, and less diverse congregation.
It’s pretty simple for a layman like myself to determine whose purpose is being served there. Those folks “claim” that traditional beleifs about homosexuality are hurting the church, and that their new doctrine will help. Yet when you look at the evidence — at their fruit — the exact opposite is true.
Todd: “There is no debate that homosexuality is SIN”
You clearly have not been paying attention to your fellow Christians. I could give you dozens of links, but one will suffice:
http://www.claimingtheblessing.org/
But back on topic, I’ll repeat my question:
What evidence do you have to back up your claim that the doctrine of tithing has weakened the Body of Christ, and undermined the church? What makes you so certain that removing this doctrine will result in more giving, more givers, and a more effective Church?
Marty…”trolling by”??? How disrespectful. Forgive me if I have made any comments to you in that spirit.
Since your last post centered, not around Scriptural support for a mandatory tithe for new testament believers, but the need for me to PROVE that tithing has weakened the church. I feel I must remind you that it was you who wrote in your first post that the stance against tithing weakens the church.
your quote:
“The net total of the anti-tithing comments that have been left here recently serve one purpose, and one purpose alone — to weaken the body of Christ, and to undermine the Church.”
Perhaps you could give us ANY evidence that this is true? (it’s YOUR point of discussion).
So far we have danced around the real issue: Is there a mandate for tithing in the New Testament Church? I challenge you to give me ANY scriptural support in favor of the compulsory tithe for believers. I maintain- there is none. Since we have gotten nowhere in actually discussing this issue, I would invite anyone to do a simple internet search on the word “tithing”. You will find many articles both for and against. Let the reader allow God’s leading as you seek His will concerning your own personal stewardship.
Blessings.
Todd
Oh I’m not one to argue theology, on tithing or much of anything else. I’ll leave that for the theologians…
My question is simply, what would be the point of having such an argument? Whose kingdom would it serve?
It is true there are many debates over tithing but, the interesting thing to me is that neither Marty or Todd have given scriptural reference for either side of the debate. Without the support of God’s Word, any argument that is made is inherently flawed.
I don’t claim to be a scholar or theologian, but a disciple of the Living Christ and my statements will be based on that fact.
1.In the New testament there are several references to giving, one of which you referred to as FREEWILL giving. Found in 2 Cor. 9:7, we are exhorted by Paul to be cheerful givers and to give as GOD has purposed in our hearts. Also, Jesus instructs the disciples to render unto Ceasar what is Ceasar’s and to God what is God’s. Though the amount is not set, I believe the underlying truth is that we should give to the church. The tithe in the Old Testament is the standard to go by. Some may argue 10% of Gross or Net pay; as for me, I am tithing on Gross just to make sure I wasn’t wrong when I get to heaven.
2. The Pastor of any local church is ultimately accountable for the disposition of the tithe. Ultimately, the pastor is accountable to God for his handling of ALL the affairs of the church, including the money. I don’t believe the congregation should have to be involved in every financial decision but, for major issues involving the handling of funds everyone should have a say. I have known several pastors accused of mishandling church funds though the church ledger had never been in the red under their stewardship.
3. This brings me to stewardship. Stewardship is a process, not and action. It is the way in which we handle what God has entrusted to us. I don’t want to seem like I am tooting my own horn but my tithe/offering is in excess of 20% of my income. This does not include the money I give to my favorite charities. To look at a budgetary view of my personal finances, giving 20+ percent of my income to anything other than bills or necessary living expenses, is not only impractical but on paper it appears completely impossible. I believe because of my willingness to give with a happy heart, my God cares for me and takes care of me and my family. which brings me to personal testimony.
4. My personal testimony for tithing is quite interesting, not incredible but interesting. As the Pastor stated in his message, we are encouraged ONE TIME in the bible to test God and see if he won’t pour out the blessings of heaven upon us. Tithing is faith in action. I know that what I give helps my pastor stay in full time ministry, it helps buy necessary items and pay utilities and the like for the proper functioning of the church building, and it also goes to support missionaries on the field spreading the Good News. You see with out sufficient tithes there would be many nations that never receive the Gospel because there would be no funds to send missionaries or there would be no funds to print the Bible in a foreign language and the list goes on.
As Marty asked, do you really want to have this debate? or would it be better to just do the will of God? Deuteronomy chapters 4 and 12 tell us not to add or take away from the Word of God and Revelations 22:18-19 says that if we add or take away from the Word we will receive the plagues of the book of Revelations.
The bottom line is this; Seek God’s will for your life, obey his commandments, and when God says to do something don’t ask questions just do it.
In the immortal words of Marcel Ledbetter: “You gonna arguy or fish??”
By the way, if anyone is interested in my personal tithing testimony you may email me at brad.walker1@gmail.com with the words TITHING TESTIMONY as the subject.
God Bless,
Brad
Brad, thanks for weighing in on this subject. I appreciate your comments, and would like to respond in kind.
You are correct in that I did not cite specific scripture references that give new covenant instruction regarding stewardship, so allow me to do so. Let me begin with the verse you mentioned, and go from there. For the sake of brevity, I will not quote the verses, but just a short comment after each. Please do look them up, however, because they represent the main teaching of New Covenant giving.
2 Cor. 9:7- Giving as we purpose in our hearts without compulsion…cheerfully.
2 Cor. 8:3- Giving even beyond their ability of their own accord.
1 Tim 6:18- The rich to be generous and willing to share.
1 Cor. 16:1-2- Paul
If a new testament believer does not have the conviction that a tithe represents 1/10th of his gross income (off the top) then he has a misunderstanding that will lead him into error. This 1/10th is consistant throughout the scriptures and did not need to be repeated for new testament believers. However, our Lord Jesus Christ made reference to a tithe in MT 23:23 and Luke 11:42 and stated that it should not be left undone. In Luke 8:12 tithing is not discouraged by the Lord but is not a condition for justification. There is not a single verse in 32,000 that forbids tithing old or new testament, for the Jew or Gentile. The mandate to tithe has never been abandoned or taught against by any prophet, apostle or disciple that has been canonized. All scripture is God breathed and the scriptures can not be broken (2Tim 3:16, Jn 10:35). I suggest that when the new testament is silent or not repetitive on the subject of tithing it is because it was being practiced according to the mandate that was in place.
The church is a mystery and is the house of God (1Tim 3:15) the ground and pillar of truth. In Ex 23: 19 they were to bring the first of the firstfruits of the land into the house of the Lord. The Levites brought a tenth of the tithes into the house of God, the treasury house (Neh 10:38). The last thing I would like to say about this subject of tithing is what Christ said so beautifully on the sermon on the mount, ‘Think not that I came to destroy the law or the prophets, I am not come to destroy but to fulfill (Mt 5:17). Finally, and most importantly we have Christ as our example, that we should follow in His steps (1Pt 2:21).
The issue for Christians is it legalism or grace of Christ? Are you justified by the law? The scriptures tell us that justification by the law profit not.
Heb 7:16-19
Heb 10:1-12
Titus 3:5-7
Rom 3:28
From Luke 18:9-14, NIV “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood up and prayed about himself: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men-robbers, evildoers, adulterers
Brad,
I appreciate your comments, however I must point out some very obvious flaws in your arguments.
Brad said: “If a new testament believer does not have the conviction that a tithe represents 1/10th of his gross income (off the top) then he has a misunderstanding that will lead him into error. This 1/10th is consistant throughout the scriptures and did not need to be repeated for new testament believers.
Your first comment is one that can be only characterized as YOUR opinion. The Scriptures certainly do not support this assumption. Your assertion that 1/10 is consistent throughout scripture is certainly not true, because under the Mosaic Law, there were as many as THREE tithes, amounting to 23 1/3% And it was the Pharisees who were under the same Mosaic law that Jesus correctly said should have tithed from their spices.
Brad said: “The mandate to tithe has never been abandoned or taught against by any prophet, apostle or disciple that has been canonized.”
In my previous post I cited several of the new Testament writers instructions concerning stewardship. Understand that some of the epistles were written to Gentiles who were unfamiliar with the Mosaic Law. If tithing is such an important mandate for new covenant believers (indeed, many of our modern churches REQUIRE tithing to become members), why would the new testament writers speak so much about giving without even mentioning tithing? These Gentiles surely could not just have an magic understanding of a distinctly Jewish ,OT concept.
Brad said: “In Ex 23: 19 they were to bring the first of the firstfruits of the land into the house of the Lord.”
There is so much misunderstanding about the firstfruit offerings of the old covenant. These were small offerings of the harvest, but in no case were they a TITHE!
Brad said: “The last thing I would like to say about this subject of tithing is what Christ said so beautifully on the sermon on the mount, ‘Think not that I came to destroy the law or the prophets, I am not come to destroy but to fulfill (Mt 5:17). Finally, and most importantly we have Christ as our example, that we should follow in His steps (1Pt 2:21).”
Brad, if you take Jesus words to mean that the law is still in effect, we must conclude that ALL of the regulations therein are in effect, not just tithing. Jesus goes on to say that He is the FULFILLMENT of the law! In addition, since tithing according to the OT law, tithing consisted ONLY of the produce of the land and livestock (NOT money)there is not cause to believe that Jesus tithed, since He was a carpenter by trade, not a farmer. Please cite a scripture that says otherwise.
The bottom line is that the NT teaches we are to be cheerful, generous givers. Tithing is not a command for New Covenant believers.
Todd