Should we tithe, does God Care?

[reddogs]

Some people want to keep every penny they can, so they come up with a rational to 'penny pinch' God like "should we tithe the 10% off of our gross or net pay?", if thats the way you feel dont do it, keep it all as it is better to give it from love than to make a "payment" to see how good the returns are on the "blessings" .

The story of Abraham and Melchizedek (Gen 14:20) is the first example of tithing. The second example appears when Jacob makes a commitment to tithe in response to God's blessings (Gen 28:22). Neither of these examples are a response to a new directive from God. They are simply a continuation of a normal lifestyle of worship. Through tithe, these men were acknowledging God's involvement in the material side of their lives. They were not supporting a church, they were simply worshipping God.​

Later, when God gave Israel direct instruction on tithing, it was again in the context of worship. They were to offer their tithes and offerings at the sanctuary, the dwelling place for God's name (Det 12:5-6, 11). God received the tithe and used it to provide for the ministry of the sanctuary through the priests and Levites.The real issue is how we acknowledge our relationship with God as Savior and Redeemer. Do we want to show our thanks or would we rather keep it put it in a hot investment in small growth funds or stocks and bonds and get our reward a different way.

One of the most important points for understanding God's rationale for tithing is found in what Jesus said in Matthew 6:25-34. He places money and material things in direct competition with God in our lives. He confronts us with a choice as to whom we will serve and how we will serve Him. Jesus challenges us: "But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you"

 

[reddogs]

It is the privilege of all who believe to contribute their tithes and offerings in accordance to the measure in which God has prospered them. Paradoxically, some of the richest blessings and promises in the Scriptures are applicable to those who willingly contribute of their means to finance the ministry. Everything we posses, we possess by the grace of God. It is He that grants us our abilities and capabilities including the capacity to make money.

"And you shall remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth, that He may establish His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day." Deuteronomy 8:18

Everything belongs to God, but He has granted us the privilege of managing the earth.

"The God blessed them, and God said to them, ‘Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.’" Genesis 1:28

This privilege does not jeopardize God’s ownership.

"The earth is the Lord’s and all its fullness, the world and those who dwell therein." Psalm 24:1

"‘The silver is Mine, and the gold is Mine,’ says the Lord of hosts." Haggai 2:8

For every beast of the forest is Mine, and the cattle on a thousand hills. Psalm 50:10

The methods of financing the gospel have been spelt out by God. They are divided into two categories, namely tithes and offerings.

"Will a man rob God? Yet you have robbed Me! But you say, ‘In what way have we robbed You?’ In tithes and offerings." Malachi 3:8

A tithe is a tenth and the tithing system was introduced by God for the financing of the ministry. The tithe was to be used to pay the priests. The first instruction written in regard to tithing is recorded in the book of Leviticus.

"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." Leviticus 27:30

The use to which the tithe was to be put is recorded in the book of Numbers:

"Behold, I have given the children of Levi all the tithes in Israel as an inheritance in return for the work which they perform, the work of the tabernacle of meeting." Numbers 18:21

Some might argue that the tithing system was only applicable in the Old Testament times and that it was meant for the Jews. However, the system of tithing was in operation before the nation of Israel was called by God, and Paul in his letter to the Corinthians applies the system of tithing to the ministers of the gospel.

"Do you not know that those who minister the holy things eat of the things of the temple, and those who serve at the altar partake of the offerings of the altar? Even so the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should live from the gospel." 1 Corinthians 9:13,14

Indeed it is a command of God that the minister be paid “in the same way” as those who ministered in the temple, and that was through the system of tithing. In no way does the New Testament negate the system of tithing. On the contrary it places it on a higher plain. We should not pay tithe out of a forced feeling of duty. It should come from the heart.
"...for God loveth a cheerful giver." 2 Corinthians 9:7