As we continue our ‘Tithing on Trial’ series, we will evaluate the most commontithing argumentsused to defend its practice. So let’s evaluate another argument used to promote tithing. This argument comes directly from a well-known author on finances from Crown Financial Ministries – Larry Burkett. He has now passed, but we are going to evaluate his argument below taken from his book, “Giving & Tithing.”
While reading through the book, I came across a section that asked, “Is Tithing Legalism”? In the beginning, Larry states, “Although the tithe is mentioned in the law, no punishment was indicated for not tithing. There is aconsequence(the loss of blessings), but there is no punishment from God for not tithing.”
What happened when Israel didn’t tithe?
I am not sure where Larry Burkett is getting his information about tithing in the bible, but you have to know that there certainly was a curse on Israel for not tithing. Malachi 3:9 states, “You are cursed with a curse, For you have robbed me.”
Malachi 3:11 goes on, “And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, So that he will not destroy the fruit of your ground, Nor shall the vine fail to bear fruit for you in the field,“
I don’t think there is any question about the curse for Israel not tithing. We can find further proof in the book of Deuteronomy when God is laying out the laws for Israel. In chapter 26 he outlines the rules for tithing and by chapter 28 beginning in verse 15, God outlines in the next 50 verses the curses and punishments that would come upon them for not obeying his commands that were just laid out.
What Happens When Your Don’t Tithe?
As counterintuitive as it may sound, when we don’t tithe the opposite of what happened to Israel happens to us as Christians. The answer is that when we don’t tithe, we are blessed. Here are five reasons we are blessed for not tithing.
- You are under grace (Romans 6:14)
God said He would supply all our needs without mentioning the tithe (Philippians 4:19)
- Our gifts area sweet-smelling sacrifice that is acceptable and pleasing to God (Philippians 4:18)
- God Loves a Cheerful giver. (2 Corinthians 9:7)
- The Spirit gives life (Romans 8:5-10)
As Christians, we should have confidence in these new promises under grace and the blessings that come with them. There is a caveat that I want to mention. Even though there are no consequences of not paying tithes, and we receive some inherent benefits and blessings, our greatest blessing comes when we give freely without obligation instead of giving a tithe.
This is not an excuse to give nothing. We should be willing to give from the love of our hearts. God has given us so much that it should compel our hearts to give back as he sacrificially gave to us. This is not an external force compelling us to give. This is an internal force that aligns with our heart’s attitude.
Are We Cursed When We Don’t Tithe?
Even though we receive a blessing for not tithing, some may still be wondering about the curse for not tithing and did it go away. The answer is no, God does not curse us if we don’t tithe. We are no longer under the curse of the law. We are under grace. You are cursed if you do tithe and blessed if you don’t.
If you don’t practice tithing, you are free from the curse, free from the law, and free from tithing. So many feel led to give to someone outside their church but are terrified to do so because of the fear of the curse. It’s not that they don’t like their church or disagree, but in their heart, they have the desire to fill a more urgent need. When people pass up the opportunity to give from their hearts, they invite doubt or even guilt in their hearts, which robs them of their blessing.
The problem with Larry Burkett and others with the same mentality towards tithing are that they know that tithing looks out of place when we attempt to fit it into a Church that is not supposed to be governed by the law. So they modify its appearance a little bit and make tithing more user-friendly than what it was in the Old Testament. The deception is that if we can mix in a little grace by disassociating it from the curse, then the tithe will appear as if it fits right in there with the other principles we practice today. This reformulation of the tithe is nothing but the law dressed up in grace’s clothing.
THE LAW + GRACE + LENIENCY = THE LAW
You Be the Judge
Now that the evidence has been given in this court of law, it is your turn to decide. You be the judge.
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Related posts:
- Jacob’s Tithing Vow (Part 2)
- Why Did Israel Only Tithe Food?
- Tithing Is For Dummies
- How to Know You’ve Won a Tithing Debate
FAQs
Even though there are no consequences of not paying tithes, and we receive some inherent benefits and blessings, our greatest blessing comes when we give freely without obligation instead of giving a tithe. This is not an excuse to give nothing. We should be willing to give from the love of our hearts.
What happens if I don't give tithe? ›
While tithing 10% of your income is biblical, you're not required to tithe to be a Christian. And you're not a bad Christian if you don't tithe. Thankfully, God loves us when we give and when we don't give.
Will God still bless me if I don't tithe? ›
When we tithe we are acknowledging that He is our source of provision and blessing. It is also important for you to know that today as believers, even if you are unable to tithe, God still loves you and you are still the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus.
Is there a curse for not giving tithes? ›
People who don't pay tithe are cursed with the curse of Malachi the prophet - (Malachi 3: 8 - 9). One of the curse in the bible is Malachi's curse for not tithing. This curse involve the release of the devourer, the destroy and the fail harvest into your life.
What does God say about not tithing? ›
But you say, 'How have we robbed you? ' In your tithes and contributions. The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
Does God punish those who don't tithe? ›
In Malachi 3, we learn about the curse on all those who don't follow the Old Covenant laws of tithes and offerings. We've been rescued from the curse through Christ.
Is it mandatory to pay tithes? ›
The tithe is God's law for his children, yet the payment is entirely voluntary. In this respect it does not differ from the law of the Sabbath or from any other of his laws. We may refuse to obey any or all of them. Our obedience is voluntary, but our refusal to pay does not abrogate or repeal the law.
What is the punishment for not paying tithes? ›
There is a consequence (the loss of blessings), but there is no punishment from God for not tithing.”
Am I stealing from God if I don't tithe? ›
When combined with the offering of lame and blind animals in Malachi 1, it is clear that the people were both not giving the full tenth and giving leftovers not firstfruits. Therefore, God calls them cheats (Malachi 1:14) who are cursed because they are robbing God by failing to bring their tithes (Malachi 3:8-9).
Is it okay to stop tithing? ›
The Bible never mentions anything about hitting the pause button on tithing. And in Malachi 3:10, God actually promises to bless us if we faithfully tithe. Here's something else: Many people have noticed that when they stop tithing, their finances seem to get worse.
If you can't afford to tithe due to a tight budget, you can always volunteer your time and talents, says Deborah L. Meyer, CPA/PFS, CFP®, and the author of Redefining Family Wealth: A Parent's Guide to Purposeful Living. “Giving both your money and your time are forms of tithing,” Meyer explained.
Is it wrong to write off tithes? ›
Charitable donations are tax deductible and the IRS considers church tithing tax deductible as well. To deduct the amount you tithe to your church or place of worship report the amount you donate to qualified charitable organizations, such as churches, on Schedule A.
Does the Bible say you have to tithe with money? ›
The short answer is no, Christians aren't required to tithe. The Law of Moses mandated the tithe to support the Levites in their priestly service and those in need among the foreigners, orphans and widows (Deuteronomy 14:28 – 29).
Is God mad at me for not tithing? ›
But God will accept you GIVING A TITHE. He will not punish you if you do not give a tithe. There is a big difference in paying tithes and giving tithes. God does not was us the pay Him anything because everything has been paid by His Son, Jesus Christ.
Did Jesus do away with tithing? ›
Jesus endorses tithing – but expects His followers to exceed the righteousness of the Scribes and Pharisees whom He encouraged to continue tithing (Matthew 23:23). Here are the key ideas of the principle of giving: God owns everything, and His people are “money managers.”
Is tithing no longer required? ›
Give Generously
Even though tithing isn't required today, it does not follow that believers should hoard their possessions. We are commanded to support those who preach the gospel (Matt. 10:10; Luke 10:7; 1 Cor. 9:6–14; 1 Tim. 5:17–18).
What happens to a believer who is not a giver and a tither? ›
He will not punish you if you do not give a tithe. There is a big difference in paying tithes and giving tithes. God does not was us the pay Him anything because everything has been paid by His Son, Jesus Christ.
What if I cannot afford to tithe? ›
If you can't afford to tithe due to a tight budget, you can always volunteer your time and talents, says Deborah L. Meyer, CPA/PFS, CFP®, and the author of Redefining Family Wealth: A Parent's Guide to Purposeful Living. “Giving both your money and your time are forms of tithing,” Meyer explained.
Are you supposed to tithe every time you get paid? ›
The Bible doesn't specifically address how often you should tithe, so there's not a strict rule you have to keep. Instead, you should figure out the tithing schedule that makes the most sense in your own life. Many people that make a point of writing out a tithe check as soon as they get paid.
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