What do the scriptures teach about tithing for today?

[GaryArnold]

The scripture calls it a tithe. It doesn't really matter why because the point is that it's a typology of Christ and the church.

No, the scriptures do not "call it a tithe." Tithe is a mathematical term which means a tenth, or tenth part, or to take, pay, or give a tenth. Abram gave a tenth. You are trying to put significance into the word "tithe" when it has no significance other than an amount.

You're creating a distinction without a difference. The scripture says it was a tithe, which means it came from his income.

Tithe does NOT mean it came from income. You have to use the definition of the word "tithe" when the KJV of the Holy Bible was written, NOT want some modern-day dictionary says it means.

If I buy a bag of peanuts and I give a tenth of those peanuts, I have tithed, by definition.

If you have any accounting background at all, you would know that the Biblical tithe always came from ASSETS and never from income. Since "income" is an accounting term, you need an understanding of the difference between income and assets. Being a Money & Finance Minister, before I teach tithing I teach the definition of income and assets so that the student will understand that God's tithe NEVER came from income. In fact, IF you really understand what is going on in Numbers 18, you will see that Numbers 18:27 proves that tithing did NOT come from income.

I'm curious..do you go to church? If so, do you not tithe?

I attended church for many years but NEVER tithed. But I always gave generously from the heart. Whether I attend church services or not, I generally give much more than a tenth of my income - usually 30% or more.

The last church I held membership in -- the pastor asked me to teach a Sunday School Class in finances. It was at that time that I started my in-depth study of the tithe and found out everything I had been taught in church about tithing had been wrong. When I showed my pastor what I had found in the scriptures, he took the time to do his own research, and shortly thereafter he stopped teaching tithing.

Many pastors and Bible Study Instructors in the US, Canada, Australia, and East Africa are now teaching from my material.

 

[SalvationAtYourFingertips]

I am saying we should be spirit lead in all we do, that is the best possible way to live. God would rather we leave everything up to him.

 

[thesunisout]

No, the scriptures do not "call it a tithe." Tithe is a mathematical term which means a tenth, or tenth part, or to take, pay, or give a tenth. Abram gave a tenth. You are trying to put significance into the word "tithe" when it has no significance other than an amount.

Examine the scripture (in the kjv):

Hebrews 7:5 And verily they that are of the sons of Levi, who receive the office of the priesthood, have a commandment to take tithes of the people according to the law, that is, of their brethren, though they come out of the loins of Abraham:

Hebrews 7:6 But he whose descent is not counted from them received tithes of Abraham, and blessed him that had the promises.

The tithe that Abraham paid is contrasted to the tithes the Israelites paid under the law. To claim it has no significance other than to note it is a tenth of something is untrue.

Tithe does NOT mean it came from income. You have to use the definition of the word "tithe" when the KJV of the Holy Bible was written, NOT want some modern-day dictionary says it means.

If I buy a bag of peanuts and I give a tenth of those peanuts, I have tithed, by definition.

If you have any accounting background at all, you would know that the Biblical tithe always came from ASSETS and never from income. Since "income" is an accounting term, you need an understanding of the difference between income and assets. Being a Money & Finance Minister, before I teach tithing I teach the definition of income and assets so that the student will understand that God's tithe NEVER came from income. In fact, IF you really understand what is going on in Numbers 18, you will see that Numbers 18:27 proves that tithing did NOT come from income.

At this point you're just splitting hairs. Abraham increased and he returned a tenth of it to God, and according to the scripture it was legitimate whether you think he was entitled to the spoils, or who they belonged to. You have created this conflict on your own because it is not to be found anywhere in scripture.

I attended church for many years but NEVER tithed. But I always gave generously from the heart. Whether I attend church services or not, I generally give much more than a tenth of my income - usually 30% or more.

The last church I held membership in -- the pastor asked me to teach a Sunday School Class in finances. It was at that time that I started my in-depth study of the tithe and found out everything I had been taught in church about tithing had been wrong. When I showed my pastor what I had found in the scriptures, he took the time to do his own research, and shortly thereafter he stopped teaching tithing.

Many pastors and Bible Study Instructors in the US, Canada, Australia, and East Africa are now teaching from my material.

Why don't you attend church anymore?

I understand your point, to a point. However, I don't think there is anything wrong with the concept of tithing. I think everyone should contribute to their local church and if they're not, there is something wrong there. Your objection seems to be that it shouldn't be involuntary. Well Paul said store up something every week so that is a New Testament concept. How much should be between them and the Lord. I think setting 10 percent as a general rule is a good thing. It is wisdom from the OT, just as the Sabbath is wisdom. While I don't think the Sabbath is mandatory any longer, I believe the concept of it is wisdom we should apply to our daily lives.

Many people are looking for an excuse not to open up their wallets to God. This is probably one of the single biggest issues Christians struggle with, which is trusting God with their material resources. While I am sure you have good motives, many people are going to use what you're teaching as an excuse not to do it at all. Also, in your posts here it seems you are railing against tithing with a real axe to grind, and also not offering any wisdom to offset it. If not tithing, then what? How should Christians contribute to their local bodies?

 

[GaryArnold]

Examine the scripture (in the kjv):
Hebrews 7:5 And verily they that are of the sons of Levi, who receive the office of the priesthood, have a commandment to take tithes of the people according to the law, that is, of their brethren, though they come out of the loins of Abraham:
Hebrews 7:6 But he whose descent is not counted from them received tithes of Abraham, and blessed him that had the promises.
The tithe that Abraham paid is contrasted to the tithes the Israelites paid under the law. To claim it has no significance other than to note it is a tenth of something is untrue.

Notice the scripture says "have a commandment to take tithes of the people ACCORDING TO THE LAW....."

That law is Leviticus 27:30-33, Numbers 18. Nothing mentioned about tithing from income, or giving back to God.

In Leviticus 27:30, 32 God makes it clear that He has RESERVED a tenth of the crops and animals for Himself. He gave the Israelites the promised land with everything on it, but RESERVED a tenth of the future crops and animals. The farmers merely TRANSPORTED the tithe to where God commanded - to the Levites. They didn't give back or pay a tithe, they TRANSPORTED it.

Abraham increased and he returned a tenth of it to God, and according to the scripture it was legitimate whether you think he was entitled to the spoils, or who they belonged to. You have created this conflict on your own because it is not to be found anywhere in scripture.

Abraham didn't "increase." In the scriptures, the word increase isn't even used for the priesthood tithe. And when it is used for the second and third tithes, it specifically means increase OF THE SEED. Not income.

You take ONE example of Abram giving a tenth of war spoils and somehow conclude this has something to do with normal tithing. NO example of Abram/Abraham ever giving a tenth from his regular income. To use Abram as your example to follow today just shows how dishonest those who promote tithing today can be. Abram kept NONE of the spoils.

Well Paul said store up something every week so that is a New Testament concept.

And just WHAT were the collections Paul requested used for? FOR THE SAINTS. Not for a building, salaries, etc. etc. It ALL went to the poor.

Many people are looking for an excuse not to open up their wallets to God. This is probably one of the single biggest issues Christians struggle with, which is trusting God with their material resources. While I am sure you have good motives, many people are going to use what you're teaching as an excuse not to do it at all. Also, in your posts here it seems you are railing against tithing with a real axe to grind, and also not offering any wisdom to offset it. If not tithing, then what? How should Christians contribute to their local bodies?

The title of this forum is, "What do the scriptures teach about tithing for today?" That is what I have been responding to. There is NO teaching of tithing today in the scriptures.

As far as giving, I also teach that subject. My website and book cover both tithing and New Testament giving. Few really like to hear my teaching on giving as I believe God is more concerned about how much we spend on ourselves as He is on how much we give. I believe most church goers are very selfish and give very little. But that is for another forum.

 

[AwakenedOne]

There are no scriptures in the New Testament to answer your questions because tithing was disannulled according to Hebrews 7:5,12,18.

Tithing today is a man-made doctrine.

I agree.

 

[thesunisout]

Examine the scripture (in the kjv):
Hebrews 7:5 And verily they that are of the sons of Levi, who receive the office of the priesthood, have a commandment to take tithes of the people according to the law, that is, of their brethren, though they come out of the loins of Abraham:
Hebrews 7:6 But he whose descent is not counted from them received tithes of Abraham, and blessed him that had the promises.
The tithe that Abraham paid is contrasted to the tithes the Israelites paid under the law. To claim it has no significance other than to note it is a tenth of something is untrue.

Notice the scripture says "have a commandment to take tithes of the people ACCORDING TO THE LAW....."

That law is Leviticus 27:30-33, Numbers 18. Nothing mentioned about tithing from income, or giving back to God.

In Leviticus 27:30, 32 God makes it clear that He has RESERVED a tenth of the crops and animals for Himself. He gave the Israelites the promised land with everything on it, but RESERVED a tenth of the future crops and animals. The farmers merely TRANSPORTED the tithe to where God commanded - to the Levites. They didn't give back or pay a tithe, they TRANSPORTED it.

Abraham increased and he returned a tenth of it to God, and according to the scripture it was legitimate whether you think he was entitled to the spoils, or who they belonged to. You have created this conflict on your own because it is not to be found anywhere in scripture.

Abraham didn't "increase." In the scriptures, the word increase isn't even used for the priesthood tithe. And when it is used for the second and third tithes, it specifically means increase OF THE SEED. Not income.

You take ONE example of Abram giving a tenth of war spoils and somehow conclude this has something to do with normal tithing. NO example of Abram/Abraham ever giving a tenth from his regular income. To use Abram as your example to follow today just shows how dishonest those who promote tithing today can be. Abram kept NONE of the spoils.

Well Paul said store up something every week so that is a New Testament concept.

And just WHAT were the collections Paul requested used for? FOR THE SAINTS. Not for a building, salaries, etc. etc. It ALL went to the poor.

Many people are looking for an excuse not to open up their wallets to God. This is probably one of the single biggest issues Christians struggle with, which is trusting God with their material resources. While I am sure you have good motives, many people are going to use what you're teaching as an excuse not to do it at all. Also, in your posts here it seems you are railing against tithing with a real axe to grind, and also not offering any wisdom to offset it. If not tithing, then what? How should Christians contribute to their local bodies?

The title of this forum is, "What do the scriptures teach about tithing for today?" That is what I have been responding to. There is NO teaching of tithing today in the scriptures.

As far as giving, I also teach that subject. My website and book cover both tithing and New Testament giving. Few really like to hear my teaching on giving as I believe God is more concerned about how much we spend on ourselves as He is on how much we give. I believe most church goers are very selfish and give very little. But that is for another forum.

I'm going to bow out of this conversation. It was nice talking with you and finding out more about your viewpoint. God bless you