Tithing - Common Objections

After having read what tithing was, and what God’s plan for meeting mankind’s needs is, one may still have objections concerning the tithing issue. I cannot claim to know all objections, but generally speaking most comments fall under only a few categories.

1. Tithing is a command – By this point the reader should know exactly what the Bible has specifically stated regarding the tithe. It was a command, yes, but for that command to be done Biblically it must be done with food, not money, it must be done through the Temple, not the church, it must be done through a Levite, not a pastor, it must be done after one has ten cows, goats, sheep, or whichever agricultural product, not on the “firstfruits”, it must be done one time a year, not every paycheck. Unless these commands are met, the tithe is being done improperly.

2. Tithing should be done to receive a blessing instead of a curse – Properly reading Malachi as a whole should

reveal the fallacy of this idea. But there are other issues attached to such thinking that must be addressed.

First, to tithe in order to receive a blessing is a materialistic motive, not a spiritual motive. This is the “prosperity” gospel in its purest form. The idea is that God is a genie in a magic lamp, rub the lamp and receive your wishes, because you did something good. This mentality puts the onus on man, but what could man possibly do to make God “have” to give anything? A few verses should shed further light.

Romans Chapters 1-5. I am not going to write Paul’s entire discourse, but a few verses should shed enough light upon the idea that man can do something good to merit God’s favor. After reading these verses, please read the entire section in context. Paul’s focus is on how hopeless mankind is without God’s goodness and holiness.

Romans 1:18-32

1:18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;

1:21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.

1:32 Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.

Romans 2:1-6,11-16

2:1 Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another,
thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things.

2:2 But we are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth against them which commit such things.

2:3 And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God?

2:4 Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?

2:5 But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God;

2:6 Who will render to every man according to his deeds:

2:11 For there is no respect of persons with God.

2:12 For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law;

2:13 (For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified.

2:14 For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves:

2:15 Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;)

2:16 In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.

Romans 3:5-12,19-28

3:5 But if our unrighteousness commend the
righteousness of God, what shall we say? Is God unrighteous who taketh vengeance? (I speak as a man)

3:6 God forbid: for then how shall God judge the world?

3:7 For if the truth of God hath more abounded through my lie unto his glory; why yet am I also judged as a sinner?

3:8 And not rather, (as we be slanderously reported, and as some affirm that we say,) Let us do evil, that good may come? whose damnation is just.

3:9 What then? are we better than they? No, in no wise: for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin;

3:10 As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:

3:11 There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God.

3:12 They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.

3:19 Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.

3:20 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.

3:21 But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;

3:22 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:

3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

3:24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:

3:25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;

3:26 To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.

3:27 Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith.

3:28 Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.

Romans 4:1-8, 23-25

4:1 What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, hath found?

4:2 For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God.

4:3 For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.

4:4 Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt.

4:5 But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.

4:6 Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without
works,

4:7 Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered.

4:8 Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin.

4:23 Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him;

4:24 But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead;

4:25 Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.

First, man is wicked.

Second, if man is wicked, and God judged by those works, then we would not be rewarded, but punished.

Third, if man cannot do anything to merit God’s reward, then who is good enough to accept and bestow that reward? Only God. Any goodness that is bestowed upon mankind is not because man did something to merit God's favor. All that is given is because God had promised to provide what man needs. Man does not need the biggest, best, or brightest. He needs only what is required to live, and God will provide that. Otherwise, those material wants become idols, and God cannot supply idolatry.

This passage, among many others clearly illustrate that what we do is not of any worth. It is what God does. The tithe is an illustration of this fact. After reading this far, one would have already realized that the tithe was only required after God had already provided, therefore, He had already done the work before man was required to praise God by offering the set aside tenth. This idea alone proves the fallacy of “give to get.” Further, God has
promised to take care of His people, and that has never changed.

II Chronicles 16:9

16:9 For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him. Herein thou hast done foolishly: therefore from henceforth thou shalt have wars.

Psalms 34:15-17

34:15 The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry.

34:16 The face of the LORD is against them that do evil, to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth.

34:17 The righteous cry, and the LORD heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles.

Proverbs 15:3

15:3 The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.

I Peter 3:12-17

3:12 For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.

3:13 And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good?

3:14 But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled;
3:15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and
fear:

3:16 Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.

3:17 For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing.

One “problem” that seemingly cannot be grasped is that the righteous will suffer. Christ promised that this will happen. Where does this truth fall under modern tithing thought? After all, if one tithes he will be blessed, and if one does not tithe, he will be cursed, right? Please refer to comments already made under the Malachi chapters, and then add the scriptural understanding that those who will live for Christ will be hated, which history illustrates rather clearly – Roman Persecutions, Catholic Inquisitions, Modern Martyrdom, and so on. Further, Christ promised that this hatred will come upon all who follow Him.

John 15:18-25

15:18 If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you.

15:19 If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.

15:20 Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also.

15:21 But all these things will they do unto you for my name's sake, because they know not him that sent me.
15:22 If I had not come and spoken unto them, they had not had sin: but now they have no cloak for their sin.

15:23 He that hateth me hateth my Father also

15:24 If I had not done among them the works which none other man did, they had not had sin: but now have they both seen and hated both me and my Father.

15:25 But this cometh to pass, that the word might be fulfilled that is written in their law, They hated me without a cause.

3. “But I am tithing and God is blessing.” Do not be so foolish as to forget that God promised to provide. His provision is given because He promised it. This argument does have many flaws, however.

First, if God blesses those who tithe, then how can one account for unsaved multi-millionaires or billionaires? Granted there are few who are in that category who are born-again believers, but there are many more who swindled, lied, and cheated their way to the top. There are those who earned their living ethically and morally, but they support many anti-God, sinful causes such as sodomy or abortion. What about the many Muslims who are fabulously wealthy from oil, and have vowed to kill all Christians? Did any of these people tithe? Then why are they so rich?

Secondly, if God blesses those who tithe, then why are so many Christians losing homes, churches closing doors, and living in poverty? I know of many who fall under this category and tithe at every moment. They even try to give more than the “required” ten percent, but find themselves constantly in financial distress. God is trying to tell them something, but they have been duped by the “man of God”, who tell them they must tithe, it is a command! Let Peter’s admonition sink deeply into your hearts, those who follow the “man of God” and not God’s word. Then remember Paul’s warning in I Timothy.

I Peter 5:1-3

5:1 The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ,
and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed:

5:2 Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;

5:3 Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being examples to the flock.

II Peter 3:1-3

3:1 But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.

3:2 And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.

3:3 And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.

I Timothy 5:8

5:8 But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.

Finally, God blesses those who give willingly, not by constraint or necessity. This is what is meant in II Corinthians 9:6-7. God nowhere commands to “give until it hurts.” That is unbiblical to the core.

4. If one does not tithe, then how does the church pay for itself? How does the pastor make a living? Money is needed to further the Gospel.

Money may be needed to perform a few tasks, but it is most absurd to say that the Gospel cannot be spread
without money. Christ sent his disciples without money to witness door to door. No one needs money to memorize scripture, understand it, and disseminate that truth to the lost.

Modern churches have an almost innumerable amount of “necessary” functions. Some have bands, some have sports teams, some have coffee shops, others have functions and outreaches. None of these things are inherently wicked, but are they “necessary”? If so, where are they clearly outlined in Scripture? Some good is even done by these church events, but time has proven that churches are losing against the world. The youth are increasingly wicked, and the elders are increasingly inept at handling the Bible. The point is many are brought into the four walls, but few are soundly saved. Churches have become social clubs as a result, and the tithe is being used to pay for the lost’s enjoyment. This is an insane burden, one that God cannot honor.

Those few churches, there are fewer than one might realize, which have stuck strictly to God’s Word, and have not compromised with the world may still say “We do not do those things, but we have to pay for the pastor and for
the utilities.” The first part has already been answered under the sections concerning work. God expects all to work for their needs. The pastor should not burden his people, but he should be a help. He should be an ensample to others regarding work. His “ministry” is not to be done as a career. Truly, none of the Apostles required payment for anything they did, and Paul clearly states that he worked, and so should everyone else.

If one must meet in a building for church, though it is not commanded, then some may choose to pay for the lights, heating, AC, or whatever else, but there is no command to do so. Further all of those things are luxuries enjoyed by very few in the world. Some Christian brethren will enter Heaven never having felt heating or AC, some will have never seen electric light bulbs. Some will never have fallen asleep in a pew. Sadly, the modern church building has become an undue burden upon most congregations.
Christ never intended this to be so. He said to take His yoke upon us, and that His burden is light. Modern Christianity has perverted this to fulfill personal, prideful goals. In short it has become idolatry, an idolatry that keeps scores on the church property doing odd jobs, instead of doing what Christ commanded His church to do – go out and witness to the lost. It is everyone’s responsibility, not just a select few. Do not fall into the satanic idea that your tithe is your witness. Your tithe reader may never be used to witness to one lost person ever. It does, however, get used to build buildings that will burn. It does get used to pay pastors who are lazy. It does get used to make men rich. But God is not in any of these things. You will give an account to God one day. He will hold you responsible for what you have done with the resources He gave you. Be wise, and serve Him Biblically.

Two passages are used to justify paying the pastor a salary, but in context there is no command to pay a pastor. The first is I Corinthians 9 and the second is I Timothy 5.

I Corinthians 9:1-27

9:1 Am I am not an apostle? am I not free? have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? are not ye my work in the Lord?

9:2 If I be not an apostle unto others, yet doubtless I am to you: for the seal of mine apostleship are ye in the Lord.

9:3 Mine answer to them that do examine me is this,

9:4 Have we not power to eat and to drink?

9:5 Have we not power to lead about a sister, a wife, as well as other apostles, and as the brethren of the Lord, and Cephas?

9:6 Or I only and Barnabas, have not we power to forbear working?

9:7 Who goeth a warfare any time at his own charges? who planteth a vineyard, and eateth not of the fruit thereof? or who feedeth a flock, and eateth not of the milk of the flock?

9:8 Say I these things as a man? or saith not the law the same also?

9:9 For it is written in the law of Moses, thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn. Doth God take care for oxen?

9:10 Or saith he it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written: that he that ploweth should plow in hope; and that he that thresheth in hope should be partaker of his hope.

9:11 If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things?

9:12 If others be partakers of this power over you, are not we rather? Nevertheless we have not used this power; but suffer all things, lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ.

9:13 Do ye not know that they which minister about holy things live of the things of the temple? and they which wait at the altar are partakers with the altar?

9:14 Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel.

9:15 But I have used none of these things: neither have I written these things, that it should be so done unto me: for it were better for me to die, than that any man should make my glorying void.

9:16 For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!

9:17 For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, a dispensation of the gospel is committed unto me.

9:18 What is my reward then? Verily that, when I preach the gospel, I may make the gospel of Christ without charge, that I abuse not my power in the gospel.

9:19 For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more.

9:20 And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law;

9:21 To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law.

9:22 To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.

9:23 And this I do for the gospel's sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you.

9:24 Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.

9:25 And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.

9:26 I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air:

9:27 But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.

Paul alluded to the Old Testament priesthood in this
passage. He revealed that the priests used to live of the Lord’s Work. He did not say that was wrong, but he did say that if he would have continued to do so, the Gospel would have been hindered (vss. 15-18). He would have rather died than that the Gospel would be hindered. Therefore, he did not take wages from anyone. We already know that Paul worked with his own two hands (Acts 20), and Paul encouraged all Christians, especially pastors to work, so they could be an ensample to other Christians. His work and his ministry were not one and the same. He worked to fund his own ministry. So should everyone else.

I Timothy 5:1-25

5:1 Rebuke not an elder, but intreat him as a father; and the younger men as brethren;

5:2 The elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, with all purity.

5:3 Honour widows that are widows indeed.

5:4 But if any widow have children or nephews, let them learn first to shew piety at home, and to requite their parents: for that is good and acceptable before God.

5:5 Now she that is a widow indeed, and desolate, trusteth in God, and continueth in supplications and prayers night and day.

5:6 But she that liveth in pleasure is dead while she liveth.

5:7 And these things give in charge, that they may be blameless.

5:8 But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.

5:9 Let not a widow be taken into the number under threescore years old, having been the wife of one man

5:10 Well reported of for good works; if she have brought up children, if she have lodged strangers, if she have washed the saints' feet, if she have relieved the afflicted, if she have diligently followed every good work.

5:11 But the younger widows refuse: for when they have begun to wax wanton against Christ, they will marry;

5:12 Having damnation, because they have cast off their first faith.

5:13 And withal they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not.

5:14 I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house, give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully.

5:15 For some are already turned aside after Satan.

5:16 If any man or woman that believeth have widows, let them relieve them, and let not the church be charged; that it may relieve them that are widows indeed.

5:17 Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.

5:18 For the scripture saith, thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward.

5:19 Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses.

5:20 Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear.

5:21 I charge thee before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect angels, that thou observe these things
without preferring one before another, doing nothing by partiality.

5:22 Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men's sins: keep thyself pure.

5:23 Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach's sake and thine often infirmities.

5:24 Some men's sins are open beforehand, going before to judgment; and some men they follow after.

5:25 Likewise also the good works of some are manifest beforehand; and they that are otherwise cannot be hid.

This chapter in context reveals that there are two types of elders – men and women. Therefore, elders does not equal pastors. As a whole the passage is referring how to treat those elders, that is with honor, and especially those who deserve it, double honor. Honor does not equal money, but one may honor someone by bestowing monetary gifts. Honor also does not equal paychecks. Regardless, if a pastor uses this portion to argue that he should be paid, then he must also agree that there are woman pastors, which Paul clearly illustrates this impossibility in I Timothy 3, “husband of one wife.” Pastors are not to place the burden of their pay on their congregation, reread I Peter 5:2 and Paul’s desire not to hinder the Gospel. Also, receiving a paycheck can and does limit what the pastor may or should say, so “big tithers” will not be offended. Such a compromised position can be and is fatal.

5. Christians must give. This is absolutely correct, and Biblical. But do not mistake giving for tithing. Giving is a much larger topic than tithing. Tithing can only apply to agricultural products. Giving refers to time, food, money, hospitality, teaching, and so many other things. Tithing was for yourself and the Levites. Giving can be for friends, family, those within or without the church, it can be for anyone. Tithing was to be only the tenth, once ten was attained. Giving is not limited to 1, 10, or 100. It can be
little or much. The widow gave all. Giving, therefore trumps tithing in all areas, and is the New Testament method. Giving is what Christ did, and we should do likewise when necessary. It is always a better method than tithing could ever be. Why then would one ever want to do less than what is the best? Are you sinning? Could someone else be sinning with your money empowering them to do so?

James 4:17

4:17 Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.