Will man rob God? Yet you are robbing me. But you say, ‘How have we robbed you?’ In your tithes and contributions. You are cursed with a curse, for you are robbing me, the whole nation of you. Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need.  I will rebuke the devourer for you, so that it will not destroy the fruits of your soil, and your vine in the field shall not fail to bear, says the Lord of hosts.
(Malachi 3:8-11 – ESV)

These scriptures are some of the most misapplied verses of the Bible in many churches today. First, the context deals with Israel under the Old Testament covenant. Secondly, nothing about these verses have anything to do with money. And lastly, the situation can not be converted to the churches today because in Christ the former roles of the Old Testament temple system no longer exist.

Now what are the tithes and contributions talked about in Malachi 3? It is talking about animals and the fruit of the land. Remember that the tithes were necessary for the Israelite way of life to work and function according to God’s plan. Now notice the word “storehouse.” Though many pastors will try to use it interchangeably with a modern day Bank of America or church cash fund, that’s not what is being spoken of here. The storehouse was a storage place for the food that people would need. The farmers were holding back on their crops and livestock and that is why their crops were what were being devoured, not their bank accounts. It's about the food.

Now being that every believer functions as a priest in the new covenant in Jesus Christ, such a system like this one is no longer needed. Many churches will try to convince you that they can’t function without requiring tithes but it is a false claim. There are churches out there that are able to do plenty without requiring tithes and by simply giving what they’ve decided in their heart to give. The problem is that many pastors will put church-goers through a guilt trip because they have their own agenda at work. Let’s face it, does it require millions of dollars to gather together, worship, study the Bible and evangelize?

There is a misconception that tithing is still required for today because it is mentioned in the New Testament. Further study will once again indicate otherwise. Let’s tackle these so-called “proof verses.”

“But woe to you Pharisees! For you tithe mint and rue and every herb, and neglect justice and the love of God. These you ought to have done, without neglecting the others.
(Luke 11:42 – ESV)

He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt: “Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.’
(Luke 18:9-12 – ESV)

Even though these events happened when Jesus was on the earth, it is not sufficient proof that tithing is required today. Remember that Jesus came to fulfill the Law. That means that the old covenant was still in place all the way up until His death and resurrection. This is why the temple system was even supported by Jesus during his life. Many believe that the new covenant began when Jesus was born or when He started His ministry but that isn't correct. Remember that the early church began after Jesus died, came back to life and then ascended into heaven.

If you read throughout Acts, Galatians and Colossians, you will read of how religious Jews were trying to convince Christians that they couldn’t be saved without returning to the ways of the old covenant (circumcision, Sabbath, feasts, diet, etc.). Paul admonished these Christians to not return to the old way and forsake Christ, but to continue forward with faith in Christ. This is why you won’t read much about tithing at all in the New Testament. It was an ordinance that was meant for a specific group of people (Israelites) during a specific time (old covenant) within a specific way of life (farming, temple service). And it is biblically inaccurate to try to parallel Old Testament priests and modern day pastors, Old Testament temples and modern day churches, fruit of the land and money in a wallet.

And those descendants of Levi who receive the priestly office have a commandment in the law to take tithes from the people, that is, from their brothers,  though these also are descended from Abraham. But this man who does not have his descent from them received tithes from Abraham and blessed him who had the promises. It is beyond dispute that the inferior is blessed by the superior. In the one case tithes are received by mortal men, but in the other case, by one of whom it is testified that he lives. One might even say that Levi himself, who receives tithes, paid tithes through Abraham, for he was still in the loins of his ancestor when Melchizedek met him.
(Hebrews 7:5-9 – ESV)

At best, these scriptures provide historical context and reflection but do not give any indication that tithing is still required today. And the context of the verses discuss the order of Melchizedek and how he was a type of Christ or a shadow of what Jesus would actually fulfill.

So what is the motive of the people who continue to promote an unbiblical requirement? Is it about clinging to tradition, trying to support an agenda or an attempt to rip off a bunch of people in order to attain wealth and prominence? No matter which way we slice it, the conclusion is the same. Tithing by choice and personal conviction is biblical but required tithing for everyone is not. Do not be deceived by false preachers and pastors who want nothing more than your money and can care less about you as a person.

Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
(2 Corinthians 9:7 - ESV)

Now this is the biblical way we are to give today. There is no set amount that we have to give in order to be on God's good side. It's all about giving as you are led or as God's Spirit leads you. If you are ever in a situation within a church where you are being forced to give, then that is not of God. It needs to be something that is in your heart to do. So don't allow people to pressure you to do something when you have a biblical right no to.

Unfortunately, required tithing is something that many of the churches practice. The best way to avoid this false practice is to know the Bible for yourself. Stand on the truth and at the same time, you'll also save some money. By the same token, we are to be givers and the refuting of this required tithe doctrine in no way nullifies our need to have giving hearts which God can work through.

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