Question:  Dear Greg,

            I was wondering where in the Old Testament it speaks to “triple tithing”.  I have read Deuteronomy 14 and do not see where this is described.  The reason I am asking is because I am in a discussion with a friend regarding the strict 10%.  I am of the opinion that it is not strict and you should give what the Lord leads.

            Could you please decipher Deuteronomy 14?

            Thanks,

            Chad

Answer:  Dear Chad,

            There is no need for a Christian to “decipher” Deuteronomy 14 about triple, double or single tithing.  Christians are not required or obligated to tithe.  Period.

            Giving is something Christians do.  We are stewards of what God has given us and the New Testament tells us that we have been bought and paid for by the blood of Jesus. When we accept Jesus as Lord and Savior we are called to be living sacrifices, to give to God of our time, talents and treasures.  In some respects our response to God as Christians is more than a perfunctory 10%, but it is left to us and not mandated by God—and should not be by anyone else.

            Perhaps the discussion you are having with a friend has more to do with whether Christians are obligated to obey part, most of or the entire old covenant.  This question is unequivocally answered in the New Testament, most notably in the books of Romans, Galatians, Hebrews and Colossians.

            In Christ,

            Greg Albrecht