To tithe or not to tithe?

[TGBTG]

Ok, just felt like I needed to say this on this thread...(lest I come across as if I don't believe in giving, it's the legalism that drives me nuts...lol)

I absolutely believe in giving to the work of the ministry: Money, time, energy, prayer, etc. And there are REWARDS for giving (not TBN type rewards though..lol)

Phil 4 (ERV)
10 I am so happy, and I thank the Lord that you have again shown your care for me. You continued to care about me, but there was no way for you to show it.
11 I am telling you this, but not because I need something. I have learned to be satisfied with what I have and with whatever happens.
12 I know how to live when I am poor and when I have plenty. I have learned the secret of how to live through any kind of situation—when I have enough to eat or when I am hungry, when I have everything I need or when I have nothing.
13 Christ is the one who gives me the strength I need to do whatever I must do.
14 But it was good that you helped me when I needed help.
15 You people in Philippi remember when I first told the Good News there. When I left Macedonia, you were the only church that gave me help.
16 Several times you sent me things I needed when I was in Thessalonica.
17 Really, it is not that I want to get gifts from you. But I want you to have the benefit that comes from giving

Give your tithe, Pay your tithe, Give your offerings, Or whatever you want to call it...but be a giver

God GAVE his Son
We ought to GIVE our all...

Just thought to share that...

[DaveC519]

Originally Posted by TGBTG

Ok, just felt like I needed to say this on this thread...(lest I come across as if I don't believe in giving, it's the legalism that drives me nuts...lol)

I can't speak for others, but only for myself when I say my argument is not from a standpoint of legalism. However, it does acknowledge that what Paul asserted was indeed a "command". The word he used in 1Cor 9:14 translated as "ordained" in the KJV is from the root diatasso, which is variously translated in the NT as "commanded", "directed", and "appointed". So, whatever it is that we all may be interpreting Paul to say to the church, he does so as an imperative- a command.

Jesus said, "if ye love me, keep my commandments" (Jn 14:15). John said that the commandments of God are "not grievous" (1Jn 5:3). Although I serve in pastoral ministry, I also pay tithes on my increase from a business I have. I do so gladly knowing that out of love for my God I keep his commandment, and it is not grievous.