Christians are not bound to Old Testament giving commands like tithing, but should give freely as the Lord prospers them.
Les Feldick explains that tithing was part of the Law given to the tribe of Levi and is not repeated in Paul's writings to the Church. Instead, believers are under grace and give based on their free will and as God has prospered them, not out of legal obligation.
2 Corinthians 8:7-8 — Paul encourages giving as a proof of love, not as a command.
2 Corinthians 9:7 — God loves a cheerful giver, indicating voluntary giving.
The Old Testament commanded tithing to support the Levites and the temple system (Numbers 18:21-24). However, the New Testament does not repeat this command for Christians. Paul never uses the word 'tithe' in his letters, instead instructing believers to give as God has prospered them (1 Corinthians 16:1-2). He emphasizes that giving should be from the heart, not of necessity (2 Corinthians 9:7).
Les Feldick teaches that Christians are not under the Old Testament tithe because it was part of the Law given to Israel, specifically to support the Levites. He points out that Paul never mentions tithing in his epistles, indicating it is no longer applicable. Instead, believers are under grace and should give as the Lord prospers them, with a free conscience and led by the Holy Spirit. He acknowledges 10% as a guideline but not a mandate, and emphasizes that giving should be voluntary and joyful, not under legal obligation.
Les Feldick clearly states that tithing is not required for Christians today. He explains that the tithe was part of the Law given to the tribe of Levi, and since Paul never uses the word 'tithe' in his writings, it is no longer appropriate for the Church. Believers are not under Law but under Grace, and they are not duty bound to give a specific percentage.
Les teaches that Christian giving should be guided by the principle of 'as God has prospered you' (1 Corinthians 16:2). He says that the amount is left to the believer's free conscience, led by the Holy Spirit. It should be given cheerfully and not under compulsion, as an act of grace, and God will reward believers for their giving.
Les emphasizes that God has left giving to the believer's free will. He says God will not 'zap' you if you don't give 10%, but you might lose reward in glory. He stresses that giving is an opportunity for believers to exercise their free will and to give as much as they can, not because they are forced to, but because they want to.
No Duty to Tithe
Les explicitly states Christians are not duty bound to give a tithe because they are under Grace, not Law.
Abraham's Tithe as Guideline
Les explains that Abraham's giving to Melchizedek was a guideline, not a mandate, and believers should give as the Lord has prospered them.
Tithing Guideline vs. Mandate
Les reiterates that 10% is a guideline, but there is no mandate under Paul's teaching to give a set amount.
Give as the Lord Leads
Les teaches that saints should give as the Lord leads them, not under legal binding or rules.
Tithe Was Part of the Law
Les points out that Paul doesn't use the word 'tithe' because it was part of the Law, and even Jewish people today may not tithe.
Giving Before Paul Arrives
Les notes that Paul wanted giving to be done freely and without his influence, indicating voluntary giving.
What Does the Bible Really Say About Obeying Government?
Do them dirt in return, but of course that's just not the Christian principle, and we're to provide things honest in the sight of all men. I've always tried to impart the idea that I'd rather charge $5.00 too little, as to overcharge by $5.00.
Tithe Given Only to Levi
Les explains that tithing was given only to the tribe of Levi under the Law, so it does not apply to the Church.
2 Corinthians 8:7-8: Therefore, as ye abound in every thing, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also. I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love.
Paul encourages generous giving as proof of love, not as a command.
2 Corinthians 9:7: Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.
This verse emphasizes that giving should be voluntary and cheerful, not under compulsion.
1 Corinthians 16:1-2: Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye. Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.
Paul instructs giving to be stored up as God has prospered, not from a legal requirement.
Les Feldick teaches that tithing was part of the Law given to Israel and is not repeated for the Church. Christians are not under the Law but under Grace, so tithing is not a command. Instead, believers are encouraged to give as the Lord prospers them.
The principle is that believers should give voluntarily, as God has prospered them, with a free conscience and led by the Holy Spirit. The amount is not specified, but 10% can be seen as a guideline.
Les Feldick points out that Paul never uses the word 'tithe' in his letters. He says that Paul's instruction is to give as God has prospered, not under any mandate.
Watch the Teaching: Are Christians Required to Tithe? 2 Corinthians 8:7-9 Explained