Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. 18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. 19 Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20 For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.

15 Comments on Jesus Didn’t Re-Teach Tithing

steward on Mon, 6th Jul 2009 1:50 pm


The laws that were not eliminated were laws that contained universal principles. Come on, Seriously! This is ridiculous to even have to explain this. Why would Jesus eliminate a law just because it was in the OT? If murdering is ALWAYS the by-product of hate . . . If Adultery is ALWAYS the by-product of lust and greed then why eliminate a law that will ALWAYS break a universal principle when committed?

Whenever Jesus spoke on the law, he always emphasized the lesson not the assignment. What was the lesson that Jesus emphasized to the pharisees in Matthew 23?

I could tell my child that making your bed is important, but it’s only important because of the lesson it teaches. Making a bed has no importance apart from its lesson. The lesson is cleanliness and is a principle, the assignment is making your bed and is just an assignment.

Although i am against a tithing mandate, i believe tithing could have teaching potential. Sure, it CAN be used as a tool to teach Godly ownership, love, and sacrifice; but by no means, is tithing the best teacher to instill these principles for everyone, at all times.

Look, i can tell my child to make his bed every day, but how do i know that making his bed is the “best” tool to teach him cleanliness? Maybe teaching him to pick up his toys or folding his clothes first might be best? Maybe making his bed is too easy for him?

Anyone can give a tithe out of habit, but can we listen and respond to an invisible God out of habit? Which would require greater faith? Wouldn’t a Spirit led life require a higher level of dedication and focus? Sure, Tithing can teach stewardship, and sacrifice, but considering that we now have direct access to the throne room and the mysteries of God’s will, why must we continue following rules that promote non-interactive deeds that require no connection with God?

Because tithing was good enough for Israel and Abraham is not an objective criteria to consider it good enough for a group of people who interact with God in a whole new way.

Children who live in the kingdom of their father do not need to be taxed like the peasants who live outside the walls. They are in one accord with the father’s will and willingly participate with the plans of their father because we are his children. We have privileged access to him that others do not have. We have his family Spirit within us and guiding us to accomplish his goals.

The absence of tithing in the New Covenant is not a viable argument for either side of the tithing issue.

There is one denominator that enabled change from the way ministry had been funded from the old into the new. Spirit led giving is the most challenging way to give, and seems to produce a multitude of mixed results, which helps me understand why our flesh desires more stable and predictable ways of ministry financing. But God doesn’t operate based on our comfort zone.

- jared

EnnisP on Mon, 6th Jul 2009 6:15 pm


I can’t deny your logic but it doesn’t answer what I feel is the important question: Is tithing the accepted biblical standard for including God in my finances?

If it is, it is, whether I understand it, appreciate it, can explain it, like it or not. And I do believe tithing is fair and reasonable. Others don’t.

I’m open to the discussion but there must be something other than “Spirit led” as the answer. Any person can do anything they want under that idea. I usually attribute the Spirit’s leadership to things not specifically mentioned in the Bible. Since I am responsible for managing my finances consistently and regularly I actually like knowing exactly what is expected of me. And, if compelled by good reason I can add to that.

Thanks for the contribution to the discussion.

steward on Mon, 6th Jul 2009 8:19 pm


If including God in my finances has a biblical standard, then where do i start with including him in my work, my school, my friendships, and my family? Our lives are guided daily by the Holy Spirit. I can tell you that i fail all day at actually listening, but nontheless i don’t have standard in the amount of hours i serve, or the people i witness to, or how many christian songs i listen to each week.

Whether I have the Holy Spirit instructing my giving or a tithe instructing my giving, i can still do whatever i want; so that’s not a reasonable objection to being Spirit led in our giving. Since when is being Spirit led in any other area of your life viewed as a license to ignore God? There are consequences if you ignore the Holy Spirit, just like the Israelites had consequences for ignoring the tithe.

I don’t really care if i think tithing is too much, too little, fair or reasonable. The abuse that i feel goes on does not prove one tiny bit why i think a tithe mandate is unbiblical.

How can you read the book of Acts and say that there’s gotta be something other than “Spirit led”? I agree, It’s kind of nice knowing exactly what is expected of us, but isn’t that where we experience God’s glory the most – in those “not knowing” moments? Isn’t that why God tore the veil to the throne-room so that we can enter and ask? Or did God open communication with Him so that we can continue to give mindlessly without the need for a connection and interaction?

An interesting fact is that Israel was not always told to tithe to support ministry. In Exodus 35 & 36, before Israel was required to tithe, they supported the whole ministry of the tabernacle through freewill, and grace gifts. Israel did not tithe until they entered the promised land. Ironically, as Israel was wandering through the wilderness, they were guided symbolically by God’s Spirit through a pillar of fire.

I could go on here with more, but i will see if you have anything else.

- jared

EnnisP on Tue, 7th Jul 2009 7:10 am


Steward, All of those areas are regulated by God (family, work, school, friends, etc.). In short, husbands love your wives, wives honor your husbands, children obey your parents, servants (employees) and masters (employers) are to work together without cheating or threatening each other and so on.

Finances, however, are managed a bit more mechanically and precisely than many of these other relationships. We don’t pay more or less the right amount for rent and utilities. We pay the exact amount. Most other relationships are considerably more flexible. A retirement plan works best when contributions are made consistently in precisely stipulated amounts over a predetermined length of time.

I think telling people to be “Spirit Led” without first giving full biblical disclosure on important issues has been far more abused than encouraging them to follow a consistent biblical rule where finances are concerned.

“Spirit led” is a legitimate biblical teaching but it must be prefaced by careful study of the Bible. The Spirit does not lead us to do or deny what has been well established in Scripture. The Spirit is not going to lead you to love your wife. That requires commitment and imagination not Spirit leading. I have never been “led” to tell the truth. “Truth telling” is the “standard biblical teaching.” I need no prompting.

The construction of the Tabernacle was a one time event. Once completed it was over.

But, the service of the Tabernacle and functions of the levitical system were ongoing. They needed consistent, regularly financial servicing. The command to tithe was given so no prayer time would be wasted trying to figure out what each person should do to support the system God put in place. Pity the Levites if they had to wait on someone being “led by the Spirit” each month to provide what they needed to pay the rent and feed the family.

steward on Tue, 7th Jul 2009 2:53 pm


If finances are managed more mechanically, then why are offerings above 10% freewill? They were not freewill for Israel. Israel had specific instructions for offerings.

You don’t seem to understand that consistently and security is not how God intended his Church to operate.

Luke 10:2-4
“The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few; therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest. Go your way; behold, I send you out as lambs among wolves. Carry neither money bag, knapsack, nor sandals; and greet no one along the road.”

You said: “The Spirit is not going to lead you to love your wife.”
- Of course the instruction to love your wife actually comes from scripture. But does the bible tell me when to give her gifts, or send her flowers? No, of course not! I use experience and spiritual instinct to realize and act upon when my wife needs extra comfort and encouragement.

In your arguments, you are not making the extinction between eternal principles and standards. The command to love and give are both universal laws or principles. Giving 10% is a standard.

Should ministers today be exempt from praying for practical things such as finances? Wow, what an easy ministry and life. Just pray for other people’s financial struggles and problems.

Don’t get me wrong, i think ministers should be well taken care of. I think materials should be given sacrificially, liberally, freely, and cheerfully.

I will leave on this final note. There are 3 books that i would recommend reading.
1. “Should the church teach tithing” by russell earl kelly
2. “Beyond Tithes and Offerings” by Mitchell T. & Michael L. Webb
3. “Tithing: Low Realm, Obsolete, & Defunct” by Matthew Narramore

Truthfully, the first book i read out of those, which was “Should the Church Teach Tithing”, convinced me alone that tithing was not commanded. I read the other two books on top of that, and there is just no way you can read those with a biblically sound mind and not agree that there are lots of holes in the tithing argument. I originally first started studying tithing because a friend of mine said that tithing was not commanded. So i went on a crusade to prove him wrong. LOL!

- jared

EnnisP on Tue, 7th Jul 2009 6:32 pm


Jared,
If they tithe belongs to God you haven’t expressed anything personally, other than obedience, when you give it. What you give above the tithe is an act of a free will and therefore an expression of love on a personal level.

The Luke 10 passage describes the common practice in Jesus’ day. Ministers would move from village to village and people would meet their general needs. Food, accommodation, expenses generally. Later, just before His crucifixion, He changed the rules. He said:

“…But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip…” Luke 22:36

Neither passage has much bearing on tithing but neither represented a financial free for all either.

If God has to prompt a husband to love his wife, I feel sorry for the wife.

Every universal principle will have standard practices associated with it.

Ministers are to be subject to the same set of principles. There is no difference.

I’m not on a crusade. I am no more or less interested in truth than any other sincere Christian and I like to think through and discuss the issues every time I get the chance and I like to read particular books that represent opposing opinions.

steward on Tue, 7th Jul 2009 8:03 pm


You need to read the 3 books that i mentioned. i could dialogue forever here. Like i said, i first believed and practiced the tithing mandate in my own life ever since i had my first job, until a friend of mine confronted me and i studied on my own to prove him wrong.

-”should the church teach tithing” is long and doctrinally detailed
-”beyond tithes and offerings” has a good mix of deep doctrine and practicalness
-”tithing: low realm obsolete & defuncts” has a lot of practical.

I would read the book of whatever style of reading you are used to.

EnnisP on Thu, 9th Jul 2009 11:27 am


Not too worry. As I said, I am always drawn to people that disagree with my understanding. If what I believe cannot stand against good argument it isn’t worth believing. I will read the books.

The Philosophy of Tithing | NowTHINK!AboutIt on Fri, 4th Dec 2009 11:13 am


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Tithing Countermanded By Corruption? | NowTHINK!AboutIt on Sun, 27th Jun 2010 9:53 pm


[...] Jesus didn’t teach tithing. Answered here. [...]

Jan on Wed, 6th Oct 2010 2:34 pm


Old post already but maybe there is somebody who can help me answering this question:

Let us suppose tithing ended ad the cross, at the end of the old covenant and the beginning of the new. Does this oppose Jesus’ statement during His life on earth that they should have tithed? It looks like He would have said the same thing because at that time tithing would have been a command.
If so, doesn’t this take away the basis of the argument that Jesus endorsed tithing for Christians?

Anyone who can explain this to me?

EnnisP on Wed, 6th Oct 2010 3:14 pm


Hey Jan,
I have already addressed your question in several posts, and the comments, so I won’t add anything to that thread here, but I do have a question.

If tithing has been repealed and it is not included in the principles by which NT believers live then what takes its place? I doubt anyone would suggest we give nothing. Giving features powerfully in the Bible, Old and New Testaments. So…

As a Christian, do you give a percentage of your income or a set amount?

If an amount, how do you determine what amount to give? If a percentage how did you come up with a figure for that?

Do you give consistently, every time you get paid, and if not how do you determine when it is right to give?

With tithing, all these questions are answered. If we rescind tithing then we must state the practical guidelines for giving.

I have no objections to people being Spirit led (the usual answer) but I think it is fair to expect those who give by this rule to shed a little light on how the Spirit leads them.

Thanks for visiting and commenting. All the best.

Jan on Fri, 8th Oct 2010 1:13 pm


Thank you for your reply!

You said : “If we rescind tithing then we must state the practical guidelines for giving.”

I’m not sure what the basis is why we “must” state this. I try to find an answer for this in the new testament, but it seems to me that they practiced a more abundant form of giving without following practical guidelines. It looks like they lived in the reality of what Paul wrote here:

6But now we are discharged from the Law and have terminated all intercourse with it, having died to what once restrained and held us captive. So now we serve not under [obedience to] the old code of written regulations, but [under obedience to the promptings] of the Spirit in newness [of life]. (Ampl. Rom. 7:6)

They apparently didn’t follow practical guidelines but were tuned in to the leading of the Spirit in a new way of life. Creating practical guidelines could be a trap into going back to an old (covenant) way of life that depended on rules. I cannot see Paul promoting tithing and at the same time saying that “we are discharged from the law and have terminated all intercourse with it”
I tried to get a picture of what giving looked like at that time, so I went through the passages that talked about this. Based on this I have to conclude that the major part of giving had to do with creating equality among Gods’ people. Paul even mentioned this “equality principle”:

“But to have equality [share and share alike], your surplus over necessity at the present time going to meet their want and to equalize the difference created by it, so that [at some other time] their surplus in turn may be given to supply your want. Thus there may be equality”…

Having a background in churches that teach tithing as the primary form of giving in which these tithes have nearly nothing to do with creating equality, I think I have to reconsider this whole concept.

You can argue that this ” equality principle” comes into effect only after following the tithing principle. If so what to do with scriptures like this:

“When you have finished paying all the tithe of your produce the third year, which is the year of tithing, and have given it to the Levite, the stranger and the sojourner, the fatherless, and to the widow, that they may eat within your towns and be filled,.. (Dt. 26:12)

It is also written that the tithes were for the Levites to compensate them (equality) for the fact that they couldn’t own land.

Sorry for the long reply but I discover that there are many holes in the teachings about tithing that I am accustomed to.

EnnisP on Fri, 8th Oct 2010 3:51 pm


No problem with the length. Thanks for sharing.

When I say “practical guidelines” I am referring to things that give order, discipline, consistency and regularity to our lives. These are not bad things. The cross did not eliminate the need for this. The end of ceremonial law does not signal the beginning of chaos or a free for all.

And I think with all the financial trouble in the world right now it is obvious that we need some guidance on the matter.

Jesus did eliminate the curse of the law (we don’t stone people for adultery now) but we still believe the Ten Commandments are useful and they still “guide” our lives morally.

Personally, I believe tithing was practiced before the law and is an eternal guideline for managing finances in a way that honors God.

Why “MUST” we point out the principles? Well, for one, Jesus said it is more blessed to give than receive” and that alone should motivate us to think carefully about this issue and state clearly the principles that should guide our giving.

And “equality?” The goal is not for everyone to be equal materially but to be equal contributors. If tithing doesn’t make us equal in that way, what does?

Tom on Fri, 11th Mar 2011 7:54 pm


“Those who wish to deny tithing for the New Testament must do two things: One, they must present some very strong and clear, non-emotional, evidence to prove it is no longer a valid life principle and two, they must tell us what to do instead.”
1. It was never a “life principle” in the first place. I can prove this to you through a couple simple steps:
a. Read the Law of Moses (especially the sections on tithing).
b. Notice that there were many groups of people who did not tithe.
c. If there were people who lived their lives without tithing (because they didn’t have to under the law), then it follows logically that tithing was never a “life principle” under the law.
You have LOADED your test with the false assumption that there was a tithing principle.
2. Give as God tells you.

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