You're right, tithing does predate the Mosaic Law, but just because someone is seen doing something in an Old Testament narrative, that doesn't mean we are commanded to do it today. But more than that, it is important to realize that the New Covenant is not about keeping rules. God wants His children to be Spirit-led — not governed by external regulations. That's why the Apostle Paul wrote:
Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion...2 Corinthians 9:7 (ESV)
What Paul is describing in this passage is precisely the kind of giving you're seeing in Genesis 14. Abraham didn't give a tenth of his possessions to Melchizedek because he had to or because he was under some external compulsion to comply. He gave because he had determined in his heart to give. That's the kind of giving we are exhorted to imitate under the New Covenant.
In the Matthew passage Jesus is simply acknowledging the principle of tithing in the Scripture, but once again, His comments are given in the hearing of Jews prior to the establishing of the New Covenant. The Apostle Paul's remarks in 2 Corinthians are God's present-day instructions for the Church on the subject of Spirit-led giving.
This is precisely right. Sadly, many churches these days are not teaching the correct way as given by the apostles in the new testament.
ReplyDeleteI have been enjoying all of these resources so much, they have helped me grow. I am grateful and enjoy giving a donation as it makes me feel a part of things. Thank You! :-)
ReplyDeleteI think of it like this ;under the new Covenant I don’ have to tithe according to the law, ( there is no joy in that ) but I have the privilege to share in God’s work on earth by sharing the resources He has given me . That gives me joy ! ✝️
ReplyDeleteThis is a great way to look at this.. Thanks for posting.
DeleteI down loaded the thru-the-bible series and I listen to it at work, LOVE IT I am glad to give, and I tell my friends about it ,love you guys and thanks so MUCH.
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