The Principle Doctrine of Tithing
Tithing before the Law of Moses:
I. It was practiced 430 years before the law (Genesis 14:20;
Genesis 28:22; Hebrews 7:1-11).
Genesis 14:18-20 (KJV)
18 And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he
was the priest of the most high God.
19 And he blessed him, and said, Blessed be Abram of the most high
God, possessor of heaven and earth:
20 And blessed be the most high God, which hath delivered thine
enemies into thy hand. And he gave him tithes of all.
Tithing under the Law of Moses:
- He commanded (Leviticus 27:30; Malachi 3:10)
Leviticus 27:30 (KJV)
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 unto the LORD.
Malachi 3:10 (KJV)
10 Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in
mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I
will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing,
that there shall not be room enough to receive it. - Five Purposes:
2
(1) For Levites (Numbers 18:21-24) Numbers 18:21-24
(KJV)
21 And, behold, I have given the children of Levi all the tenth in
Israel for an inheritance, for their service which they serve, even
the service of the tabernacle of the congregation.
22 Neither must the children of Israel henceforth come nigh the
tabernacle of the congregation, lest they bear sin, and die.
23 But the Levites shall do the service of the tabernacle of the
congregation, and they shall bear their iniquity: it shall be a statute
for ever throughout your generations, that among the children of
Israel they have no inheritance.
24 But the tithes of the children of Israel, which they offer as an
heave offering unto the LORD, I have given to the Levites to inherit:
therefore I have said unto them, Among the children of Israel they
shall have no inheritance.
(2) Tithes of tithes for priests (Numbers 18:26; Neh. 10:37;
Neh. 12:44)
Numbers 18:26 (KJV)
26 Thus speak unto the Levites, and say unto them, When ye take of
the children of Israel the tithes which I have given you from them
for your inheritance, then ye shall offer up an heave offering of it
for the LORD, even a tenth part of the tithe.
Nehemiah 10:37 (KJV)
37 And that we should bring the firstfruits of our dough, and our
offerings, and the fruit of all manner of trees, of wine and of oil,
unto the priests, to the chambers of the house of our God; and the
tithes of our ground unto the Levites, that the same Levites might
have the tithes in all the cities of our tillage.
3
Nehemiah 12:44 (KJV)
44 And at that time were some appointed over the chambers for the
treasures, for the offerings, for the firstfruits, and for the tithes, to
gather into them out of the fields of the cities the portions of the
law for the priests and Levites: for Judah rejoiced for the priests
and for the Levites that waited.
(3) Tithes of tithes every three years for the poor and the
ministers (Deut. 14:27-29; Deut. 26:12-14)
Deuteronomy 14:27-29 (KJV)
27 And the Levite that is within thy gates; thou shalt not forsake
him; for he hath no part nor inheritance with thee.
28 At the end of three years thou shalt bring forth all the tithe of
thine increase the same year, and shalt lay it up within thy gates:
29 And the Levite, (because he hath no part nor inheritance with
thee,) and the stranger, and the fatherless, and the widow, which
are within thy gates, shall come, and shall eat and be satisfied; that
the LORD thy God may bless thee in all the work of thine hand
which thou doest.
Deuteronomy 26:12-14 (KJV)
12 When thou hast made an end of tithing all the tithes of thine
increase the third year, which is the year of tithing, and hast given
it unto the Levite, the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow, that
they may eat within thy gates, and be filled;
13 Then thou shalt say before the LORD thy God, I have brought
away the hallowed things out of mine house, and also have given
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them unto the Levite, and unto the stranger, to the fatherless, and
to the widow, according to all thy commandments which thou hast
commanded me: I have not transgressed thy commandments,
neither have I forgotten them:
14 I have not eaten thereof in my mourning, neither have I taken
away ought thereof for any unclean use, nor given ought thereof
for the dead: but I have hearkened to the voice of the LORD my
God, and have done according to all that thou hast commanded
me.
(4) To supply God’s house (Malachi 3:10)
Malachi 3:10 (KJV)
10 Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be
meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of
hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you
out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.
The Storehouse
Malachi 3:10
The storehouse in Israel was the temple and cities of the Levites;
but in the church it would be considered the place where one
receives his spiritual help, where his gospel needs are supplied
and where he meets his responsibility in the work of God-
evangelizing the world and supporting the ministry.
The purpose of tithes and offerings was to support the
priesthood and the work of God in general (1 Cor. 9:7-14).
5
1 Corinthians 9:7-14 (KJV)
7 Who goeth a warfare any time at his own charges? who
planteth a vineyard, and eateth not of the fruit thereof? or who
feedeth a flock, and eateth not of the milk of the flock?
8 Say I these things as a man? or saith not the law the same also?
9 For it is written in the law of Moses, Thou shalt not muzzle the
mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn. Doth God take care
for oxen?
10 Or saith he it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt,
this is written: that he that ploweth should plow in hope; and that
he that thresheth in hope should be partaker of his hope.
11 If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if
we shall reap your carnal things?
12 If others be partakers of this power over you, are not we
rather? Nevertheless we have not used this power; but suffer all
things, lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ.
13 Do ye not know that they which minister about holy things live
of the things of the temple? and they which wait at the altar are
partakers with the altar?
14 Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the
gospel should live of the gospel.
Here God challenges men to prove Him regarding the
rewards of tithing.
Four Rewards of Tithing (Malachi 3:10-12):
Malachi 3:10-12 (KJV)
6
10 Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in
mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I
will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing,
that there shall not be room enough to receive it.
11 And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy
the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the
time in the field, saith the LORD of hosts.
12 And all nations shall call you blessed: for ye shall be a delightsome
land, saith the LORD of hosts.
- Meat in God’s house-no lack of means or money to carry on
His work - Opening of the windows of heaven to pour out a blessing so
great that there will not be room enough to receive it - Rebuke of the devourer so that he will not destroy the crops
- Recognition of God’s blessings by all men
(5) To honor God (Proverbs 3:9-10)
Proverbs 3:9-10 (KJV)
9 Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine
increase:
10 So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out
with new wine. - When brought: yearly, along with all other offerings for the
feast (Deut. 12:6-7; Deut. 14:22-26)
Deuteronomy 12:6-7 (KJV)
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6 And thither ye shall bring your burnt offerings, and your sacrifices, and
your tithes, and heave offerings of your hand, and your vows, and your
freewill offerings, and the firstlings of your herds and of your flocks:
7 And there ye shall eat before the LORD your God, and ye shall rejoice in
all that ye put your hand unto, ye and your households, wherein the LORD
thy God hath blessed thee.
Deuteronomy 14:22-26 (KJV)
22 Thou shalt truly tithe all the increase of thy seed, that the field
bringeth forth year by year.
23 And thou shalt eat before the LORD thy God, in the place which he
shall choose to place his name there, the tithe of thy corn, of thy wine,
and of thine oil, and the firstlings of thy herds and of thy flocks; that
thou mayest learn to fear the LORD thy God always.
24 And if the way be too long for thee, so that thou art not able to carry
it; or if the place be too far from thee, which the LORD thy God shall
choose to set his name there, when the LORD thy God hath blessed thee:
25 Then shalt thou turn it into money, and bind up the money in thine
hand, and shalt go unto the place which the LORD thy God shall choose:
26 And thou shalt bestow that money for whatsoever thy soul lusteth
after, for oxen, or for sheep, or for wine, or for strong drink, or for
whatsoever thy soul desireth: and thou shalt eat there before the LORD
thy God, and thou shalt rejoice, thou, and thine household,
- Belonged to God, not the people who paid them (Leviticus
27:30-34; Malachi 3:8)
Leviticus 27:30-34 (KJV)
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 unto the LORD.
8
31 And if a man will at all redeem ought of his tithes, he shall add thereto
the fifth part thereof.
32 And concerning the tithe of the herd, or of the flock, even of
whatsoever passeth under the rod, the tenth shall be holy unto the LORD.
33 He shall not search whether it be good or bad, neither shall he change
it: and if he change it at all, then both it and the change thereof shall be
holy; it shall not be redeemed.
34 These are the commandments, which the LORD commanded Moses for
the children of Israel in mount Sinai.
Malachi 3:8 (KJV)
8 Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein
have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings.
- Where brought (2 Chron. 31:12; Neh. 10:38; Neh. 12:44;
Neh. 13:5,12; Malachi 3:8)
Leviticus 27:30-34 (KJV)
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 unto the LORD.
31 And if a man will at all redeem ought of his tithes, he shall add thereto
the fifth part thereof.
32 And concerning the tithe of the herd, or of the flock, even of
whatsoever passeth under the rod, the tenth shall be holy unto the LORD.
33 He shall not search whether it be good or bad, neither shall he change
it: and if he change it at all, then both it and the change thereof shall be
holy; it shall not be redeemed.
34 These are the commandments, which the LORD commanded Moses for
the children of Israel in mount Sinai.
Malachi 3:8 (KJV)
8 Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein
have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings.
9
- If borrowed: 20% interest had to be added when paid
(Leviticus 27:31)
Leviticus 27:31 (KJV)
31 And if a man will at all redeem ought of his tithes, he shall add thereto
the fifth part thereof. - If exchanged: both it and the exchange must be paid
(Leviticus 27:33)
Leviticus 27:33 (KJV)
33 He shall not search whether it be good or bad, neither shall he change
it: and if he change it at all, then both it and the change thereof shall be
holy; it shall not be redeemed.
Tithing in the New Testament: - Christ taught it (Matthew 23:23; Luke 11:42; cp. Matthew
5:20 with Luke 18:11-12; see Matthew 10:10; Luke 10:7-8).
This was teaching for the Kingdom Of Heaven (Matthew 11:11-
14; Luke 16:16)
Matthew 11:11-15 (KJV)
11 Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath
not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least
in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.
12 And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of
heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force.
13 For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John.
14 And if ye will receive it, this is Elias, which was for to come.
15 He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.
10
If the law and the prophets were over UNTIL JOHN. AND JOHN THE
BAPTIST WAS THERE AS CHRIST WAS BOTH BAPTISED IN
WATER AND THE HOLY SPIRIT THEN WE HAVE JESUS
CONFIRMING AND FULFILLING THE LAW WHICH WOULD
HAVE ALSO MENT PAYING TITHE.
Matthew 22:21 (KJV)
21 They say unto him, Caesar’s. Then saith he unto them, Render
therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s; and unto God the
things that are God’s.
Luke 16:16 (KJV)
16 The law and the prophets were until John: since that time the
kingdom of God is preached, and every man presseth into it.
- In Jesus earthy ministry after the law and the prophets we do not find
Jesus saying in the scriptures to abandon the Law rather we see him
fulfilling the Law which qualified Him to be the perfect Holy sacrifice
for our sins forever. In His earthly ministry we quote Jesus Christ
saying, “…
Matthew 23:23 (KJV)
23 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of
mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of
the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have
done, and not to leave the other undone.
Luke 11:42 (KJV)
42 But woe unto you, Pharisees! for ye tithe mint and rue and all manner
of herbs, and pass over judgment and the love of God: these ought
ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.
11
Matthew 5:20 (KJV)
20 For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the
righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter
into the kingdom of heaven.
Luke 18:11-12 (KJV)
11 The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee,
that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as
this publican.
12 I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.
Matthew 10:10 (KJV)
10 Nor scrip for your journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet
staves: for the workman is worthy of his meat.
Luke 10:7-8 (KJV)
7 And in the same house remain, eating and drinking such things as they
give: for the labourer is worthy of his hire. Go not from house to
house.
8 And into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you, eat such
things as are set before you:
- Paul Taught It:
(1) Condemned sacrilege (Romans 2:22),
Romans 2:15-22 (KJV)
15 Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their
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conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while
accusing or else excusing one another;)
16 In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ
according to my gospel.
17 Behold, thou art called a Jew, and restest in the law, and makest thy
boast of God,
18 And knowest his will, and approvest the things that are more
excellent, being instructed out of the law;
19 And art confident that thou thyself art a guide of the blind, a light of
them which are in darkness,
20 An instructor of the foolish, a teacher of babes, which hast the form of
knowledge and of the truth in the law.
21 Thou therefore which teachest another, teachest thou not thyself? thou
that preachest a man should not steal, dost thou steal?
22 Thou that sayest a man should not commit adultery, dost thou commit
adultery? thou that abhorrest idols, dost thou commit sacrilege?
or robbing temples (Malachi 3:8-10)
Malachi 3:8-10 (KJV)
8 Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein
have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings.
9 Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole
nation.
10 Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in
mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I
will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing,
that there shall not be room enough to receive it.
and using holy things (Leviticus 27)
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(2) Teachers to be paid (Galatians 6:6)
Galatians 6:6 (KJV)
6 Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that
teacheth in all good things.
(3) God ordained support of ministers (1 Cor. 9:7-14; 1 Tim.
6:17-18)
1 Corinthians 9:7-14 (KJV)
7 Who goeth a warfare any time at his own charges? who planteth a
vineyard, and eateth not of the fruit thereof? or who feedeth a flock, and
eateth not of the milk of the flock?
8 Say I these things as a man? or saith not the law the same also?
9 For it is written in the law of Moses, Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth
of the ox that treadeth out the corn. Doth God take care for oxen?
10 Or saith he it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is
written: that he that ploweth should plow in hope; and that he that
thresheth in hope should be partaker of his hope.
11 If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we
shall reap your carnal things?
12 If others be partakers of this power over you, are not we rather?
Nevertheless we have not used this power; but suffer all things, lest we
should hinder the gospel of Christ.
13 Do ye not know that they which minister about holy things live of the
things of the temple? and they which wait at the altar are partakers
with the altar?
14 Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel
should live of the gospel.
1 Timothy 6:17-18 (KJV)
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17 Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded,
nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly
all things to enjoy;
18 That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to
distribute, willing to communicate;
(4) Christians to give as God prospers them (1 Cor. 16:2)
1 Corinthians 16:2 (KJV)
2 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.
(5) Melchisedec priesthood is eternal and must be supported by
children of Abraham (Hebrews 6:20; Hebrews 7:1-11,17,21)
Hebrews 6:20 (KJV)
20 Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high
priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.
Hebrews 7:1-11 (KJV)
1 For this Melchisedec, king of Salem, priest of the most high God, who
met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him;
2 To whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all; first being by
interpretation King of righteousness, and after that also King of Salem,
which is, King of peace;
3 Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither
beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God;
abideth a priest continually.
4 Now consider how great this man was, unto whom even the patriarch
Abraham gave the tenth of the spoils.
5 And verily they that are of the sons of Levi, who receive the office of
the priesthood, have a commandment to take tithes of the people
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according to the law, that is, of their brethren, though they come out of
the loins of Abraham:
6 But he whose descent is not counted from them received tithes of
Abraham, and blessed him that had the promises.
7 And without all contradiction the less is blessed of the better.
8 And here men that die receive tithes; but there he receiveth them, of
whom it is witnessed that he liveth.
9 And as I may so say, Levi also, who receiveth tithes, payed tithes in
Abraham.
10 For he was yet in the loins of his father, when Melchisedec met
him.
11 If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood, (for under it
the people received the law,) what further need was there that another
priest should rise after the order of Melchisedec, and not be called after
the order of Aaron?
Hebrews 7:17 (KJV)
17 For he testifieth, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of
Melchisedec.
Hebrews 7:21 (KJV)
21 (For those priests were made without an oath; but this with an oath by
him that said unto him, The Lord sware and will not repent, Thou art a
priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec:)
(6) Children of Abraham in faith must walk in his steps
(Romans 4:12; Hebrews 7)
Romans 4:12 (KJV)
12 And the father of circumcision to them who are not of the
circumcision only, but who also walk in the steps of that faith of our
father Abraham, which he had being yet uncircumcised.
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(7) Tithing is proof of obedience and appreciation of God’s
blessings (Romans 4:12; Hebrews 7:6-10; 1 Cor. 9:7-14; 1 Tim.
6:17-18;
cp. Malachi 3:8-10; Proverbs 3:9-10; Genesis 14:20; Deut. 8:10-
20)
Deuteronomy 8:10-20 (KJV)
10 When thou hast eaten and art full, then thou shalt bless the LORD thy
God for the good land which he hath given thee.
11 Beware that thou forget not the LORD thy God, in not keeping his
commandments, and his judgments, and his statutes, which I command
thee this day:
12 Lest when thou hast eaten and art full, and hast built goodly houses,
and dwelt therein;
13 And when thy herds and thy flocks multiply, and thy silver and thy
gold is multiplied, and all that thou hast is multiplied;
14 Then thine heart be lifted up, and thou forget the LORD thy God, which
brought thee forth out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage;
15 Who led thee through that great and terrible wilderness, wherein were
fiery serpents, and scorpions, and drought, where there was no water;
who brought thee forth water out of the rock of flint;
16 Who fed thee in the wilderness with manna, which thy fathers knew
not, that he might humble thee, and that he might prove thee, to do thee
good at thy latter end;
17 And thou say in thine heart, My power and the might of mine hand
hath gotten me this wealth.
18 But thou shalt remember the LORD thy God: for it is he that giveth thee
power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware
unto thy fathers, as it is this day.
19 And it shall be, if thou do at all forget the LORD thy God, and walk
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after other gods, and serve them, and worship them, I testify against you
this day that ye shall surely perish.
20 As the nations which the LORD destroyeth before your face, so shall ye
perish; because ye would not be obedient unto the voice of the LORD
your God.
Blessings of Tithing:
- Blessings for obedience (see above)
- God’s house will not lack (Malachi 3:10).
Malachi 3:10 (KJV)
10 Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in
mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I
will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing,
that there shall not be room enough to receive it. - God’s ministers will not lack (1 Cor. 9:7-14; 1 Tim. 5:17-18;
Neh. 13:10; Malachi 3:8-10).
1 Timothy 5:17-18 (KJV)
17 Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour,
especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.
18 For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out
the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward.
Nehemiah 13:10 (KJV)
10 And I perceived that the portions of the Levites had not been given
them: for the Levites and the singers, that did the work, were fled every
one to his field.
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- Material and spiritual blessings (Malachi 3:8-10; Proverbs
3:9-10; 2 Chron. 31; Neh. 13)
2 Chronicles 31:4-13 (KJV)
4 Moreover he commanded the people that dwelt in Jerusalem to give
the portion of the priests and the Levites, that they might be
encouraged in the law of the LORD.
5 And as soon as the commandment came abroad, the children of Israel
brought in abundance the firstfruits of corn, wine, and oil, and honey,
and of all the increase of the field; and the tithe of all things brought they
in abundantly.
6 And concerning the children of Israel and Judah, that dwelt in the
cities of Judah, they also brought in the tithe of oxen and sheep, and the
tithe of holy things which were consecrated unto the LORD their God, and
laid them by heaps.
7 In the third month they began to lay the foundation of the heaps, and
finished them in the seventh month.
8 And when Hezekiah and the princes came and saw the heaps, they
blessed the LORD, and his people Israel.
9 Then Hezekiah questioned with the priests and the Levites concerning
the heaps.
10 And Azariah the chief priest of the house of Zadok answered him, and
said, Since the people began to bring the offerings into the house of the
LORD, we have had enough to eat, and have left plenty: for the LORD hath
blessed his people; and that which is left is this great store.
11 Then Hezekiah commanded to prepare chambers in the house of the
LORD; and they prepared them,
12 And brought in the offerings and the tithes and the dedicated
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things faithfully: over which Cononiah the Levite was ruler, and Shimei
his brother was the next.
13 And Jehiel, and Azaziah, and Nahath, and Asahel, and Jerimoth, and
Jozabad, and Eliel, and Ismachiah, and Mahath, and Benaiah, were
overseers under the hand of Cononiah and Shimei his brother, at the
commandment of Hezekiah the king, and Azariah the ruler of the house
of God.
Nehemiah 13:10-14 (KJV)
10 And I perceived that the portions of the Levites had not been given
them: for the Levites and the singers, that did the work, were fled
every one to his field.
11 Then contended I with the rulers, and said, Why is the house of God
forsaken? And I gathered them together, and set them in their place.
12 Then brought all Judah the tithe of the corn and the new wine and the
oil unto the treasuries.
13 And I made treasurers over the treasuries, Shelemiah the priest, and
Zadok the scribe, and of the Levites, Pedaiah: and next to them was
Hanan the son of Zaccur, the son of Mattaniah: for they were counted
faithful, and their office was to distribute unto their brethren.
14 Remember me, O my God, concerning this, and wipe not out my good
deeds that I have done for the house of my God, and for the offices
thereof.
Examples of Paying Tithes:
- Abraham (Genesis 14:20; Hebrews 7:1-11)
- Jacob (Genesis 28:22)
- Levi in Abraham (Hebrews 7:9)
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- Hezekiah and Israel (2 Chron. 31)
- Nehemiah and Israel (Neh. 13)
- Hypocrites (Matthew 23:23; Luke 11:42; Luke 18:12)
- Christians (1 Cor. 9:7-14; 1 Cor. 16:2; 2 Cor. 7:11; 2 Cor. 8:1-
15; Galatians 6:6; 1 Tim. 5:17-18; Hebrews 7)
No scriptural doctrine in the New Testament even mentions a
substitute program for tithing. So tithing is a God ordained plan
that both predates the law, follows the law through the words of
Jesus Christ in speaking to the Jews and is kept by Jesus as He
fulfills both the Law and the Prophets by his manner of Life.
New Testament Giving
The New Testament mentions communication and giving for the
work of ministry. The Holy Spirit has taught the church age
much better giving principles to exceed the tithe under the Law.
Now free from the Law and moving in grace and compassion
are giving is freewill, generous, sacrificial, hilarious, joyful, not
by commandment, and motivated by love for God and love for
lost souls and discipleship of the saints.
“Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not
grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver”
(2 Corinthians 9:7). The word translated “grudgingly” is the
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Greek word lupe. It means sorrow, grief, or annoyance. The
word translated “cheerful” is the Greek word hilaros. It means
joyful, happy, and exuberant. Therefore, according to the Word
of God, believers are not to give with an attitude of provocation
or annoyance or feel obligated to give, as if they have no other
choice. Rather, believers should give with a redeemed attitude
because now they choose to give and because they are happy to
give and should feel that giving to the Lord is the highest of
privileges.
So where does this leave us under the new covenant of
Grace.
The word tithe meaning tenth is mentioned in both the Old and
New Testaments; by Jesus Christ and Paul the writer of the
Epistles. We learn by studying the Tithe that it is God’s eternal
benchmark for New Testament giving. It was God’s idea, His
plan, His blueprint to care for His beloved ministry… for all
time. From Abraham to Moses until John the Baptist when the
law and prophets ended from the words of Jesus Christ in the
New Testament sanctioned by Christ to the New Covenant
spoken of by Paul we can not deny that the principle of the tithe
should not be practiced or patterned as a universal and eternal
principle of giving back to a Father who gave us the greatest
Gift of all. Jesus.
Jesus principles and teachings were not to confirm the law for a
few days or years and then be abolished in their teaching,
influence, importance or scope. They were to take the place of
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the law which was “until John.” Since then the kingdom of
heaven is preached (Matthew 11:11-13; Luke 16:16).
Matthew 11:11-13 (KJV)
11 Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath
not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least
in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.
12 And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of
heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force.
13 For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John.
Luke 16:16 (KJV)
16 The law and the prophets were until John: since that time the kingdom
of God is preached, and every man presseth into it.
Problematic Teaching
If we do away with this biblical doctrine taught to us by God
sanctioned by Jesus Christ just because it was part of the law,
then on the same basis we can do away with more of Jesus
teachings which were part of the old covenant. Biblically, the
only parts of the law we have a right to reject as part of the New
Testament are those that are not found in the New Testament
or are not made a part of it in principle or doctrine.
Beloved we are not under the law but under Grace but we must
always remember Grace fulfills the Law better and with a
true intention than Law ever could.
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Grace is the personal influence of God upon the believer’s heart,
affecting the believer’s life and conduct and the conduct of the eternal
Godhead is to give.
Romans 2:1-29 (KJV)
28 For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that
circumcision, which is outward in the flesh:
29 But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the
heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.