TITHING: Law or Grace?
The debate continues. Is tithing a Jewish legal requirement or does it apply to Christians who are not under law but under grace? Although I always want to be biblical, I fear that the arguments against tithing tend to come more from materialistic inclinations rather than a desire for doctrinal soundness. Still, the issue remains in most churches, and it does no good to ignore it.
Is the “requirement” for church members to tithe “legalistic?” Not any less so than to insist that we be Kosher, meet on Friday night or Saturday rather than Sunday morning, or to observe Jewish holy days and require circumcision as a covenant sign! It was a part of the Hebrew law, and Paul insists that we “are not under the law but under grace.” (Rom 6:14-15)
Some will point out that Jesus told the Scribes and Pharisees that they should tithe. (Matthew 23:23) That is correct, but they were Jews! They were required by law to tithe. Jesus, however, said more. He told them that they should also have observed “law, judgment, mercy, and faith.” Those, he said, were “weightier matters!”
Is tithing good for the church? Of course, because it is fair, equitable, and, when all the members do it, it is always enough! I cannot envision a time when it will not require financial underwriting to carry out the church’s mandate. Money is a part of life, even in the life of the church. For the better part of 2000 years now, it has been tithes and offerings that have provided the supply, not bake sales, bazaars, or cookbooks! From Cyprian (200-258 A.D.) to Augustine (354-430) and from Calvin (1509-1564) to Spurgeon (1834-1892), tithing was considered an accepted and expected practice in the church. The Lord’s work through His church must be underwritten, and the members are expected to supply it.
But, are we “legally” bound to tithe? Well, perhaps the answer to that question lies in the fact that tithing did not begin with the law. Abraham gave tithes to Melchizedek (Gen 14:20), and Jacob promised to return his tithe to God. (Gen 28:22) Their decisions appear to have been spontaneous and natural. In fact, I assume that they were not the first to tithe but that they had learned the practice from someone else!
Yes, tithing was a legal requirement placed upon all Jews, but in historical practice, it seems to have always been an expression of deep respect and gratitude to one’s benefactor. When you come to Malachi, it is also a matter of trust, believing that when God’s people provide the “supply,” He provides the “blessing.” That is not a matter of law, but of faith!
Our God has not changed. He still blesses and wants to bless. His promises were not just to the Jews in the Old Testament. They are to us. When we are faithful to underwrite the work of the church in the world, He reciprocates with “such blessings” that not only are our needs met, but we have enough left over to help others. The result in a vital testimony to the lost world that our God is real, and that He wants to be real to them. It’s just the way God operates… in the Old Testament as well as the New!
I would ask: Is the proper question, “Am I legally bound to tithe?” Or, should the question be, “Am I grateful enough to the God Who has saved me, uses me, and has made heaven my home to begin underwriting His work on earth with my tithes but then, out of love, to give much more!”
When that happens, there will never again be a stewardship campaign in the church!
Is the “requirement” for church members to tithe “legalistic?” Not any less so than to insist that we be Kosher, meet on Friday night or Saturday rather than Sunday morning, or to observe Jewish holy days and require circumcision as a covenant sign! It was a part of the Hebrew law, and Paul insists that we “are not under the law but under grace.” (Rom 6:14-15)
Some will point out that Jesus told the Scribes and Pharisees that they should tithe. (Matthew 23:23) That is correct, but they were Jews! They were required by law to tithe. Jesus, however, said more. He told them that they should also have observed “law, judgment, mercy, and faith.” Those, he said, were “weightier matters!”
Is tithing good for the church? Of course, because it is fair, equitable, and, when all the members do it, it is always enough! I cannot envision a time when it will not require financial underwriting to carry out the church’s mandate. Money is a part of life, even in the life of the church. For the better part of 2000 years now, it has been tithes and offerings that have provided the supply, not bake sales, bazaars, or cookbooks! From Cyprian (200-258 A.D.) to Augustine (354-430) and from Calvin (1509-1564) to Spurgeon (1834-1892), tithing was considered an accepted and expected practice in the church. The Lord’s work through His church must be underwritten, and the members are expected to supply it.
But, are we “legally” bound to tithe? Well, perhaps the answer to that question lies in the fact that tithing did not begin with the law. Abraham gave tithes to Melchizedek (Gen 14:20), and Jacob promised to return his tithe to God. (Gen 28:22) Their decisions appear to have been spontaneous and natural. In fact, I assume that they were not the first to tithe but that they had learned the practice from someone else!
Yes, tithing was a legal requirement placed upon all Jews, but in historical practice, it seems to have always been an expression of deep respect and gratitude to one’s benefactor. When you come to Malachi, it is also a matter of trust, believing that when God’s people provide the “supply,” He provides the “blessing.” That is not a matter of law, but of faith!
Our God has not changed. He still blesses and wants to bless. His promises were not just to the Jews in the Old Testament. They are to us. When we are faithful to underwrite the work of the church in the world, He reciprocates with “such blessings” that not only are our needs met, but we have enough left over to help others. The result in a vital testimony to the lost world that our God is real, and that He wants to be real to them. It’s just the way God operates… in the Old Testament as well as the New!
I would ask: Is the proper question, “Am I legally bound to tithe?” Or, should the question be, “Am I grateful enough to the God Who has saved me, uses me, and has made heaven my home to begin underwriting His work on earth with my tithes but then, out of love, to give much more!”
When that happens, there will never again be a stewardship campaign in the church!
2 Comments:
Tithing is good.
God gave us a chance to learn how good by obeying His Word about it.
To ignore it is to deny oneself a very great blessing.
Tim,
Grace for sure. It took me several years to "figure it out" but am blessed by grace and want to be a good example of a good steward of "his gifts" which I only manage on Earth and will always return a portion back to him.
Amen
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