TRUTH-- You don't owe God anything.
Financial giving is one of the greatest keys to financial freedom, but this type of giving has nothing to do with tithing. If you have read anything I have written you will know that the true New Testament begins with the book of Romans. You will also know that the 4 Gospels conclude the Old Testament.
The word "tithe" is not mentioned in the Bible later than Luke 11:42. It is only mentioned one other time in what is called the New Testament in Matthew 23:23. The tithe was instituted for Israel, the Jews, for the sake of the Levites. Members of the Church of the Body of Christ, to which all believers belong, are not Israel, Jews or Levites. We are under no obligation to give any percentage of our income to anyone for any reason.
But, your church would probably wilt away like a prickly pear cactus before the annual monsoons. They literally cannot afford to teach what is true; or so they think. Unfortunately, Christians who have had this pseudo obligation ingrained into them, would find themselves in self-condemnation if they quit. But, there is an easy way around it, by reading what is written "to" them, particularly 2 Corinthians chapters 8 and 9.
2 Cor 8:3-4
For I testify that according to their ability, and beyond their ability, they gave of their own accord,
NASU
2 Cor 8:7-8
But just as you abound in everything,....see that you abound in this gracious ($$) work also.
2 Cor 8:8-9
I am not speaking this as a command, but as proving through the earnestness of others the sincerity of your love also.
2 Cor 9:1-2
For it is superfluous for me to write to you about this ministry to the saints;
NASU
2 Cor 9:6-8
6 Now this I say, he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 7 Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace ($$) abound to you, so that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed;
2 Cor 9:10-14
Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness; 11 you will be enriched in everything for all liberality, which through us is producing thanksgiving to God. 12 For the ministry of this service is not only fully supplying the needs of the saints, but is also overflowing through many thanksgivings to God. 13 Because of the proof given by this ministry, they will glorify God for your obedience to your confession of the gospel of Christ and for the liberality of your contribution to them and to all, NASU
Whatever you choose to sow, you will reap accordingly. You are under no commandment to do so, not to do so greviously or under any constraint or custom.
The primary purpose of the service of financial giving is to supply the needs of the saints, your fellow believers. Yes, it can be used to supply the needs of everyone who labors in the Word as well, such as myself and your pastor, but not to the point where the needs of everyday believers go unmet.
1 Tim 5:17-19
aThe elders who rule well (rightly, honorably) are to be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching. 18 For the Scripture says, "YOU SHALL NOT MUZZLE THE OX WHILE HE IS THRESHING," and "The laborer is worthy of his wages." NASU
What thinkest thou?
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