Tithing Question

Isn't tithing part of the Mosaic Law? The Apostle Paul said that if we bind ourselves to one part of the Mosaic Law then we must bind ourselves to all of it. Gentiles were never under the Mosaic Law to begin with. Jesus died in order to make adherence to the Mosaic by the Jews unnecessary by instituting a New Covenant. Have you taken these facts into consideration?

jaybee123 said:

In regards to tithing, I understand the following verse: ”Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. 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).

My question is this, what kind of blessings should I expect? I am going through a lot right now, mainly uncertainty with what my next life step should be. Yet, even though I have been asking for guidance from God to pursue his will, nothing has happened! So, I started a 3-month tithing challenge at my church several weeks ago, hoping that I can actually “test” God the way he says to do so in order to get this direction I am seeking. I am also tithing time and effort into my relationship with God. But, unfortunately, I am already halfway through the challenge, and have yet to see something! Does that mean the expected blessings are only supposed to be financial? Or can blessings come in all aspects of our lives? Basically, I am looking for advice or testimonies about situations like this from you all, and what I can possibly be expect.

I should note that this is my first time ever tithing. I just graduated from college, and finally have a source of income. I will admit that I initially started this challenge because my pastor stated that those who put their faith in tithing will be blessed with more than enough. And of course going through a hard time, this looked pretty good! So, although I am looking for blessings by participating in this challenge, I do strongly feel that it is an opportunity to contribute to the Lord’s work as well. I go to a great church, and stand by everything they actually use our tithes and offerings for.

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Continue to tithe, not because it is in Mosaic Law, but because it flows into the ministry of your assembly. Pastor and building expenses are necessary. It does not have to be precisely 10 percent. Give as is given unto you.

Tithing was the tax system of Israel. It has no purpose today (unless of course, a modern country will place itself under God as their leader, as Israel did). If a church or another's ministry blesses you, or others you feel led to bless, then support it in proportion to the blessing and your means. Otherwise support your own ministry. God gives you all the money, so you can build the Kingdom. If you do not yet know your ministry, then support yourself while you pray and try different things to find it. The blessing you may expect is to find your ministry, God's plan for your life, and to see God meet all your needs for the rest of the time you are on this planet.

The Scripture you quoted is a law upon Levites, and it applies to the 10% of the 10% of the tithes they received from the non-Levites. Without that government (the Temple) and that system (the Levites), and you actually being one, the Scripture does not even apply.

jaybee123 said:

In regards to tithing, I understand the following verse: ”Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. 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).

My question is this, what kind of blessings should I expect? I am going through a lot right now, mainly uncertainty with what my next life step should be. Yet, even though I have been asking for guidance from God to pursue his will, nothing has happened! So, I started a 3-month tithing challenge at my church several weeks ago, hoping that I can actually “test” God the way he says to do so in order to get this direction I am seeking. I am also tithing time and effort into my relationship with God. But, unfortunately, I am already halfway through the challenge, and have yet to see something! Does that mean the expected blessings are only supposed to be financial? Or can blessings come in all aspects of our lives? Basically, I am looking for advice or testimonies about situations like this from you all, and what I can possibly be expect.

I should note that this is my first time ever tithing. I just graduated from college, and finally have a source of income. I will admit that I initially started this challenge because my pastor stated that those who put their faith in tithing will be blessed with more than enough. And of course going through a hard time, this looked pretty good! So, although I am looking for blessings by participating in this challenge, I do strongly feel that it is an opportunity to contribute to the Lord’s work as well. I go to a great church, and stand by everything they actually use our tithes and offerings for.

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People argue whether we are commanded to tithe or not. I find the question theologically interesting, but what is more practical is to instead ask, do you want God to pour out more blessings on you that you can contain or not (Malachi 3:10). So I am happy to see you took up the challenge. Since God looks at the heart, he could pour out blessings as a result of your first tithe. Or, who is to say 3 months is long enough?

God wants us to trust him no matter what we experience in this life. He loves you enough to die for you, and he'd do it again if it were needed (which it never will be). Consider the best attitude possible: Everything you have is from God, including your life and salvation. You owe him 100% of your financial increase along with everything else that is yours (or is you).

If you don't see blessings in response to your tithing, then which is wrong: your perception or God's promise in Malachi 3:10? Your trust in God will be rewarded enormously regardless of whether you see it soon or not. The widow in Mark 12:41-44 needed to trust God more to give what she did than those who gave out of their wealth (and it got Jesus' attention).

Recognizing when blessings are from God is a gift that someone who tithes may not yet have. I suggest that you look for every kind of good thing in your life, whether it seems to be from God or not. He may have prepared the blessing before you began tithing. It could be a change in your character (which he is going to do anyway as you abide in him—see Galatians 5:23-24). Like for prayer, God can respond any way he chooses (but the idea that he will respond financially because you sacrifice financially has a spiritual basis).

What is it that you would like in return? Giving to God is a long-term investment (although he might respond in the short-term if that will help your faith). Would you prefer money in return or that God will always provide your needs no matter what your income is (or isn't)?

Luke 17:24-27 is a very good description of our choice to invest in the Lord, but it is something we do because we trust the Lord, not as a transaction where we expect something quickly in return. Also read Matthew 6:25-34. God is going to take care of you whether you tithe or not. However,

Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” (Luke 6:38, 1984 NIV)

God always keeps his promises. If you don't see it, it's because of something at our end, not God's end. He is completely trustworthy.

jaybee123 said:

In regards to tithing, I understand the following verse: ”Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. 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).

My question is this, what kind of blessings should I expect? I am going through a lot right now, mainly uncertainty with what my next life step should be. Yet, even though I have been asking for guidance from God to pursue his will, nothing has happened! So, I started a 3-month tithing challenge at my church several weeks ago, hoping that I can actually “test” God the way he says to do so in order to get this direction I am seeking. I am also tithing time and effort into my relationship with God. But, unfortunately, I am already halfway through the challenge, and have yet to see something! Does that mean the expected blessings are only supposed to be financial? Or can blessings come in all aspects of our lives? Basically, I am looking for advice or testimonies about situations like this from you all, and what I can possibly be expect.

I should note that this is my first time ever tithing. I just graduated from college, and finally have a source of income. I will admit that I initially started this challenge because my pastor stated that those who put their faith in tithing will be blessed with more than enough. And of course going through a hard time, this looked pretty good! So, although I am looking for blessings by participating in this challenge, I do strongly feel that it is an opportunity to contribute to the Lord’s work as well. I go to a great church, and stand by everything they actually use our tithes and offerings for.

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According to the New Testament, paying a tithe is not compulsory. It doesn't even have to be a tithe, 1/10.

2 Corinthians 9:6-8 says;

6 But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 7 So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.


For more in depth on giving, click here~~~> http://www.gotquestions.org/tithing-Christian.html , http://www.gotquestions.org/Malachi-tithing.html & http://www.gotquestions.org/tithing-debt.html .

jaybee123 said:

In regards to tithing, I understand the following verse: ”Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. 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).

My question is this, what kind of blessings should I expect? I am going through a lot right now, mainly uncertainty with what my next life step should be. Yet, even though I have been asking for guidance from God to pursue his will, nothing has happened! So, I started a 3-month tithing challenge at my church several weeks ago, hoping that I can actually “test” God the way he says to do so in order to get this direction I am seeking. I am also tithing time and effort into my relationship with God. But, unfortunately, I am already halfway through the challenge, and have yet to see something! Does that mean the expected blessings are only supposed to be financial? Or can blessings come in all aspects of our lives? Basically, I am looking for advice or testimonies about situations like this from you all, and what I can possibly be expect.

I should note that this is my first time ever tithing. I just graduated from college, and finally have a source of income. I will admit that I initially started this challenge because my pastor stated that those who put their faith in tithing will be blessed with more than enough. And of course going through a hard time, this looked pretty good! So, although I am looking for blessings by participating in this challenge, I do strongly feel that it is an opportunity to contribute to the Lord’s work as well. I go to a great church, and stand by everything they actually use our tithes and offerings for.

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I would say that you can expect blessing, not only financial but in other areas of your life also. Especially if you do not value money highly. God's Word says that He gives us the desires of our hearts. Just make sure your desires in your heart are really reflective of the good things you want in your life.

Praying for you, God bless.

AvgJoe said:

According to the New Testament, paying a tithe is not compulsory. It doesn't even have to be a tithe, 1/10.

2 Corinthians 9:6-8 says;

6 But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 7 So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.


For more in depth on giving, click here~~~> http://www.gotquestions.org/tithing-Christian.html , http://www.gotquestions.org/Malachi-tithing.html & http://www.gotquestions.org/tithing-debt.html .

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Right, but tithing is still important to keep the ministries that give glory to our Lord doing great things.

ToBeLoved said:

Right, but tithing is still important to keep the ministries that give glory to our Lord doing great things.

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And I would never say otherwise. The Scripture was included to show that God wants Christians to give, with the right attitudes/motives and that He rewards your giving in the manner in which it was sowed, either sparingly or bountifully. Please forgive me if my post came across as saying that you shouldn't give to the LORD, because that was not my intention.

Give with a thankful and willing heart.

However, in Malaysia, 99% of the Churches "encourage" tithing, verbally,
but nobody will know how much you give except you and God.
It's confidential.
You can put your money into an envelope and then put into the offering bag.

jaybee123 said:

In regards to tithing, I understand the following verse: ”Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. 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).

That pertains to Israel, who in the OT be under the Mosaic law.
Believers now be under a NT, we be under Grace not bound to law. We are to be cheerful givers...you can use 10% as a standard... some do the 10% or less, there be those who give more...it be up to you to decide or purpose which suits.

My question is this, what kind of blessings should I expect?
According to the NT...we are already blessed with all spiritual blessings...Ephesians 1:3.
Here be some of those blessings:
Ephesians 1:4-14
John 1:12-13
1 Corinthians 2:9

I am going through a lot right now, mainly uncertainty with what my next life step should be. Yet, even though I have been asking for guidance from God to pursue his will, nothing has happened!
God's will for believers be revealed in the scriptures... the first, you've done...that be you responded when wooed by his holy spirit: you sought the Lord for salvation...then being baptized in the name of the Father, Son and the Holy spirit.
From there you go onto growing in knowledge of scriptures and applying what you learned in your daily life...being shepherded(mentored)... also, forsake not the assembly of yourself with other believers...Hebrews 10:25.
Read Micah 6:8, Mark 12:30-32....studying it out and do what it say.

So, I started a 3-month tithing challenge at my church several weeks ago, hoping that I can actually “test” God the way he says to do so in order to get this direction I am seeking. I am also tithing time and effort into my relationship with God.
You don't need to do that...that was for Israel not gentiles.
If you noticed the word "storehouse"...that's where the food stuffs was kept...they didn't fill up the storehouse with money.
God's direction for believers is laid out in scriptures already, not sure why your preacher is pushing the OT tithing since it was to support the Levite priests, they couldn't have they on land and stuff. The tithe wasn't just money, it was largely made up of food stuff ...grains etc. If your preacher be telling you it was just money, he ain't reading scripture properly, it clearly mentions here about that in the book of Leviticus...what was tithed and the part that was for the levitical priests and they families.

But, unfortunately, I am already halfway through the challenge, and have yet to see something! Does that mean the expected blessings are only supposed to be financial? Or can blessings come in all aspects of our lives? Basically, I am looking for advice or testimonies about situations like this from you all, and what I can possibly be expect.
It sound like you'd benefit from mentoring/shepherding...is there a bible study group? if so join it. If it not be, ask your preacher to connect you with a mentor to help you with bible study.
You not far off... the more you read/study the bible the more you will come to know what be true. It's not uncommon for people not to know something or misunderstand.

I should note that this is my first time ever tithing. I just graduated from college, and finally have a source of income. I will admit that I initially started this challenge because my pastor stated that those who put their faith in tithing will be blessed with more than enough. And of course going through a hard time, this looked pretty good! So, although I am looking for blessings by participating in this challenge, I do strongly feel that it is an opportunity to contribute to the Lord’s work as well. I go to a great church, and stand by everything they actually use our tithes and offerings for.

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Preachers/teachers need to teach what is actually written in the scriptures/bible, no twisting the words or leaving things out.

It should be well known that the local church needs money to maintain the building, pay salaries, pay their power bill etc...just like we have homes and know it must be kept up/maintained.
It also be known that people require money for work they do, not many can work for no salary these days.
A christian should give according to they means, the love of Jesus be poured out into our hearts and we should be willing to give out of our resources to support the church building and the people who work there.
There no need to misuse or twist Malachi 3:9-10.

The Lord loves a cheerful giver, so cheerfully give as you have purposed to do.
I learned this from my mother long ago... she "tithed" to the church whether she had little or much...this applied to money, her time/talent, material possessions...mom shared happily.
Mom lives contently, devoted to the Lord, reading her Bible, praying, all her needs be met. Me and my husband do likewise; the Lord be faithful to keeping us too...we are thankful to Him being so faithful an generous.

AvgJoe said:

And I would never say otherwise. The Scripture was included to show that God wants Christians to give, with the right attitudes/motives and that He rewards your giving in the manner in which it was sowed, either sparingly or bountifully. Please forgive me if my post came across as saying that you shouldn't give to the LORD, because that was not my intention.

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It is a hard subject to talk about though because of many ministries who preach that tithing is necessary and even expect a certain percentage of people's income. It makes it hard to talk about tithing because we must say that tithing is not mandatory in under the New Covenant, which is true to counteract those ministries in error, yet it should be our desire to give to the ministries that glorify Christ in whatever way we choose and not because we have to, but because we desire to.

Then those who think we are against tithing ask if we have to tithe and by the time we are done explaining ourselves it is three pages. lol.

If you earn 3000/month, you need to pay tax, a portion for superannuation, how much is left behind?
You have a wife without work, 2 kids to feed, in this situation, you are not able to tithe.
God never wants our money, He cares for us.
God will not set a rule to make His children difficult.

Whether you tithe or not, it is between you and God, not you and the church.

If you give, give out of gratitude, not obligation. If you have no gratitude, then that's another issue. The bottom line is, your trust is not in tithing, but in Christ. The tithe is obsolete. It's all about love offerings now.

God wants you, not the money. Money is nice, but it's your heart He's after.

How to explain when there are churches which shut down due to financial problems?

It just means the congregation got what they wanted as demonstrated by their actions.

We cannot expect the church to do business to earn money for its survival.

Early churches met in peoples' homes, not in buildings like they are now. But when a modern church does not give enough in their offering they cannot pay for the facilities, and that congregation is often hard-hearted and stingy.
If the physical building we call a 'church' is closing down, then likely there was a major problem with the people who met there, who are the actual church. Well, if, because I imagine that the real church; the people of God are actually more generous, so such a building should not have to be shut down.
And supposing the congregation is shrinking, such that the facilities are too big, they should sell them and get a smaller facilities to cut costs.

Jesus_is_Saint said:

How to explain when there are churches which shut down due to financial problems?

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I have been in many churches where being shut down was a blessing to everyone.