WE ARE NOT COMMANDED TO TITHE UNDER THE NEW TESTAMENT BUT...! (PART 2)


By Rev. Michael Benson Ajayi 
 The Christian life is characterized by benevolence. Tithing should not be over-emphasized with threats while using the old testament as a yardstick for giving, this is against the law of love which is the guiding principle of all Christian actions. Giving by the law of love is not limited to the tithe but a devotion of one’s life to the course of the gospel.
Tithing was a Jewish religious law which requires the giving of the tenth part (10%) of one’s earnings or harvests to the priest. (Numbers 18:26 Leviticus 27:30; 2 Chronicles 31:5 Deuteronomy 14:24;). It was a method of taxation needed to sustain the offices of the priests and Levites however, the same cannot be said of the New testament, nowhere is it recommended or commanded in any of the gospels, however, recognizing the importance of finance in the effective running of any organization Apostle Paul gives an order in 1 Cor 16:1-2 “Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye. 2 Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.” The word 'Tithe ' is not used to describe this process to avoid it being considered as a law of Moses. 
There are key words which are worthy of note 1) it was a 'collection for the saints ' which includes the giver, we are also partakers of whatever we give to the service of God 2)” I have given order ‘this is a phrase from a Greek word ‘diatasso ‘ it means; to arrange thoroughly, i.e. (specially) institute, prescribe, ordain . This implies , it is a law of the new testament church with divine mandate. 3) ‘lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him ‘this requires a deliberate, systematic calculation and gathering based on a personal conviction of what is considered as profit or income after excluding all expenses. Under the new testament, the believer determines the percentage based on the lord’s leading knowing that we shall give account to Him on How we spent the resources committed to our care. Some churches use 10% as a minimum. One has to be very sincere in making the computation with regards to what constitute this sacred offering. The Holy Ghost does not take kindly to mischievousness with regards to this obligation (Acts 5:1-10) especially when answering to a servant of God   Eccl 5:6 NLT “Don't let your mouth make you sin. And don't defend yourself by telling the Temple messenger that the promise you made was a mistake. That would make God angry, and he might wipe out everything you have achieved.”
 Eccl 5:13-14   NLT “There is another serious problem I have seen under the sun. Hoarding riches harms the saver.”   It is shameful to see an employed adult member of a local church congregation  stay away from church services because of the fear of being told to give towards the gospel. Such persons struggle with a low self-esteem before the congregation and this is a major destroyer of marriages and relationships. It is a sign of spiritual immaturity, self –preservation, selfishness.  It is because of these ones that Apostle says no gatherings when I come.” A selfish immature Christian could avoid church services throughout the duration of a church project for fear of poverty. God is able to accomplish any church project by a willing few who are committed, to hard work, creativity and generosity therefore, for the sake of the immature and first-timers it is not advisable to call for financial vows towards projects in Church. It should just be announced and those led by the Spirit should respond accordingly. There is a reward for giving towards the promotion of the gospel Luke 6:38. and giving to God's servants Gal. 6:6 , Matt. 10:41 
Heavenly Father, forgive me of my sins against you, I believe Jesus Christ died and was raised again for my salvation; I receive Him as lord and savior and receive grace for uncommon financial breakthroughs in Jesus name.  
Prayer: +2348098536911,+2348035536911,  email:michaelbensonajayi@gmail.com
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