Tithing for today?

[newadam]

I feel sure this is a common subject here, but I also feel sure there are still folks who will have an opinion. Should I tithe? My take from the NT is it's not a command. My sense from the OT is that it had practical reasons one of which was to care for the poor. I've not been in a church that financially cares for the poor. I DO support a government with 25% of my income to support the poor. With the shifting of that role from the church to the government, has tithing lost its practical application with the poor? I could elaborate in several directions, but I feel this small intro is enough. Thanks to any who respond!

David

PS I'm going to post a similar question in a separate thread.

 

[revanneosl]

Welcom to Denomination-specific Theology! You probably want to edit your OP to indicate which Denomination you're interested in, regarding their attitude toward tithing.

 

[billwald]

Try it. You will like it.

 

[calluna]

I feel sure this is a common subject here, but I also feel sure there are still folks who will have an opinion. Should I tithe?

Christians don't tithe. Everything they own belongs to the One who bought them, and they use all their resources, of time and material, as soldiers in His service, according to the prompting of the Holy Spirit.

 

[BrotherDave]

As a Christian we recognize that all we have has been provided by the Lord and as calluna stated we should use all we can in His service. To me this means we should provide as much time, money and resources we can to the advancement of the gospel. In regards to tithing I do my best to donate as much money as I can to a ministry I believe is being faithful to God’s Word. They maximize every cent on getting the true gospel out into the world. They are concerned with spiritual things and do not focus on making life easier for people in this world. There are plenty of other organizations around for this and many unsaved people donate to this cause. As a Christian our desire should be to help the spiritually poor, those who do not know of the gospel and Christ. The amount does not matter but we should be tithing because we truly want to, as Jesus pointed out to His disciples in Mark 12.

 

[dayhiker]

You make some good points newadam.

I think its still good to support ministers and especially missionaries.

As said, I think its especially good to follow the leading of the Spirit in how we give our money. I also like the idea of giving were we feed.

dayhiker

 

[calluna]

As a Christian we recognize that all we have has been provided by the Lord and as calluna stated we should use all we can in His service. To me this means we should provide as much time, money and resources we can to the advancement of the gospel. In regards to tithing I do my best to donate as much money as I can to a ministry I believe is being faithful to God’s Word. They maximize every cent on getting the true gospel out into the world. They are concerned with spiritual things and do not focus on making life easier for people in this world. There are plenty of other organizations around for this and many unsaved people donate to this cause. As a Christian our desire should be to help the spiritually poor, those who do not know of the gospel and Christ. The amount does not matter but we should be tithing because we truly want to, as Jesus pointed out to His disciples in Mark 12.

If the amount does not matter, it cannot be called tithing, can it.

Any sort of formula in this matter is a form of deadly legalism. This is the divine principle:

'Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, because God loves a cheerful giver.' 2 Co 9:6

The following also surely applies when giving for gospel work as much as to those in physical need:

'When you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret.' Mt 6:3-4 NIV

One just does not count, except to count what one can sensibly afford.

 

[Crankitup]

I think even the Old Testament illustrates what believers are inclined to do when given a chance to give freely as opposed to what they do in response to being yoked under the bondage of the law.

When the Israelites started building the tabernacle at Mount Sinai, the people gave freely (Ex. 35:20-29). They gave so much, Moses had to tell them to stop giving (Ex. 36:3-7). Also, in the time of Joash, the high priest Jehoiada made a chest for freewill offerings for repairs on the temple, and they gave generously (2 Kings 12:9-10). Later in the time of Hezekiah, people gave freely for the reconstruction work required on the temple (2 Chr. 31:5-19).

Malachi gives an example of people failing to follow the law in their giving. Just as a side note, most of Malachi is directed to the priests; "And now, O ye priests, this commandment is for you." - Mal 2:1. Maybe the priests weren't giving their tithe of the tithe (the heave offering). Or maybe the Levites weren't receiving their fair share because Eliashib opened the temple storerooms to Tobiah (the Molech-worshipping pagan).

 

[BrotherDave]

If the amount does not matter, it cannot be called tithing, can it.

Any sort of formula in this matter is a form of deadly legalism. This is the divine principle:

'Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, because God loves a cheerful giver.' 2 Co 9:6

The following also surely applies when giving for gospel work as much as to those in physical need:

'When you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret.' Mt 6:3-4 NIV

One just does not count, except to count what one can sensibly afford.

You're right, my point was that we should want to give as much as we can. Some may only have a few dollars to give, others may have a few thousand. That's why the amount does not matter as long as it is from the heart.

 

[TonyBalognie]

I can't tell you that I have read it in the bible myself but, I did ask this question once myself. Specifically, I asked I am poor and homeless should I still give? The answer was that all of us at one point or another have to give. Weither we support the church or support ministries. Sometimes the only way we are able to give is through service... now that I think about it.. yes, The Old testament does say that you must give ten percent! I believe it was mosus who said it.. I might be wrong about who said it. But, I am confadent that I did read it.

 

[JeffTheLearner]

Alot of people will tell you, DO IT!
But like all things is still requires a bit of descresion. It says in scripture,
"whoever gives to the rich will surly come to poverty."
but it also says, "whoever lends to the poor, lends to God."

Also I do not find it profitable to give your tithe to support a fancy place to sit 2 days a week. If the Church is focused on helping others set aside the world, and focused on helping is members "receive The WORD IMPLANTED" at its cost, then I would see it as a profitable thing.

But, I would advise according to scripture, give to those who are in need, and dont worry about "the building" everyone else is trying to support, if you see a brother in need, give that tithe to him, in secret even so he/she dont feel shame, or like they are being exploited for social gain to the giver.
See a brother with a run down car, hungry, needs help paying his lowly house payments, or even more so, see someone in church who is making fun of the attire of another, give your tithe to the person they are making fun of in secret, and openly rebuke the person mocking.