My dad is a carpenter. From a young age I was taught to distinguish between different tools. Almost every time I accompanied my dad on a work project, he would ask me to fetch a tool. I learned very early that it would not be good to return to him with the wrong tool or with no tool at all because I didn't look well enough. He would say something like, "In the back of my truck, in my shoulder box, under the tray, there is a set of Channellocks." Dad always knew where his tools where. If for some reason I couldn't immediately find the tool, I would double and triple check that it wasn't there. I hated it when I couldn't find a tool that my dad would immediately find! I became a pretty savvy go-fer! He needed a tool, and I would go-fer it!
This morning I was reminded of a acquaintance I knew as a youth. When the families of the church would gather together for a work day, there was one boy who was unlike all the rest. At eight years old, he had his own leather tool belt, hand tools, tape measure, and extension cord! While I was spending my money on action figures and baseball cards, this boy was always saving up for a new tool. Me and my friends would scurry off into the bush to play, while this boy was only interested in working. What a strange kid, I thought to myself. Our dads already have tools! Why should we use our money to buy our own tools? I was content to be a go-fer, but this kid wanted to be in the middle of the action with the tools he owned.
In our Christian life, a choice is placed before us. We can choose to occupy ourselves with godly labours and works, or we can pursue the passing pleasures of this life. God has given us the Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. 2 Timothy 2:15 reads, "Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." There is a difference between owning your tools and being a go-fer. Most of the tools I carried I never owned. I knew what they were called, I recognised them, and carried them in my hands. But I never actually did any work with them. God did not provide us the doctrines of His Word so we could be familiar with them, but for us to take them to heart. God owns us, and He wants us to believe Him. God is worthy to be believed and trusted. He did not give us words for the sole purpose of memorisation, but to renew our minds, work in our hearts, and be lived out according to the leading of the Holy Spirit.
Tools are most useful when used for their designed purpose. A hammer may be a decent paperweight, but it is designed to drive nails. We ought to use the scriptures not for our ends, but for the glory of God. God's word is profitable for doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness. The Sword of the Spirit is only discerned and properly wielded through the leading of the Holy Spirit. Ecclesiastes 12:10-11 reads, "The Preacher sought to find acceptable words; and what was written was upright--words of truth.
11
The words of the wise are like goads, and the words of scholars are like well-driven nails, given by one Shepherd." If men can utter wise sayings, how much wiser still is the God who has become for us wisdom? Jesus Christ is the Good Shepherd, and all He says is truth. Let us seek to "own" His truth even as Christ owns us, having purchased us with His own shed blood.
11 June 2012
09 June 2012
Jesus, the Humble King
Jesus is a humble King. The powerful in this world invest in bullet proof glass, secret elevators and entrances, security systems, bodyguards, and automated iron gates. Closed circuit televisions and paid guards ensure that no threat ranges too close. Though a King, Jesus did not live in a stone castle surrounded with a moat filled with crocodiles: He did not even have a place to lay His head. He picked up and blessed little children, healed the sick, delivered those who were demon possessed, and raised the dead. Kings historically have armies to fight for them. Courageous men faced and embraced death for king and country. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is the only King I know who died in place of all people: His own, and for even those who would reject Him. He could have called legions of angels to His aid, but He refused. Jesus humbled Himself, made Himself of no reputation as a servant, and laid down His life upon the cross (Phil. 2:5-8).
But the humility of Christ is not only revealed upon the cross. Last night I was enraptured to consider the simple fact that Jesus became flesh. Mary was betrothed to Joseph, yet he found out she was pregnant. He had not slept with her, so this was a most unfortunate event. The only natural explanation is someone else had, despite her claiming otherwise. As Joseph mulled over how to put Mary away secretly, without making a huge spectacle, an angel appeared to him in a dream. Matthew 1:20-23 relates, "...Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. 21 And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins." 22 So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying: 23 "Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel," which is translated, "God with us." The virgin Mary had conception through the power of the Holy Spirit. Jesus was at that moment growing within her!
How amazing is the thought, that Jesus was Immanuel while developing within His mother's womb! Jesus allowed Himself to be confined to a human body and even to be confined within a womb for 9 months! He did not forgo any part of the human existence. I wondered if He was active in the womb. When Jesus was born, He no doubt cried like any other baby. He needed someone to clean Him and cut the umbilical cord. He needed to be dressed, changed, and fed. His body functioned just like every other baby. God didn't have to humble Himself, but He did. Jesus Christ is greater than any earthly king, being KING of KINGS. No king would voluntarily give up His kingdom and live for the rest of His days as a peasant, but Christ stepped down from a heavenly throne to put on human flesh and embrace the cross. What love, what a King!
Kings, celebrities, and the powerful are isolated from the public with barriers and security. It is a huge deal when they walk down a red carpet and pause to allow people to take their picture. Yet Jesus walked on dirt paths, met with people without appointments, and loved it because He loved people. Instead of royal robes He girded Himself with a towel and washed the disciple's feet. As Christians, we ought to have such a humble heart and mind. Philippians 2:5-8 reads, "Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, 7 but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross." It is only after being regenerated by the Holy Spirit that we will even desire or embrace such a life. But such is the glorious path to eternal glory our Saviour Jesus has blazed. He says to all who follow Him in faith in Revelation 3:21: "To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne."
But the humility of Christ is not only revealed upon the cross. Last night I was enraptured to consider the simple fact that Jesus became flesh. Mary was betrothed to Joseph, yet he found out she was pregnant. He had not slept with her, so this was a most unfortunate event. The only natural explanation is someone else had, despite her claiming otherwise. As Joseph mulled over how to put Mary away secretly, without making a huge spectacle, an angel appeared to him in a dream. Matthew 1:20-23 relates, "...Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. 21 And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins." 22 So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying: 23 "Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel," which is translated, "God with us." The virgin Mary had conception through the power of the Holy Spirit. Jesus was at that moment growing within her!
How amazing is the thought, that Jesus was Immanuel while developing within His mother's womb! Jesus allowed Himself to be confined to a human body and even to be confined within a womb for 9 months! He did not forgo any part of the human existence. I wondered if He was active in the womb. When Jesus was born, He no doubt cried like any other baby. He needed someone to clean Him and cut the umbilical cord. He needed to be dressed, changed, and fed. His body functioned just like every other baby. God didn't have to humble Himself, but He did. Jesus Christ is greater than any earthly king, being KING of KINGS. No king would voluntarily give up His kingdom and live for the rest of His days as a peasant, but Christ stepped down from a heavenly throne to put on human flesh and embrace the cross. What love, what a King!
Kings, celebrities, and the powerful are isolated from the public with barriers and security. It is a huge deal when they walk down a red carpet and pause to allow people to take their picture. Yet Jesus walked on dirt paths, met with people without appointments, and loved it because He loved people. Instead of royal robes He girded Himself with a towel and washed the disciple's feet. As Christians, we ought to have such a humble heart and mind. Philippians 2:5-8 reads, "Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, 7 but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross." It is only after being regenerated by the Holy Spirit that we will even desire or embrace such a life. But such is the glorious path to eternal glory our Saviour Jesus has blazed. He says to all who follow Him in faith in Revelation 3:21: "To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne."
07 June 2012
Is Tithing for Today? Part 2
Have you ever walked up to a group of people to find them involved into a passionate discussion? After standing there for a minute of two, you face a decision to either jump in or step away. That's a little how I feel after my last post on tithing. In the years of contributing to this blog, I have penned over 500 posts. I have had more feedback in less than 24 hours on this particular post than all the other posts combined! It is clearly a conversation that's been going on for a while. For those of you who have written messages, thank you very much. I appreciate you reading and commenting.
Part of the reasons for the post is that I Google searched "Is Tithing for Today?" and was surprised at the amount of negative posts in the first five pages I scanned. I decided that I would share some scriptural reasons to support the other side of the discussion. I see tithing as a good work, not evil. After reading some responses, I thought it wise to clarify some potential misconceptions. I rejoice that we live in a blessed day of freedom through Christ. God forbid that I should encourage people to return to the Law! That was not my intent whatsoever. My reason for writing was not to condemn those who do not tithe, but to suggest that there are benefits for those who do. There has no doubt been abuse in the area of money in the history of the church - and governments, non-profits, money changers, and unfortunately wherever money is involved! I wrote for the purpose to encourage people to give as they are led by God. It is apparent that "tithing" is a loaded term for many, and for that reason I will instead say "Spirit-led giving." Whatever we do, we are to do it unto the LORD (Romans 14:1-6).
This morning I read Proverbs 3:9-10 which says: "Honor the LORD with your possessions, and with the firstfruits of all your increase; 10 so your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine." We see the principle throughout scripture, to honour God with what we have been given. But I am no farmer. I do not grow crops or raise animals. When I relate this principle to myself, money is the currency of my increase. In the Old Testament days, people would bring their firstfruits to the Levites so they could eat! The Priests and Levites ministered to the people in spiritual things, and God used the giving of the people to supply their physical needs. Paul affirms this principle in the New Testament in 1 Corinthians 9:3-11: he and others had supplied spiritual needs, and it was fitting for the people to provide physical things. Paul never demanded a tithe from the people, but they should give as led by the Spirit.
This is my opinion: I see Spirit-led giving as a good work. If God should lead a man to give .3%, 10%, or 58% of a paycheck, good! For those who know to do good and do it not, to them it is sin (James 4:17). This principle, of course, is not restricted only to our handing of finances. No man is under the obligation to tithe except God lead Him to. Legalism is not defined by what you do or don't do, but where your heart is in doing. Man looks at the outward appearance, but God looks upon the heart. When I was a youth, I remember one lady who believed head coverings were very important. I sadly judged her for her actions as being entrenched in legalism, even though her motivation may very well have been pure in God's eyes. Instead of judging, I should have been loving. People may judge me as returning to the Law because I have cited scriptures God has used to lead me to tithe in the past. My confidence is only in Christ and God's grace.
Anything we do in faith as led by the Holy Spirit will certainly reap heavenly rewards. Thank God for His patience! I humbly affirm that I am still learning, and may God help me to walk in love, grace, and mercy. Whatever we do, may we do it as unto the LORD!
Part of the reasons for the post is that I Google searched "Is Tithing for Today?" and was surprised at the amount of negative posts in the first five pages I scanned. I decided that I would share some scriptural reasons to support the other side of the discussion. I see tithing as a good work, not evil. After reading some responses, I thought it wise to clarify some potential misconceptions. I rejoice that we live in a blessed day of freedom through Christ. God forbid that I should encourage people to return to the Law! That was not my intent whatsoever. My reason for writing was not to condemn those who do not tithe, but to suggest that there are benefits for those who do. There has no doubt been abuse in the area of money in the history of the church - and governments, non-profits, money changers, and unfortunately wherever money is involved! I wrote for the purpose to encourage people to give as they are led by God. It is apparent that "tithing" is a loaded term for many, and for that reason I will instead say "Spirit-led giving." Whatever we do, we are to do it unto the LORD (Romans 14:1-6).
This morning I read Proverbs 3:9-10 which says: "Honor the LORD with your possessions, and with the firstfruits of all your increase; 10 so your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine." We see the principle throughout scripture, to honour God with what we have been given. But I am no farmer. I do not grow crops or raise animals. When I relate this principle to myself, money is the currency of my increase. In the Old Testament days, people would bring their firstfruits to the Levites so they could eat! The Priests and Levites ministered to the people in spiritual things, and God used the giving of the people to supply their physical needs. Paul affirms this principle in the New Testament in 1 Corinthians 9:3-11: he and others had supplied spiritual needs, and it was fitting for the people to provide physical things. Paul never demanded a tithe from the people, but they should give as led by the Spirit.
This is my opinion: I see Spirit-led giving as a good work. If God should lead a man to give .3%, 10%, or 58% of a paycheck, good! For those who know to do good and do it not, to them it is sin (James 4:17). This principle, of course, is not restricted only to our handing of finances. No man is under the obligation to tithe except God lead Him to. Legalism is not defined by what you do or don't do, but where your heart is in doing. Man looks at the outward appearance, but God looks upon the heart. When I was a youth, I remember one lady who believed head coverings were very important. I sadly judged her for her actions as being entrenched in legalism, even though her motivation may very well have been pure in God's eyes. Instead of judging, I should have been loving. People may judge me as returning to the Law because I have cited scriptures God has used to lead me to tithe in the past. My confidence is only in Christ and God's grace.
Anything we do in faith as led by the Holy Spirit will certainly reap heavenly rewards. Thank God for His patience! I humbly affirm that I am still learning, and may God help me to walk in love, grace, and mercy. Whatever we do, may we do it as unto the LORD!
06 June 2012
Is Tithing for Today?
How exciting is the walk of faith in following Jesus Christ! It clashes on every level with the wisdom of the world: when we lose our lives for Christ's sake, that is when we find it. As Christians mature and grow in Christ, God deals with old ways of thinking, our habits, attitudes, thoughts, words, and deeds by confronting them with the Word of God. If we are in Christ, we are new creations. We are not our own, having been purchased through the blood of Christ by grace through faith. Our whole life is to be brought into subjection of God in obedience to His Word as led by the Holy Spirit. One of the ways God challenges our faith is in the area of finances and giving. Sometimes we can be ignorant of our responsibilities as Christians which holds us back from obedience. Other times we dig in our heels. There are also occasions when we are not convinced which is the right way so we remain undecided.
I am convinced by scripture of my responsibility as a Christian to tithe. I was not always of this opinion. The word "tithe" literally means "tenth." For some of my life, I would have placed tithing in an optional category. Because of the day of liberty and grace in which we live, it is true we have freedom in Christ. There are no demands placed on New Testament believers of how much to give: we should give as led by the Holy Spirit. We should never, however, use freedom to cloak our lack of faith in giving. It is before God every man will stand or fall, and I am no one to judge another man's servant. If we ask, "Why tithe?" then we also must consider the opposite: "Why not tithe?" Often our reasons for not doing something can be more telling of our heart's condition than why we do something. Whether or not we tithe, it is important that we are fully persuaded in our own minds according to the leading of the Holy Spirit for the glory of God.
Some claim a call to tithing to their church fellowship is a deliberate step towards legalism. As I read scripture, this is simply not true. Tithing in scripture occurs before the institution of the Law God committed to Moses. We read of both Abraham and Israel freely giving tithes. Genesis 14:18-20 and Hebrews 7:3-10 speaks of when Abraham gave tithes of all to Melchizedek, king of Salem and priest of God Most High (a type of Christ). Freely Abraham received, and freely Abraham gave. After God revealed Himself to Jacob who would later be called Israel, he promised God in 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." When the Law was instituted almost 500 years later, Leviticus 27:30 states, "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." 2 Chronicles 31:5 shows tithes were to include everything: "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."
A wonderful passage concerning tithing is found in Malachi 3:8-11 through the prophet's words to the nation of Israel: "Will a man rob God? Yet you have robbed Me! But you say, 'In what way have we robbed You?' In tithes and offerings. 9 You are cursed with a curse, for you have robbed Me, even this whole nation. 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. 11 "And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, so that he will not destroy the fruit of your ground, nor shall the vine fail to bear fruit for you in the field," says the LORD of hosts." When we withhold from God His due, we are in reality robbing Him. And see what great benefits God promises those who tithe! He is mindful of the birds of the air and provides for them. God will provide for us even when our faith is small.
I find it sad that for many people these verses lack credibility because they are found in the Old Testament. To discount them upon that basis also means we must discount Jeremiah 29:11 and many more verses like it: "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope." I am not of the mind that every promise not explicitly re-stated in the New Testament should have an asterisk placed by it in the margin! I believe all scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness so those who follow God might be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work (2 Tim. 3:16-17). One rule of Bible study is the New Testament takes precedence over the Old. This does not mean the Old is without relevance. Because of the New Covenant ushered in by grace, we are no longer under the Law. But we see tithing occurring before the Law and apart from the Law. There is no prohibition of tithing in the New Testament. Tithing is a good work. Good works ought to be done.
The precedent set in the New Testament is greater than that of the Law. If God claims a tenth as His own (though He owns all things!) under the Law, should I give less under grace? In fact, we read in the New Testament that people gave all their money and possessions into the hands of the apostles for use in ministry! Paul requested of the church in Corinth in 1 Corinthians 16:1-2: "Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given orders to the churches of Galatia, so you must do also: 2 On the first day of the week let each one of you lay something aside, storing up as he may prosper, that there be no collections when I come." Everyone was required to give on a weekly basis as God prospered them. 10% was not the limit of what they were to give. In my own life, I see tithing not a command to be obeyed, but a responsibility and privilege to be embraced. The opportunity to give back to God by faith is a great blessing! I believe and testify that the promises to those who tithe in Malachi 3 concerning God's provision, protection, and fruitfulness are relevant today.
Tithing is a matter of priority. There are many "non-negotiable" payments we all must make: mortgage or rent, car repayments, life insurance, electricity, water, fuel, school fees, life insurance, and retirement investments. We may cringe or pay them without a thought. But when it comes to giving God of our increase (which in much of society today is in the form of money), that is when some dig in their heels. But what is more important: to give in faith and obedience to the God who has provided us all things - even Himself - or to make my own funds a greater priority to ensure I will have money in the bank when my career is over? If my housing costs and children's school fees are "non-negotiable," then giving to God should be even more untouchable. When people give unto the LORD they invest in eternity for the glory of God. It is not my job to make sure everyone tithes. God has impressed upon my heart that my role is to hold forth a biblical basis for tithing. It makes sense to me that if we are part of God's family, we logically have responsibilities as part of that family structure. My view is that tithing is the least part I should embrace.
One of the common complaints about giving is not being able to afford it. Let us not forget that all we have is a gift from God. We would have nothing except that God has given it to us. Paul reminds in the second part of Romans 14:23 that "...whatsoever is not of faith is sin." We are to walk by faith, not by sight. We are to display this faith even in how we handle our finances. I will not be dogmatic and claim, "If you are not tithing, you are sinning." God provides liberty by His grace. But I will say if the reason for not giving is you are not convinced God will provide for you, that is sin. Giving by faith is a way God challenges and changes us into the image of Jesus, the One who has given His own blood so we might live. God deserves our firstfruits; He is worthy only of the best. We should never pay taxes to Caesar until we have first rendered to God what is rightfully His (Matthew 22:21).
As we grow in Christ, may we grow in generosity. Let us take to heart 2 Corinthians 9:6-15: "But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 7 So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work. 9 As it is written: "He has dispersed abroad, He has given to the poor; His righteousness endures forever."10 Now may He who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, supply and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness, 11 while you are enriched in everything for all liberality, which causes thanksgiving through us to God. 12 For the administration of this service not only supplies the needs of the saints, but also is abounding through many thanksgivings to God, 13 while, through the proof of this ministry, they glorify God for the obedience of your confession to the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal sharing with them and all men,14 and by their prayer for you, who long for you because of the exceeding grace of God in you. 15 Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!"
I am convinced by scripture of my responsibility as a Christian to tithe. I was not always of this opinion. The word "tithe" literally means "tenth." For some of my life, I would have placed tithing in an optional category. Because of the day of liberty and grace in which we live, it is true we have freedom in Christ. There are no demands placed on New Testament believers of how much to give: we should give as led by the Holy Spirit. We should never, however, use freedom to cloak our lack of faith in giving. It is before God every man will stand or fall, and I am no one to judge another man's servant. If we ask, "Why tithe?" then we also must consider the opposite: "Why not tithe?" Often our reasons for not doing something can be more telling of our heart's condition than why we do something. Whether or not we tithe, it is important that we are fully persuaded in our own minds according to the leading of the Holy Spirit for the glory of God.
Some claim a call to tithing to their church fellowship is a deliberate step towards legalism. As I read scripture, this is simply not true. Tithing in scripture occurs before the institution of the Law God committed to Moses. We read of both Abraham and Israel freely giving tithes. Genesis 14:18-20 and Hebrews 7:3-10 speaks of when Abraham gave tithes of all to Melchizedek, king of Salem and priest of God Most High (a type of Christ). Freely Abraham received, and freely Abraham gave. After God revealed Himself to Jacob who would later be called Israel, he promised God in 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." When the Law was instituted almost 500 years later, Leviticus 27:30 states, "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." 2 Chronicles 31:5 shows tithes were to include everything: "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."
A wonderful passage concerning tithing is found in Malachi 3:8-11 through the prophet's words to the nation of Israel: "Will a man rob God? Yet you have robbed Me! But you say, 'In what way have we robbed You?' In tithes and offerings. 9 You are cursed with a curse, for you have robbed Me, even this whole nation. 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. 11 "And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, so that he will not destroy the fruit of your ground, nor shall the vine fail to bear fruit for you in the field," says the LORD of hosts." When we withhold from God His due, we are in reality robbing Him. And see what great benefits God promises those who tithe! He is mindful of the birds of the air and provides for them. God will provide for us even when our faith is small.
I find it sad that for many people these verses lack credibility because they are found in the Old Testament. To discount them upon that basis also means we must discount Jeremiah 29:11 and many more verses like it: "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope." I am not of the mind that every promise not explicitly re-stated in the New Testament should have an asterisk placed by it in the margin! I believe all scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness so those who follow God might be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work (2 Tim. 3:16-17). One rule of Bible study is the New Testament takes precedence over the Old. This does not mean the Old is without relevance. Because of the New Covenant ushered in by grace, we are no longer under the Law. But we see tithing occurring before the Law and apart from the Law. There is no prohibition of tithing in the New Testament. Tithing is a good work. Good works ought to be done.
The precedent set in the New Testament is greater than that of the Law. If God claims a tenth as His own (though He owns all things!) under the Law, should I give less under grace? In fact, we read in the New Testament that people gave all their money and possessions into the hands of the apostles for use in ministry! Paul requested of the church in Corinth in 1 Corinthians 16:1-2: "Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given orders to the churches of Galatia, so you must do also: 2 On the first day of the week let each one of you lay something aside, storing up as he may prosper, that there be no collections when I come." Everyone was required to give on a weekly basis as God prospered them. 10% was not the limit of what they were to give. In my own life, I see tithing not a command to be obeyed, but a responsibility and privilege to be embraced. The opportunity to give back to God by faith is a great blessing! I believe and testify that the promises to those who tithe in Malachi 3 concerning God's provision, protection, and fruitfulness are relevant today.
Tithing is a matter of priority. There are many "non-negotiable" payments we all must make: mortgage or rent, car repayments, life insurance, electricity, water, fuel, school fees, life insurance, and retirement investments. We may cringe or pay them without a thought. But when it comes to giving God of our increase (which in much of society today is in the form of money), that is when some dig in their heels. But what is more important: to give in faith and obedience to the God who has provided us all things - even Himself - or to make my own funds a greater priority to ensure I will have money in the bank when my career is over? If my housing costs and children's school fees are "non-negotiable," then giving to God should be even more untouchable. When people give unto the LORD they invest in eternity for the glory of God. It is not my job to make sure everyone tithes. God has impressed upon my heart that my role is to hold forth a biblical basis for tithing. It makes sense to me that if we are part of God's family, we logically have responsibilities as part of that family structure. My view is that tithing is the least part I should embrace.
One of the common complaints about giving is not being able to afford it. Let us not forget that all we have is a gift from God. We would have nothing except that God has given it to us. Paul reminds in the second part of Romans 14:23 that "...whatsoever is not of faith is sin." We are to walk by faith, not by sight. We are to display this faith even in how we handle our finances. I will not be dogmatic and claim, "If you are not tithing, you are sinning." God provides liberty by His grace. But I will say if the reason for not giving is you are not convinced God will provide for you, that is sin. Giving by faith is a way God challenges and changes us into the image of Jesus, the One who has given His own blood so we might live. God deserves our firstfruits; He is worthy only of the best. We should never pay taxes to Caesar until we have first rendered to God what is rightfully His (Matthew 22:21).
As we grow in Christ, may we grow in generosity. Let us take to heart 2 Corinthians 9:6-15: "But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 7 So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work. 9 As it is written: "He has dispersed abroad, He has given to the poor; His righteousness endures forever."10 Now may He who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, supply and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness, 11 while you are enriched in everything for all liberality, which causes thanksgiving through us to God. 12 For the administration of this service not only supplies the needs of the saints, but also is abounding through many thanksgivings to God, 13 while, through the proof of this ministry, they glorify God for the obedience of your confession to the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal sharing with them and all men,14 and by their prayer for you, who long for you because of the exceeding grace of God in you. 15 Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!"
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