41: Why Should Christians Stop Tithing Immediately? - a podcast by Kenneth Ortiz

The topic of money is a controversial topic within Christians circles, but it is far too important to ignore. This topic demands a quality Biblical response and examination.



In this episode, Kenny tackles the topic by making it clear that Christians should not ever tithe, but rather we should cheerfully and sacrificially give generously; giving to causes that spread the Gospel.



Kenny dives into the actual meaning of the word "tithe" and the Hebrew words that we translate into English as "tenth" or "tithe" throughout the Old Testament. He then examines the Old Testament Law that required multiple types of tithes from the land, not general income; he also explains that those monies were generally earmarked for these three items:



1- One tithe for the Levites



2- One tithe for the use of the temple and the feasts



3- One tithe for the poor people



The tithe laws only applied to those in the land of Israel, and they were a part of the Old Covenant, therefore they do not apply to Christians today. But the principles and lessons that we learn about giving certainly still do apply to all believers today. In fact, Kenny believes that Christians ought to be the biggest and most generous people around.



In New Testament we are never told to tithe, but there are many times that we are expected to give. Many times in the book of Acts people brought money to the Apostles and we also see this alluded to multiple times in the epistles as well. In Acts 5 we see a story of a couple that sold their land and claimed to have given all the proceeds to the Apostle (they lied and God struck them dead); but it is important to note that it is clearly apparent that large extravagant gifts to the church were common in that time period.



In Mark 12:41-44, we see Jesus being more impressed with a poor woman who gave a few pennies than those who gave big amounts, because Jesus is not impressed when we give from our abundance.



The Apostle Paul spoke to the Corinthians about giving regularly and cheerfully (1 Corinthians 16:2; 2 Corinthians 9:7). He also wrote to both the Corinthians and to his protege Timothy about collecting and using monies to pay pastors and church leaders as needed (1 Timothy 5:18; 1 Corinthians 9:3-10).



In this episode, Kenny also talks about how church leaders must be responsible with those funds, being above reproach, and how those funds are to be used for building the church and serving other churches and ministries.



Kenny talks extensively about how we give, why we give, and how much we ought to give. He closes the episode with a great quote from one of his favorite authors Randy Alcorn: "When God blesses you financially, it is not to raise your standard of living, but to raise your standard of giving."



Highlighted Passages:



- Genesis 14:20



- Leviticus 27:30



- Numbers 18:26



- Deuteronomy 14:24



- 2 Chronicles 31:5



- Malachi 3:10



- Mark 12:41-44



- Matthew 6:21



- 1 Corinthians 16:2



- 2 Corinthians 9:7



- 1 Timothy 5:18



- 1 Corinthians 9:3-10



Recommended Resources:



- The Treasure Principle (by Randy Alcorn)



 

Further episodes of Theology for the Rest of Us

Further podcasts by Kenneth Ortiz

Website of Kenneth Ortiz