For serious bible students2 Corinthians 8:9simple study 2
Corinthians 8:9 KJV[9] 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.Does this verse of
scripture promise believers wealth?A fundamental rule of bible
interpretation is to study in context and the use of corroborative
texts.Three words need clarification here , grace ,and rich .( rich
and poor will be defined together )So let's read in context2
Corinthians 8:1-8 KJV[1] Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of
the grace of God bestowed on the churches of MacedoniaGrace was
first mentioned as touching the church in Macedonia; [2] How that
in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their
deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality.This
church had grace yet were poor materially but yet their giving was
referred to as riches .[3] For to their power, I bear record, yea,
and beyond their power they were willing of themselves;He describes
this grace as giving even beyond their ability .[4] Praying us with
much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the
fellowship of the ministering to the saints. [5] 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.He commends their attitude that despite
not having enough the grace upon their lives was unique in how they
gave[6] Insomuch that we desired Titus, that as he had begun, so he
would also finish in you the same grace also.Titus was sent to
Corinth to build them up so they can function in this grace of
giving .[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 church in Corinth was
commended for faith ,diligence and love and admonished to excel in
the grace of giving just like Macedonia ( who were poor )8] I speak
not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others,
and to prove the sincerity of your love.He isn't commanding only
showing examples of the grace of givingNow to verse 92 Corinthians
8:9 KJV[9] 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.Contextually the grace is to give
even in the state of poverty .Jesus made us rich when he was poor
,the church in Macedonia made others rich whilst they poor .Clear
?Now to the word rich .Without qualms the term rich couldn't have
meant material riches even though he's teaching material giving.
The second verse depicts that,they were materially poor but
spiritually rich ..John used the same illustration of Jesus's
sacrifice to teach giving1 John 3:16-17 KJV[16] Hereby perceive we
the love of God , because he laid down his life for us: and we
ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. [17] But whoso hath
this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up
his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in
him?The spiritual used to encourage material giving .Read
JamesJames 2:5 KJV[5] Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God
chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the
kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?Rich
spiritually but not materiallyRevelation 3:17 KJV[17] Because thou
sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of
nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and
poor, and blind, and naked:Same .Paul will elsewhere use an
adjective1 Timothy 6:17-18 KJV[17] Charge them that are rich in
this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain
riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to
enjoy;18] That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready
to distribute, willing to communicate;Rich in this world ( normal
for both believer and non believer ) ,however rich in good works
,that's for believers.Note this guys were not givers. Hence the
exhortation .The term rich is again used for non material things
,attitude of giving .It flows with ALL texts examined so far .Rich
wasn't material there ,as paul was teaching Jesus in His riches was
made poor .very similar text to 2 Corinthians 5:21, Became sin
.Through His sacrifice of death We are made enriched to act in His
stead .Now let's quickly view Philippians 4:19Philippians 4:19
KJV[19] But my God shall supply all your need according to his
riches in glory by Christ Jesus.The term riches in gloryEphesians
1:18 KJV[18] The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that
ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of
the glory of his inheritance in the saints,Obviously not material
.Ephesians 3:16 KJV[16] That he would grant you, according to the
riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in
the inner man;Riches of His glory refers to the Indwelling of the
Spirit,not moneySo back to Philippians 4:19Paul was commending
giving .Philippians 4:15-18 KJV[15] Now ye Philippians know also,
that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from
Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and
receiving, but ye only. [16] For even in Thessalonica ye sent once
and again unto my necessity. [17] Not because I desire a gift: but
I desire fruit that may abound to your account. [18] But I have
all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the
things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a
sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God.His ( paul )needs were
supplied by the spiritually riches of believers ( giving ) which is
the riches in gloryHence God will supply their needs too by the
liberality of other believers just like his.Not some imported
interpretation.Needs are met via industry2 Thessalonians 3:10
KJV[10] For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that
if any would not work, neither should he eat.Work !Ephesians 4:28
KJV[28] Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him
labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may
have to give to him that needeth.Honest work .Others have their
needs met by the giving by other saints ( riches in glory by christ
Jesus ).This verse in context refers to needs being met by the
gifts of other saints .This is in tandem with other textsActs
2:44-46 KJV[44] And all that believed were together, and had all
things common; [45] And sold their possessions and goods, and
parted them to all men , as every man had need. [46] And they,
continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread
from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and
singleness of heart,Acts 4:34-35 KJV[34] 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, [35] And laid them down at the apostles' feet: and
distribution was made unto every man according as he had need.Acts
6:1 KJV[1] And in those days, when the number of the disciples was
multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the
Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily
ministration.Acts 11:28-30 KJV[28] And there stood up one of them
named Agabus, and signified by the Spirit that there should be
great dearth throughout all the world: which came to pass in the
days of Claudius Caesar. [29] Then the disciples, every man
according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the
brethren which dwelt in Judaea: [30] Which also they did, and sent
it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.Acts 20:34-35
KJV[34] Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered
unto my necessities, and to them that were with me. [35] I have
shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support
the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said,
It is more blessed to give than to receive.Romans 15:26-27 KJV[26]
For it hath pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain
contribution for the poor saints which are at Jerusalem. [27] It
hath pleased them verily; and their debtors they are. For if the
Gentiles have been made partakers of their spiritual things, their
duty is also to minister unto them in carnal things.1 Corinthians
16:1-2 KJV[1] Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I
have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye. [2]
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.Galatians 2:10 KJV[10] Only they would that we should
remember the poor; the same which I also was forward to
do.Galatians 6:10 KJV[10] As we have therefore opportunity, let us
do good unto all men , especially unto them who are of the
household of faith.Ephesians 4:28 KJV[28] Let him that stole steal
no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the
thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that
needeth.If you read through well u will see how God supplied the
needs of the saints according to the riches of His glory ,the
giving of saints .Its sad most scriptures written to teach us to
help others have been converted into our selfish prosperity
verses.The poor were not told to sow to go up ,there needs were met
according to His riches in glory in other believers Called giving
!Hence James rebukeJames 2:15-16 KJV[15] If a brother or sister be
naked, and destitute of daily food, [16] And one of you say unto
them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye
give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth
it profit?When a brother is in need u don't lay hands or ask to
connect ,u meet his needs .So Paul's use of the Spiritual to
explain the natural in giving in 2 Corinthians 8:9 isn't peculiar
to himEven John as reiterated earlier1 John 3:16-17 KJV[16] Hereby
perceive we the love of God , because he laid down his life for us:
and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. [17] But whoso
hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and
shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the
love of God in him?Just like 2 Corinthians 8:9, Jesus death teaches
,empowers us and leads us giving to others not for prosperity .The
grace of our Lord Jesus Christ is used elsewhere2 Corinthians 13:14
KJV[14] The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God,
and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen.Non
material.Romans 16:24 KJV[24] The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be
with you all. Amen.Galatians 6:18 KJV[18] Brethren, the grace of
our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.1 Corinthians 16:23
KJV[23] The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.Ephesians
6:24 KJV[24] Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ
in sincerity. Amen.Philippians 4:23 KJV[23] The grace of our Lord
Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.1 Thessalonians 5:28 KJV[28] The
grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.Not material but
His love and sacrificeGod blesses us materially but the above texts
teach giving to meet the needs of others not yours !Hope this is
clear ?Blessings
For Serious bible students 2Explaining 2cor9:82 Corinthians 9:8
KJV[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:This is a text teaching and describing the giving
to saints .2 Corinthians 9:1 KJV[1] For as touching the ministering
to the saints, it is superfluous for me to write to you:2
Corinthians 9:5-15 KJV[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.Bounty will be the contrast of covetousness .In other
words we aren't making a demand on u but asking u do it willingly (
bounty )This will come out better later as we study .[6] But this I
say , He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he
which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.Bountifully
and sparingly are used because sowing seeds is inferred .Sowing
seeds is never literal here but an allegorical explanation of
actions NOT objectsIF U MISS THIS,U MISS EVERYTHING!The seed is
used allegorically for the non material.For exampleLuke 8:11
KJV[11] Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of
God.Allegory .Its a figure of speechGalatians 6:7-10 KJV[7] Be not
deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that
shall he also reap. [8] For he that soweth to his flesh shall of
the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall
of the Spirit reap life everlasting.9] And let us not be weary in
well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.10] As
we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men ,
especially unto them who are of the household of faith.1
Corinthians 3:6-8 KJV[6] I have planted, Apollos watered; but God
gave the increase. [7] So then neither is he that planteth any
thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.
[8] Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every
man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour.Sowing
here isn't material .Same as seed ,As well as the increase .Similar
to the index text ,it describes the non material .The soil is non
material.The harvest is non material .Clear enough .[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.Giving
grudgingly is sparing referring to grudge ( unwilling,vex,pain
,unhappy ) giving not small amount .It's dealing with spiritual
things here .Btw-Only God knows your heart !Again the focus here
isn't the amount But rather the heart in the giving .Hence cheerful
giving is bountiful giving .Jesus taught also distinguishing amount
given from the value of the gift .the Attitude .Luke 21:1-4 KJV[1]
And he looked up, and saw the rich men casting their gifts into the
treasury. [2] And he saw also a certain poor widow casting in
thither two mites. [3] And he said, Of a truth I say unto you, that
this poor widow hath cast in more than they all: [4] For all these
have of their abundance cast in unto the offerings of God: but she
of her penury hath cast in all the living that she had.She gave
more.the Focus isn't the amount but the attitude.She was richer
than them allRich in good works .Now to the main textSlowly read
into this text knowing paul was emphasizing giving .[8] And G03od
is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having
all sufficiency in all things , may abound to every good
work:What's the grace?money?NO!We had established that earlier as
willing giving (2corinthians 8:9), remember?The grace ( free giving
) ,is the attitude that abounds towards us ,why?So that when we
have ( all sufficiency ) in all things we abound to every good work
.Again Paul isn't teaching grace to prosper but grace to give !Stay
in line!The grace abounds towards us to give !Just as explained in
chapter 8.Grace means Charis,to give freely .Willingly cheerfully
.the emphasis remains giving .In your sufficiency you abound (used
for doing more ) ,You give.Again He's teaching giving to the needs
of saints .We have reversed the roles,we give for God to give .No,
Giving is a ministry,Freely have u received, freely giveWe have
turned giving into lottery, casino with the love of money some have
erred from the faith .Because in such giving, it's motivated by the
love of money .They want more from their offering .1 Timothy 6:9-10
KJV[9] But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare,
and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in
destruction and perdition.10] For the love of money is the root of
all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the
faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows."Sowing
money "to be rich will produce the above troubles .This is fruit of
the gospel of money .The false teaching / doctrine on giving .More
money not meeting more needs .Paul's wasn't the architect of this
misfortune .RatherPaul is teaching giving because you love the
saints ,You minister to them .We have taught sowing money (
whatever that means ) to reap moneyThat's an eisegesis .Reading
meaning into a text.[9] (As it is written, He hath dispersed
abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for
ever.This text is from the Old TestamentPsalm 112:9 KJV[9] He hath
dispersed, he hath given to the poor; his righteousness endureth
for ever; his horn shall be exalted with honour.Again the non
material is implied ,that is ,your gift is material but your seed
is non material .Follow through and this becomes clearer .10] Now
he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your
food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your
righteousness;)This text again is from the Old TestamentIsaiah
55:10-11 KJV[10] For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from
heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and
maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower,
and bread to the eater:11] So shall my word be that goeth forth out
of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall
accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing
whereto I sent it.Once again the seed is used allegorically for the
non- material ,Can u see this now ,My Word.Gods Word .[11] Being
enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through
us thanksgiving to God.The harvest is the thanksgiving of the
saints .[12] For the administration of this service not only
supplieth the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many
thanksgivings unto God;Very clear !The fruits of our righteousness
is supplying the want of the saints and abundant also by many
thanksgiving unto God.Not God giving you increase of your finances
because you gave Your brethrenGrace means free unconditional gift
.In order words You don't give to get it .[13] Whiles by the
experiment of this ministration they glorify God for your professed
subjection unto the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal
distribution unto them, and unto all men ;That's It!The saints
glorify God for your subjection to the gospel ( bountiful giving
)[14] And by their prayer for you, which long after you for the
exceeding grace of God in you.What's the grace of God in u?Your
attitude,willingness to Give .[15] Thanks be unto God for his
unspeakable gift.Amen .God gives us,then we give .When we give the
needs of the saints are met and our works ( fruits of our
righteousness ) remains ,Just as paul taught in two other texts.1
Timothy 6:18-19 KJV[18] That they do good, that they be rich in
good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; [19]
Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the
time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.Time to come
.laying up in store .the rewards of giving are eternal in nature
not more cars and jets .Jesus gave a parable in this regardMatthew
25:35-37 KJV[35] For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was
thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:
[36] Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was
in prison, and ye came unto me. [37] Then shall the righteous
answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee
? or thirsty, and gave thee drink?They saw their giving in eternity
.They gave to His brethren ( not NGO as he never uses brethren for
non believers ).Same with the rich foolLuke 12:20-21 KJV[20] But
God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required
of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast
provided? [21] So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is
not rich toward God.Fool ,eternity counts more than the
temporariness of appearing on Forbes list .This is why we don't
need to be so acclaimed .Matthew 6:19-20 KJV[19] Lay not up for
yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt,
and where thieves break through and steal: [20] But lay up for
yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth
corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:Our true
treasures are our rewards ,Eternal rewards ,just like soul winning
,prayer etc ,Giving to saints is service unto God .All service are
/ is rewarded at the judgement seat of Christ interpreted Bema seat
,Award seat or Reward seat .Galatians 6:7-9 KJV[7] Be not deceived;
God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also
reap. [8] For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap
corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit
reap life everlasting. [9] And let us not be weary in well doing:
for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.Sowing is to the
Spirit ,it easy to see this by reading previous chapters .It's well
doing ,the harvest can't be money ,Reap life ever lasting here
means its eternal .Paul had distinguished the material and physical
earlier1 Corinthians 9:11 KJV[11] If we have sown unto you
spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal
things?Carnal here isn't same as eternal( Galatians 6:8-9&1
Timothy 6:18-20), carnal means physical ,temporary .Not to remain
forever as in 2 Corinthians 9:9-10.Giving is service NOT
lottery,It's sowing seeds spiritual in nature not money ,money is
made available but the attitude is the seed .Rewards will be given
at the END.Yes,give with service in mind ,eternity in view .1
Corinthians 3:13-15 KJV[13] Every man's work shall be made
manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be
revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what
sort it is. [14] If any man's work abide which he hath built
thereupon, he shall receive a reward. [15] If any man's work shall
be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet
so as by fire.Every work will be tested .Your manner of giving will
be tested too,its a work ,it must be a good work to stand .Some
will abide ( eternal )Others will be burned ( non eternal ).Does
God bless us materially ,YES.Matthew 7:11 KJV[11] If ye then, being
evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more
shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that
ask him?Matthew 6:8 KJV[8] Be not ye therefore like unto them: for
your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask
him.Matthew 6:30-32 KJV[30] Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass
of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven,
shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? [31]
Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What
shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? [32] (For
after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly
Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.The Earth is
His.1 Corinthians 10:26 KJV[26] For the earth is the Lord's, and
the fulness thereof.Fullness means abundance .Nothing belongs to
satan even the meat offered to idols.We can eat ( save when
another's conscience is wounded , we study this later ), because
our Father owns everything !Even the wealth of the unjust is
HisMatthew 5:45 KJV[45] That ye may be the children of your Father
which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and
on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.1
Timothy 6:17 KJV[17] Charge them that are rich in this world, that
they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the
living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;To enjoy .He
blesses us .But 2 Corinthians just like many texts of the epistles
emphasize givingActs 20:35 KJV[35] I have shewed you all things,
how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember
the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to
give than to receive.He ( in His epistles )taught more of giving
.So the Lesson - Give cheerfully ,give from your heart ,give
willingly ,give bountifully ,meet the needs of others ,this is
Grace at work .As God gave u the same way .He blesses us/you to sow
not because you sowed money !but Just like Him sow bountifully (
attitude ) your materials( money etc)Clear ?Blessings
Tithes -Something to think upon ( please read patiently )The
Word(s) tithes,tithing to tithe was NOT emphasized in the
Epistles.As a matter of Fact,it was only mentioned ONCE by the
writer of Hebrews,the mention is no instruction rather an
historical emphasis .Hebrews 7:5-9 KJV[5] And verily they that are
of the sons of Levi, who receive the office of the priesthood, have
a commandment to take tithes of the people according to the law,
that is, of their brethren, though they come out of the loins of
Abraham:[6] But he whose descent is not counted from them received
tithes of Abraham, and blessed him that had the promises.7] And
without all contradiction the less is blessed of the better.[8] And
here men that die receive tithes; but there he receiveth them , of
whom it is witnessed that he liveth. [9] And as I may so say, Levi
also, who receiveth tithes, payed tithes in Abraham.This account
can be found in Genesis 14:17-23.We shall refer to it later.The
Book of Hebrews wasn't encouraging to tithe as much as it wasn't
encouraging to offer your son just as Abraham did.Hebrews 11:17
KJV[17] By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and
he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son
,These are historical accounts with lessons to learn from ( we
shall touch this later).Some have tried to create doctrine out of
the Hebrews mention of tithe .They claim verse 8 means Jesus
receives tithe .Not so.The phrase " he receives them " is
italicized ,by implication it's not in the original text .A
contextual reading will plainly show the reader he's referring to
melchelzedek as symbolic.Back to the emphasis of tithe.Not one
mention in the Book of Acts.Not one mention in the Pauline epistles
.None in Peters .Not John.Not Jude.That's instructive .They ALL
taught giving .But NONE taught tithe .Let's see Jesus's mention of
the tithe.Just twice, one was a rebuke the other a parableMatthew
23:23 KJV[23] 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.Audience -
Pharisees and Scribes .He expressly refers to tithe here as a
matter of the law,same as mercy ,judgment and faithfulness (
written as faith ).He is NOT instructing tithing .As tithing
preceded His incarnation .Same with Passover,and all the ceremonial
sacrifices .The other mention is a parableLuke 18:11 KJV[11] The
Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee,
that I am not as other men are , extortioners, unjust, adulterers,
or even as this publican.[12] I fast twice in the week, I give
tithes of all that I possess.Its notable to see that the speaker is
a Pharisee yet again .On the two occasions where Jesus mentioned
the tithe ,He is NOT commending the tither .So we have two mentions
by Jesus ,which is in rebuking and exposing the hypocrisy of the
Pharisees ,one in the Epistles which is historical NOT an
instruction .A fundamental rule is be silent where the New
Testament is silent .That said is it wrong to tithe ?Tithe means to
give 10% of your income !earnings etc .Since its yours,it can't be
wrong .Is it mandatory to tithe your income ? obviously since no
such instruction is in the New Testament whoever makes it so is not
Doing so from the scriptures .However one key lesson we might be
failing to see is the tithe was done to Honor God.From Abraham ,He
gave to honor the priest melchelzedek in the above
texts.JacobGenesis 28:22 KJV[22] 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.He made a vow to tithe if
God blessed him .The two scenarios showed tithes as honor to God
from whom all blessings came .Its noteworthy that both examples
depicted what was done once .We sure have lessons from the tithe
.Romans 15:4 KJV[4] For whatsoever things were written aforetime
were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort
of the scriptures might have hope.Things were written for our
learning .We can learn from these examples .Let's see the Old
Testament ( the law ) on tithing .There are several texts on
tithing in the law ( I did a series on each several years back
,it's recorded ,u can order if u so wish)However the the following
one is very instructiveDeuteronomy 14:28-29 KJV[28] At the end of
three years thou shalt bring forth all the tithe of thine increase
the same year, and shalt lay it up within thy gates:29] And the
Levite, (because he hath no part nor inheritance with thee,) and
the stranger, and the fatherless, and the widow, which are within
thy gates, shall come, and shall eat and be satisfied; that the
Lord thy God may bless thee in all the work of thine hand which
thou doest.The tithe was meant for this set of folks1)Levite , they
didn't have property in the land and were priests hence the need to
support them.Numbers 18:20-21 KJV[20] And the Lord spake unto
Aaron, Thou shalt have no inheritance in their land, neither shalt
thou have any part among them: I am thy part and thine inheritance
among the children of Israel. [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.Clear enough .Since they were to be at the
service of the people ,they had to be taken care of .Paul equates
New Testament ministers this way .1 Corinthians 9:13-14 KJV[13] Do
ye not know that they which minister about holy things live of the
things of the temple? and they which wait at the altar are
partakers with the altar? [14] Even so hath the Lord ordained that
they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel.He didn't
ask us to give them tithes but to support them materially ,He gave
no percentages .We are Instructed to care for our ministers .1
Timothy 5:17-18 KJV[17] Let the elders that rule well be counted
worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and
doctrine. [18] For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the
ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his
reward.Double wages !Not handout .Galatians 6:6 KJV[6] Let him that
is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all
good things.All good things.Teachers must be well maintained
.Notice tithe wasn't used,rather support ,wages ,good things .Why
?paul had taught how to give .2 Corinthians 9:7 KJV[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.You
decide what's wages ,good things and support for your ministers
.But not grudgingly .Ministers ought to be well cared for .We
mustn't support appetites but needs .2) Strangers,Widows and
Fatherless ,the poor / needy amongst usThis category are our
responsibilities .The epistles teach thisRomans 15:26 KJV[26] For
it hath pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain
contribution for the poor saints which are at Jerusalem.1
Corinthians 16:1 KJV[1] Now concerning the collection for the
saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so
do ye.James emphasized it .James 1:27 KJV[27] Pure religion and
undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the
fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself
unspotted from the world.To visit here refers to care and support
.In The book of acts ,the church took care of the widows and the
poorActs 4:34-35 KJV[34] 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, [35] And
laid them down at the apostles' feet: and distribution was made
unto every man according as he had need.Acts 6:1 KJV[1] And in
those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there
arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because
their widows were neglected in the daily ministration.The tithe of
the Old Testament law was meant for this category of men .Today our
giving are for pastors ,church members who are poor and need
support .The tithe was meant to honor God.Our giving should do the
same ,all the time .Proverbs 3:9 KJV[9] Honour the Lord with thy
substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase:No
christian finds it difficult to honor God with his income ,we
believe He blessed us.However ,no mandatory percentages are foisted
on any one in the epistles .NONE.However paul instructs further on
how to give .1 Corinthians 16:2 KJV[2] 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.As You
prosper You give .the term " God " there isn't original,it's
italicized .Your giving should be proportional to your income
.Notice again Paul hasn't mentioned tithe .He need not use
percentages for Men born of the Spirit.2 Corinthians 3:3,6 KJV[3]
Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ
ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the
living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the
heart. [6] Who also hath made us able ministers of the new
testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter
killeth, but the spirit giveth life.We are of the SpiritWe are born
givers.Our Father is .The law was Made for men in the flesh .1
Timothy 1:9 KJV[9] Knowing this, that the law is not made for a
righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly
and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers
and murderers of mothers, for manslayers,We are told to give
because we are born to give .Blessed to give .Examples in the book
of Acts shows the New Testament spirit .Acts 2:45 KJV[45] And sold
their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men , as every
man had need.If u did this in some places ,you will be termed
manipulated !But its scriptural .New testament .to sell property to
give .to give cars and houses .Many don't give because of the
appetites of some clergy .When your pastor says he wants to be the
richest man in the world ,not because he runs his own business like
paul ( acts 20:34)but based on your giving to him ,such words can
discourage .Ministers mustn't be greedy nor covetous .1 Timothy 3:3
KJV[3] Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre;
but patient, not a brawler, not covetous;Not a lover of money .1
Timothy 6:10-11 KJV[10] For the love of money is the root of all
evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the
faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. [11] But
thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after
righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.Some have
erred from the faith to be rich ( err from the faith here refers to
doctrinal error ).Paul warned Timothy to flee!That said .It's no
excuse to be stingy ,and not give .You will be disobedient to
scriptures .For every money loving pastor there are several who are
decent ,faithfull.Don't take your fury for the bad apples out on
everyone ,Your pastor deserves decent accommodation ,mode of
transportation ,good holidays ,his kids and family well taken care
of.It's your duty .However,same with the needy in your church .They
deserve good accommodation etc as well.It's our duty too .However
where a preacher starts to teach in greed .Starts to attach money
to blessings .Money for grace,Seed for anointing.Dangerous seed for
power .Stay away from him !Change church fast.1 Timothy 6:5 KJV[5]
Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the
truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw
thyself.Withdraw yourself.leave the church ,stop listening to the
minister !There are preachers I stopped listening to their
teachings when I noticed this kind of emphasis .evil communication
corrupts good manners (1corinthians15:33).Also when the " poor" are
mere idle folks don't support them ,2 Thessalonians 3:10-11 KJV[10]
For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any
would not work, neither should he eat. [11] For we hear that there
are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but
are busybodies.Don't support anyone not willing to work .Don't
support bad habits.Even for widows .1 Timothy 5:9,11,13 KJV[9] Let
not a widow be taken into the number under threescore years old,
having been the wife of one man,11] But the younger widows refuse:
for when they have begun to wax wanton against Christ, they will
marry;13] And withal they learn to be idle, wandering about from
house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and
busybodies, speaking things which they ought not.That's clear
enough .Are we meant to tithe in the New Testament ? No.Are we
instructed to set apart part of our income to support our ministers
and the poor,needy etcYes!If u are a strong advocate of the New
Testament you aren't unwilling to go beyond any percentages be it
10% or more at every time to do this ,Hope this is clear enough
?Blessings
