Should Christians Tithe?

[American Samurai]

The ancient Jews gave way more than 10 percent. And yes, many in the Evangelical Christian world get this wrong.

[WASR10]

So you're suggesting that Jesus changed his mind about the value of tithing after he resurrected? I don't think so. We being stewards of God's things and the trust that tithing represents did not change with his resurrection.

Please provide scripture regarding Jesus' position on tithing.

Sent from my tappy device thingy

[Decoligny]

So you're suggesting that Jesus changed his mind about the value of tithing after he resurrected? I don't think so. We being stewards of God's things and the trust that tithing represents did not change with his resurrection.

No, tithing was the LAW under the old covenant and was specifically a command for the Jews and was paid (1) to the Levites because the were forbidden from earning a wage, (2) for a celebration, and (3) for the poor, the widows and orphans, and the strangers in the land.

After Jesus was crucified and resurrected there was this whole NEW COVENANT, that meant that believers in Jesus were not bound under the old. Levitical priesthood or the Law (old covenant).

If everything was the same after the resurrection, we would still be guilty of our sin and Christ died for no reason. That is not the case.

We no longer have a High Priest at the Temple who has to sacrifice for us ojce a year to cover our sins. We no longer have a Levitical Priesthood to bring the tithe to. The Levitical Priesthood were the ONLY ONES allowed to receive the tithe. Did Jesus change his mind about this portion of the law?

[POLICESTATE]

The ancient Jews gave way more than 10 percent.

I hadn't heard that, where is there some evidence that this was the case?

[cbr9290318]

I believe the answer simply is yes, but 10% is a guide or rule of thumb.
Matthew 6:21 (NIV)
21*For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

That being said give with a grateful heart whatever you can. More or less is not important, it's the act of giving cheerfully that matters.

[Decoligny]

There are three seperate tithes mentioned in in the old testament.

1. The Levitical, or sacred tithe (Num. 18: 21, 24).

21 And, behold, I have given the children of Levi all the tenth in Israel for an inheritance, for their service which they serve, [even] the service of the tabernacle of the congregation.
22 Neither must the children of Israel henceforth come nigh the tabernacle of the congregation, lest they bear sin, and die.
23 But the Levites shall do the service of the tabernacle of the congregation, and they shall bear their iniquity: [it shall be] a statute for ever throughout your generations, that among the children of Israel they have no inheritance.
24 But the tithes of the children of Israel, which they offer [as] an heave offering unto the LORD, I have given to the Levites to inherit: therefore I have said unto them, Among the children of Israel they shall have no inheritance.

2. The tithe of the feasts (Deut. 14:22-27).

22 Thou shalt truly tithe all the increase of thy seed, that the field bringeth forth year by year.
23 And 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.
24 And if the way be too long for thee, so that thou art not able to carry it; [or] if the place be too far from thee, which the LORD thy God shall choose to set his name there, when the LORD thy God hath blessed thee:
25 Then shalt thou turn [it] into money, and bind up the money in thine hand, and shalt go unto the place which the LORD thy God shall choose:
26 And thou shalt bestow that money for whatsoever thy soul lusteth after, for oxen, or for sheep, or for wine, or for strong drink, or for whatsoever thy soul desireth: and thou shalt eat there before the LORD thy God, and thou shalt rejoice, thou, and thine household,
27 And the Levite that [is] within thy gates; thou shalt not forsake him; for he hath no part nor inheritance with thee.

3. The tithe for the poor (Deut. 14:28, 29).

28 At the end of three years thou shalt bring forth all the tithe of thine increase the same year, and shalt lay [it] up within thy gates:
29 And the Levite, (because he hath no part nor inheritance with thee,) and the stranger, and the fatherless, and the widow, which [are] within thy gates, shall come, and shall eat and be satisfied; that the LORD thy God may bless thee in all the work of thine hand which thou doest.

1. 10% every year + 2. 10% every year + 3. 10% every third year.

Adds up to 23.3%

[Decoligny]

I believe the answer simply is yes, but 10% is a guide or rule of thumb.
Matthew 6:21 (NIV)
21*For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

That being said give with a grateful heart whatever you can. More or less is not important, it's the act of giving cheerfully that matters.

Exactly.

Those pastors who state that you are required to give 10% or God will curse you are 100% wrong and are using fear and guilt to shear the sheep.

A person who givesas he has purposed in his heart, and who gives witha cheerful heart, not under any condemnation will be blessed by God.

A pastor who uses fear and guilt to get the people to give more is not looking to God as his source for all good things, but rather to man as his source.

[RAMCLAP]

Where is the commandment that Gentiles must follow Jewish Law. St. Paul specifically attacked those who were trying to force Jewish Law on the Gentiles. Are Gentiles required to be circumcised? Are they required to eat a Kosher diet? No. And they are not required to tithe either.
What part of:
2 Corinthians 9:7
Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
don't you understand?

[Wordupmybrotha]

Please provide scripture regarding Jesus' position on tithing.

Sent from my tappy device thingy

Here are the verses where Jesus specifically mentions tithing.

Matthew 23:23 ESV

“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint and dill and cumin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness. These you ought to have done, without neglecting the others.

Luke 11:42 ESV

“But woe to you Pharisees! For you tithe mint and rue and every herb, and neglect justice and the love of God. These you ought to have done, without neglecting the others.

[WASR10]

Wonderful! Now, how does His rebuke to the scribes and pharisees translate to His position on New Covenant giving and/or tithing?

The only places I am aware of where Christ mentions giving is when the widow gives all she has (Matthew 12:42-44). And then when He challenged the rich man to give all he had (Matthew 19:21). Neither involve tithing, giving 10%, but involve the heart and spirit.

That is the essence of new covenant contribution, I think.

Sent from my tappy device thingy

[Wordupmybrotha]

No, tithing was the LAW under the old covenant and was specifically a command for the Jews and was paid (1) to the Levites because the were forbidden from earning a wage, (2) for a celebration, and (3) for the poor, the widows and orphans, and the strangers in the land.

After Jesus was crucified and resurrected there was this whole NEW COVENANT, that meant that believers in Jesus were not bound under the old. Levitical priesthood or the Law (old covenant).

If everything was the same after the resurrection, we would still be guilty of our sin and Christ died for no reason. That is not the case.

We no longer have a High Priest at the Temple who has to sacrifice for us ojce a year to cover our sins. We no longer have a Levitical Priesthood to bring the tithe to. The Levitical Priesthood were the ONLY ONES allowed to receive the tithe. Did Jesus change his mind about this portion of the law?

I agree with you that we are under the new covenant and that we are not bound under the old Levitical laws. And back then, it was basically a tax payment to the theocracy . Under the new grace covenant, giving 10% is not a requirement, because Jesus fulfilled the laws. But remember that Jesus didn't come to abolish the laws. What I mean by that is, God's laws have a purpose and following them, even while under grace covenant, is beneficial to us. There is a tangible and spiritual blessing from tithing, as promised in Malachi 3:10. Don't you agree that this is a perpetual promise even to this day? Christians should tithe because it's living in God's promise.

[WASR10]

Please read Hebrews chapter 8

Sent from my tappy device thingy

[Wordupmybrotha]

Wonderful! Now, how does His rebuke to the scribes and pharisees translate to His position on New Covenant giving and/or tithing?

The only places I am aware of where Christ mentions giving is when the widow gives all she has (Matthew 12:42-44). And then when He challenged the rich man to give all he had (Matthew 19:21). Neither involve tithing, giving 10%, but involve the heart and spirit.

That is the essence of new covenant contribution, I think.

Sent from my tappy device thingy

You just dismissed how Jesus commended the Pharisees for tithing. He said, "These you ought to have done without neglecting others." "These" refers to tithing. The rebuke was for neglecting justice and love.

Correct me if Im wrong, but I don't think the two other verses you quoted contradict the value of tithing. To me, he's emphasizing that the heart should be the essence of why we give. If I tithe out of pride, he won't honor it. If I give less than 10%, but do so with the right heart, he'll honor it.

[WASR10]

You just dismissed how Jesus commended the Pharisees for tithing. He said, "These you ought to have done without neglecting others." "These" refers to tithing. The rebuke was for neglecting justice and love.

Correct me if Im wrong, but I don't think the two other verses you quoted do not contradict the value tithing. To me, he's emphasizing that the heart should be the essence of why we give. If I tithe out of pride, he won't honor it. If I give less than 10%, but do so with the right heart, he'll honor it.

So, your position is that tithing is not required?

Sent from my tappy device thingy

[Wordupmybrotha]

Not required, but we should voluntarily do it.