Pastors are often asked about tithing. What is it? Should I do it? Should it calculated on my gross income or net income? Should I tithe while I am in debt? Should I tithe if I receive a gift?
Actually, I am more interested today in the question (which I admit is not of great significance): where did the idea of tithing originate? You know that Melchizedek, King of Salem appears out of nowhere in Genesis 14; is described as a priest of God most high, and blessed Abram. The writer of Hebrews presents Melchizedek as a forerunner, a type of Christ our High Priest forever. Abram acknowledges Melchizedek and gives him a tenth of everything he has just won in battle. Nothing is said as to why Abram gives him a tenth; where he got that idea or why 10% not 5% or 20% is given.
Then a few pages later, Genesis describes Jacob's vivid heavenly dream and the Lord's promise to Him. Jacob marvels at the presence of the Lord and exclaims "How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God, this is the gate of heaven." Genesis 28:17
He promises that if God indeed blesses and protects him, then he, Jacob will give a tenth back to God. How he will do that; to whom or to what he will give the tenth is not described. It is just mentioned.
Of course we know that tithing is actually prescribed to the people of Israel. It was part of the many guidelines, laws and regulations God gave through Moses 500 years after Jacob made his promise to tithe.
Now I don't believe tithing is a law for Christians because the NT clearly teaches we are children of grace not of law. I (along with many Bible scholars and preachers) never teach that a Christian must tithe. That is OT teaching.
On the other hand, since we find the above examples appearing long before the Law was given, we do well to pay attention. Like many others I encourage Christians to take 10% as a guideline for giving. We are wise to see giving 10% as a minimum standard beyond which serious Christians often rise.
However much more basic than tithing is the need for each of us to give ourselves to God. The NT challenge (just preached it yesterday) is to settle for giving nothing less than 10 times 10; giving 100% of ourselves to God. If and when you've offered the sacrifice of your whole self to God, then giving 10% and more of your income is not a big issue. Generosity flows from those who have come to appreciate the great mercies of God.
"Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship." Romans 12;1
Actually, I am more interested today in the question (which I admit is not of great significance): where did the idea of tithing originate? You know that Melchizedek, King of Salem appears out of nowhere in Genesis 14; is described as a priest of God most high, and blessed Abram. The writer of Hebrews presents Melchizedek as a forerunner, a type of Christ our High Priest forever. Abram acknowledges Melchizedek and gives him a tenth of everything he has just won in battle. Nothing is said as to why Abram gives him a tenth; where he got that idea or why 10% not 5% or 20% is given.
Then a few pages later, Genesis describes Jacob's vivid heavenly dream and the Lord's promise to Him. Jacob marvels at the presence of the Lord and exclaims "How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God, this is the gate of heaven." Genesis 28:17
He promises that if God indeed blesses and protects him, then he, Jacob will give a tenth back to God. How he will do that; to whom or to what he will give the tenth is not described. It is just mentioned.
Of course we know that tithing is actually prescribed to the people of Israel. It was part of the many guidelines, laws and regulations God gave through Moses 500 years after Jacob made his promise to tithe.
Now I don't believe tithing is a law for Christians because the NT clearly teaches we are children of grace not of law. I (along with many Bible scholars and preachers) never teach that a Christian must tithe. That is OT teaching.
On the other hand, since we find the above examples appearing long before the Law was given, we do well to pay attention. Like many others I encourage Christians to take 10% as a guideline for giving. We are wise to see giving 10% as a minimum standard beyond which serious Christians often rise.
However much more basic than tithing is the need for each of us to give ourselves to God. The NT challenge (just preached it yesterday) is to settle for giving nothing less than 10 times 10; giving 100% of ourselves to God. If and when you've offered the sacrifice of your whole self to God, then giving 10% and more of your income is not a big issue. Generosity flows from those who have come to appreciate the great mercies of God.
"Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship." Romans 12;1
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