What is the Evangelical view on tithing?

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Accepted answer

This is at least one modern evangelical view...

It is true that the New Testament really does not prescribe tithing, that is, giving 10% of your income. It does, however, prescribe giving:

Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 9:7

The church at Phillip specifically financially supported the ministry of Paul:

Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again. Philippians 4:16

Another aspect is to consider that, as believers, we understand that everything we have comes from God, so we must honor God with 100% of our income, time, talents, and possessions--not just 10% of our income.

So, since there is a prescription to give, but not specific amount prescribed, it is common to use the tithe (10%) as a great pattern to follow.

So, in most biblically oriented circles that I've been involved with, the tithe is a great benchmark. That means we are free to give whatever amount and should cheerfully give generously to the work of Christ all over the world. Generosity may mean 5% for some, but others may be able to comfortably give 15%-20%.

Indeed, for people with very high income levels, 10% could be considered hardly generous. The point is to be as generous as we can and to enjoy the pleasure of giving. My personal hope is to continue increasing my percentage as my income grows.

It really is more blessed to give than to receive, and this is true in many different ways.

Upvote:0

Tithing in Evangelical Christians is one form of worship.We glorify God through giving.

1 Corinthians 10:31 (NASB) Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

Consider this:

1 John 4:19 (KJV)

We love him, because he first loved us.

So likewise, we can only give because God gave first:

John 3:16 (NASB)

"For God so loved the world, that He gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life."

And we give in the same attitude he has -- from our own free volition out of joy and love:

2 Corinthians 9:7 (ESV)

Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

NOTE

Abraham gave a tithe even before the Law came!

Hebrews 7:4 ( NetBible)

But see how great he must be, if Abraham the patriarch gave him a tithe of his plunder.

Indeed, this is a grand application of 2 Corinthians 9:7.

Upvote:1

I think there is a problem with the word tithe for new testament Christians because for some it might give the impression that once you have given your 'tithe' whatever you think that is then that is enough and the rest of your income is for you to spend how you please. I used to tithe so I know how I felt, but now I dont'. I now test everything I buy to see if I really need it. This is no easy task as I enjoy expensive cameras and can always find a good reason to buy the latest model etc.

Upvote:2

Mal 3:8-10 is not reechoed in the NT like Is 61:1-2 in Lk 4:18-19 etc but the argument that it is an OT law should not be interpreted as not applicable in NT requirement Jesus confirmed in Mt 5:17 that He did not come to abolish the OT law but to fulfil it. Paul stressed it in Rom 3:31 The different interpretations given to tithing is complicating a simple matter In my opinion these complicated interpretations which may even make sense are excuses to find a way out The best advise is to simply obey. It is so specific that inputing logic and arguments may lead to false teaching May the Holy Spirit lead us to genuine submission to the will of God who is God of the Old and New Testaments God bless you Moses Wey

Upvote:2

It should be noted that Jesus does affirm tithing in Matthew 23:23, although He points out that there are weightier matters -justice, mercy, and faithfulness. I believe that the tithe (10%) is an old covenant minimum standard for most Christians' giving. As you point out, high income people can actually do better than this, while some people who are struggling to put food on the table may not be able to tithe and feed their kids at the same time. The real key to Christian stewardship is to be a cheerful and generous giver, and for most of us, the old covenant 10% is a minimum benchmark. With that said, I don't want to hear about anyone starving their kids to tithe either. (I have occasionally heard of such things.) Remember - there are more important things like justice, mercy, and faithfulness.

Upvote:2

The Tithe was effectively a tax to support the Jewish religious system, and in particular the Levites and priests who ran the temple. So Tithing is not the correct term to use for giving to support ministry in church and around the world. As Narnian said the key verse for Christians is 2 Corinthians 9:7:

Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

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