I have tithed for over 40 years and have kept it like any other law of God. Since then I have not done without and have been blessed immensely in every way imaginable
Yet…
This continues to be an issue in the church
In the last two weeks the subject of tithing has come up twice and both times there was much misinformation surrounding the subject – to the point that tithing was not being executed correctly, if at all.
This is the issue of tithing or giving 10 percent to a specific church cause.
I believe that it is it still in effect and has it been done away with like so many other laws that mankind has thrown out the door?
Law in Force Before Moses
Some have told me that this is part of the Law of Moses that was done away with. I will show you a couple of examples that I fall back on to show that this is not true and we will see more supporting evidence later from Christ himself.
Abram
Tithing was being done before with direction from God.
Genesis 14:17 And the king of Sodom went out to meet him at the Valley of Shaveh (that is, the King’s Valley), after his return from the defeat of Chedorlaomer and the kings who were with him.
Genesis 14:18 Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine; he was the priest of God Most High.
Genesis 14:19 And he blessed him and said: “Blessed be Abram of God Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth;
Genesis 14:20 And blessed be God Most High, Who has delivered your enemies into your hand.” And he gave him a tithe of all.
Blessings come from God Most High (the Father)
Tithe was given to His representative on Earth (Melchizedek) as a means of giving to God
The tithe acknowledged the fact that God is the one that blesses (more on this later)
Abraham tithed on ALL (not just the agrarian goods).
Some have said this to me. This cannot be the case here.
Not just done on agricultural products
Genesis 14:11 Then they took all the goods of Sodom and Gomorrah, and all their provisions, and went their way.
Goods = valuables left behind by those that fled
Provisions = food and drink
Genesis 14:21 Now the king of Sodom said to Abram, “Give me the persons, and take the goods for yourself.”
Genesis 14:22 But Abram said to the king of Sodom, “I have raised my hand to the LORD, God Most High, the Possessor of heaven and earth,
Genesis 14:23 that I will take nothing, from a thread to a sandal strap, and that I will not take anything that is yours, lest you should say, ‘I have made Abram rich’—
Genesis 14:24 except only what the young men have eaten, and the portion of the men who went with me: Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre; let them take their portion.”
The other aspect of this, it seems disproportionate to only have those who had a farm or ranch business to tithe, especially when you consider that everything that we have today is in and of this world, the world that God created for our use.
I don’t see this as a first time event out of the blue but rather an in-passing documentation of what Abram had been doing since he began a relationship with God
I view these actions in light of the following scriptures.
Genesis 26:4 And I will make your descendants multiply as the stars of heaven; I will give to your descendants all these lands; and in your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed;
Genesis 26:5 because Abraham obeyed My voice and kept My charge, My commandments, My statutes, and My laws.”
The point here is that Abraham was faithful in keeping ALL that God had instructed and I believe that this was one of those many things.
Proverbs 3:9 Honor the LORD with your possessions, And with the firstfruits of all your increase;
2 Chronicles 31:5 As soon as the commandment was circulated, the children of Israel brought in abundance the firstfruits of grain and wine, oil and honey, and of all the produce of the field; and they brought in abundantly the tithe of everything.
This refers to all else that was not agriculturally based
Recounted in the New Testament
Hebrews 7:1 For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of the Most High God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him,
Hebrews 7:2 to whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all, first being translated “king of righteousness,” and then also king of Salem, meaning “king of peace,”
Hebrews 7:3 without father, without mother, without genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but made like the Son of God, remains a priest continually.
Hebrews 7:4 Now consider how great this man was, to whom even the patriarch Abraham gave a tenth of the spoils.
Hebrews 7:9 Even Levi, who receives tithes, paid tithes through Abraham, so to speak,
Hebrews 7:10 for he was still in the loins of his father when Melchizedek met him.
One on the points that the author of Hebrews is making here is that the tithing law was in effect before the administration of the tithes was given to the Levites.
Jacob
Genesis 28:20 Then Jacob made a vow, saying, “If God will be with me, and keep me in this way that I am going, and give me bread to eat and clothing to put on,
Genesis 28:21 so that I come back to my father’s house in peace, then the LORD shall be my God.
Genesis 28:22 And this stone which I have set as a pillar shall be God’s house, and of all that You give me I will surely give a tenth to You.“
He acknowledges where it comes from; will give a tithe back; will tithe on everything that comes from God.
From Moses to Christ
Many see the law of tithing beginning with Moses.
This pre-existing law was incorporated into the covenant (agreement)
In other words it was codified or simply written down for them
What we do find as different is that he gave the administration of the tithe to the Levites
In other words they were instructed in the use of it
But God made it clear that it was His
Leviticus 27:30 And all the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land or of the fruit of the tree, is the LORD’s. It is holy to the LORD.
Leviticus 27:32 And concerning the tithe of the herd or the flock, of whatever passes under the rod, the tenth one shall be holy to the LORD.
Numbers 18:21 “Behold, I have given the children of Levi all the tithes in Israel as an inheritance in return for the work [of God] which they perform, the work of the tabernacle of meeting.
It is God’s to give
Numbers 18:24 For the tithes of the children of Israel, which they offer up as a heave offering to the LORD, I have given to the Levites as an inheritance; therefore I have said to them, ‘Among the children of Israel they shall have no inheritance.’ “
Because God gave it to them like He gives the increase to us, they were still required to tithe on what they received:
Numbers 18:25 Then the LORD spoke to Moses, saying,
Numbers 18:26 “Speak thus to the Levites, and say to them: ‘When you take from the children of Israel the tithes which I have given you from them as your inheritance, then you shall offer up a heave offering of it to the LORD, a tenth of the tithe.
Numbers 18:30 Therefore you shall say to them: ‘When you have lifted up the best of it, then the rest shall be accounted to the Levites as the produce of the threshing floor and as the produce of the winepress.
Numbers 18:31 You may eat it in any place, you and your households, for it is your reward for your work in the tabernacle of meeting.
Hezekiah, Nehemiah
Israel did not always keep the law of God faithfully. At times it was necessary to re-educate and admonish them.
2 Chronicles 31:11 Now Hezekiah commanded them to prepare rooms in the house of the LORD, and they prepared them.
2 Chronicles 31:12 Then they faithfully brought in the offerings, the tithes, and the dedicated things; Cononiah the Levite had charge of them, and Shimei his brother was the next.
Nehemiah 13:9 Then I commanded them to cleanse the rooms; and I brought back into them the articles of the house of God, with the grain offering and the frankincense.
Nehemiah 13:10 I also realized that the portions for the Levites had not been given them; for each of the Levites and the singers who did the work had gone back to his field.
Nehemiah 13:11 So I contended with the rulers, and said, “Why is the house of God forsaken?” And I gathered them together and set them in their place.
Nehemiah 13:12 Then all Judah brought the tithe of the grain and the new wine and the oil to the storehouse.
Nehemiah 13:14 Remember me, O my God, concerning this, and do not wipe out my good deeds that I have done for the house of my God, and for its services!
Malachi
Malachi 3:6 “For I am the LORD, I do not change; Therefore you are not consumed, O sons of Jacob.
Malachi 3:7 Yet from the days of your fathers You have gone away from My ordinances And have not kept them. Return to Me, and I will return to you,” Says the LORD of hosts. “But you said, ‘In what way shall we return?’
Malachi 3:8 “Will a man rob God? Yet you have robbed Me! But you say, ‘In what way have we robbed You?’ In tithes and offerings.
He didn’t say will a Jew, Israelite or converted man rob God, but ANY man
It is the duty of man to pay tithes; also spiritual Israel now includes all nations (Galatians 6:16; Romans 2:28; Romans 2:6-15)
Malachi 3:9 You are cursed with a curse, For you have robbed Me, Even this whole nation [not just the priests].
Problems will follow because of the curses
Malachi 3:10 Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, That there may be food in My house, And try Me now in this,” Says the LORD of hosts, “If I will not open for you the windows of heaven And pour out for you such blessing That there will not be room enough to receive it.
Malachi initially offers instructions and corrections to the priests, they are, of course, supposed to pass on the teachings to the people (especially when we consider that the tithes were for their labor; Numbers 18:31):
Malachi 2:7 “For the lips of a priest should keep knowledge, And people should seek the law from his mouth; For he is the messenger of the LORD of hosts.
…but what we see here in chapter 4 is that this is for the end-time:
Malachi 4:1 “For behold, the day is coming, Burning like an oven, And all the proud, yes, all who do wickedly will be stubble. And the day which is coming shall burn them up,” Says the LORD of hosts, “That will leave them neither root nor branch.
Malachi 4:2 But to you who fear My name The Sun of Righteousness shall arise With healing in His wings; And you shall go out And grow fat like stall-fed calves.
Malachi 4:3 You shall trample the wicked, For they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet [a reference to the lake of fire] On the day that I do this,” Says the LORD of hosts.
Malachi 4:4 “Remember the Law of Moses, My servant, Which I commanded him in Horeb for all Israel, With the statutes and judgments.
Malachi 4:5 Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet Before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD.
This book has to do with the future of all mankind
From Christ Until Now
Now don’t be fooled that there was a change in the law of tithing when Christ came.
Just like our understanding of the law, the core law of God has not changed. In fact we are now more aware of just how extensive the law is not only in letter but in intent.
Christ Confirms Tithing
It was still in effect
Matthew 23:23 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faith. These you ought to have done, without leaving the others undone.
He did not do away with it
Hebrews 7:5 And indeed those who are of the sons of Levi, who receive the priesthood, have a commandment to receive tithes from the people according to the law, that is, from their brethren, though they have come from the loins of Abraham;
We see this specific part of the law regulating the Levitical collection of tithes mentioned here in:
Nehemiah 12:44 And at the same time some were appointed over the rooms of the storehouse for the offerings, the firstfruits, and the tithes, to gather into them from the fields of the cities the portions specified by the Law for the priests and Levites; for Judah rejoiced over the priests and Levites who ministered.
As we mentioned previously the Levites were given the authority to receive the tithe of God, but it was only for a time:
Hebrews 9:9 It was symbolic for the present time in which both gifts and sacrifices are offered which cannot make him who performed the service perfect in regard to the conscience—
Hebrews 9:10 concerned only with foods and drinks, various washings, and fleshly ordinances imposed until the time of reformation.
Now notice the change, and it is not in the law of tithing but ONCE AGAIN in the administration of it:
Hebrews 7:11 Therefore, if perfection were through the Levitical priesthood (for under it the people received the law), what further need was there that another priest should rise according to the order of Melchizedek, and not be called according to the order of Aaron?
Hebrews 7:12 For the priesthood being changed, of necessity there is also a change of the law.
Which law? (Hebrews 7:5; Nehemiah 12:44). It was the law concerning the Levites and Priests not the law concerning tithes, but rather the fact now that the time of reformation had come with Christ who was from Judah and not Levi – this necessitated a change in that law since we now had Christ as our High Priest after the order of Melchizedek:
Hebrews 7:13 For He of whom these things are spoken belongs to another tribe, from which no man has officiated at the altar.
Hebrews 7:14 For it is evident that our Lord arose from Judah, of which tribe Moses spoke nothing concerning priesthood.
So now there had to be new understanding given concerning this change and it is now evident that the administration of tithes has been given to Melchizedek and the New Testament Church
New Administration of Tithes and Offerings
What we see now is that under the New Testament church is that the administration of tithes is for the preaching the gospel and feeding the flock
God’s tithe (and offerings) is still for God and we are now to administer it in a similar way that it was done by the Levites that we read previously
Acts 4:34 Nor was there anyone among them who lacked; for all who were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold,
Acts 4:35 and laid them at the apostles’ feet; and they distributed to each as anyone had need.
Acts 4:36 And Joses, who was also named Barnabas by the apostles (which is translated Son of Encouragement), a Levite of the country of Cyprus,
Acts 4:37 having land, sold it, and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet.
Paul confirms that this is the intended use:
1 Corinthians 9:13 Do you not know that those who minister the holy things (Levites) eat of the things of the temple, and those who serve at the altar partake of the offerings of the altar?
1 Corinthians 9:14 Even so [in the same way] the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should live from the gospel.
Paul makes the parallel and analogy between those who used to administer the offerings (tithes) and who are to do it now.
We see that here:
Luke 10:1 After these things the Lord appointed seventy others also, and sent them two by two before His face into every city and place where He Himself was about to go.
Luke 10:2 Then He said to them, “The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few; therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.
Luke 10:3 Go your way; behold, I send you out as lambs among wolves.
Luke 10:4 Carry neither money bag, knapsack, nor sandals; and greet no one along the road.
Luke 10:5 But whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace to this house.’
Luke 10:6 And if a son of peace is there, your peace will rest on it; if not, it will return to you.
Luke 10:7 And remain in the same house, eating and drinking such things as they give, for the laborer is worthy of his wages. Do not go from house to house.
Luke 10:8 Whatever city you enter, and they receive you, eat such things as are set before you.
Luke 10:9 And heal the sick there, and say to them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’
It was still in effect and now it goes to the ministry
1 Timothy 5:17 Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and doctrine.
1 Timothy 5:18 For the Scripture says, “YOU SHALL NOT MUZZLE AN OX WHILE IT TREADS OUT THE GRAIN,” and, “THE LABORER IS WORTHY OF HIS WAGES.”
2 Corinthians 11:7 Did I commit sin in humbling myself that you might be exalted, because I preached the gospel of God to you free of charge?
2 Corinthians 11:8 I robbed other churches, taking wages from them to minister to you.
2 Corinthians 11:9 And when I was present with you, and in need, I was a burden to no one, for what I lacked the brethren who came from Macedonia supplied. And in everything I kept myself from being burdensome to you, and so I will keep myself.
It is now Christ who is the head of the Church, who collects God’s tithes through His Church
The “first” tithe has been used for the work of God on the earth under the oversight of those God chooses to direct His work on the earth.
See the message on determining God’s true church: Where Would Jesus Go to Church?
Other tithes
Several places use the plural for tithe
Deuteronomy 12:6 There you shall take your burnt offerings, your sacrifices, your tithes, the heave offerings of your hand, your vowed offerings, your freewill offerings, and the firstborn of your herds and flocks.
God has instituted THREE different types of tithes—commonly referred to as the first, second and third tithe.
Historical records do show that ancient Israel practiced a tithing system of three tithes.
Second Tithe
Deuteronomy 14:22 “You shall truly tithe all the increase of your grain that the field produces year by year.
Deuteronomy 14:23 And you shall eat before the LORD your God, in the place where He chooses to make His name abide, the tithe of your grain and your new wine and your oil, of the firstborn of your herds and your flocks, that you may learn to fear the LORD your God always.
Deuteronomy 14:24 But if the journey is too long for you, so that you are not able to carry the tithe, or if the place where the LORD your God chooses to put His name is too far from you, when the LORD your God has blessed you,
Deuteronomy 14:25 then you shall exchange it for money, take the money in your hand, and go to the place which the LORD your God chooses. [even as money it is still the tithe]
Deuteronomy 14:26 And you shall spend that money for whatever your heart desires: for oxen or sheep, for wine or similar drink, for whatever your heart desires; you shall eat there before the LORD your God, and you shall rejoice, you and your household.
Deuteronomy 12:17 You may not eat within your gates the tithe of your grain or your new wine or your oil, of the firstborn of your herd or your flock, of any of your offerings which you vow, of your freewill offerings, or of the heave offering of your hand. [further distinguished from commandments surrounding the first tithe] Deuteronomy 12:18 But you must eat them before the LORD your God in the place which the LORD your God chooses, you and your son and your daughter, your male servant and your female servant, and the Levite who is within your gates; and you shall rejoice before the LORD your God in all to which you put your hands.
[This would be unnecessary to say after the other instructions dictating the 1st tithe for the Levites]
Third Tithe
Deuteronomy 14:28
At the end of every third year you shall bring out the tithe of your produce of that year and store it up within your gates.
[it was handled differently than the first two]
Deuteronomy 14:29 And the Levite, because he has no portion nor inheritance with you, and the stranger and the fatherless and the widow who are within your gates, may come and eat and be satisfied, that the LORD your God may bless you in all the work of your hand which you do.
Next verse: Deuteronomy 15:1 At the end of every seven years thou shalt make a release.
In the 3rd year and 6th year of a 7 year time cycle we are to give a 3rd tithe.
Deuteronomy 26:12 “When you have finished laying aside all the tithe of your increase in the third year—the year of tithing—and have given it to the Levite, the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow, so that they may eat within your gates and be filled,
Deuteronomy 26:13 then you shall say before the LORD your God: ‘I have removed the holy tithe from my house, and also have given them to the Levite, the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow, according to all Your commandments which You have commanded me; I have not transgressed Your commandments, nor have I forgotten them.
New Testament principles back this 1 Timothy 5:8; James 2:15–16
Seven year time cycle
Every 7th year was a land rest (Leviticus 25:1-7, 18-22)); so if the 3rd tithe was every 3 years (not tied into a 7 year cycle), those that were tied to the land then there was no increase so to speak so there would be nothing for the poor – especially on the 21st year (when the every 3rd year method would coincide with the land rest).
KJV: Amos 4:4 Come to Bethel, and transgress; at Gilgal multiply transgression; and bring your sacrifices every morning, and your tithes after three years:
An Act of Faith
Malachi 3:10 …try Me now in this [tithing]; test God to see if it is true
When we see it happen it produces Faith!!! It is an act of faith; James’ faith without works is dead; this is a work that goes with our faith
Who has a lot of money left over at the end of the month? This makes it really hard to start tithing — but it is a test command! God blesses us because of this.
Matthew 6:33
Luke 6:38 Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.“
Deuteronomy 8:18 “And you shall remember the LORD your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth, that He may establish His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day.
Your giving is giving to others, doing unto Christ Matthew 25:41–46
Why do some in the church want to do away with it?
Giving—A Way of Life
give = love
God doesn’t need your money, but He wants it for the lessons that you learn
We are to emulate God; we can never out-give God
1 Chronicles 29:13 “Now therefore, our God, We thank You And praise Your glorious name.
1 Chronicles 29:14 But who am I, and who are my people, That we should be able to offer so willingly as this? For all things come from You, And of Your own we have given You.
We are to be doing this rather than storing up riches; don’t trust in uncertain riches (1 Timothy 6:17–19). They come and go and you can’t take it with you when you go.
More Blessed to Give Than to Receive Acts 20:35
How to Give
Even though God commands tithes and offerings they are only acceptable under certain conditions.
Willingly and cheerfully
2 Corinthians 9:7 So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.
It is within our power to do good and act like God, but:
Conclusion
God is not going to coerce you to do this, just as with any other aspect of His law. When did God force you to tell the truth. This is still about free will. It’s a test to see if we are willing to put on the mind of God and keep his commands.
Philippians 4:17: “Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account.”