To understand the tithe, let’s look at offerings
- First offering was Cain and Abel’s. Cain’s was rejected, because it came from the cursed ground.
- Offer what God commands.
- Tithe was first demonstrated by Abraham, prior to the law. Does this mean we need to circumcise and make animal sacrifices?
- The tithe became a part of the law much later
- It was in place, in part, to sustain the temple system and the priests
- The Levites had no inheritance
- Malachi 3 – God rebukes people for refusing the tithe
Back to the Tithe, examined in light of the New Testament
- Give, and it will be given to you.
- Jesus is not a socialist, nor a capitalist
2 arguments to justify the tithe
- Abraham Argument
- Abraham tithed before the Law.
- Pressure to tithe puts us under the Law
- What about the year of Jubilee? Do we need to tithe AND forgive debts? What about charging interest?
- Jesus affirms the tithe (Luke 11:42, Matthew 23:23)
- What Jesus is actually talking about is righteousness and not being a hypocrite
- Don’t disregard justice, have the love of God.
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- This is before the fulfillment of the Law, and directed to professionals in the Law
In the New Testament, there is no command to tithe. Instead there is giving up all things and sharing your life with others.
If the tithe was for the priests, and we are all priests, who do you tithe to?
What is the cost of being Jesus’ disciple? Not 10% of your belongings.
Under grace, the Law is actually amplified, because it’s about the Spirit, your heart, your desires, not your ability to follow rules.
God wants YOU. Your friends and family would not be satisfied with 10% of your paycheck. They want you.
Songs:
“To Obey is Better than Sacrifice” by Keith Green https://youtu.be/TzWyZxlwGKI
“Enough” by Shaun Groves from his album “Third World Symphony”. Used by permission of Shaun Groves. http://www.shaungroves.com
This episode was originally broadcast live on May 8, 2015 on KXEN 1010AM in St. Louis, MO
For more info:
www.sunministries.org
Theme music: “The Resistance” by Josh Garrels (www.joshgarrels.com) licensed by Marmoset Music (www.marmosetmusic.com)