Tithing

Some say tithing is just for the old testament. Some say tithing applies today too. Why shouldn't we tithe? Why should we tithe?

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Let's look at this situation.
Why should we tithe? It appears in the Bible that tithing is instituted before the law. That would be with Abraham's gift to the King of Salem.
We see tithing is evident within the law throughout the sacrifices.
We see tithing in the prophet's. This is best illustrated by Malachi who in one verse tells us that God does not change, but is ever the same. Then he informs us of robbing God. This is a major tie
Still the best issue for tithing is Jesus who tells the Pharisees that they should tithe (Luke 11:42). The fact that the Pharisees sinned in justice displayes that tithing does not save, but before God it still should be done.

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We must realize that if God had wanted us to know somethiings He would have told us. Other things He did tell us and we must do all we can to understand them

***Why should we tithe? It appears in the Bible that tithing is instituted before the law. That would be with Abraham's gift to the King of Salem. ***

Abraham gave to the King of Salem only once. He was not commanded.

*** We see tithing is evident within the law throughout the sacrifices. ***

This was commanded to them to whom the law was given - the Israelites. Moreover, this was of the fruit of the land, not money. If a tithe was to be converted into money, a fifth was to be added.

*** We see tithing in the prophet's. This is best illustrated by Malachi who in one verse tells us that God does not change, but is ever the same. Then he informs us of robbing God. This is a major tie ***

Malachi, by the Spirit of God prophesied to Israel concerning their departure from the Lord. At the very beginning of the book it says "The burden of the word of the LORD to Israel by Malachi." not to America, Europe, Africa, etc.

***Still the best issue for tithing is Jesus who tells the Pharisees that they should tithe (Luke 11:42). The fact that the Pharisees sinned in justice displayes that tithing does not save, but before God it still should be done.***

Jesus was indeed speaking to those who were, as then, under the Law. Jesus came seeking the lost sheep of the house of Israel. It was these who had departed, not only from the law of God, but from the very Spirit of that law.

Remember, circumcision was also "before the law", but it was also commanded by God to Abraham - yet we do not have to be circumcised to be Christians, now, do we? Remember also, God is interested in our hearts, not so much the things that we do. In Matthew 7:22-23, Jesus says, "Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity."

Good thing people believe you should tithe, because that's quite biblical 1. people that work in ministry deserve to get paid (so says the bible) and people shouldn't welch on your debts. Those 2 things sum up what your tithes go towards.

Why shouldn't we tithe? It's only giving a minor fraction (10%) back to God.

I have read that the very poorest people are most faitful about tithing, and the very richest are the least faithful about tithing. The very poorest Christians around the world, most give 10% or more, while rich Christians in the Western World tend to give 3% or less to their church, to missions, to beneficence, etc. But rich Christians often spend 30% or more on entertainment and eating out. That's on average, and I find it disconcerting that the richer we are, the less we appreciate that it all comes from God.

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Carry only love. Hate is a burden that is tremendously heavy.

If you want to live like Jesus, love your enemies and give up your life for them.

Good point. Only problem: In order to keep the tithe, you must also keep the rest of the law. The same who said tithe one-tenth of your increase also said that you should be circumsized. There are 10 commandments, but also over 600 other laws. Which of those will we decide to pick next? Be alarmed, the person who introduces a hint of the law to the body of Christ today, will sow seeds to crop up on those who will add more tomorrow. When we're all at rest, provided the Lord does not come prior, what's to say a "new revelation" comes up and has everyone needing to be circumsized? Its in the Bible, is it not? Sound doctrine is sound doctrine. But remember, the gospel was given once, it is not an evolving doctrine that changes with each generation. Giving and its importance should be taught. Every Christian should GIVE as God has prospered him, not as mandated by a law that NONE of the brethren forthrightly taught or commanded. And by the way, who do you think gives cheerfully; one who wants to, or one who has to?

Let's understand some small things. The whole law did not pass away. In the beginning Adam was given a code based on his revelation of God and it was one of obedience. Then Noah was given a code that changed in content from Adam's but not in princible (obedience). This was followed by Abraham's code which still held obedience as the key. This was followed by Moses's code which was based on you guessed it obedience. Now the new code given by Jesus was still based on Obedience. We are not told to forsake the law. We are told that the outward signs of the covenant (circumcision) have passed away. Still Jesus tell us to follow the great commandment and the second commandment which encompases the whole law.
The glue beneath all of these is faith. That is the pricible that leads one to obedience. When one puts faith on the field obedience follows. Jesus nor the apostles tells us to ignore the moral obligations to the law. I don't see a poll on here about whether it is okay to do any of the ten commandments. Is not putting God first part of the law? I sure hope so. Is idolatry part of the law? Therefore we must understand that under the Christological Code part of the law remained  in effect while part was fullfilled (sacifices, circumcision, etc.).
Therefore if tithing is a moral issue and I believe it is then it does not pass away. Why is it a moral issue? The reason it is a moral issue is that God says to those under the law not to tithe is to rob. Is robbery a moral issue? Yes it harms another. Thus when we accepted Christ law we are held to the moral standard underneath the umbrella of salvation.

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We must realize that if God had wanted us to know somethiings He would have told us. Other things He did tell us and we must do all we can to understand them

The bottom line is: whoever wants to tithe - that's fine. Just do like James said - you must keep the WHOLE LAW. God didn't say tithe and that was it. There are more moral laws than just a tithe (if you want to call it a moral issue), but how come no one pays attention to those? But if love was involved, there would be no need to tithe. Christians would be Christians and the law for the believer would be the law and not Christ. But for the believer, Christ is the end of the law.

You are correct there are more moral laws than just the tithe. The issue is did they pass away. No because all the moral laws are predicated on love. What did Jesus do? Gave us the new commandment to love one another and it is by this love that all men may know that we are his disciples. This is how one is to respond to man and God. We are to act in love which means we must also act morally

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We must realize that if God had wanted us to know somethiings He would have told us. Other things He did tell us and we must do all we can to understand them

I believe a better question would be: What was the purpose of the tithe?