So, Your Preacher Tells You That You Must Tithe

Preachers have the right to preach what the Bible teaches, nothing more and nothing less. Some preachers are fully aware of their responsibilities and the restrictions God has placed upon them, but it seems many either don't know or don't care what God has said. Others may care, but are ignorant as to what the Bible teaches.

Many denominational preachers ("pastors") teach the concept of tithing. Some DEMAND that their members tithe. Others go so far as to require a look at everyone's tax records to assure they are complying. Such action is not acceptable if it cannot be backed it up with scripture. Either tithing is part of the gospel or it is not. If it is not and a preacher says it is then he is preaching another gospel. Paul warned, "But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed" (Gal. 1:8,9). Preachers are supposed to study and have a basic knowledge of the Bible, so they should all be aware of the above passage. Thus, it is in everyone's best interest that a preacher provide evidence that he is presenting the gospel regarding tithing, or that he repent and start telling the truth.

It is not entirely accurate to say tithing is not taught in the Bible because we find clear commands to practice it. But one must consider to whom the commands were addressed, and that was Israel. Yes, commands to tithe are found in the Old Testament, but Christians follow the New Testament and it provides a new and different method or system. Jeremiah prophesied of the new covenant that would replace the covenant with Israel, and New Testament writers explain that the old covenant has been abolished (Jer. 31:31; Heb. 8:13; Heb. 9:15; Col. 2:9-14; Eph. 2:14,15).

While the New Testament does not teach tithing it does teach giving. Paul commanded, "On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with his income" (1 Cor. 16:2). From this passage we learn that we should give regularly but proportionally. An individual's giving is between God and himself, and God takes into account our circumstances. Paul also addressed the amount when he wrote, "But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver" (2 Cor. 9:6). Paul did not specify a percentage. Instead, he stated that we purpose in our heart or that we decide how much based on our circumstances and love for the cause.

It is important that Christians see giving as a privilege and not a burden. Our giving should not come from a sense of duty, but rather out of love for the Lord and a desire to see His kingdom advanced. This is "the more excellent way" (love) that Paul talked about in his first letter to the Corinthians (1 Cor. 12:31).

While tithing is biblical, it is not sound Christian doctrine. It was only for the nation of Israel under the old covenant, which has been fulfilled by Jesus Christ. Tithing is not commanded for Christians, the early church never practiced it, and the New Testament provides an alternative system of giving. God has given us the written word to learn the truth and He warns about men who teach falsely so that we be not "carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive" (Eph. 4:14). John warns, "Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world" (1 John 4:1, ESV). If your preacher insists on doing something that is contrary to the teaching of the New Testament, don't blame God and give up the faith. Reject the teacher and his doctrine and seek association with a group that teaches the truth.