Tuesday, April 26, 2016

Redeemed from the curse on tithing

6 But now He has obtained a more excellent ministry, inasmuch as He is also Mediator of a better covenant, which was established on better promises. Hebrews 8:6 NKJV

 Tithing, it is a very controversial subject. Many have been taught this principle from their youth. It is a deeply rooted financial principle for so many. With any subject that concerns a believer,  we should return to the source of truth, God's Word, to validate whether a practice is birthed in truth or in tradition. 

 After careful study of this new and better Covenant, we can see that tithing is not a principle that is required for the Church. Now tradition strongly resists this. One reason for this is, they fear that if people didn't tithe, churches and other outreach ministries would fold due to a shortage of funds. Fear should never be a motivating factor in Christian giving. 

The "Fear Factor"

Fear is one of the most significant motivating factors in why many practice tithing in this New Covenant. Why the fear? Because many churches and ministries have planted into the minds of believers that if they don't tithe they are under a curse. That if they fail to tithe, then God won't rebuke "the devourer" on their behalf. 

 The basic premise told to people is when they tithe, God will ensure their appliances and other possessions won't wear out. They are told that by giving the tithe this sets apart the rest of their money. It causes the rest of a person's assets to be holy. Now, what would happen if you failed to tithe? Would you dare miss a payment? 

 This idea is rooted in people quoting Malachi.

“Will a man rob God? Yet you have robbed Me! But you say, ‘In what way have we robbed You?’ In tithes and offerings. You are cursed with a curse, For you have robbed Me, Even this whole nation. Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, That there may be food in My house, And try Me now in this,” Says the Lord of hosts, “If I will not open for you the windows of heaven And pour out for you such blessing That there will not be room enough to receive it. “And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, So that he will not destroy the fruit of your ground, Nor shall the vine fail to bear fruit for you in the field,”Says the Lord of hosts;  Malachi 3:8-10 NKJV

 See? It is right there brother. We are cursed if we don't tithe. He won't rebuke the devourer on our behalf if we don't tithe. First, this is written to the Nation of Israel under the Mosaic Law. Secondly, the tithe was used to provide for the priesthood. The Levitical priesthood had been forbidden any land or inheritance when Israel was established. The tithe from the other tribes was their inheritance. If people failed to tithe at this time they would be depriving the priesthood of sustenance. 

 We can see this in context is not addressed to the Church. What about rebuking the devourer? If we fail to tithe won't we be cursed? That was Old Covenant. Let's see God's plan for the Church in the New.
13 the Anointed One, the Liberating King, has redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us. It was stated in the Scriptures, “Everyone who hangs on a tree is cursed by God.” Galatians 3:13 Voice

13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: 14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: Colossians 1:13-14 KJV

 Christ in His Finished Work has completed the Work. He completely defeated the enemy and made an open show of Him (here). Religion says perform just right or give this amount and the enemy will not prevail. Grace says trust in the Finished Work alone and you will see  complete victory. Christ's Finished Work has forever rebuked the "devourer", no more should we fear.

 Tradition uses fear and manipulation to keep people in bondage to an Old Covenant practice. People are fearful if they are not exact to the penny on their tithe then calamity will surely overtake them. Religion thrives on these types of mindsets. Instead of the Finished work and Christ alone, people are placing all their financial hopes and trust in their faithfulness and ability to give a certain amount of finances. 

 Allow me to show how good our Father is. Recently, my vacuum cleaner malfunctioned. Having pets also means having to contend with pet hair, which can clog vacuums. My wife tried to clear away any obstructions but couldn't find any. So our vacuum of several years had ceased working. I went to the store to purchase another. As I entered this store, an impression, or thought entered my mind.                                                                                               "well if you'd been tithing, your vacuum cleaner wouldn't need to be replaced!"

Well, I cast this thought down, declared under my breath "I am the righteousness of God in Christ" and commenced to purchase a new vacuum. The price of this Vacuum totaled approximately Ninety-eight dollars.  After taking it home my wife and I left to run some errands. 

 In the process, we saw some papers in some folder in the street. We stopped our car picked up this folder and noted it had a name and a phone number. We notified this person of their found possessions. He met up with us, and upon returning what belonged to him he blessed us financially for finding his lost property. 

 This person blessed us with exactly $100. This covered any expenses we incurred in the purchase of a new vacuum. This showed to me that when the enemy and traditional mindsets wanted to accuse me of loss due to my lack of tithing, God's Word and this New Covenant silences their accusations. 

 In summation, there in no longer any curse for the Child of God. This New Covenant ensures our redemption from the hand of the enemy and any of his schemes. Don't live in fear that you must continue an Old Covenant practice or something dreadful will befall you. Jesus has purchased you eternally and you are in His Family now and the wicked one cannot touch you.

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