July 27, 2023
Building People of Substance for Works of Power
Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, “CURSED IS EVERYONE WHO HANGS ON A TREE”), that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
Galatians 3:13-14 NKJV
Every age brings its own challenges. Life in the internet age is no exception. We can find information on any subject with a few pokes on the keypad. I searched for “tithing for the Church,” and found this: “The command to tithe was part of the Mosaic Law, a law code that God gave to ancient Israel. Christians are not legally subject to the Mosaic Law and so are not required to tithe.” I wouldn’t go with that one if I were you. It’s from JW.ORG. We each need to do some study on our own so we can accurately filter what we find. Another search of seemingly Christian sources, yielded four primary reasons that we don’t have to tithe as New Covenant believers:
- Tithing was only from what the ground produced, not from other sources of income.
- The New Testament has not commanded or exemplified tithing for believers.
- Grace giving and Spirit-led giving are more appropriate for believers, as they emphasize the importance of giving without obligation or compulsion.
- Tithing is under the law, and believers are no longer under the Mosaic covenant or the law’s curse.
Three of these have truth in them, but the conclusions are flawed. The “only farm produce” argument is untrue, and reflects poor Bible interpretation. The Pentateuch was written to a nation of farmers. Their produce was their wealth. If it was too difficult to transport, they were allowed to sell it and transport currency. For our day, most of us labor for wages and that is our “harvest.” The next one is half true. The New Testament doesn’t command tithing. It does, however, mention it, and some of the other New Testament references on giving seem to include the purpose and practice of the tithe. As for the “led by the Spirit” argument, I agree that New Testament giving should be based on heart conviction. If, after a thorough search of the scripture, I am convinced it’s for me, then I can tithe and expect the blessings associated therewith. I encourage you to study the Word on the subject and obey God.
That brings us to the most common objection to tithing for believers: “Tithing is under the law, and believers are no longer under the Mosaic covenant or the law’s curse.” While it’s true that tithing was required by the Mosaic Law, and we have been “redeemed from the curse of the Law” (Galatians 3:13), neither of those things necessarily means that the tithe has been discontinued. There are many things in the Law that existed before Moses, were addressed by Jesus when He was on earth, and continue in the New Covenant.
Let’s take a quick trip to Exodus 19. Three months after leaving Egypt, Israel is camped at Mount Sinai. God spoke through Moses to tell them who they were, and what He expected of them:
‘You have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles’ wings and brought you to Myself. Now therefore, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be a special treasure to Me above all people; for all the earth is Mine. And you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words which you shall speak to the children of Israel.”
Exodus 19:4-6
In a series of impressive ceremonies and visitations, God then blessed them with the Law that would mark them as the people of Jehovah, a special treasure to Him. The Law was a statement of covenant responsibility in gratitude for their deliverance from bondage. Over 1500 years later, we find Peter making this statement to those who have tasted the grace of God in Jesus Christ:
But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy.
1 Peter 2:9-10
Somehow, through the work of Christ, God has given us the privilege of being part of the kingdom of priests and the holy nation. We are now part of God’s special people. God’s vision for His holy nation has not wavered. The composition was expanded, the terms of covenant altered, but there is clearly a continuity of purpose. Speaking of believers, Gentile and Jew, Paul said that the outcome of the cross was, “to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace” (Ephesians 2:15). The people of God, the holy nation, still exists in the New Covenant. We are now “one new man.” What changes do we expect to find in how we reflect our “special treasure” status?
During the transitional period, when Messiah was physically present on earth, He made some interesting statements about the Law. In fact, He seems to strengthen some of the standards. How about, “”You shall not commit adultery.” (Exodus 20:14) Not only do we still adhere to that standard, but Jesus turned it up a notch: “But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart” (Matthew 5:28). Along the same lines, “You shall not murder,” became, “whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment” (Matthew 5:22). There are plenty of others, but you get the idea. Grace is more demanding than law and carries more responsibility and accountability. The people of God are still expected to reflect His nature.
Here’s the point: The most common arguments against tithing for the Church have several problems. The biggest is the understanding of what it means to be “under the Law.” Many aspects of the Law of Moses are found before the Law, and many others are still in play after the Law. Jesus seems to imply that the kind of righteousness God is looking for is greater than just keeping the Mosaic Law. If the people of God in the First Covenant were asked to bring a tithe to acknowledge the blessing of God, care for the poor, and take care of God’s house, what do you suppose the standard should be in this new and better covenant? If I’m looking to be “redeemed from tithing” so I can give less and keep more, what does that say about my heart? Selah!
Next time we’ll dig a little deeper into what the Law meant to Israel and how that impacts us on this side of Calvary.
Pastor Virgil
3141 W. Ironwood Hill Dr.
Tucson, AZ 85741
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