Tithing isn’t an act of faith at all. Instead, it’s a commandment in the Bible that is no longer applicable today. We are not required to give 10% of our earnings to the church. In the Old Testament, the ancient Hebrew Israelites were commanded to tithe. That said, there are still ways to demonstrate faith through materially and financially generous gifts. But these acts should be given out of free will instead of obligation.
MANY CHRISTIANS BELIEVE tithing, and faith go hand-in-hand. There is a common belief that tithing is a way of showing faith in God. And some take this belief to an extreme. Some believers go as far as to tithe money they know they can not afford. They believe God will bless them because they tithed in faith.
Table of Contents
- Meet Faithful Felicia
- Are You Living By Faith or the Law?
- Tithing Is Not an Act of Faith
- Embrace the Faith
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Outsmart the False Teachers
Meet Faithful Felicia
Faithful Felicia follows a preacher who says things like:
“Pay God His 10 percent. If you don’t have it, don’t worry about it. Just step out on faith and God will bless you with a financial miracle.”
Faithful Felicia is a single mother with two children. She brings home $2,000 a month. Following her preacher’s instructions, she takes 10 percent of her monthly income ($200) and puts it on the church collection plate each month.
In the meantime, she does not have enough money to pay her mortgage. Nevertheless, she keeps tithing in the name of faith while waiting for a financial miracle. Unfortunately, the blessing does not come, and Faithful Felicia falls further behind in her mortgage payments and is on the verge of losing her home.
Now, don’t get me wrong. I am not suggesting that God is not a provider because the Most High does provide for our needs (and wants). Financial miracles do take place. And we should have faith in God. Although Faithful Felicia is fictitious, Christians are in similar situations to Felicia. I am using the story to illustrate the consequences of combining so-called tithing with the concept of faith.
Are You Living By Faith or the Law?
Read Apostle Paul’s letter to the Galatians. Pay particular attention to Chapter 3. The letter’s context is that teachers were coming among the Galatians, telling them they must become Jews before becoming Christians. In other words, they were told to follow the Law (or Mosaic Law, Law of Moses) to become Christians. Paul denounces this doctrine.
Galatians 3: 11-12, KJV
But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, [it is] evident: for, The just shall live by faith. And the law is not of faith: but, The man that doeth them shall live in them.
Paul states, “The law is not of faith.” He is referencing the Mosaic Law. He stresses that following the Mosaic Law is neither a requirement for becoming a Christian nor is following the Law part of the Christian faith.
Keep in mind that tithing is a part of the Mosaic Law. When Christians incorporate tithing into their faith, they place themselves under the Law.
From Paul’s perspective, you either live by faith or you live by the Law. According to Paul, once you accept the faith and live by faith, there is no need for the Law.
Tithing Is Not an Act of Faith
Galatians 3: 23-25, NIV
Now before faith came we were held in custody under the law, being kept as prisoners until the coming faith would be revealed. So the law was put in charge to lead us to Christ that we might be justified by faith. Now that faith has come, we are no longer under the supervision of the law.
The Apostle Paul is saying there was no faith knowledge until Christi came. Once Christ came, they embraced the faith. The Mosaic Law was not based upon the concept of faith. Furthermore, ancient Israel did not view or consider tithing as an act of faith.
He also emphasizes that faith in Christ replaced the works of the Law. And those who follow the Mosaic Law live by the Law – not by faith. He is reminding the Galatians that Christians live by faith.
Embrace the Faith
Believers like Faithful Felicia have good intentions, but their faith is misplaced. They do not realize that when they pay so-called tithes, they place their trust in tithing and the Mosaic Law. Nowhere in the New Testament are Christians instructed to tithe, to tithe in faith, or to tithe as an act of faith.
Ancient Israel paid tithes because that is what their covenant (Mosaic Law) required. Under the Old Testament, ancient Israel follows the Law of Moses. Under the New Testament, Christians follow Christ. While following Christ requires faith, it does not require tithes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Is It Important to Tithe?
For many Christians, tithing is viewed as an act of faith and obedience to God, reflecting trust in His provision and a commitment to supporting the work of the church and its missions. By setting aside a portion of their income, they believe they are honoring God and acknowledging Him as the source of all blessings.
However, it’s important to note that not all Christians believe tithing is a mandatory act of faith, and interpretations vary among denominations and individuals.
Is Tithing the Christian Thing To Do?
Tithing is a practice rooted in the Old Testament, and many Christians view it as an act of faith and obedience to God. Some Christians tithe to support the church and show gratitude, while others don’t see it as a New Testament requirement. While tithing is a faithful act for many Christians, it is not universally agreed upon as a mandatory practice.
Why Is Tithe 10 Percent?
The practice of tithing 10 percent originates from the Old Testament, where the Israelites were instructed to give a tenth of their produce and livestock to support the Levites and the temple. The specific figure of 10 percent is mentioned in several biblical passages.
For instance, Leviticus 27:30 (KJV) states, “And all the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land, or of the fruit of the tree, is the LORD’s: it is holy unto the LORD.” This set percentage was established as a consistent and clear guideline for giving.
Is Tithing a Test of Faith?
For many Christians, tithing is seen as a test of faith, demonstrating trust in God’s provision and faithfulness. The act of giving a portion of one’s income is a tangible expression of prioritizing God above material possessions.
Malachi 3:10 (KJV) offers a challenge regarding tithing: “Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.”
This verse suggests God’s promise of blessing in response to faithful tithing.
Is Tithing an Act of Obedience?
Tithing is viewed by many Christians as an act of obedience based on Old Testament commandments. Leviticus 27:30 (KJV) states, “And all the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land, or of the fruit of the tree, is the LORD’s: it is holy unto the LORD.”
However, some Christians argue that tithing doesn’t apply to the New Testament church and believe that giving should be led by the heart and not a set percentage, pointing to verses like 2 Corinthians 9:7 which emphasizes cheerful giving.
Outsmart the False Teachers
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