Fleecing the Flock (tithing)

Malachi 3:8

Basic Issues to Learn

1 – We are under Grace not Law of Moses

          John 1:17

          Romans 5:20

          Romans 6:14

          Galatians 2:21

          Galatians 5:4

2 – Most often quoted – Malachi 3:8

          Many preachers quote this verse – then preach how you must bring 10% to him.

          These preachers don’t even know what the OT tithes were / how used

3 – OT law on Tithes

          Deuteronomy 12:10-12

          Deuteronomy 12:26-27

          Deuteronomy 14:22-29

          Deuteronomy 26:12-13

          Amos 4:4

Summary: In Deuteronomy, and for the rest of the Old Testament, tithing is mandatory, but for the first two years it is to be spent by the one tithing and his family in the presence of the LORD – for food, for drink, for rejoicing.  Only in the third year is the tithe to be entirely given away.

4 – Variation in Deuteronomy and earlier books – Exodus, Leviticus

          Example of command about not coveting

          Exodus 20:17

          Deuteronomy 5:21 – “field” is added – ready to possess land

Their view disregards the fact that Deuteronomy was written in the form of an ancient treaty. It is the treaty by which the people of Israel would guide their lives. Anything in it that differs from the first four books of the Bible is either a replacement of that thought or a further defining of it. In other words, what is written in Deuteronomy concerning tithing is the standard and only further defines tithing where it is previously mentioned.

5 – None of the above matters – We are under the NT 

          1 Corinthians 16:1-2

          2 Corinthians 9:7

6 – Final Points

          For some 10% could be a great burden with their family obligations

          For others 95% is cheap – A. M. Burton, Life and Casulty Insurance

          Preachers who read the OT – are liars, intentional deceivers

Ideas developed from: http://www.wonderful1.com/The_Bible_on_Tithing.html