That’s question 38 in this book: Thomas R. Schreiner. 40 Questions about Christians and Biblical Law. Grand Rapids: Kregel, 2010. 256 pp. Here’s how Schreiner summaries his answer (p. 221):
Even though tithing is not mandated, there is no call in the New Testament to hoard one’s possessions or to live selfishly. Believers are commanded to support those who proclaim the gospel (Matt. 10:10; Luke 10:7; 1 Cor. 9:6–14; 1 Tim. 5:17–18). Those who are blessed with wealth are to enjoy the good things God has given them, but they are also to be generous to those in need (1 Tim. 6:17–19). The New Testament clearly teaches that wealth is dangerous because it can seduce us so that we stray from the Lord. God is to be our treasure, and hence believers are to give generously and freely. For most believers in the West, that means giving more than a tithe. Still, the tithe itself is not mandated by Scripture, and Scripture is our rule and authority rather than a tradition that requires believers to tithe.Related: What We Should Do with Our Money (esp. the resources at the bottom of the post)
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4 comments:
Hey Rick, I think that once you establish this fundamental point (tithing to the church is not mandated, but extravagant generosity ought to be a noteworthy trait of the Believer), the next and in some ways more relevant question is, should churches encourage tithing to the church. Many will make admit that tithing is not mandated, and then will say that we should be joyful givers, and then, following from that, insist that we really ought to give 10% of our income to the church. So the question I'd like to ask is, should churches ask for 10%?
Bob - good question. I do 'announcements' and lead our 'collection process' one Sunday a month ... in the latter, I strive to avoid the word 'tithe' and I always provide the indicative, i.e., I always speak to God's providence and trustworthiness ... and then simple say this is an act of worship, to respond to him financially as we individually see fit.
Net, I do not think churches should ask for 10% ... I don't even like the conversation that sounds like, 'well ok, that's a minimum' ... I just think it's the wrong conversation (at least the way we have it).
Good post Rick. I absolutely agree
Eureka! Once I had read some Scriptures in the Bible, I was almost convinced to say, "It's not needed any longer"...but that is NOT true. Originally it was for folks that had the means to donate a tenth of their goods to the priest since they did not have jobs to make a living to feed or house themselves....That's what I truly understand it's for and now feel in my heart that this is the correct measure to take to support our Pastor's ministry to be the leadership in our spiritual and our religeous studies; who bring us the Holy Word of God and teachings of Jesus the Christ. We are not supposed to give more than we can afford nor buy them a convertible rolls royce....Some folks are really brainwashed as to what our duties are to the church and the servants of the church. All caused by crooked leadership in the church, because people are broken, want to be accepted and in need of love and faith in something substaintial. And have noticed the ones that asked for that "special favor", always throw in that we must be obedient, but not in their way of manipulation of the congregation. So yes, God does say It is better to be obedient than to sacrafice, but not in this way. Amen and glory to God. A penny from your pocket can be worth much more than someone giving $1 million dollars, if that is all you have to give!
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