Tithing 2

 

The First Tithe (New Covenant)

 According to the Apostle Paul, the ministers of the New Covenant are supported in the same way as the Levites of old. Tithing is retained, according to the Yahshua, as something not to be left "undone" (Matthew 23:23),(Luke 11:42).

Preachers of the Good Message are to live from the Good Message, (primarily) by means of the tithes which those ministered to bring in. The first tithe is referred to by Paul in I Corinthians. He reminds us of the first tithe in the Law, that it went to those who ministered upon the altar. Therefore, in the New Covenant, we maintain God's desire to bless His servants who minister to His people by giving them a specific "portion" He has ordained.

Don't you know that those who serve around sacred things eat from the things of the temple, and those who wait on the altar have their portion with the altar? Even so the Lord ordained that those who proclaim the Good Message should live from the Good Message. (1 Corinthians 9:13-14)

This person is the one who is preaching the Good Message; primarily this will be the pastor. Their portion is obviously that specified in the Law, the tithe (tenth); "those who wait on the altar have their portion with the altar. Even so did the Lord ordain [for the Good Message preachers]..."

Because Paul makes reference to "the altar," and since there was primarily one place for sacrificing in the Old Covenant (where the Name of Yahweh was present, (Deuteronomy 12:11), we can infer that Paul has in mind a particular "altar" for the Believer as well—the one at which they normally go to receive from—their local assembly (and thus, their local pastor).

In the New Covenant  we see that not only is every believer an altar and temple of Yahweh, where His Name dwells  (James 2:7), but that the Assembly itself in all of its congregations is as well (Acts 15:14-17). Paul tells us that the Lord has ordained that those who preach the Good Message should live by the Good Message—thus, whoever that preacher preaches to, should be the same who he receives from in return. Paul, though speaking of offerings above the tithe, reinforces this idea, which existed both before and during the Old Covenant, that we are to give out of all that we possess, not just from a little corner of our wealth and possessions. This is the basis for all giving.

But let him who is taught in the word share all good things with him who teaches. (Galatians 6:6) In fact, the Lord Himself provided for this even in the Old Covenant, through hidden prophecy. Even the Law taught by concealed revelation that the minister should be recompensed for his work:

What soldier ever serves at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard, and doesn't eat of its fruit? Or who feeds a flock, and doesn't drink from the flock's milk? Do I speak these things according to the ways of men? Or doesn't the law also say the same thing? For it is written in the Law of Moses, "You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain. "{Deuteronomy 25:4} Is it for the oxen that God cares, or does he say it assuredly for our sake? Yes, it was written for our sake, because he who plows ought to plow in hope, and he who threshes in hope should partake of his hope. If we sowed to you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we reap your fleshly things? (1 Corinthians 9:7-11)

By giving to God, we are enabling the furthering of the work of the ministry, by supporting the pastor and/or apostle, that they may teach the Word of God, and devote themselves to the prayer of the Ruach Ha Kodesh, as it should be. Those who rule especially well are deserving of a double-portion! How blessed of Yahweh to provide so for them! But we will continue steadfastly in prayer and in the ministry of the word." (Acts 6:4)

Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and in teaching. For the Scripture says, "You shall not muzzle the ox when it treads out the grain. "{Deuteronomy 25:4} And, "The laborer is worthy of his wages. "{Luke 10:7} (1 Timothy 5:17-18)

However you did well that you shared in my affliction. You yourselves also know, you Philippians, that in the beginning of the Good Message, when I departed from Macedonia, no assembly shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving but you only. For even in Thessalonica you sent once and again to my need. Not that I seek for the gift, but I seek for the fruit that increases to your account. (Philippians 4:14-17)

Here we see Paul provide his reasoning for his assemblies giving to them—not only does it divide the burden upon himself, but it increases fruit to the accounts of the believers who give! This will be looked at below. It is not an unfair request of God to require those ministered to spiritually  to recompense the minister with physical benefits. The ministers should be freely giving you spiritual food, as they have received daily from their Father. You, then, are to support their needs that they may continue to share freely Yahshua first gave us this principle of ministry:

As you go, preach, saying, 'The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand!' Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers {Translation adds ", raise the dead"}, and cast out demons. Freely you received, so freely give. Don't take any gold, nor silver, nor brass in your money belts. Take no bag for your journey, neither two coats, nor shoes, nor staff: for the laborer is worthy of his food. (Matthew 10:7-10)

We go on to read about the possible reaction of those to whom are being preached the Good Message. Although Yahshua 's example here speaks of evangelism, it can certainly be applied to anyone who is receiving any part of the Good Message. If they do not accept or welcome the preacher, nor listen to his words, then that minister is supposed to depart from that city and/or house/church, and consider it unworthy of his peace and blessing. Looking back to the Commission of Yahshua , His Command not only included preaching the Good Message, including healing the sick, raising the dead and casting out demons, but also being dependent upon those to whom he ministered.

When a person travels to another city, not bringing with them extra clothes and supplies, it is vital that those they stay with support them. Into whatever city or village you enter, find out who in it is worthy; and stay there until you go on. As you enter into the household, greet it. If the household is worthy, let your peace come on it, but if it isn't worthy, let your peace return to you. Whoever doesn't receive you, nor hear your words, as you go out of that house or that city, shake off the dust from your feet.(Matthew 10:11-14)

Thus, if the minister receives no support for his ministering, which is rightfully his by the command of Yahweh; this includes the act which Yahshua  spoke of: not welcoming the minister, nor hearing his words. They are ignoring the command of the Lord, treating the minister of Yahshua with contempt, and thereby are not worthy to receive his peace. Indeed, they are worthy of judgment from the Lord. A sobering reality, yet it is the Word of God. Most certainly I tell you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for that city. (Matthew 10:15)