TITHE & YOU
What is Tithe?
Tithe is literally a “tenth part,” a practice where God’s people gave 10% of their income, produce, or livestock for the services of God’s temple and they temple workers. (Lev. 27:30; Num. 18:25–28; Deut. 14:22–24; 2 Chron. 31:5–6)
See also Types of Tithes https://fohmint.com/types-of-tithes
The Origin of Tithe
Abraham was the first man that gave tithe to Melkizedek and whithout any law binding him to give but of free heart decision.
Genesis 14:20: Abraham gives a tenth of spoils to Melchizedek, showing early recognition of God’s provision.
Jacob also made a vow to give one tenth of his proceed in his Journey Genesis 28:20-22
Mosaic Era – Law Introduced
Then from Moses law was given and God commanded the Israelites to keep tithe as a law to the children of Israelites so that they can be blessed by God.
The Reasons of Tithe as a Law to the Israelites
1, To pay the Levites duties as they have no Inheritance but full time ministers
Numbers 18:21: I give to the Levites (ministers) all the tithes…in return for the work they do while serving (the Lor
2. To help in maintenance of the temple and its services
3. To store food in the house of the Lord so that the poor can be taken care of in the temple.
Jesus Era
1. The Widows Offering -Mark 12:41-44, Luke 21:1-4
Jesus came and he showed example with the widow who gave the 2 coins of her mind without reservation.
2. Jesus paid Tax – Matthew 17:27
There was not tithe taken by Jesus as a result when the tax collector approached him there was no money to give so he commanded Peter to use his skill as a fisherman to go and catch a fish from the fish he can pay the tax.
3. 5000 Men Fed with someones lunch -Matthew 14:13-2
When Jesus was confronted with 5000 men that were hungry for 3 days hearing his teachings. He asked what do you have and there was no money to buy any food but someone gave his lunch as a free will.
These proved that Jesus did not use Tithe in his minstry but use free will donation. Jesus never asked nor received tithes.
The Days of the Apostles
Peter at the Temple
Peter was going to the temple and met a begger and he said silver or gold I have none, showing that they have no income to give to the poor.
New Belivers -Acts 2:44-45 and Acts 4:32-35
People sold their properties to help feed the believers and they did not give 10% of their proceed but all.
Appstle Paul -1Corinthians 9:12, 9:18, and 1 Thessalonians 2:9
Was ministering from city to city without asking them about the tithe and collects none from anybody.
Barnabas Offering -Acts 4:36-37
Barnabas offered his field to further the apostles’ work.
Why the old Testament law changed?
The Truth is this
Tithe is a law given to the Israelite that was under Mosaic Law so that they can be controlled and guided by the same law.
Now, The Holy Spirit has been poured to us that believed, who guides us to the thruth and not based on the torath but based on the influence of the Holy Spirit
What we should know
- God loves a cheerful giver 2 Corinthians 9:7
- The Temple has been replaced from the one in Jerusalem to the Holy Spirit dwelling in us making us the temple of God. 1 Corinthians 3:16
- The priesthood has been replaced. We are now the royal priesthood. 1 Peter 2:9-10
- The law has been changed as the priesthood office has been replaced with the eternal office in heaven where Jesus is now the High Priest of all. Hebrews 7:25; Romans 8:34
- We have the right of free will offering, now it has become as the Lord prospers you and no longer one-tenth. -1 Corinthians 16:2
How the tithe was replaced?
Generously and cheerfully, without expecting anything in return
According to ability, not according to possessions or one tenth
Out of a pure motive, not out of a sense of obligation, by law of one tenth.
How the New Testament raised their Funds?
Rewards of Giving in the Bible
Many rewards come from giving, both in this life and the next. If we live according to what the Bible says about giving, we’ll receive the following spiritual rewards:
- Satisfaction (Proverbs 11:25)
- Joy (Proverbs 21:13)
- Love (1 Corinthians 13:3)
- Eternal life (Mark 10:30)
- Treasures in heaven (Matthew 6:19-21)
- Blessing those who are in need (Luke 14:12-14)
We are obliged to give to the Church for the following reasons and when we give to the church, the reward is tremendous Luke 6:38
- Paying pastors, ministers, and other church staff members.
- Funding outreach programs like soup kitchens and donations for the needy.
- Maintaining the church building and equipment.
- Supporting the Sunday school and other church programs.
- Donating to local charities.
- Raising funds for church youth groups.
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