Should Christians tithe? If giving is good, then shouldn’t we tithe? I don’t think so. Many pastors teach that Christians should tithe. I am not sure why. I’m sure they have a clear understanding of old covenant versus new covenant (which is explained in chapters 8 through 10 of Hebrews), but this unbiblical teaching persists.
Objectors to new covenant giving often cite Malachi 3:10 as a case for NT tithing without considering the historical context. This was written while people were under the OLD covenant for the old covenant Israelite, not for New Testament, new covenant believers. And it didn’t even refer to money. It referred to food. If you delve deeper into this subject, you see that it’s not as simple as giving 1/10 of your income to the church you belong to. It’s far from that. They have 3 year tithes and 7 year tithes. Some tithes had to do with spices and some had to do with spoils of war. Think you are tithing? Well, you’re not. You just think you are because that’s what has been passed on. If you are giving ONLY 10% you are not OT tithing. Some of their tithes are really complicated.
If you want further opinions on this subject, they are easy to find. Personally, when John MacArthur speaks about a subject, I listen. I do not agree with him on all points, but that’s doctrinal differences and we are allowed to have them. Please note on page 233 of his Romans commentary (Moody Press) he states that he doesn’t believe Christians are obligated to give a set amount to the church.
This scripture gives us a pronouncement by the writer (most likely Paul) of why we are not obligated to the old covenant. We are new covenant people. This doesn’t mean we don’t give, it just means we give in different ways. It means we give what and who God directs us to give to. It could be a ministry or it could be a person in the Lord who is struggling. Paul makes that pretty clear in the passage below.
Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. 7You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.”c 8And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. 9As the Scriptures say,
“They share freely and give generously to the poor. Their good deeds will be remembered forever.”d 2 Cor 9:6-9
Verse 7 is the key. You must decide in your heart how much to give.
Notice giving to the poor is emphasized? It doesn’t say anything about giving a 10th of your income to a local church (That’s old covenant giving to the temple.) It’s because we are the church. This may challenge some people’s theology, but buildings on the corners with a cross on top are not churches. The collective group of believers in the city are the church. I’m not sure it was ever God’s design for us to have those buildings. I think God is more concerned about hearts than buildings.
Give generously from the heart.
Technically everything on the earth belongs to God. He has the title deed to the earth. We are just stewards of the resources. We aren’t living in an Acts 4:32 world. Keep that in mind. Give where God wants you to give. Obey His voice to ensure your money (and His) is used to reach souls (and not pay for things that don’t reach souls).
Treasures on this earth rot away. If we store up treasure on earth, we lose the treasure that does not perish. So we need to stop tithing. You are not under the 613 OT Jewish laws and you don’t want to be judged under the law. You are under the Holy Spirit grace which is new covenant. Either you obey the big 613 and be judged by them or you step into the new covenant. Brothers and sisters the old is obsolete just like the person you were before the Holy Spirit made you new.
Walk in that newness.
You were bought with a price. In Matthew 26:28, Jesus tells us what that price was: his blood. He says that his blood is the new covenant. Our money should flow like His blood – freely to get people in to the kingdom. Give like Jesus would: to the temple (church), the poor, fellow Christians, missions and especially the persecuted church.
Following Jesus 
I really like this one
LikeLiked by 1 person