What is it worth to you?

Leviticus 10:13, Because it is due. In the days before coinage, a mans’ wages were weighed out in silver bullion or bartering occurred. In the case of the Levites (including the priests), they were given a portion of the offerings and sacrifices as their wages for serving the people. It is often the attitude of those in congregations that ministers should serve the people for free—without pay, and they therefore refuse to give. This is contrary to the Torah, which commands the Israelites to remunerate the Levites for their services (see Lev 27:30, 32). YHVH even calls the tithe to his ministers “their inheritance” (Num 18:21, 26).

Although the Testimony of Yeshua doesn’t uphold the concept of tithing per se, it does teach the Torah principle of giving to the ministry. For example, Paul instructed the believers in Philippi about giving. He addresses the issue of supporting his ministry and that by their faithfulness in giving to him it is in effect giving an offering (a sacrifice) to YHVH, and that the Philippians would be blessed for this (Phil 4:16–19). He goes on to say that we are to give to those who spiritually feed us (1 Tim 5:17–18). Paul backs up this assertion by quoting a Torah principle here.

Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine. For the Scripture says, “You shalt not muzzle the ox that treads out the corn,” and, “The labourer is worthy of his reward.”

What’s more, the Scriptures tell us that great blessings from heaven accrue to those who tithe to YHVH’s spiritual work on earth (Mal 3:10–11).

To not tithe, according to the Scriptures is called “robbing Elohim” (Mal 3:8–9). Those who refuse to tithe bring a curse upon themselves (Mal 3:9). Paul rebukes the congregation in Corinth for not supporting him financially, and states that he has “robbed” other churches who did support him, thus forcing him to use their offerings to pay his ministry expenses in Corinth (2 Cor 11:8–9). Corinth was not the only stingy congregation in the first century. The problem seemed to be widespread then (Phil 4:15) as it is today.

 

New Video: Worship Through Giving Brings Blessing

This video will encourage you to grow spiritually by stepping into YHVH’s river of life by following the example of the One who gave all for us — his only begotten Son, Yeshua, and who loved us while we were still dead in our sins. A lifestyle of worshiping YHVH through giving of ourselves and our treasure brings spiritual life to the body of Yeshua, while at the same time helping to advance the kingdom Elohim.

 

Can of Worms: Is Tithing for Us Today?

Numbers 18:21, I have given the children of Levi all the tenth. The children of Israel were to pay a tithe (a tenth) of their income to support the Levites—those who ministered to the Israelites and taught them YHVH’s Torah. Since the Levitical priesthood system no longer exists, some people interpret this to mean that tithing and giving to support those who minister to the saints and feed them spiritually is no longer obligatory. Some have the notion that pastors and Bible teachers are to minister free of charge. What does the Apostle Paul say about this? In 1 Timothy 5:17–18 we read,

Can of worms 20089224

Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine. For the Scripture says, You shall not muzzle the ox that treads out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward

Now let us look at the tithing question in more detail in light of the Torah’s command to support the Levites. How does this translate into supporting those who feed and care for us spiritually today?

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