Tithing - Is it a requirement?

 A Tithe = a tenth.

Although Jesus makes a reference to the tithe of the priests (Matthew 23:23), the tithe is only mentioned in detail in the Old Testament. Never is any reference to a tithe made in relation to the Christian believer under the New Covenant.

A tithe is first mentioned when Abram gave a tenth of his spoils of war to a Melchizedek, a Priest-King of righteousness and peace. This was a one-off offering given without pressure or commandment. These were not his own possessions, increase or earnings but plunder taken from others (Heb 7:4). In fact, Abram also returned the rest of the spoils back to the Kings he took them from so that they could not say that they had made him rich.

Jacob also volunteered a tenth of all God gave to him. Both Jacobs and Abrams's gifts of a tithe were voluntary and never commanded or compelled by God or anyone else.

There were 4 main tithe laws in the Old Testament:

1. A tithe to the Levites as their inheritance as they had no land allocated to them to grow their own crops or cattle.
2. The Priestly tithe was given to priests by the Levites.
3. The Festival tithe. This was for the individual to use for themselves for festivities.
4. The Charity tithe was for the widows, foreigners who lived within their borders and the poor - this was given every third year.

ALL tithes were meat, crops and wine. None of them were actually money and they were of their increase - harvest.

Under the New Covenant:

We are not under the law but under Grace.

We are the church (body of Christ). Our body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. This is the dwelling place of God, not any man-made temple or building.

Neither are there any priests for our temple. Jesus is our High Priest in heaven and does not need gold or silver. Our offering to God and to Jesus now are our thanks and our prayers, not cattle, food or money.

Paul spoke NOT by a commandment (2 Cor 8:8) but for people to prove the sincerity of their love by freely giving according to their own desire. 2 Cor 9:7

We are never to give in a way that burdens us or our households.

2 Cor 8:12-15 "For equality, that your abundance now at this time may supply their need, and their abundance may supply your need—that there may be equality." As we are given more, we are able to give more.

In other words, a Christian is under no obligation to ever give a "tithe" to any church or organisation that asks for one. In fact, anyone demanding a tithe will meet the same fate as those who practice sexual immorality, idolatry, witchcraft and hatred. They bring discord and are of "selfish ambition, dissensions, factions" (Gal 5:19-23). 

In 1 Cor 13. The word for love, "charity" = agape (Strongs G26). This means "affection, goodwill, kindness, love, brotherly love." It is from this that we are to give to others when they are in need. We are to help the poor, the homeless and widows - those less fortunate than ourselves. Not by command by but choice (Matthew 25:35-40).

Some preachers will use Malachi 3 to try to convince you that you have to give to the church or their building projects in order for you to receive an abundant and prosperous life. This is unfounded and completely false. Malachi 3 was applicable to the tithes for the priesthood in the Old Covenant law only.

If anything, as we are now the priesthood and the temple, the excesses of the mega-rich ministers should be distributed back to the righteous priesthood of God - His people (Acts 4:32-35) not the other way around.

We indeed are to give to the poor and needy but we only need to give to support a Ministry if we believe their mission is bringing more people to the truth. The truth does not include erecting huge buildings worth millions of dollars.

Heb 7:5  The tithes were taken by the priesthood according to the law. We are not under the law but the new covenant of Christ Jesus of grace. Also, we no longer have this Levitical priesthood as all believers are now the priesthood (1 Pet 2:5, 9).

As we have seen, Abraham’s gift to Melchizedek of a tenth of his spoils was a one-off happening; there is no evidence he regularly gave God a tithe. Some try to use the 7th chapter of Hebrews to enforce tithing but this chapter is primarily to teach the supremacy of Christ (the new covenant) over the old laws (old covenant). Hebrews 8:1-2 proves this in plain language.

In reference to the Levitical priesthood and the regulations of tithes: Heb 7:12,18  "When the priesthood is changed, the law must be changed also...The former regulation is set aside because it was weak and useless." As Jesus is now our High Priest (v24), the Levites and temple no longer exist and we are no longer under the law, all references to tithing in the Old Testament (covenant) and in Malachi 3 are no longer applicable to Christians or the church.

In fact, unless they are a false church that goes by Old Covenant law, there is absolutely NO Biblical command or evidence that Christians must tithe.

Never feel under any scriptural obligation to give as there is none. We are to provide for our relatives (1 Timothy 5:8; Prov 13:22) and the needy. When we do give though, don't brag about it as we are to give without the need for thanks or praise from others (Matthew 6:2).

Conclusions

The laws of the tithes were exactly that - under the law. We are not to rely on the law as we are under Grace. Those who rely on the law (and try to uphold the old laws of tithes) are still under the curse (Gal 3:10). We, on the other hand, are no longer under the curse (Gal 3:13).

And Gal 3:24-25 states, "The law was our guardian until Christ came, in order that we might be justified by faith. But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian."

We are saved by grace - the free gift of God. We are justified by faith, not works of the law (Gal 2:16). "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast." Eph 2:8-9.

We are instructed to be generous in helping those in need though (Acts 2:43–47; 4:32–37; 11:27–30; Gal. 2:10; 1 Cor. 16:1–4; 2 Cor. 8:1–9:15) and our families (1 Tim 5) and God will take care of us (Matt 6:33).

We are also commanded to support those who preach the gospel (Luke 10:7; 1 Cor. 9:14; 1 Tim. 5:17–18) but we are nowhere commanded to give a tenth of our income or contribute to building projects, church campuses or academies. Remember, the church met in people's homes, not cathedrals. Teaching should be face-to-face in homes or using the Internet.

Even the ‘Council of Jerusalem’ did not include regular tithing in the four instructions to the Gentile Christians in Antioch, Syria and Cilicia (Acts 15:4-31).

Also, "If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed." What gospel are they referring to? The gospel of grace - the free gift of God through Jesus Christ.

Do not believe preachers who say you must pay for the gospel message or pay tithes to receive grace or the blessing and promises of our Father!

Ecclesiastes 7:7 "Extortion turns a wise person into a fool, and a bribe corrupts the heart."

Romans 16:17-18 "I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive."

Let no man keep you from God's promises by demanding observation of the old tithes laws for that man does not teach the gospel.