Quote:
Originally Posted by HaShaliach
If one is going to teach tithing, then one must teach all of the biblical tithing doctrine - from the very laws from which this doctrine is derived: That is, complying with all eight tithing ordinances that Mal 3:10 refers to (all of the tithes, not just one or two). However, most Bible teachers today have no real knowledge or understanding of the tithing precept, or why after the death of Christ, tithing is never mentioned again.
Is a workman worthy of his hire? Absolutely! No question about that. Should a local assembly take on the responsibility of supporting those who labor among them? Absolutely! Do those who "require" tithing actually believe in what they teach? Only a few! Most continue to grasp firmly to their secular jobs, not trusting in God to really meet their needs through the gospel they preach. Even so, if one is going to follow Paul's example, then they should leave the subject of tithing alone and support themselves, so as not to be a burden on the assembly.
No where in the scriptures are we allowed to establish our case on just a few laws, in order to support our favorite, or sanctioned doctrines. If we appeal to just one written ordinance (take it down from the cross), are we are committed then to the entire package? Yet, the law of God still has a legitimate role to play in the life of a N.T. Christian (but, that is another study). As was pointed out on an earlier post, unlike the people of old, we actually own nothing, but are simply stewards of God’s creation, much like Adam and Eve! They owned nothing while maintaining control and responsibility over everything.
Yet, my personal position on tithing is that ten percent of my income is good a starting point for personal giving – when I have it to give – to support the work of the kingdom of God. Actually, according to the law, I am legally a double recipient of the Levitical tithe. Of course, according to our modern interpretation (rejection) of the law, I am excluded from receiving my otherwise lawful portion that the statutes allocate to me. And no, I am not a pastor! Even so, the purpose of the tithe was eliminated along with the destruction of the Temple and the disbanding of its hereditary Levitical priesthood. Now, if we are required to support a Temple replacement, i.e. the local church building, then let’s identify it for what it is, a levy on the congregation of a resurrected Temple tax, separate from any tithing issue.
An interesting site, with a little hype and some substance, may be found at: www.nomoretithing.org
A final comment: If anyone is convicted in their heart that tithing is a personal requirement upon them – even established and settled by the word and the Spirit of God, then by all means continue to tithe! Do not allow anyone to persuade you differently! If, on the other hand you are convinced that you should give according to your understanding of the word, your ability, intent and clear conscience before God, then let that be your guide. And, let us all be joyful in our hearts with the free giving of our substance to further the work of our Lord’s kingdom, and not suffer under compulsion or the judgment of men. |
Good post, brother. I sense sincerity and honest desire for level theology.
The point about tithing not being mentioned after the death of Christ is an interesting one. Plenty is said about money and riches (and giving), but nothing about tithing (the exact word); does this mean we abolish the tithe?
Money and riches lead one to bribery, ill-seeking lust, and a voracious appetite for the temporal. These alone are warnings, especially to us of America, letting us know danger lurks in the chambers of mammon. We must never let money control us, allowing the nature of "holding back" to graple us down to conditional servitude, which I believe is the tithe of hypocrisy.
When Jesus came to this world, he dealt with the Law in ways that stunned everybody. He told us, adultery is more than a physical act; Jesus took it further, and did not erase the need to abstain from this behaviour; this sin can be committed in the "heart". This is so revelatory.
This was the problem with the Scribes and Pharasees; everything they did was external. The Lord told them, cleanse the inside. Take care of the inner man, where inner desires control us. Jesus said on the sermon on the mount; Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Jesus did not come to this world to condemn the Law, but to fullifll the Law.
If the heart is cleansed, vision is restored. We see God in His fullness. Holding back becomes irrellevent and distant. We find Him as complete and we are left in need of nothing. Everything becomes His. Our lives hold no bars against His will. We follow Him, while He leads us on paths of complete surrender. God's Law is no longer on tables of stone, but is written within where it matters and ultimately shapes us into those who are of another world.
Like I've stated earlier, measuring the tithe is vain. God wants all. If the heart is focused and clear, this is not difficult. As the Lord is in plain view, we find nowhere else to go but too, Him. We understand. We are free.
Just like adultery is of the heart, so is giving. Jesus took us deeper with the giving issue, not away from its necessity and blessing. He told the rich young ruler, "sell everything". His disciples "forsook all" and followed him. The woman who gave the mite, gave all that she had, Jesus telling the religious of that day, she gave more than the tithers.
We are Home Missionaries in our city. My wife and I, and our 3 children sacraficed our lives to start this work here. In the last 13 years we have given in ways most will never understand. We sold our dream home, ran our bank account to below empty, worked untold hours, all to do His will of seeing the lost saved. I have laid on the floor in utter despair, wondering if we were going to make it. Through it all though, I found hope. Hope in Him. Hope that He can make a way. Hope in that I could never out-give God, and that the cruz of oil will not fail.
I discovered that when we gave the Lord our heart, mind, soul, strength, money, things, time, you name it, we were set free. I realized I must stop counting, measuring, and limiting the true potential of our Mighty King.
The more we fuss over the tithe, the more we will choke out and hinder God's ability to press down, shake together, and run it over. I could never repay Him for all He has done for me. It is with great Joy, I give Him my everything. I may have things today, but tomorrow may be different. Job may end up being my close freind and I must be ready for the challenge of being abased once again.
