Tithed Under Paul
E.W. Kenyon in his article titled, "Bring the whole Tithe", tells us that the idea of tithing is clearly suggested in 1 Cor. 16:1-3. I never understood this until I studied this verse from other translations.
“Upon the first day of the week, let each one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him.” (KJV)
He goes on to say that, here we have a distinct suggestion of orderly giving…a laying aside of "A Portion" that we have earned, and this to be done weekly. That gives the Believer money to care for the Lord’s work, for which he is responsible. I understand why Kenyon made his assertion. To understand this let's read the same passage of scripture from other translations that open up the verse clearer.
He goes on to say that, here we have a distinct suggestion of orderly giving…a laying aside of "A Portion" that we have earned, and this to be done weekly. That gives the Believer money to care for the Lord’s work, for which he is responsible. I understand why Kenyon made his assertion. To understand this let's read the same passage of scripture from other translations that open up the verse clearer.
"On the first day of each week, you should each put aside a portion of the money you have earned. Don't wait until I get there and then try to collect it all at once." (NLT)
"On the first day of every week, each of you should set aside a portion of his income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will be needed." (Berean Study Bible)
Notice here that the Greek word, rendered in many other version as, "Lay aside a sum of money", "put something aside", "lay aside in store", is in these two translations rendered as "Set aside a Portion". To be specific it says, "a Portion of your income," or "a portion of what you have earned." Not half or quarter of what you have earned, but a portion of it.
What is a portion? It means "Part of a whole". That is; divide your earnings or income into parts and then keep one part or a portion of it aside for the LORD's work. This means 1 out of 10.
Why is Tithe 1/10th
According to Biblical numerics, a whole is represented by the number ten (10). E. W Bullinger makes the following point concerning the number 10.
"It has been already pointed out that ten is one of the perfect numbers, and signifies the perfection of Divine order, commencing, as it does, an altogether new series of numbers. The first decade is the representative of the whole numeral system, and originates the system of calculation called "decimals," because the whole system of numeration consists of so many tens, of which the first is a type of the whole.
Completeness of order, marking the entire round of anything, is, therefore, the ever-present signification of the number ten. It implies that nothing is wanting; that the number and order are perfect; that the whole cycle is complete." (Number in Scripture, E. W. Bullinger).
This implies that a portion will be 1/10th (1 out of every 10), because 10 is the complete. And 1/10 is the tithe.
Your tithe is actually a portion of your income or a portion of whatever you have earned set aside to be used in support of the spreading of the Gospel. So we can see that the early Christians actually practiced tithing (I will explain this further in part four of this teaching), and this was done every week According to 1 Cor 16: 2 (Although many translations hide this fact due to poor translation).
Although many in the early Church tithed, none of them was forced to do so. They did it willingly and out of the understanding or revelation of whats it stands for and its significance to the to Christ, His Eternal High Priesthood in relation to the Church. Notice that Paul advised the churches in Corinth and Galatia to do this (1 Cor 16: 1). He told them to set aside or contribute a portion, i.e., one portion of their income every week to support the Church in Jerusalem. A portion is simply 1 out of 10, that is 1/10, which means the tithe, from the Greek word "dekatoo".
Why We Tithe in The
New Covenant
New Covenant
We give our tithe because of what it means to us. The motivation to tithe is derived from the spiritual significance of the tithe. Tithing is proper because of what it stands for; because of what it signifies. A person who doesn't know or understand the spiritual significance of the tithe will hardly see the reason to tithe. And of course that's not a problem with God. Its just that the individual lacks insight of the spiritual import of it.
First of all, we tithe because tithe represents 'the whole' of whatever we have received or earned. We learn from the word of God, that God wants us to give Him our all, materially, because everything we have belongs to him. Remember that the LORD Jesus Christ bought you with a price (1 Cor. 6:20; 7: 23) Therefor you, with everything you have belongs to the The LORD, and you are meant to give Him everything. But you see, God knows that it will be pretty hard for you to give Him every dime you earn as income or increase every week or month, and live on zero penny. God is not a callous or austere God to collect every penny you earn and leave you with nothing every week and every month. But you can still give God your all in a way. God has made it possible for us to give Him our all. Your tithe is the way that God has made possible for us to be able to give Him our all materially speaking. This is because the tithe scripturally speaking represents "the whole" of our material substance received. Therefore when you give your tithe, you have given the whole. This does not mean you cannot give more than your tithe (i.e. 1/10), of course you can. Paul said, "let every one give as they have decided to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion..." (2 Cor. 9:7). We are not restricted or limited as to what we are to give. Nevertheless, your tithe is the easiest way you can give God 'your all'. If you give less, that's not your all, scripturally speaking. And that is what it stands for. Abraham gave Melchizedec a tithe of "ALL", (Gen. 14: 20).
So the easy way you can give God your all materially, is through your tithe, because your tithe represents all you've earned materially. Your other offerings or seeds don't represent your all. This is why the tithe is different from all other offerings or seeds, because of what it stands for.
When you give your tithe, in the sight of God or spiritually speaking, it means you have given the whole of your material substance received.
Secondly, It is a way we acknowledge God's ownership of all the income or increase we have earned, that it's all from God and belongs to Him. Not just by word of mouth.
The man who gives God his tithe has given God all his earnings, and acknowledges Him as the source of his blessings.
The tithe represent the whole of what was due from man to God, as marking and recognizing God's claim on the whole. Your tithe is the recognition that God owns everything you have earned at any given time.
The third reason, why tithing is still valid today, and why there's nothing wrong to give our tithe and never disregard it, is because tithing has to do with the High Priesthood of Jesus Christ.
You will agree with me that in the New Creation, every believer is a priest (1 Pet 2:5, 9; Rev 5: 10). You are your own priest, not someone else. This means that we in Christ are in a priesthood - we are in the New Covenant Priesthood. Whenever there is a priesthood system, there must then be a High Priest. The Bible tells us that Jesus is our High Priest (Heb 4:14,15; 8:1). See my teaching on Jesus our High Priest.
What this implies is that if there is a priesthood system in place, then there must of necessity be a high priest, who presides over that priesthood system. And whenever there is a priesthood system in force with its High Priest, then there must also as a result be a tithing system. This is so because you cannot have a priesthood system with a presiding High Priest in office, and not have a tithing system. Receiving tithes is one of the callings and characteristics of any High Priest. If there is no tithe, then the office of the High Priest is incomplete.
Notice this, before the Old Covenant law of Moses came into existence, Abraham tithed to Melchizedek. He did this because he perceived Melchizedek to be a high priest of Jehovah. Likewise, under the law system, the Jews tithed because they also had high priests who had the rights to receive tithes. In the same way also, under this New Covenant, tithing is still valid because we also have our own High Priest, Jesus Christ.
So you should understand this truth. Whenever there is a High Priest, there must of necessity be tithing. It is a part of the office of High Priest. The only difference between tithing under the Old Covenant Levitical Priesthood, and tithing under the New Covenant Priesthood, is that, whereas under the Old Covenant of Moses, tithing was a mandatory injunction and carried a lot of punishments or penalties for violators. To the contrary, it is not a mandatory injunction under this New Covenant age. God doesn't demand it as a must. And there is no punishment from God for any believer who decides not to give tithes. Nonetheless, for any believer who decides to honor the LORD Jesus with his tithes (it's optional, based on that believers understanding), that believer will receive his reward for it, and the reward even extends beyond this present world (see my teaching on tithing part 4).
Tithe is the right of any High Priest that God has ordained, and Jesus being the greatest of all High Priests is not exempted from collecting tithes of His brethren, the believers.
The forth reason why we should still give our tithes, is that, we are sons of Abraham's through Faith and as such fellow heirs of the blessings of Abraham. When Abraham tithed to Melchizedek, we also tithed along with him because we were yet then in his loins of faith, just like the children of Israel were also yet then in his loins according to the flesh. Therefore Abraham had two kinds of children; first, those of the flesh that came first (the Israelite nation with its Levitical Priesthood), and secondly, those of the Spirit (the Present Church age believers) that came later through faith in Jesus Christ.
Abraham as at that time represented everyone who would walk with God by faith. Paul says we are offspring's of Abraham. He also says that we who are of faith are the children of Abraham and we are blessed with him(Gal 3: 7, 9).
Tithe is the right of any High Priest that God has ordained, and Jesus being the greatest of all High Priests is not exempted from collecting tithes of His brethren, the believers.
The forth reason why we should still give our tithes, is that, we are sons of Abraham's through Faith and as such fellow heirs of the blessings of Abraham. When Abraham tithed to Melchizedek, we also tithed along with him because we were yet then in his loins of faith, just like the children of Israel were also yet then in his loins according to the flesh. Therefore Abraham had two kinds of children; first, those of the flesh that came first (the Israelite nation with its Levitical Priesthood), and secondly, those of the Spirit (the Present Church age believers) that came later through faith in Jesus Christ.
Abraham as at that time represented everyone who would walk with God by faith. Paul says we are offspring's of Abraham. He also says that we who are of faith are the children of Abraham and we are blessed with him(Gal 3: 7, 9).
We are Abraham's seed by faith (Gal. 3:29). The Bible tells us that as faith children of Abraham, we are to walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham. (Rom. 4:12). And we understand that Abraham tithed by faith, not by the law of Moses, for we know that the Law was not yet given as at the time Abraham tithed to Melchizedek, rather, it (the Law) was given four hundred and thirty years later after God had made His promise to Abraham (Gal. 3:17).
Likewise we who are under the New Covenant of Grace, who are of faith are not exempted from tithing by faith just as papa Abraham did. (Rom. 4: 16).
Likewise we who are under the New Covenant of Grace, who are of faith are not exempted from tithing by faith just as papa Abraham did. (Rom. 4: 16).
Abraham tithed because he acknowledged Melchizedek as Christ. When he gave Melchizedek his tithe, he believed it was Christ he gave the tithe to. This was so because Melchizedek represented Christ. So long before the Old Covenant law of Moses came into force, Christ received tithes from Abraham in the person of Melchizedek. Since Christ received tithes from Abraham, and the Bible tells us that this same Christ is still alive today, and His ministry as High Priest is still in force today, therefor, Christ still receives tithes today. Paul points to this truth when he said,
"But he whose descent is not counted from them (the levitical priesthood) received tithes of Abraham, and blessed him that had the promise."
"And here men that die receive tithes; but there (in heaven) He receiveth them, of whom it is witnessed that He liveth.
(Heb 7:6, 8, emphasis are mine)
"In the one case, the tenth is collected by people who die; but in the other case, by him who is declared to be living."
(Heb 7:8, NIV)
In Hebrews 7:4-11, Paul's point is that, the High Priest who should afterward appear, that is Jesus Christ, of whom Melchizedek was a type, must be much superior to the Levitical priests. Observe Abraham's great dignity and happiness; that he had the promises, and the opportunity to tithe to Him.
Paul tells us that the High Priesthood of Christ is after the order of Melchizedek. (Heb. 6: 20; 7: 15, 16). In the Bible, there are three major orders of priesthood revealed. (1) The Melchizedek (Which represents the New Covenant Priesthood of Christ and His Church) (2) The Jethro or Midianite Priesthood. (3) The Aaronic or Levitical Priesthood. This is beyond the scope of this teaching.The Jethro and Levitical Priesthoods have ceased to exist. Only the Melchizedek or Christ Priesthood remains forever.
In what way(s) does the Melchizedec Priesthood represent the Priesthood of Christ?
First, Melchizedek's priesthood is endless, just likewise Christ's Priesthood is equally endless.
Secondly, Melchizedek's Priesthood which represents the Priesthood of Christ collected tithes. Likewise, Christ also receives tithes, having the witness that He lives forever (Heb. 7: 7, 8).
Secondly, Melchizedek's Priesthood which represents the Priesthood of Christ collected tithes. Likewise, Christ also receives tithes, having the witness that He lives forever (Heb. 7: 7, 8).
How will the Priesthood of Christ be of the same order as that of Melchizedek, if Christ never receives tithes. You cannot take one and leave the other. If Melchizedek's priesthood received tithe, therefore, Christ must also of necessity receive tithes, because the Priesthood of Melchizedek which represents Christ is endless. It continues endlessly. Paul tells us that Christ's Priesthood has the same order as that of Melchizedek to bless men and receive tithes (Heb 7:17).
The Importance of Our Tithes Today (Under the New Covenant)
Many Christians are yet to truly understand the importance of tithing. Just like many miss understand the Holy communion, tithe is a witness that Jesus and His Priesthood is alive forevermore. After all no one would tithe to someone or a priesthood that is dead and has ceased to exist. In the Holy Communion for instance, we partake of the bread and wine in remembrance of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ until He returns It a witness that our sins have been paid and forever forgiven in the redemptive work of Christ, that our healing and well being have been purchased, Satan and all demons defeated, eternal life made available, prosperity made available, righteousness made available, just to mention a few. (1 Cor 10:16; 11:25).
Likewise, our tithe is important for two reasons;
First, it is a witness that Jesus is still alive. Because if He is dead, His High Priesthood would have ended. But He is still alive for ever more. Paul made this truth clear in the statement,
"...but there (in heaven) He receiveth them (our tithes), of whom it is witnessed that He liveth."
(Heb 7:8)
There is nothing wrong if any Christian decides to tithe. Its a matter of understanding and choice. As a matter of truth It's important to tithe because your tithe is a witness to the fact that Jesus is still alive, as the above scripture points out. After all why would you tithe to someone who is dead. Whenever you give your tithe, you have given a witness to the fact that Jesus is alive, not just in heaven, but in every area of your life. He is alive and active in your life, and especially in your material well being.
Your tithe is a way of acknowledging or declaring your belief that Jesus is alive forever more. This is a serious matter and I am going to show you as you read on. It has an eternal value. There is a reward for it in heaven, beyond this earth.
Another reason why our tithe is very important is because, our tithe is a witness that Jesus Christ is our High Priest, and that His High Priesthood will remain forever. Your tithe is your acknowledgement that you are a priest under the New Testament Priesthood of Christ, and that Jesus Christ is our High Priest forever. His priesthood continues forever. Your tithe belongs to Jesus. It's His honor as the Father's first born. He owns everything, and the tithe is one way of acknowledging this.
If you choose not to tithe, God is not going to force you to do so, He's not going to kill you or punish you for not tithing, neither will a curse come on you because you have not tithed. However, there is an eternal reward for those who acknowledge and witness on earth through their tithe to the living reality of Jesus' High Priesthood. Our tithes acknowledge Jesus eternal priesthood. When you tithe, you have witnessed to this truth, and there is a reward for you beyond this earth.
"Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven.
(Matt 10:32, NIV)
"I tell you the truth, everyone who acknowledges me publicly here on earth, the Son of Man will also acknowledge in the presence of God's angels.
(Matt 10: 32, NLT)
Some people read this scripture and think that acknowledging Jesus is just only by telling people about Jesus Christ, or confessing Him as LORD and Savior. Yes that is part of what it means. But you see, for us who are already born again, acknowledging Jesus is not just only about telling people about Jesus. It involves every area of our lives, including acknowledging Him in our financial life, acknowledging Him in His finished work, His priesthood, e.t.c, and our tithe is one way we witness about Christ or acknowledge that He lives forever and that His priesthood continues forever in heaven and on earth.
So your tithe is a way to acknowledge Jesus on earth, and Jesus does the same for us in heaven when we honor Him with your tithe. This means that Jesus rewards us in heaven in whichever way we witness or acknowledge Him here on earth. There is a reward awaiting you in heaven when you honor Christ's eternal priesthood with your tithe here on earth before people.
How We Tithe
We do not tithe according to the law of Moses. This is because we are not under the Mosaic institution. Most times when people talk about tithing, it's the law they always refer to. They wrongly think of tithe as something belonging to the law. We are Christians and so we can never be under the law. Therefore we do not give our tithes the way the Israelites did under the law. All of those penalties, rules and regulations that fell on people who failed to tithe under the law of Moses cannot be applied to us today. For instance it is wrong for you to tell a christian that he or she is a thief and that they are cursed because they refuses to tithe (see Malachi 3:10-12). Moreover Paul tells us that all things belong to us (1 Cor 3:21,22). So how can we rob God when God Himself declares that all things belong to us in Christ. So the idea of robbing God in terms of tithes and offerings cannot be applied to Christians. It shouldn't come in at all.
In addition to that, it is wrong to tell a Christian that he is cursed because he or she has not tithe (see Malachi 3:9). The reason this is wrong is that a Christian cannot be cursed, no matter the offence committed. This is because the curse has been forever broken and removed by Christ on our behalf (Gal 3:13). There is no curse today anymore. All that people see today, the sickness, the deaths, the poverty, diseases, natural disasters, etc, are all the effects of the curse. But the curse itself is no more. Under the Old Covenant, people had both the curse and its effects. Today, under the New Covenant, the curse is no more. Only the effects can be seen in people's lives. This is Just like when a terrible flood occurs, after the flood abates, people can still see the effects of the flood. It would be wrong for any man to say that the effects of the flood is the flood itself. Through the power of the word of God we can clean up the effects of the curse in peoples lives, we can heal them of sickness and diseases, e.t.c. But the curse itself has long been removed by Jesus Christ.
Never force people to tithe. Never try to use the law to whip people into tithing. This is against the spirit of Christ, it's against the spirit of the New Covenant. Instead teach them why it's important to tithe, what it signifies or symbolises. Show them the benefits of tithing, for men under Grace. But never force them to do it. Show them why it is important, and then allow them to respond by faith.
Conclusion
Jesus is priest forever after the order of Melchizedek. (Heb 7:15-17).
Therefore if Melchizedek collected tithes, then Christ is also entitled to receive tithes, just like Melchizedek, because they have the same priesthood. Based on this understanding, it is not wrong for Christians to tithe. Rather, it is proper and beneficial.
We are not under the levitical priesthood of the Old Covenant, but under the Melchizedek priesthood of Christ. Therefore, like Abraham every Christian is blessed to tithe, and we are to do it joyfully with the understanding of what it means to us.
In addition to that, it is wrong to tell a Christian that he is cursed because he or she has not tithe (see Malachi 3:9). The reason this is wrong is that a Christian cannot be cursed, no matter the offence committed. This is because the curse has been forever broken and removed by Christ on our behalf (Gal 3:13). There is no curse today anymore. All that people see today, the sickness, the deaths, the poverty, diseases, natural disasters, etc, are all the effects of the curse. But the curse itself is no more. Under the Old Covenant, people had both the curse and its effects. Today, under the New Covenant, the curse is no more. Only the effects can be seen in people's lives. This is Just like when a terrible flood occurs, after the flood abates, people can still see the effects of the flood. It would be wrong for any man to say that the effects of the flood is the flood itself. Through the power of the word of God we can clean up the effects of the curse in peoples lives, we can heal them of sickness and diseases, e.t.c. But the curse itself has long been removed by Jesus Christ.
Never force people to tithe. Never try to use the law to whip people into tithing. This is against the spirit of Christ, it's against the spirit of the New Covenant. Instead teach them why it's important to tithe, what it signifies or symbolises. Show them the benefits of tithing, for men under Grace. But never force them to do it. Show them why it is important, and then allow them to respond by faith.
Conclusion
Jesus is priest forever after the order of Melchizedek. (Heb 7:15-17).
Therefore if Melchizedek collected tithes, then Christ is also entitled to receive tithes, just like Melchizedek, because they have the same priesthood. Based on this understanding, it is not wrong for Christians to tithe. Rather, it is proper and beneficial.
We are not under the levitical priesthood of the Old Covenant, but under the Melchizedek priesthood of Christ. Therefore, like Abraham every Christian is blessed to tithe, and we are to do it joyfully with the understanding of what it means to us.
Prize Chukwuka
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