The Tithe Conversion (Part 4)
by John Holler
The Church to Gather and Distribute The Giving
Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye. Upon the first [day] of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as [God] hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come. And when I come, whomsoever ye shall approve by [your] letters, them will I send to bring your liberality unto Jerusalem.
1 Corinthians 16:1-3
It is the responsibility of the Church to gather the tithes and offerings for the distribution to God’s work. This is why, in the Acts reference earlier, the believers laid their offering at the feet of the Apostles, so that they could distribute it to the needs of the saints and the work of the ministry. This was the established process which Paul taught the churches of Corinth and Galatia, mentioned above, and presumably the rest of the churches he founded, based on the precedent established in these and other scriptures.
Synopsis
If you find the inability to trust Paul and God’s order established in the founding of the early churches, then I submit to you to trust the spoken words of Jesus as given to us in Matthew 23:23 and another account in Luke 11:42.
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.
Matthew 23:23
It seems that if Jesus was going to eliminate the tithe this would have been the opportune moment. Instead, we find that He reestablished the principle and addressed the lack of the internal offering that needed to be applied from within to transform the act from a natural work to a relational moment with God. To perform a work outwardly without the sincerity of relationship and understanding from within is simply an act of outward religion. In New Testament Scripture this is defined as “the works of the law.” Some references are found in Romans chapters 3 and 9, and Galatians chapters 2 and 3.
The New Testament introduces us to a restored relationship with God through a relationship with Jesus Christ. This personal relationship restores us to the true intent of God as we rediscover every Old Testament principle as He intended from its original inception. Instead of practicing an outward legal work, and loving other gods or our selfish motive internally, we find ourselves obeying God through the intimate power of relationship through His Spirit.
Conclusion
No true study of the Bible will yield any scriptural defense for the annulment of tithes and offerings in the New Testament. As we have seen here, they are not done away, they are perfected in the New Testament believer. It is the pinnacle of hypocrisy to claim the promises of the Old Testament while rejecting its validity in the New Testament. Not even sacrifice was eliminated. Instead of animals, we trust the perfect sacrifice of our Savior and then follow him by living the life of sacrifice He demonstrated. The Sabbath, likewise, was perfectly revealed to us so that, instead of one day of rest, we now live in constant communion, fellowship and celebration with the Lord of the Sabbath. Every Old Testament law finds its fulfillment and completion in the New Testament, not to be done away, but to be lived perfectly and completely in those redeemed from the curse. Let us turn away from these doctrines of demons and return to a pure heart of devotion and service by following the example of Jesus Christ, who gave Himself completely for us. Put away the lust for wealth and receive, with meekness, the trust in the rich supply of our Heavenly Father who promises that if we -
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.
Malachi 3:10-12
Thank you for reading Part 4! We hope that this helped you gain a deeper understanding of what tithes look like in the New testament. If you would like a complete copy of The Tithe Conversion, send us a Facebook message and let us know what your email is, we would be happy to send it over to you! Make sure to connect with us over Facebook! We can't wait to get to know you!
