GOD
… Reconciling the world unto God …
The Scripture used throughout this study is quoted from the King James Version. Any explanatory insertions by the author within a Scripture verse are enclosed in brackets [ ]. |
© 1992 by Vincent C. Finnegan
P.O. Box 3098, Latham NY 12110, USA
| Introduction |
| First Occurence |
| Tithe Confirmed |
| Law Administration |
| Christ Administration |
| Grace Administration |
| Conclusion |
Introduction
The Word of God gives testimony that the tithe has not changed since its inception thousands of years ago. Many things in God's Word have changed; however, the immutable laws, such as the tithe, remain the same. This study is designed to show the immutability of the tithe and some of the benefits to the spiritually minded who practice it. An examination of pertinent scriptures from Genesis through the Church Epistles will clearly establish the tithe as an unalterable law which God instituted for man's application and benefit.
The tithe is one of the most fundamental and simple ways for an individual to keep God in His rightful position of preeminence. The tither acknowledges God's sovereignty and resourcefulness to provide all that is needed to live abundantly. The subject of the tithe, an immutable law, is worthy of study by those seeking to know God's Word and to live powerful, victorious lives.
Chapter One - First Occurrence
The Word of God often provides an explanation in the first occurrence of a word, an expression, or idea so the reader may clearly understand. This explanation will remain the same in all other references in the Bible. If God ever changes the meaning, He clearly explains it so the reader is not left to guess. God wants no misunderstanding. The Word of God interprets itself.
The first place the tithe is used is in Genesis 14. When word came to Abram that his brother's son, Lot, was taken captive by those who invaded Sodom, he armed his servants and pursued after them. Abram overcame the invaders and rescued Lot, the other captives from Sodom, and their goods. Then we read:
Genesis 14:17-20:
And the king of Sodom went out to meet him after his return from the slaughter of Chedorlaomer, and of the kings that were with him, at the valley of Shaveh, which is the king's dale.
And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God.
And he blessed him, and said, Blessed be Abram of the most high God, possessor of heaven and earth:
And blessed be the most high God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand. And he gave him tithes of all.
In this first record of tithing, the first lesson to learn is the reason for tithing and the right attitude of the giver. Abram's overwhelming victory in his conquest was obviously because of God's help. This, and the blessing he received from Melchizedek, God's high priest, inspired him to give the tithe. The reason he tithed was to give proper response to God for the blessings he had received. His attitude was one of thankfulness and respect — a desire to give God due honor. His response to God's blessings was the tithe.
The record in Hebrews 7 gives us a clear understanding of what exactly his tithe was. The word "tithe" means "tenth."
Hebrews 7:4:
Now consider how great this man [Melchizedek] was, unto whom even
the patriarch Abraham gave the tenth of the spoils.
The word "spoils" is not a good translation from the Greek and, as such, is misleading. The Greek word skulon is commonly used for spoils, which is plunder or booty taken from an enemy in war. The word akrothinion is used here, which means the topmost or best part of a heap, the choice part or firstfruits. "Spoils" is translated firstfruits in the Aramaic texts also. This verse is not saying Abram gave ten percent of the spoils, but rather the ten percent he gave was the best, the firstfruits of all. He gave the best to God and not the least or the leftovers. This record also tells us the little there is to know about Melchizedek:
Hebrews 7:1-3:
For this Melchisedec, king of Salem, priest of the most high God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him;
To whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all; first being by interpretation King of righteousness, and after that also King of Salem, which is, King of peace;
Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God; abideth a priest continually.
In our study of the first record of the tithe, we see to whom the tithe should be given. Although little is known about Melchizedek, we do know he was God's high priest and he blessed Abram. Abram gave the tithe to God's man who blessed him. As we continue to read Genesis 14 we will see more:
Genesis 14:21-24:
And the king of Sodom said unto Abram, Give me the persons, and take the goods to thyself.
And Abram said to the king of Sodom, I have lift up mine hand unto the Lord, the most high God, the possessor of heaven and earth,
That I will not take from a thread even to a shoe latchet, and that I will not take any thing that is thine, lest thou shouldest say, I have made Abram rich:
Save only that which the young men have eaten, and the portion of the men which went with me, Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre; let them take their portion.
"I have lift up mine hand" is an oriental expression signifying full and complete surrender as a servant to God. It means to surrender to God without any doubt.1 When he tithed, he acknowledged God's absolute sovereignty and ability to provide for him.
The essence of that which Abram said to the King of Sodom was "When I tithed, I made a full, complete commitment to God, surrendering my well-being to the most high God Who happens to be the Possessor of heaven and earth. I don't need anything from you. I know you. You will tell everyone you made Abram rich. Not so! God gets the glory, not you."
When Abram tithed, he made a commitment to God. He was convinced of God's ability and willingness, so he surrendered his life and well-being to His care. He also knew he needed not to depend on or be involved with the unbelieving king. Another wonderful thing Abram did was not to allow some man to claim the glory that was properly due God. He ensured that God got the glory.
Genesis 15:1:
After these things the word of the Lord came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.
As you continue to read in Genesis, God blessed Abram abundantly. The tithe helped to open the door for God to shower His blessings upon Abram. This first occurrence of the tithe provides a clear, comprehensive explanation.
* * *
The reason for the tithe was to give a proper response to God for His blessings.
The attitude of the giver was one of sincere gratitude, honor, respect, and love. Not one iota of compulsion or any other negative was involved.
The tithe was ten percent of the firstfruits. God received the best.
The tithe was given to God's man who blessed God's people.
The tithe was a commitment to God, surrendering of one's life and well-being to His care.
The tithe provided autonomy from unbelievers.
The tithe helped to open the door for God's blessings to abound.
Chapter Two - Tithe Confirmed
To determine the immutability of the tithe, we need to see if it continued in the same manner as with Abram. God changed Abram's name to Abraham. Abraham's promised son was Isaac. Isaac's son was Jacob. In Jacob we will see the tithe was confirmed as the right way for man to believe. The aspects we learned about the tithe in its first occurrence are reaffirmed with Jacob.
Genesis 28:12-15:
And he dreamed, and behold a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven: and behold the angels of God ascending and descending on it.
And, behold, the Lord stood above it, and said, I am the Lord God of Abraham thy father, and the God of Isaac: the land whereon thou liest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed;
And thy seed shall be as the dust of the earth, and thou shalt spread abroad to the west, and to the east, and to the north, and to the south: and in thee and in thy seed shall all the families of the earth be blessed.
And, behold, I am with thee, and will keep thee in all places whither thou goest, and will bring thee again into this land; for I will not leave thee, until I have done that which I have spoken to thee of.
Jacob's response to God's promised blessings is recorded in verses 20 through 22:
Genesis 28:20-22:
And Jacob vowed a vow, saying, If God will be with me, and will keep me in this way that I go, and will give me bread to eat, and raiment to put on,
So that I come again to my father's house in peace; then shall the Lord be my God:
And this stone, which I have set for a pillar, shall be God's house: and of all that thou shalt give me I will surely give the tenth unto thee.
God promised to bless Jacob, therefore Jacob made a solemn promise to adapt his life in three aspects. They are: 1) Lord would be his God, 2) set Bethel to be God's house,2 3) "...of all that thou shalt give me I will surely give the tenth unto thee." As with Abraham, we see the tithe was given as a proper response to God for His blessings. The tithe was a commitment to God given with the attitude of worship. The amount given was ten percent.
The events which follow are interesting and should be read to understand the whole story. Basically, Jacob allowed himself to be deceived and to be taken advantage of by Laban for many years. Laban prospered because God prospered Jacob. Look what ends up happening.
Genesis 31:7-13:
And your father [Laban] hath deceived me, and changed my wages ten times; but God suffered him not to hurt me.
If he said thus, The speckled shall be thy wages; then all the cattle bare speckled: and if he said thus, The ringstraked shall be thy hire; then bare all the cattle ringstraked.
Thus God hath taken away the cattle of your father, and given them to me.
And it came to pass at the time that the cattle con ceived, that I lifted up mine eyes, and saw in a dream, and, behold, the rams which leaped upon the cattle were ringstraked, speckled, and grisled.
And the angel of God spake unto me in a dream, saying, Jacob: And I said, Here am I.
And he said, Lift up now thine eyes, and see, all the rams which leap upon the cattle are ringstraked, speckled, and grisled: for I have seen all that Laban doeth unto thee.
I am the God of Bethel, where thou anointedst the pillar, and where thou vowedst a vow unto me: now arise, get thee out from this land, and return unto the land of thy kindred.
Because of Jacob's promise, which we read in chapter 28, God was able to bless him with the riches Laban had gathered. The way God prospered him was miraculous. God is willing and certainly able to do the miraculous for man when he believes. Jacob kept his promise, a part of which was the tithe, and the door was opened for miracles.
God continued to bless Jacob all the days of his life. His name was changed to Israel. He fathered twelve sons, who eventually grew into the twelve tribes of Israel. Israel was God's chosen people. That which is seen in the first occurrence of the tithe is repeated with this second occurrence, confirming it as the proper way for man to believe.
* * *
The tithe was confirmed with Jacob.
The tithe was a commitment to God, given with the attitude of worship.
The tithe helped to open the door for miracles.
Chapter Three - Law Administration
There are seven administrations in God's Word.3 Abraham and Jacob lived during the Patriarchal Adminis tration. With Moses and the writing of the law another administration began which continued until the Christ Administration recorded in the Gospels.
If the laws of God change from one administration to the next, He clearly communicates such changes. If no change occurs, God does not necessarily have to repeat Himself. Many laws given by God in Genesis were included in the Mosaic law without change. Such is the case with the tithe.4 Once again, to see the immutability of the tithe, let us search the Scriptures during the Law Administration.
Deuteronomy 14:22 and 23:
Thou shalt truly tithe all the increase of thy seed, that the field bringeth forth year by year.
And thou shalt eat before the Lord thy God, in the place which he shall choose to place his name there, the tithe of thy corn, of thy wine, and of thine oil, and the firstlings of thy herds and of thy flocks; that thou mayest learn to fear [reverence, respect, awe] the Lord thy God always.
Significant to note is that the tithe taught the people to reverence, respect, and awe God. Having studied Genesis, we can easily understand why. The tither trusts God, above all else including himself, to provide. Tithing is a fundamen tal way to put God first in life.
Under the Mosaic law, the Levites received the tithe.
Numbers 18:21:
And, behold, I have given the children of Levi all the tenth in Israel for an inheritance, for their service which they serve, even the service of the tabernacle of the congregation.
The Levites were those from the tribe of Levi. God had Moses separate the tribe of Levi from the other tribes and place them in charge of the tabernacle. Later, they were the ones who served the temple. One of the families of the tribe of Levi, the Aaronites, were the priestly line. The Levites, as the temple ministers and priests, were to own no land or property. They lived from the tithe provided by the other tribes of Israel.5Therefore, the tithe was a very integral part of the Mosaic law. If the people did not tithe, a good part of the rest of the law could not be fulfilled, because the Levites were the ones who were responsible to carry out the sacri fices, the temple service, etc.
Much detail was written in the law regarding how to tithe, what to tithe, when to tithe, and the benefits of tithing. Health, no premature births, no barrenness for women, no premature deaths, all enemies destroyed, and financial abundance are some of the blessings appropriated by the believing tither. You can study the Mosaic law for more details.
When Israel walked with God they tithed, and God blessed them abundantly. However, Israel often wavered from keeping God's Word and ended up in calamity. In II Chronicles, after quite a dearth of walking with God, Hezekiah helped God's people get back on the ball. Eliminat ing idolatry was the first order of business. Then Hezekiah appointed the priests and Levites after their courses and gave of his own substance for them to carry out the offerings. Then we read:
II Chronicles 31:4-10:
Moreover he commanded the people that dwelt in Jerusalem to give the portion of the priests and the Levites, that they might be encouraged in the law of the Lord.
And as soon as the commandment came abroad, the children of Israel brought in abundance the firstfruits of corn, wine, and oil, and honey, and of all the increase of the field; and the tithe of all things brought they in abundantly.
And concerning the children of Israel and Judah, that dwelt in the cities of Judah, they also brought in the tithe of oxen and sheep, and the tithe of holy things which were consecrated unto the Lord their God, and laid them by heaps.
In the third month they began to lay the foundation of the heaps, and finished them in the seventh month.
And when Hezekiah and the princes came and saw the heaps, they blessed the Lord, and his people Israel.
Then Hezekiah questioned with the priests and the Levites concerning the heaps.
And Azariah the chief priest of the house of Zadok answered him, and said, Since the people began to bring the offerings into the house of the Lord, we have had enough to eat, and have left plenty: for the Lord hath blessed his people; and that which is left is this great store.
When they were spiritually minded they tithed, and God provided an abundance for His people.
Proverbs 3 has another record regarding the tithe.
Proverbs 3:5-10:
Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil.
It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones.
Honour the Lord with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase:
So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.
This record succinctly communicates much about the tithe. In the context of trusting God, leaning not unto your own understanding, not being wise in your own eyes, and having health and prosperity, sits the tithe. Health and prosperity are linked to the tithe. However, the correct reason and attitude for tithing, as seen in the first occurrence and throughout, are important to remember. The correct reason to tithe is a proper acknowledgment due to God for His blessings with an attitude of honor, reverence, and thankfulness. The enormous benefits received by the tither could distract him from the correct reason and motivation to tithe. "Giving to get" is not the believing tither's primary motive. He gives because he loves God and wants to obey His Word.
Malachi 3:7-9:
Even from the days of your fathers ye are gone away from mine ordinances, and have not kept them. Return unto me, and I will return unto you, saith the Lord of hosts. But ye said, Wherein shall we return?
Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings.
Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation.
The whole Word of God shows that our loving God always wants to bless His people abundantly. It also declares plainly that God is a just God and always keeps true to His Word. He cannot break His Word. One of the great rights and privileges God gave man is free will. Man always has the free-will choice to believe or to reject God. God always honors man's free-will choice, even when it is against God's Word. "Return unto me, and I will return unto you..." refers to man's choosing to turn away from God, therefore God had no choice but to refrain from blessing man. They were cursed with a curse because they refused to believe God's Word. God did not curse them. They opened themselves up for the Devil to curse them. The curse spoken of in the law is primarily in the category of health and prosperity.
Malachi 3:10-12:
Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.
And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the Lord of hosts.
And all nations shall call you blessed: for ye shall be a delightsome land, saith the Lord of hosts.
The expression "windows of heaven" is also used referring to the flood in Noah's time, when the windows of heaven were opened. So much rain poured out during the forty days and nights that all the earth was covered, including the mountains.6 Mount Everest is 29,028 feet above sea level — almost 5½ miles. How much rain would have to pour out of the windows of heaven in such a short time to cover Mount Everest? For God to use this expression to explain the blessings He will pour out when we tithe is breathtaking! If that were not enough, He also promised to rebuke the devourer. The devourer is the Devil. Can you imagine!
Our study of the Old Testament has shown that the tithe was an integral part of the Mosaic law. When God's people walked with Him, they practiced the tithe. We have clearly seen, thus far, that the tithe is immutable.
* * *
The tithe was one of the many laws established in Genesis which was included in the Mosaic law.
The tithe taught people to reverence God.
The tithe was a fundamental way to put God first in life.
The tithe was a very integral part of the law.
The tithe was a key to health and prosperity.
The tithe made it available for God to open up the windows of heaven and pour out blessings of which there was not room enough to receive.
The tithe made it available for God to rebuke the devourer on behalf of the tither.
Chapter Four - Christ Administration
As was stated earlier, once God communicates a truth He need not repeat it, although He certainly has the privilege to do so if He wants. Should the truth change, then God clearly communicates the change. In the Gospels, Jesus Christ taught many things. For instance with the sermon on the mount, he spoke about many things regarding the law. He added clarity, more insight, and additional information. Jesus Christ did not change the tithe in his teaching, but rather he added insight into the reason and attitude for tithing. In Matthew 23:23, when confronting the scribes and Pharisees, he said:
Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.
Mint, anise (which is dill), and cummin (which is a plant with aromatic seeds used as a condiment) are all very small items — small in size and importance. The Pharisees were religiously adamant and persnickety with these small, insignificant items being tithed. Yet, they had no concern about the law, judgment, mercy, and faith. The Lord did not tell them to stop tithing. On the contrary, he told them to continue to tithe, but not to be hypocrites. Tithing was never intended to be a religious ritual done without thought and believing, nor was it intended to be a substitute for doing the rest of God's wonderful Word.
Jesus Christ came to fulfill the law. He, unlike anyone before or after, completely carried out the law. He lived a life without sin.
Matthew 5:17 and 18:
Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.
For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.
In that Jesus Christ fulfilled the law, he did everything in the law, and the tithe was certainly a part of the law. Jesus Christ himself, of necessity, tithed.
Romans 10:4:
For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.
Because Jesus Christ fulfilled the law, he ended the law, making available for God to usher in a new administration. This began on the day of Pentecost, as recorded in Acts 2 verses 1-4, and will end when Jesus Christ comes back at the gathering together. This administration is the period of time the born-again believers live in, the Grace Administration, also called the Church of the Body. This is the time in which we live. When Jesus Christ ended the law, he did not end the immutable laws which were contained in the Mosaic law. As we have seen, the tithe was started with Abraham over four hundred years before Moses. To think it was discontinued because it was a part of the Mosaic law is illogical.
* * *
The tithe was a part of the Christ Administration.
The tithe was not to be a religious ritual done without thought and believing.
The tithe was never intended to be a substitute for doing the rest of God's wonderful Word.
Jesus Christ fulfilled the law, therefore he tithed.
Chapter Five - Grace Administration
The doctrine for the born-again believers in the Grace Administration is contained in the seven Church Epistles. The tithe is not mentioned. It is excluded not because it is no longer applicable, but rather because it has been already thoroughly established. If an issue of such importance throughout God's Word were eliminated in our administra tion, it would be clearly communicated in detail. The tithe is not eliminated, but rather a higher level of giving is seen. The believers in the first-century Church not only continued to tithe, they abundantly shared above the tithe.
By the way, other issues are excluded from the Church Epistles of which most would be surprised. For example, nowhere in the Church Epistles are we told to love God! Does its exclusion mean we are no longer to love God? How ridiculous! Like the tithe, to love God is obviously communi cated throughout the Word and need not be repeated in the Church Epistles.
The Book of Acts gives the record of the rise and the expansion of the first-century Church. The transition between the old administration and the new is seen. On the day of Pentecost, all God provided in this administration was available. However, they did not have a knowledge of that which was available until years later when the Apostle Paul received the revelation now contained in the seven Church Epistles. Therefore, in the beginning chapters of Acts, although freed from the law, the believers still adhered to it, which certainly included tithing. Understanding their obedience to the law explains Acts 4:36 and 37.
Acts 4:36 and 37:
And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, the son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus,
Having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles' feet.
According to the law, Levites were to own no land. After Barnabas was born again, he wanted to align his life with that which he should have already been doing as a Levite. Therefore he sold his land. According to the Church Epistles, did he have to sell his land? The answer is absolutely not. But he did not know the revelation which was applicable to him; therefore, he adhered to the law, that which he did know, as did the others. Yet even in their ignorance, the believers lived on a much higher spiritual plane than ever before. In Acts chapter 4 we see how the believers were giving above and beyond the tithe.
Acts 4:33-35:
And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.
Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold,
And laid them down at the apostles' feet: and distri bution was made unto every man according as he had need.
We see many similarities to Abraham's original tithe. The reason for their giving was to respond to God's blessings. The attitude was obviously one of gratitude, love, and honor to God. The gifts were given to God's men, the apostles, who were blessing God's people. They had commitment and confidence that God would provide. Indeed, as with Abraham, the believers' needs were met. But, one notable difference is apparentÄthey gave beyond ten percent. They gave all they did not need. Plurality giving was their response. That the born-again ones would give abundantly above Abraham's tithe is logical. He gave the tithe as a proper response to God for His blessings. The believers in the first century were born again; Abraham was not. They had the comforter in them; Abraham did not. They manifested speaking in tongues; Abraham did not. This is to name a few of the many, many more blessings they had above Abraham's blessings. If the tithe was Abraham's proper response, of course the born-again ones would give beyond the tithe, and indeed they did.
With the Apostle Paul's teaching ministry, the knowledge pertaining to the Grace Administration became known, and the transition between the old and the new administrations progressively developed. Nothing in the Book of Acts nor the Church Epistles indicates any change in adherence to the tithe, except that the born-again believers gave abundantly above the tithe. The churches of Macedonia are a great example of the giving that took place in the first-century Church.
II Corinthians 8:1 and 2:
Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia;
How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality.
Acts 16 and 17 record some of the persecution and tribulation the believers of Macedonia endured.7 Yet, they had an abundance of joy in giving.
II Corinthians 8:3-5:
For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves;
Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints.
And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God.
They were a great example of believers who gave with a heart of love and commitment to God. They were so blessed, to give abundantly was their joy. Chapters 8 and 9 address the collection of the promised gifts to be sent to Jerusalem.8 The Corinthian believers had informed Paul of their intent to share (apparently quite generously) to help the saints in Jerusalem. Paul, in turn, boasted to the other churches in Macedonia and Achaia of their intentions. The believers in Macedonia were very inspired by this seeming giving commit ment of the Corinthians, so they gave abundantly, as we have just read. However, a year had passed and the Corinthians still had not carried out that which they said they would. These chapters address that situation.
Paul, writing by revelation, handled this confrontation discretely so that the promised sharing would not be given unwillingly out of compulsion because they had been confronted. God did not want their gift to be out of guilt, condemnation, or humiliation. This revelation to the Christian church today is piercing, and just as alive as when it was written. God's concern is that the giver has the right reason and attitude for his giving.
II Corinthians 8:7:
Therefore, as ye abound in every thing, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also.
The word "grace" most often means "unmerited, divine favor — a free gift from God." In this section, God chose to use the word "grace" for man's giving to emphasize the attitude behind the giving. All of God's gifts are because of God's love. In like manner, our giving is to be from love with the same pure motives we have seen throughout God's Word.
I Corinthians 8:8-11:
I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love.
For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.
And herein I give my advice: for this is expedient for you, who have begun before, not only to do, but also to be forward a year ago.
Now therefore perform the doing of it....
He did not command them to do, because He wanted their giving to be a manifestation of genuine love. The way in which Jesus Christ gave his life was given as a sterling example for all giving.
Paul sent Titus and another to help them prepare.
II Corinthians 9:5:
Therefore I thought it necessary to exhort the brethren, that they would go before unto you, and make up beforehand your bounty, whereof ye had notice before, that the same might be ready, as a matter of bounty, and not as of covetousness.
The word "bounty" could have been translated "blessing" as it is in most other occurrences. The blessing is referring to their promised giving. The word "covetousness," in the context of this verse, is contrasted with a blessed, generous gift, and implies giving out of compulsion, grudgingly because of the giver's greediness.
II Corinthians 9:6:
But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.
Sowing bountifully is a generous gift given with the right, godly attitude. Sowing sparingly is the opposite — not only limited in amount, but also limited in correct attitude. Both yield the same respectively.
II Corinthians 9:7:
Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.
This section is dealing with the gift the Corinthians had already promised but, as of yet, had not given, and with their having the right attitude in giving. "Purposeth in his heart" has been misunderstood to mean that each person decides if the tithe is applicable for him. The Word of God clearly states that the tithe is the proper, minimum standard for giving. That which is purposed in the heart has absolutely nothing to do with the doctrine of the Word of God. The heart's agreeing or disagreeing with the Word does not change it. Each believer has the responsibility to change his heart to agree with the Word, and never to change the Word to agree with his heart. That which is purposed in the heart has an impact on the giver, not on God's Word. The tithe has been established by God. That which is purposed in the heart when a person is giving is established by him each time he gives.
Remember the example of the Macedonians who gave generously and joyfully with a heart of love and commitment to God? Also, remember the sterling example of the grace (giving) of our Lord Jesus Christ? The purpose in our hearts when we give should be understood in light of these examples and the other truths in the context.
All giving, whether it be the tithe or sharing abundantly above, is to be the manifestation of a heart of love, thankfulness, respect, and honor to God. We should never give with a heart of reluctancy, sorrow, guilt, or out of compulsion. Thus anyone who endeavors to extract gifts from others by using the unethical means of humiliation by condemnation and guilt is outside of God's will, as is the individual who allows himself to be coerced in this way. God loves a cheerful giver. Don't you? How would you like to receive a gift given grudgingly out of compulsion?
When we consider verse 8, how can we be anything but cheerful in our giving?
II Corinthians 9:8:
And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work.
The Book of Acts and the Church Epistles give clear evidence that the tithe is as applicable now as it was the first time Abraham gave it.
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The believers in the first century not only continued to tithe, they shared abundantly above the tithe.
All giving is to be a manifestation of genuine love.
The way in which Jesus Christ gave his life is a sterling example for all giving.
Conclusion
The tithe was first recorded in God's Word with Abraham thousands of years ago. In Jacob, the tithe was confirmed as the right way of believing. With Moses and the writing of the law, a new administration started, but the tithe continued. The tithe was an integral part of the law. Jesus Christ tithed in the Christ Administration. Jesus Christ came to fulfill the Mosaic law and thereby ended it. However, he did not end the laws God started before the Mosaic law, which were incorporated in the law and are still applicable afterwards. The born-again believers in the first-century Church not only continued to tithe, but they shared abundantly above.
The Word of God gives clear testimony that the tithe has not changed since its inception. Therefore, we can conclude that the tithe is immutable and still benefits the spiritually minded who practice it.
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The reason for the tithe is to give a proper response to God for His blessings.
The attitude of the giver should be one of sincere gratitude, honor, respect, and love. Not one iota of compulsion or any other negative should be involved.
The tithe is ten percent of the firstfruits. God receives the best.
The tithe is given to God's man who blesses God's people.
The tithe is a commitment to God, surrendering of one's life and well-being to His care.
The tithe provides autonomy from unbelievers.
The tithe is given with the attitude of worship.
The tithe helps to open the door for miracles.
The tithe teaches people to reverence God.
The tithe is a fundamental way to put God first in life.
The tithe is a key to health and prosperity.
The tithe makes it available for God to open up the windows of heaven and pour out blessings of which there is not room enough to receive.
The tithe makes it available for God to rebuke the devourer.
The tithe is not to be a religious ritual done without thought and believing.
The tithe is never to be a substitute for doing the rest of God's wonderful Word.
The tithe should be the minimum today. The born-again believers should want to share abundantly.
Footnotes:
1 Bishop K.C. Pillai taught that this custom was carried over into officials' taking oaths and "hands up" command in war. It signifies complete surrender to serve by raising the hand. Some Eastern people, at the day's end, lie down and pray, and just before they fall asleep, they lift up both hands as they are stretched out on the bed, head on the pillow, and they commit themselves to God. They have put all of the problems of the day behind, having given them to God, and lift up their hands to fully surrender to Him. See I Timothy 2:8.
2 "And this stone, which I have set for a pillar, shall be God's house..." refers to this place of which the stone formed a part due to the figure of speech metonymy. See E. W. Bullinger, Figures of Speech Used in the Bible, (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Book House, 1968), p. 591.
3 The seven administrations are: 1) Original Paradise, 2) Patriarchal, 3) Law, 4) Christ, 5) Church or Grace, 6) Appearing, and 7) Final Paradise or Glory.
4 Dr. E. W. Bullinger lists thirty-four laws seen in force in Genesis, which were included in the Mosaic law. See E. W. Bullinger, Appendix 15, "Laws Before Sinai," The Companion Bible, (London, England: Samuel Bagster and Sons Limited, 1964), pp. 22 and 23.
5 Numbers 18:20?, Deuteronomy 10:8 and 9; 14:24?.
6 See Genesis 7:11, 8:2, compare with Genesis 1:6-10.
7 Philippi was one of the churches in Macedonia. Read Philippians 4:10-19.
8 I Corinthians 16:1-3, Romans 15:26 and 27.
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