Tithing is a much misunderstood concept.
Under the 'Torah', the teachings, it is a necessity as it was in support of a Tenple based rescue system for the poor and the aged, as well as a livelihood for the Levite Priests that were not given a land inheritence in Israel.
Under those conditions, it was a great idea, and if it was used properly, and given as sharing with those who tilled the Word, rather than tilling fields, it was a wise disrtibution to the family of Israel, and one I hope to see in the Kingdom under Yeshua as King of Kings.
The distaste that many of us feel for the assemblies asking for support for a building, and a ministry that we may not agree with is about being guilted into giving.
The fact remains, however, that one is rarely blessed financially by YHVH without being of a giving nature. In this, 'the children of disobedience' are wiser than the Children of God, for many faiths that we are wary of mandate charitable acts, and giving, and do receive blessings for simply giving as a practical matter.
'Being blessed financially', however is not wealth scattered by YHVH to those who give simply because they wished to be blessed, although the Universe does seem to be designed to benefit those sharing the overage above their own needs. One finds many people who do not have Yeshua in their lives that tithe as a social custom doing quite well financially, becaust they also follow other Biblically mandated advice on how to live well. Those that are walking the walk without any idea of obedience, are blessed and honored by YHVH in this life because of what they do in this life.
Without Yeshua, this still means they have only this life, but it may indeed be a lush life.
Tithing, however, as being exampled by Abraham, was to give one tenth of the overage above one's increase to a suitable purpose, or to bless those that were blessings in other ways, because it was a blessing to give to them, a thing that gratified both the giver and the recipient.
In Abraham's case he was giving a tithe to Melchizedek presumably because he thought it would be pleasing to YHVH.
Abraham was not under the Laws of Moses that we, as Messianic Gentiles, are not to follow lest we be condemned by not following all 613 of the Torah's commandments.
As Yeshua was Jewish, I am positive that He kept that law, since He kept them all perfectly. I want to follow in His footsteps, so I do give as I feel led to do by the Ruach haKodesh. I am not an official member of any formal church, so have no one blessing me that I feel I need to support financially so he/they can continue to minister to me. If someone is a good teacher, I buy their books and tapes, and know that they benefit thereby, and very wisely as well.
Yet I give here, there and everywhere, only to try and act as I think Yeshua would like me to act.
This 'tithing' I do is an attempt to be obedient to the heart of the Torah, the full teachings culminating in Yeshua's perfect life.
Bondage under the law is keeping man's traditions carried over into the Gentile Church because they believed it was customary, and necessary. Yet Shaul, Kephas, John, and the other apostles no doubt followed what Yeshua had ordered, to take no scrip, or begging bowl as was customary for traveling teachers. The apostles were told to live on the bounty of those that were willing, in that hospitible age, to house and feed them. They were not paid salaries, and worked with their own hands as they had need.
Yet they all received gifts for their sustenance, and were blessed by YHVH through many people. However, there seems to be no basis in the New Covenant for Gentiles to Tithe.
I give when I have more than my needs require, and sometimes even when I have less than I need, and share what I have with others merely in the hope pleasing YHVH, and hence, building up treasure in heaven.
Oddly, though, I do not always give where I am asked, nor to anyone I know, unless there is sudden need. I give that people I do not know will be sent to Jews and to Gentiles who have not heard the Word of YHVH, that they may believe in Yeshua; to build wells in deserts, that people might have water; and to any other impulse that takes me.
Is this tithing? No. They are free will offerings, and alms, and I am glad to have them be so.
Q
