The basis for tithing
Hebrews 7:1-28; 5/15/2022; BCBC/IOUC; Rev. Paul Wang
Introduction
Tithing becomes a contentious issue, closely related to history, theology, and truth. In my past pastoral experience, I have also discussed this truth with some brothers and sisters who hold different opinions. Today, we will explore and restate the biblical basis for tithing from Hebrews chapter 7. Let’s look at the first point:
Abraham’s testimony
Why start with Abraham? In the history of saving mankind, Abraham was the beginning. All the historical facts related to salvation are related to Abraham. Among them, tithing is included. First, God alone who works wonders. We must know that our knowledge of God is limited. The records of Melchizedek in the Bible are not in any order that can be traced by history and archaeology. Anyway, that’s how Melchizedek appeared. The Bible calls him the king of Salem and the priest of the Most High God. God knows our needs well, understands the experiences we are about to go through, and even knows and prepares in advance the salvation and gospel needs of the elect and the church. At the very beginning of the election, God prepared Melchizedek to receive the tithe of God’s people. And the timing of the appearance was just in time. After the battle, the capture of a lot, and the blessing of the king of Salem, it was also the time to tithe. Everything came so logically, without a clue, without a reason, but also reasonable.
Second, the testimony of Abraham. Abraham was the first patriarch in history to show his tithing. Why one tenth and not two tenths? The Bible doesn’t even explain it at the moment, it just declares in a recorded way: “and Abraham gave him a tenth of everything. First, the name Melchizedek means “king of righteousness”; then also, “king of Salem” means “king of peace.” (Hebrews 7:2)” Why offer to Melchizedek? The reason is also very simple, because he is the King of Righteousness and the King of Peace! King of Righteousness, what is represented here is that tithing is a right thing in the eyes of God. The King of Peace also typifies the promise that God has put into the people who belong to God because of their tithing. The king of Salem typifies the authority to enjoy peace in the land where we live.
Lastly, the object of offering is God. Melchizedek has appeared somewhat inexplicably, and the biblical explanation of his origin is even more difficult to understand. Paul said: “Without father or mother, without genealogy, without beginning of days or end of life, resembling the Son of God, he remains a priest forever. (Hebrews 7:3) ” Who will be fatherless? Who can possibly find his source in creation? The answer is resemblance to the Son of God, which in fact points to God Himself. That is to say, Abraham’s tithe that year seemed to be given to Melchizedek, but it was actually aimed at God. This is adjusting the values of our giving, which is simply aimed at God. Otherwise, it will be easy for Satan to leave a hole, bitterness in our hearts, and hostility and resentment in our mouths. Paul even said that tithing to God is such a noble thing! Let’s look at the second point:
Obedience of the tribe of Levi
Speaking of Levi, he was the third son of Jacob, the fourth great-grandson of Abraham. The formation of Levi and the other tribes did not gradually take place in the years to come until after Jacob’s prophecy to his sons in Genesis 49. It was 430 years after Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt. First, God’s rules. The Levites were faithful to God and loved God more than their parents and family. When the Israelites worshiped idols, committed adultery and betrayed God, they always stood by God (Exodus 32:26-29; Numbers 25:1- 13). So God specially chose the Levites to serve Him, and even gave them the covenant of peace as a covenant of eternal priesthood. The Levites received tithing from other tribes as a source of life and service, which was a rule set by God. The ministers who serve God full-time in the church today are just like the Levites in those days, relying on the gospel to maintain their living and receiving the tithes of the New Testament believers. The teaching of tithing in the Old and New Testaments is, obviously, a consistent rule set by God.
Second, Levi is a shadow. Now the law requires the descendants of Levi who become priests to collect a tenth from the people—that is, from their fellow Israelites—even though they also are descended from Abraham. (Hebrews 7:5) Although the Levites received tithes, they did not represent Melchizedek, but rather a shadow of Melchizedek. It’s a little hard to understand, but Paul’s explanation is: “Because when Melchizedek met Abraham, Levi was still in the body of his ancestor. (Hebrews 7:10)”Using this kind of methodology that transcends time and space and traverses time and space is a bit difficult to understand, making people overwhelmed and confused. In fact, this is similar to the principle of the Sabbath, as if God had left a rest for those who believe in Him that existed before the creation of the world.
Finally, progressive revelation dictates. God reveals His truth to us through progressive revelation because of the weakness of our understanding. Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt and walked in the wilderness for forty years. Shows us a panorama of Levitical service: how to sacrifice, how to cleanse, teach the law, enforce discipline, etc., and of course including collect tithes. Paul particularly emphasized: “In the one case, the tenth is collected by people who die; but in the other case, by him who is declared to be living. (Hebrews 7:8)” However, Paul also said: “One might even say that Levi, who collects the tenth, paid the tenth through Abraham. (Hebrews 7:9)” A very important truth is revealed here, that both the giver and the taker must be in the faith of Abraham! Let’s look at the third point:
The heritage of the church today
Facing the last days now, perhaps the most difficult thing is how our church today faces and handles tithing, right? First of all, we should fear God. The tithing in the church today is according to the order of Melchizedek, and it expresses the honor of God. Therefore, “For God loves a cheerful giver.” If you are unwilling, then it is better not to donate. In addition, the premise of reverence is honesty, and there must be no falsehood. Remember Ananias in the book of Acts? Falsely consecrated in offerings, and eventually fell to the ground for lying to the Holy Spirit. How much to give is not a problem. Jesus even praised the widow’s two small coins in front of the disciples. As for your offering, it should be decided after your prayers. This decision is evidence that can be handed over to God when meeting Him in the future.
Second, take Christ as your goal. The attitude of giving is important, and the goal is even more important. Before each offering, there should be a prayer to God. Gratitude comes when our giving is directed toward Christ. Thank the Lord for making me a consecrated person and for giving me the opportunity to work, the ability, and the willingness. In addition to a grateful heart, there should also be a heart that looks up to Him. Looking to Him for provision, giving me peace and joy, and a daily step of strength. The offering today is just like saving treasure in heaven. Jesus said there will be no worms and no rot.
Lastly, be on the mission. The ultimate purpose of tithing is to spread the gospel. Near and far, there is a need for the gospel. If anyone is on a mission, he is a new creation, the old has gone, the new is here. Every penny we have in our life is directed towards the Gospel mission. In addition to the gospel mission, every breath of life is for God’s will to save the world. One day when we come to the Lord, He will see if the resources we have in this life are used to save others. The Lord’s will is to preach the word no matter in season or out of season! We may not know how to preach the word yet, but as long as we preach, the Lord will give wisdom, grace, and power! Jesus said, therefore go, go in person, with money, hearts, and prayers! Anyhow, go with everything!
Conclusion
Well, dear brothers and sisters, the basis for tithing is from God, for God, throughout the past and present, and inherited from the Old and New Testaments. Through the testimony of Abraham, along the historical context of the Levites and the heritage of the church today, we can see the gospel mission of Christ.
Let us pray……
Hebrews 7:1-28
1 This Melchizedek was king of Salem and priest of God Most High. He met Abraham returning from the defeat of the kings and blessed him, 2 and Abraham gave him a tenth of everything. First, the name Melchizedek means “king of righteousness”; then also, “king of Salem” means “king of peace.” 3 Without father or mother, without genealogy, without beginning of days or end of life, resembling the Son of God, he remains a priest forever. 4 Just think how great he was: Even the patriarch Abraham gave him a tenth of the plunder! 5 Now the law requires the descendants of Levi who become priests to collect a tenth from the people—that is, from their fellow Israelites—even though they also are descended from Abraham. 6 This man, however, did not trace his descent from Levi, yet he collected a tenth from Abraham and blessed him who had the promises. 7 And without doubt the lesser is blessed by the greater. 8 In the one case, the tenth is collected by people who die; but in the other case, by him who is declared to be living. 9 One might even say that Levi, who collects the tenth, paid the tenth through Abraham, 10 because when Melchizedek met Abraham, Levi was still in the body of his ancestor. 11 If perfection could have been attained through the Levitical priesthood—and indeed the law given to the people established that priesthood—why was there still need for another priest to come, one in the order of Melchizedek, not in the order of Aaron? 12 For when the priesthood is changed, the law must be changed also. 13 He of whom these things are said belonged to a different tribe, and no one from that tribe has ever served at the altar. 14 For it is clear that our Lord descended from Judah, and in regard to that tribe Moses said nothing about priests. 15 And what we have said is even more clear if another priest like Melchizedek appears, 16 one who has become a priest not on the basis of a regulation as to his ancestry but on the basis of the power of an indestructible life. 17 For it is declared: “You are a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.”18 The former regulation is set aside because it was weak and useless 19 (for the law made nothing perfect), and a better hope is introduced, by which we draw near to God.
20 And it was not without an oath! Others became priests without any oath, 21 but he became a priest with an oath when God said to him: “The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind: ‘You are a priest forever.’” 22 Because of this oath, Jesus has become the guarantor of a better covenant. 23 Now there have been many of those priests, since death prevented them from continuing in office; 24 but because Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood. 25 Therefore he is able to save completely[c] those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them. 26 Such a high priest truly meets our need—one who is holy, blameless, pure, set apart from sinners, exalted above the heavens. 27 Unlike the other high priests, he does not need to offer sacrifices day after day, first for his own sins, and then for the sins of the people. He sacrificed for their sins once for all when he offered himself. 28 For the law appoints as high priests men in all their weakness; but the oath, which came after the law, appointed the Son, who has been made perfect forever.
