[Pastor Ralph]

Q1. Read 1 Samuel 8:15 and Malachi 3:8-10. How did tithing relate to a person's acceptance of God being their King in the Old Testament? How about for those of us who live under the New Covenant? What place does tithing have for us?

[pickledilly]

Tithing is an obedient act of submission to the authority of the king. As a citizen of the kingdom, paying the tithe fulfills an obligation to the support of the functions of the government. Tithing was necessary for the support of Yahweh's kingdom work in the OT through the temple and priests. The work of His kingdom suffers when His people do not tithe, whether it be the O.T. nation of Israel or the modern-day Body of believers. And when we rob the LORD, He says we have invited a curse upon ourselves.

God's principles never change, regardless of whether He is applying covenant law or covenant grace. Christ didn't come to abolish the precepts and commandments of God; He came to fulfill the law, to fully satisfy its requirements and consequences. Now, we are not held to an outward list of laws. Under the application of grace, His Spirit governs us from within - by those same unchanging principles on tithing that governed OT law.

As citizens of His kingdom we are still called to obediently recognize the LORD's position as King and to financially support His work of the kingdom, which He currently accomplishes through His church. But I think we have an even higher reason - we are the King's children! We should be moved to obedience, no longer by respect for a duty, but by love. In tithing, we demonstrate to Him our loving gratitude. And we recognize that everything belongs to God in the first place; we are just stewards of His resources.

[Blessed Me]

Q1. Read 1 Samuel 8:15 and Malachi 3:8-10. How did tithing relate to a person's acceptance of God being their King in the Old Testament?
Israel wanted a king to rule, they were warned a king would demand the best of their products, take a tenth. Israel chose the path they would go and were given a king - The God of Israel set up a tithe to meet the needs of the Levites, the stranger, the fatherless and widows. It was to be given in gratitude to the God of Israel, acknowledging God is the one Israel puts its trust in. The tithes were required by the law. There were three; two that were annual and one that came every three years.
In Malachi, the people had cold hearts. Israel returned to Jerusalem after their captivity in Babylon, At first they had zeal to rebuild the temple, but this zeal began to wane, they brought defective animals as sacrifices and withheld their tithes and offerings, even the priests were not upholding the law. God would rather have them (us) not give anything, if it wasn't their best, coming from their love for Him.

How about for those of us who live under the New Covenant? What place does tithing have for us?

I do not see in the New Testament a command for the Christian to tithe, what I do see is, the Holy Spirit who lives in us, touches our being with the importance of offering up to God our best, in tithes and offerings. Not out of a duty, but out of pleasure to the Almighty. He says, "if you love me, keep my commandments." Give our best, not just in money to support the Word, but in our time also. By doing this from our hearts, it is not a burden, it is a pleasure!

[JustJeff]

Tithing, in 1 Samuel 8:15 was God's order to Israel to give 10% of their first fruits to the newly appointed king Saul. God felt that the Jews had rejected Him as their rightful king so the obligatory tithe would be due to His chosen earthly king. By paying this tithe to their earthly king Israel acknowledges the mandatory necessity of tithing to God, to support His kingdom on earth.
Paul address the need to support the work of the Lord in 2 Corinthians 8-9. While he doesn't specifically mention tithing per se, he does suggest that we give of our abundance to provide for the ministry. By following Old Testament guidelines of 10%, New Testament churches (and missions) flourish today.

[Helenmm]

The tithe is that part of the personal or national income which supports the priesthood. Without the priesthood, God is not served and the nation/person is choked of his protection/blessing/abundance. In a way it demonstrates clearly, the extent of the belief of the "Christian", because it is a very clear command. It enables the worship of God to be unhindered and theblessings that flow from that. We cannot afford not to tithe.

In the Old Testament, not to tithe was stealing from God. Any king that Israel might appoint would take his tithe of money, goods, and men.

In the new testament, Jesus came not to do away with the law but to fulfil it. Not one jot or tittle of the law shall pass away. He commended tithing as essential.

We too need to tithe to God as a minimal offering. That money is not ours but God's, and reminds us that in fact all that we possess is God's and we are to be thankful for it all and manage it as a servant of God, not as our own. We are to be good stewards of all that God gives to us. According to the story Jesus told about the men who were given one, five and ten talents, we are to look much further for our rewards than just the income from our goods, for to those who manage it well God gives cities and (in effect) kingdoms, although they are also God's. God seesmuch further than we tend to do. He has greater plans for us that we can visualise immediately. Therefore our confidence must be in that part of His plan, including the tithe, that we can comprehend, in order that we might be included in that part of His plan that we cannot yet imagine!

I believe that the tithe which God claims is the evidence of His longing and desire to live amongst His people in a tangible presence. This is most precious to us and we need to be highly motivated to tithe. We too long for this tangible presence amongst us. Tithing is one part of it. Praise, worship and pure adoration is another. Confidence and obedience is another. Let us employ all these ways of inviting Yahweh, Jesus and the Holy Spirit into our lives, and seeing the fruits of this..

[Lisa Rupert]

Q1. Read 1 Samuel 8:15 and Malachi 3:8-10. How did tithing relate to a person's acceptance of God being their King in the Old Testament? How about for those of us who live under the New Covenant? What place does tithing have for us?

After reading 1 Samuel and Malachi tithing is a person's acceptance of God being their King in the Old Testament, but it also is a requirement for those living under the New Covenant. You should give of your very best to God first.

[Triciahh]

In Old Testament times, tithing to God as King was no more optional than contributing to the IRS is today for American citizens. If you wished to live under the King’s rule and protection, you paid your due. As Christians under the new covenant, this remains true, and more. We are to give, and not just a measly 10% of our income, but cheerfully and generously of our material possessions and of our hearts.

[Saved55s]

Read 1 Samuel 8:15 and Malachi 3:8-10. How did tithing relate to a person's acceptance of God being his or her King in the Old Testament?

By giving a tenth of their flock, harvest etc to their officials, it was a form of acknowledging God & of worship to God.

How about for those of us who live under the New Covenant? What place does tithing have for us?

We are to give 10% {our tithe} of our income to God. The very first thing we should do when we get our income before we work out our budget, is put our tithes away. This is a ministry to him & it helps in running his house, the church. We are blessed with our riches & it’s God’s money anyway, so we are only giving back to God what is his. He is entrusting us with it & we are to prove faithful in tithing & therefore we are honoring God. God says he will open the floodgates of heaven when we tithe. I know from personal experience that you can never out-give God.

[steve.c]

How does tithing relate to a person's acceptance of God being his or her king in the Old Testament?

The Ark of the Covenant housed in the Holy of Holies was the throne of the God of the Israelites. It showed in a physical way that God was indeed the ultimate ruler of the Israelites. As a practical matter the tabernacle and the priests who conducted services in it and taught the people needed to be funded. But paying a tithe out of the product of your harvest went further than this. The payment was a recognition of God's boundless generousity; it was a recognition of His position and His power. It should have been made in gratitude. Failure to pay is a disobedience. The reward in paying the tithe is an opening of the floodgates of heaven with its blessings.

How about for those of us who live under the New Covenant? What place does tithing have for us.

The church in our community. Christ's body, is the most important institution we have. It gives meaning and purpose to our lives. It directs everything we do. Obedience to the gospel teaching is essential. It needs to be fully provided for so that it can be a vibrant place for worship, support for those that are needy and instruction in God's word. We must give generously and cheerfully to support the church and to the best of our abilities. It should be paid with gratitude for the great gifts that Christ has given us. As in the Old Testament [Malachi 3:8-10] we are told that our giving will be more than simply reciprocated [2 Corinthians 9:10-11]. It will be greatly rewarded. God's bounty will be much greater to those who give unsparingly. As you sow so will you reap.

[keljo5051@sbcglobal.net]

Pastor Ralph, on Feb 14 2006, 09:13 PM, said:

Q1. Read 1 Samuel 8:15 and Malachi 3:8-10. How did tithing relate to a person's acceptance of God being their King in the Old Testament? How about for those of us who live under the New Covenant? What place does tithing have for us?

Tithes were always due a King. The Old Testament worshiper paid tithes to the King because the King had the power to annihilate him if he didn't. Also the OT person paid tithes as due honor and homage to the King. Paying tithes to God acknowledged the same sort of power that God had over him, and also that he was to honor God.

Also, the King used tithes to pay his ministers. We in the New Covenant need to pay our tithes so that the ministers of God can carry on their work without having to worry about how to get food, clothing, and shelter for themselves and their families.

I don't remember the addresses but there are similar scriptures in the New Testament endorsing tithing. And, as my pastor says, you can't outgive God. Those who pay their tithes will not suffer because of it. Just the opposite, they will be blessed.

[Joycie Poo]

Pastor Ralph, on Feb 14 2006, 10:13 PM, said:

Q1. Read 1 Samuel 8:15 and Malachi 3:8-10. How did tithing relate to a person's acceptance of God being their King in the Old Testament? How about for those of us who live under the New Covenant? What place does tithing have for us?

Tithing is an act of obedience, it was their responsibility to tithe, it is an act of worship. When tithes are withheld they (we) are robbing God. In doing so, they (we) are rejecting God the King od Kings command. I believe that just as in the Old Testament giving the tithe was following God' command to honoring Him with the fruits of our labors we are to do likewise. Luke 6:38 tells us to give and receive. I believe that when given is done with a joyful hear, God blesses us. I know I lack nothing for giving at least 10% and more. I honor God in doing so.

[charisbarak]

When Israel asked for a human king, Samuel warned them as to what to expect. This king would rightly demand the tithe and more. What you owned would now have to be shared with a human king. (much as it is today). Rather than giving all to God & having Him reign over them, they chose a human.

A King is worthy of offerings & tithes--how much more the King of Kings & the Lord of Lords.

We actually rob God when we don't honor him with our tithes & offerings. Who actually owns it all anyway? Of course we are God's & everything we have--including the next breath. Yes, and like "saved55" says--who can outgive God? We rob & dishonor Him, but we also miss out on many blessings.

[Salome Ross]

Tithing was given as support to the King, just as tithing is to be given to Yahweh our King. Under the new covenant we should also give our 10% and more when we feel led. The Lord loves a cheerful giver and blesses those who give with a thankful heart. We are to be good stewards of what God gives us and to give first to the Lord of all that we receive.

[EuniceC]

Tithing means giving your King what is His due, under the old testament, if we accept that someone is our King, then we must give Him what is due Him, which means we agree that He is our king, we will do whatever He requires us to do, we will accept His decrees concerning us, and will not question Him. It shows respect, honor and obedience, and even though He is not physically present, we know that He is real, alive for us.

For the New covenant, it is the same as in the days of Old, because though God was not present physically, the people believed, and did what was required of them. We are believers by virtue of our faith which we confess and if we believe then we obey.
Everything about what God said concerning tithing in the old testament did happen, and continues to happen, because His Word will never pass away. He is the same God of yesterday, today and forever, and thus the same King. What He expected of His chosen ones in the Old testament is also expected of us today.
When we tithe, we believe that God is who He has revealed Himself to be from times past, we believe His promises, every word He has spoken and We believe that we shall see Him as He is. We cannot take some of His Word and leave the rest, All of it must apply to us.
For me, Tithing means I BELIEVE GOD![color=#993399]

[Teodora]

"The earth is the Lord's and everything in it, the world and all who live in it..."(Ps.24:1-3)

Tithe is a Kingdom's taxation principle, which allows the citizens to participate in the process of maintaining the kingdom infrastructure. It acknowledges God as King and supreme Ruler and Master over everything.
Tithing is breaking the power of selfishness over our life and promoting God's kingdom.
God's kingdom should operate on a system that secures and sustains its strength and viability. Thus tithing is part of the Kingdom's economy and enables investment opportunities and creative development progrmans for extending the borders and promoting God's kingdom on earth.

"Give and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over will be poured into your lap" Lk.6:38

[MannyVelarde]

Q1. Read 1 Samuel 8:15 and Malachi 3:8-10. How did tithing relate to a person's acceptance of God being their King in the Old Testament? How about for those of us who live under the New Covenant? What place does tithing have for us?

Tithing is something that was done as God has established. Abraham gave a tenth to Melchezedek so it shows God had precepts that dictated to do this. It is a way to pay honor to the king. If earthly kings warrent a tithe - how much more so for the King of Kings - Our Lord. Anyway - what we have and earn all belong to God in the first place - He allows us to retain 90%!

[Marilyn Rivington]

It is by our giving that we confess that God is our El Shaddai.

Yes we ARE under grace. 2 Corinthians 9:7 says, “So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.” I believe that the Matthew (23:23) and Lukan (11:42) passages by Jesus are a chastisement to the Scribes and Pharisees telling them they keep the tithe but neglect more important issues. The Pharisees were known to be under the law that is why Jesus was so hard on them. We are to give as much as we purpose in our heart and to give it with love. We can use the ten percent as a guideline because it is Scriptural – but not because of Law but because of Love. There is a difference.

[TennLady01]

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1Sa 8:15 And he will take the tenth of your seed, and of your vineyards, and give to his officers, and to his servants.


Mal 3:8 Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings.
Mal 3:9 Ye [are] cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, [even] this whole nation.
Mal 3:10 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].


Q1. Read 1 Samuel 8:15 and Malachi 3:8-10. How did tithing relate to a person's acceptance of God being their King in the Old Testament?
When Saul was king of Israel it was said then that obedience is better than sacrifice. God told them to give him the tithe and that he will bless them. This was paid to all the kings in the countries around about Israel and they paid if for protect by the king that was over them. It did not mean money it was from the animals and thing that they had. One tenth the first part of things belonged to God as he offering.

How about for those of us who live under the New Covenant?
We know that Jesus said when ask about taxes to give unto Creaser that which is Creasers and unto God that which is God's. One tenth still is what we are to give. God is the same yesterday today and forever more he does not change we change and if we want the best we still give the first of all good to the Lord. Jesus did not do away with the old covenant but he fulfilled it. We are still to obey the laws.

What place does tithing have for us?
It is still the same as it was when Jesus came to this earth the tithe was never done away with and it is still to be the first part of all our increase and we are to give it because it is not ours to start with it belongs to God. So we should give it without thinking when you keep what belongs to God you cut off your own blessing.
Luke 6:38 Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.

[June]

It showed through by the blessings given to him from God. Tithe & Be Blessed. He will pour out all we need. From enough rain, to keeping insects away, God blesses a cheerful giver. Back then and even now, we must support the ministry of Jesus Christ. The Bible says tithe 10% so it should be obeyed otherwise you are robbing God and keeping the blessings from flowing your way. Our Pastors are working for the Kingdom of God and if we don't tithe and support that work, how will he & his family survive! How will all the programs and different ministries function? It is a command from God , so if He said it, we must do it!

[anna]

"Well! firstly our Father wanted to be the king over his people but they insisted that samuel get them a king so that they should be like all other nations.This is what the people wanted not what our father God wanted,so then he told samuel all the things that they should do to submit to there king ,and that included giving a tenth of there seed and the harvest from there vineyards,for the officers and the servants.I suggest that if they hadnt hounded samuel to get them a king this wouldnt have happened,just like when the isralites were in the exodus for egypt they hounded Moses to tell God they wanted the leeks and onions and they wanted meat so God sent them the quails, to satisfy there hunger for meat.
In malachi the Lord once again is dealing with a rebellious people who once again have gone away from the trust and obedience of the Lord by profaning the convenant of their for fathers the levi priests have accepted offerings of people that have dealt treachoursly with their wives they have bee disobedientand sought after sorcerers and commited adultery, and not had mercy for the widows and orphans,and not welcomed strangers.
I believe that these are the things that make our father God and our King angry and upset with his people when we have hardened and diobedient hearts ,thats why Jesus said thou shalt love thy Lord thy God with all thy heart with all thy strength and with all thy mind and though shallt love thy neighbour as thyself/Who is our neighbour?????those in need ,so in obedience and in love we should pray and give of the seed that the Lord blesses us with to where ever the Lord lays in our heart NOT NECCESARILY ALL TO THE CHURCH< EVERY SUNDAY BUT WHERE HE LEADS US TO SUPPORT. thats my point of view " Cheers Anna