Page One

Page One, Part Five On Tithing:

1. It will help to study this closely that we might understand the case of the unprofitable servant in {Matthew 25:30}. Who is it that shall be cast into outer darkness? We can see that he will be a Hebrew, who refused the redemption which is in Christ. He will still be occupying the place of a servant {Leviticus 25:55} and has never become a son, as in the previous verses. The unprofitable servant said to the Lord, that he was a hard man, of course, the law was a hard taskmaster. It was a yoke of bondage. But to all such, Jesus yet offers the unsaved a yoke that is easy and a burden that is light.

2. {V. 28} Scripture: "Come unto Me, all you that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

3. {V. 29] Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek [gentle] and lowly [humble] in heart [mind]: and you shall find rest [relief, ease and refreshment and recreation and blessed quiet] ... unto your soul [the life that lives within you]. See {Jeremiah 6:16}.

4. {V. 30} For My yoke is easy [wholesome, useful, good; and not harsh, hard, sharp or pressing, but comfortable, gracious and pleasant], and My burden is light [and easy to be borne], {Matthew 11: 28-30}." [Why will men insist on wearing that old yoke on their necks which Peter said]:

5. Scripture: "... Neither our fathers nor we were able to bear [the yoke of the old law], {Acts 15:10}."

6. Why is it that people will listen to the legalists who wish to keep them under a heavy burden and under the yoke of the O.T. law that they are unable to bear, when Jesus offers to remove that heavy burden, take away that galling yoke, and receive rest. He says His yoke is easy, and His burden is light. On the other hand, the yoke of the old law is a heavy load. It is a yoke of bondage. Just why do men insist on being under that same old heavy burden again? Why do many folks still try to place themselves and their people under that old law? Doesn't it seem to you that many people are exchanging their freedom in Christ for ordinances that bind them to a law that has already been fulfilled?

7. My friends, we would much rather write about things pertaining to our grace ministry of this Dispensation, then to step on the toes of other Christians who are consciously or unconsciously teaching fables to the Saints in this present grace age. But what would you do in our place? Should a Minister such as myself ignore those who mis-translate the Scriptures in order to gain money through false pretense? Really, can we stare at ourselves in the mirror without feeling ashamed for not speaking out against outlandish false doctrine, even though those who are teaching such doctrine doesn't seem to know any better? Could it really be that "Tithing" is a subject that most Ministers have never realized is out of bounds for New Testament Believers? Do you really think that your Pastor has been taught in some Bible Seminary to the fact that we are still under a small part of the old law system, and that he really believes that way? What is really going on?

8. This writer has visited many Assemblies in his life time, and have never even once heard a preacher teach the truth about "Tithing." Not once! Can you believe this? Have you yourself ever noticed a Minister or a Bible teacher or even a Theologian who explained that we today are not under the doctrine of ordinances? If you have please let us know about it by placing a note on our web page. We would appreciate that very much. Do you have a certain suspicion as to why these folks refuse to explain this discrepancy to their flock? Remember the following text:

9. {V. 5} Scripture: " ... When we were in the flesh, the motions of sins, which were by the Law, did work in our members to bring forth fruit unto death. ["when we were in the flesh:" i.e; before we were saved].

10. {V. 6} But now we are delivered from the Law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter [of the old Law], {Romans 6:5-6}."

11. {Vs. 5-6} above paraphrased:

12. [5]: " When we were in the flesh [our mere physical lives], the sinful passions that were awakened and aroused up by what the Law [makes sin] were constantly operating in our natural powers ... in our bodily organs, in the sensitive appetites and wills of the flesh ... so that we bore fruit for death.

13. [6]: But now we are discharged from the old Law [of commandments, of works], and have terminated all intercourse with it, having died to what once restrained and held us captive. So now we serve NOT under [obedience to] the old code of written regulations, but [under obedience to the prompting] of the Spirit in newness [of life]."

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14. In {Deuteronomy 10:1-5} we find Moses telling about receiving the ten commandments, written in stones. In {2- Corinthians 3:6-11} Paul contrasts the ministration of the Spirit with the administration written and engraven in stones. In {V. 6}, "(the Spirit gives life)." But in {V. 7}, He calls the ministration (engraven in stones [ten commandments] the ministration of death). In {V. 9}, He calls the one written in stones (the ministration of condemnation), ... He then calls the ministration of the Spirit [grace] (the ministration of righteousness). Then in {V. 11} He said, "(for if that which is done away be glorious, much more that which remains is glorious)."

15. Here we find contrasted the ministration of the Spirit [grace] with that of law, [the commandments], one gives life and the other brings death. Does the Spirit bring death or life? Does the ministration of the Spirit bring righteousness or condemnation? One has forever passed away and one remains. Has the ministration of the Spirit been done away or does it remain? Does the ministration written in stones, the [ten commandments] remain or has it been done away?

16. To say that the [ten commandments] written stones remain is to say that the ministration of the Spirit has been done away, because according to {V. 11}, one has been done away, and one remains. To say that the ministration of the Spirit remains is to take the position that the ministration written in stones [10 commandments] has been done away. I myself believe that the ministration of the Spirit remains, while the ministration of the law [10 Commandments] written stone has passed away. What do you believe?

17. Now those who say that the ceremonial part of the law has been done away, while the moral part of the old law still remains today, I ask you this question: "were the ten commandments the moral or the ceremonial part of the law? So, something else about the law besides the sacrificial part has been done away. The part containing the 10 Commandments according to {2- Corinthians 3:6-11}, has been done away. In fact, it has all been done away for the Believer. The whole ten Commandments in their entirety, the Sabbath keeping, the observance of holy days, animal sacrifices, water baptisms, along with the other O. T. baptisms, "Tithing," and all the other rituals in all the ordinances of the law were done away on the cross of Calvary. Would you please try to prove by Scripture otherwise? We dare you to try. Naturally, there is a moral law for us today as there always have been, but, it isn't in any way a part of the old Law!

18. But you say, "Tithing" was not part of the law {Hebrews 7:5} says that it was. So we will display this text over again:

19. {V. 4} Scripture: "Now consider how great this man [Melchisedec] was, to whom even the patriarch Abraham gave the tenth of the spoils.

20. {V. 5} And verily [surely] they that are the sons of Levi, who receive the office of the priesthood, have a commandment to take the "Tithe" of the people according to the Law, that is, of their brethren, though they come out of the loins of Abraham.

21. {V. 6} But he whose descent is not counted from them received "Tithes" of Abraham, and blessed him that had the promise.

22. {V. 7} And without all contradiction the less is blessed of the better.

23. {V. 8} And here men that die receive "Tithes;" but there he receives them, of whom it is witnessed that he lives.

24. {V. 9} And as I may so say, Levi also, who received "Tithes," paid "Tithes" in Abraham.

25. {V. 10} For he was yet in the loins of his father, when Melchisedec met him.

26. {V. 11} If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood, [for under it the people received the Law,] what further need was there that another priest should rise after the order of Melchisedec, and not be called after the order of Aaron?

27. {V.12} For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the Law, {Hebrews 7:4-12}."

28. These 9 verses above paraphrased:

29. [4]: "Now observe and consider how great a personage this was to whom even Abraham the patriarch gave a tenth ... the topmost [the pick] of the spoils.

30. [5]: And it is true that those descendants of Levi who are charged with the priestly office are commanded in the Law to take "Tithes" from the people, which means from their brethren, though these have descended from Abraham.

31. [6]: But this person who has not their Levitical ancestry received "Tithes" from Abraham himself and blessed him who possessed the promises of God.

32. [7]: yet it is beyond all contradiction that it is the lesser person who is blessed by the greater one.

33. [8]: Furthermore, here in the Levitical priesthood "Tithes" are received by men who are subject to death; while there in the case of Melchizedek, they are received by one of whom it is testified that he lives perpetually.

34. [9]: A person might even say that through Abraham, Levi the father of the priestly tribe himself, who received "Tithes," paid "Tithes" through Abraham."

35. [10]: He was still in the loins of his forefather Abraham when Melchizedek met him .

36. [11]: Now if perfection [that is, a perfect fellowship between Jehovah God and the worshipper,] had been attainable by the Levitical priesthood, for under it the people were given the Law, why was it further necessary that there should arise another and different kind of Priest, one after the order of Melchizedek , rather than one appointed after the order and rank of Aaron?

37. [12]: For when there is a change in the priesthood, there is of necessity an alteration of the Law concerning the priesthood as well."

38. The sons of Levi who received the office of the Priesthood, have a commandment to take "Tithes" of the people according to the law."

39. "As to {Vs. 4-7} above ... The words: "(Consider how great this man was)." ... The point being made now is quite obvious. Even Abraham, the patriarch, considered Melchizedek superior enough to "Tithe" willingly and humbly of his spoils. Spoils [Greek 'akrothinion'] means literally "(the top of the heap)" or "the best of the spoils," which were usually reserved for deity. The point of {V. 5} is not as clear, but to this writer this distinguishes Melchizedek from the Levitical priesthood.

40. First, the Levitical system was according to the Law, so that "Tithing" to them was the result of mere legal consignment. Second, they received the "Tithes" from those who were brethren. Therefore, Dod's concludes, "Paying Tithes" is in their case no acknowledgment of personal inferiority, but mere compliance with law. But Abraham was under no such law to Melchizedek, and the payment of "Tithes" to him was a tribute to his personal greatness! [p. 309].

41. Considering {Vs. 6-7} when adding the further point that Melchizedek "blessed him that had the promise." Even though the great Abraham was the recipient of the everlasting covenant, he is the receiver, rather than the bestower, of the blessing. Thus, Melchizedek is his better and is certainly superior to Abraham's offspring.

42. To consider {Vs. 8-10} ... The words "(Here men that die receive "Tithes):" In these verses the author mentions two ideas that will not allow any to think that the more recent Levitical order was a replacement of the earlier system. First, the Levitical system is weakened by the continual death of its priests. The Melchizedecian order, however, has the witness of God {Vs. 3; and Psalm 110:4} that its priest lives on. Second, "Levi, also ... paid "Tithes" in Abraham." The Levitical system was neither a better nor a later replacement, for in a corporate sense even Levi was present at the {Genesis 14} event. The author is cautious in his assertion, as his introductory words indicate: "(As I may so say)." This phrase might more clearly be expressed by "I might also say" [Dod's, p. 310] or "so to speak" [NASB]. The author suggest that there is a sense in which even Levi paid "Tithes" to Melchizedek. He certainly cannot be Melchizedek's superior.

43. If the Bible student would consider all the verses from {V. 4-25} he would have a much better understanding of the old Law. And, one must realize that the Melchizedek Priesthood is to be unending! Though the author of Hebrews has repeatedly referred to the unending nature of the Melchizedek order, this now becomes the central point. But before developing the positive aspects of this, he addresses the weaknesses of the Levitical system. The O.T. bears witness within itself to the provisional nature of its priesthood.

44. When interpreting {Vs. 11-12} ... the words: "[What further need was there that another priest should rise ...]?" The author raises the questions as to why the Old Testament should make reference to "another [Gr. heteros], a different priesthood." If the Levitical priesthood was producing "perfection [Gr. teleiosis], meaning completion or fulfillment of it role," why is another needed? The old system pronounced its own doom by speaking of another. Further, the author teaches that the passing of the Levitical priesthood necessitates the removal of the Mosaic Law, for they are inextricably united.

45. According to {Vs.. 11-12}, the Law did not produce the Levitical priesthood; but the priesthood required the Law. Both Moses and Aaron were chosen of God before the Law was given. The Law was given at Sinai to provide the procedures and ordinances for the functioning of the priesthood that the Lord had already established. So our author accurately acknowledges that the passing of the Levitical priesthood demands the passing of the Mosaic system [See Kint, pp. 132-133]. Now just where did they receive that commandment to receive "Tithes" from the people? They received it at Mount Sinai, where the law was given. Proof:

46. {V. 30} Scripture: "And all the "Tithe" of the land, whether it be the seed of the land or the fruit of the tree, it is the Lord's; it is holy unto the Lord,

47. {V. 31} And if a man will at all redeem [any] of his "Tithes," he shall add thereto the fifth part thereof.

48. {V. 32} And concerning the "Tithe" of the herd, or of the flock, even of whatever passes under the rod, the tenth shall be holy unto the Lord.

49. {V. 33} He shall not search whether it be good or bad, neither shall he change it: and if he change it at all, then both it and the change thereof shall be holy: it shall not be redeemed.

50. {V. 34} These are the commandments, which the Lord commanded Moses for the children of Israel in Mount Sinai, {Leviticus 27:30-34}." See {Romans 10:4; Hebrews 4:2; and 12:18-29}.

51. [That which is connected with Mount Sinai belongs to the old covenant and genders to bondage]. Christ is our High Priest today, would He really place us under a carnal ordinance? listen to this]:

52. {V. 15} Scripture: "And it is yet far more evident: for that after the similitude of Melchisedec there arises another high Priest [Christ Himself},

53. {V. 16} Who is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment but after the power of an endless life,

54. {V. 17} For he testified [and said], You [Christ] are a Priest for ever after the order of Melchis'edec, {Hebrews 7:15-17}." .

55. {Galatians 4:23-24} which we have already quoted, definitely connects the law with Mount Sinai, and the verses above in Leviticus positively shows that at that time, Israel received the command to "Tithe." Men may state that "Tithing" does not belong strictly to the old law, But Scripture gives proof that it does. It belongs to the law in {Hebrews 7:5} and Leviticus above, and then it was abolished by Christ! Therefore, If (old things pass away) for those in Christ and (all things are become new), {2- Corinthians 5:17}, then for the one in Christ "Tithing" has passed away!

56. Scripture: " ... Now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter, [why? because for those who are in Christ], all things are become new, {Romans 7:6}." [This leaves no room for argument]. See {2- Corinthians 3:4-8}.

57. {V. 6} above paraphrased: ["But now we are discharged from the Law and have terminated all intercourse with it, having died to what once restrained and held us captive. So now we serve not under [obedience to] the old code of written regulations, but [under obedience to the promptings of the Holy Spirit in newness [of life]."

58. Scripture: "For there is verily [surely] a disannulling of the commandment going before for the weakness and unprofitableness thereof, {Hebrews 7:18}."

59. Just why was the commandment concerning "Tithing" unprofitable? Because it was a curse on the whole nation of Israel. Think about this, why would the Lord remove an unprofitable commandment from the old covenant which He certainly was well aware of the fact that it had brought a curse on the Israelite's? And then in turn, He would place that same unprofitable ordinance in the forefront of the New Body of Christ, so that we in turn would be cursed likewise?

60. Scripture: "Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangs on a tree: That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ that we might receive the promise of the [Holy] Spirit through faith, {Galatians 3:13-14}."

61. This being so, He redeemed His people from that which brought on a curse. "Tithing" brought on a curse, {Malachi 3:8-14}, therefore, the Believing Jew is redeemed from the old law of "Tithing." Why do you suppose Christ would place the Hebrews back under something from which He redeemed them by His death on the cross? This is as weak and inconsistent as the false doctrine that after a child of God has been saved, he can become lost again!

62. {Hebrews 7:1-10}: in the case of Abraham giving a tenth to Melchisedec, the "Tithers" think they can prove their point . The argument is all against them. First the book of Hebrews was not written to the Body of Christ, but to the Hebrew people who wanted to go back under the old law system. In this very chapter in which the writer speaks of Abraham giving a tenth to Melchisedec, the writer states:

63. Scripture: "The law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw near unto God, {Hebrews 7:19}."

64. We have proven that "Tithing" belonged to the Hebrews under the old law. The whole truth is, when this better hope was established, the law which was not near as good as the better hope, disappeared from the scene. "Tithing" was a part of it. Do you need more proof? The sons of Levi, [the priestly Trib] who received the office of the priesthood, have a commandment to take "Tithes" of the people according to the law, that is, of their brethren, though they come out of the loins of Abraham, {Hebrews 7:5}. So when the law was done away with, and a better hope was established then, "Tithing" which was part of the law passed away and ceased to exist.

65. Second, notice the words "(Out of the loins of Abraham) {V. 5}, read {V. 10}." It was the Hebrew people, who came out of the loins of Abraham. "Tithing" only concerned Abraham, and his descendants who were the Hebrews. Remember, Abraham became the first Hebrew, {Genesis 17:1-11}. And, it was the children of Israel to whom was given the commandment to pay "Tithes." See again {Leviticus 27:30-34}. Why would you suppose that the word "Tithe" is not found even one time in the Epistles Paul wrote that concerns the Body of Christ? Why is it that nowhere in the whole Bible can be found in connection with any people, but Abraham and those who came out of his loins, that "Tithing" should be administered under an ordinance?

66. Folks who try to place Christians under the old law today, under O.T. ordinances, should commence the study of ordinances all over again if they haven't already done so. One person asks the question and said: "I was always taught that Christ blotted out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us. If this is true, how do we explain Paul's instructions to the Corinthians to keep the ordinances'?"

67. This is a good example of why it is so important to consult the original languages at times to arrive at the proper sense. Although the same word appears in our English translation of the Scriptures, when we consult the original language we find there are two different terms used with two entirely diverse meanings. Again read {Colossians 2:14}. In Colossians Paul is careful to use the Greek word "dogma." This term is defined by Thayer as being a decree, which here refers to "the rules and requirements of the law of Moses." So then, the finished work of Christ has abolished the covenant of the law. Paul conversing with the Corinthians stated:

68. Scripture: "Now I praise you, brethren, that you remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances [oral teachings of things delivered], as I delivered them to you, {1- Corinthians 11:2}."

69. As we turn to {1- Corinthians}, the Apostle uses the Greek word "paradosis" which denotes to deliver, that is, "a handing down or to hand over." In other words, the Corinthians were to keep and observe all the things Paul had handed down to them. The Apostle gives us a classic example later in the chapter when he states:

70. Scripture: "For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered [verb from Greek - "paradidoomi"] unto you, ... {1- Corinthians 11:23}."

71. What had the Apostle delivered to the Corinthians to be observed? Clearly, in the context, it was the Lord's supper. We are to hold fast to it "(until He comes)." Truthfully though, this really is not an ordinance, but is to be observed as a "memorial" to the Lord Jesus until He comes to Rapture us from of the earth.

72. "Tithing" folks claim that Melchisedec is a type of Christ, and that proves we are to "Tithe" today. I ask the question, was Melchisedec really a type of Christ in His relationship to the Body of Christ of today, or was He Jehovah God in His relationship to Israel, and His future reign as Priest and King on David's throne in Jerusalem? Why is it that the name Melchisedec is not found a single time in the Pauline Epistles to the Body of Christ? His name is only found in {Genesis 14:18; Psalms 110:4; and in Hebrews}. When reading His name in Psalms it is in connection with a prophecy of Christ's return in battle to overcome Israel's enemies, and rule on his throne over that nation. The words (King of Salem [Jerusalem] means "(King of peace)," see {Hebrews 7:2}, Jesus is not as yet a King of peace.

73. In fact, He said in {Matthew 10:34} "[Think not that I am come to bring peace on earth]." Not until He sits on David's throne in Jerusalem will He be a King of Peace, and bring peace to the earth, see Isaiah 9:5-7; Jeremiah 3:17-18; and Micah 4:1-8}. Then He will be King and Priest on His throne, as was Melchisedec, see {Zechariah 6:12-15}. So, Melchisedec is not a type of Christ but in fact, He is Christ our Head in His relationship to the rest of the Body of Christ. But, in the O.T. He was God Jehovah and using the name of a man, and appearing in the form of a man in His relationship to Israel, He was a Priest to the nation, that is, to those who came out of the loins of Abraham. As Melchisedec was Israel's High Priest at that time, He the Lord Jesus Christ, the God Man, is our High Priest in this present age of grace. Some folks use the following two verses to prove "Tithing" for this age.

74. {V. 13} Scripture: "Do you not know that they which minister about holy things live of the things of the temple? And they which wait at the altar are partakers with the altar?

75. {V. 14} Even so has the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel, {1- Corinthians 9:13-14}." ["Tithing" is not even under consideration in {Vs. 13-14} above].

76. These two verses above paraphrased:

77. {V. 13} "Are you unaware that those men who are employed in the services of the Temple get their food from the Temple? And that those who tend the altar share with the altar [in the offerings brought]? {See Deuteronomy 18:1}.

78. {V. 14} [On the same principle] the Lord directed that those who publish the good news [the Gospel of the Mystery] should live [get their maintenance] by the Gospel."

79. In this Paul was not speaking of the ordinance of "Tithing" which had been for the Levites, but about the priest who ministered at the altar where the sacrifices were burned, thus giving them the right to eat parts of the animals that were offered.

80. {V. 30} Scripture: "His own hands shall bring the offerings of the Lord made by fire, the fat with the breast, it shall he bring, that the breast may be waved for a wave offering before the Lord.

81. {V. 31} And the priests shall burn the fat upon the altar: but the breast shall be Aaron's and his sons;

82. {V. 32} And the right shoulder shall you give to the priest for a heave offering of the sacrifices of your peace offerings, {Leviticus 7:30-32}."

83. [In a wave offering, the breast of the animal was waved or moved back and forth, toward and away from the altar, as a symbol of presenting the offering to God and of His returning it to the priest]. Read this next verse where it states:

84. Scripture: "Every male among the priests shall eat thereof: it shall be eaten in the holy place: it is most holy, {Leviticus 7:6}." Read also {Vs. 1-5}.

1. An Assembly At Ephesus That Paul Did Not Teach To "Tithe."

85. A. The Congregation at Ephesus, Paul said to the elders of the Assembly:

86. {V. 27} Scripture: "For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.

87. {V. 28} Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to feed the assembly of God [the called out Body of Christ], which He has purchased with His own blood. [This is a picture of God "Elohim," the Three in One, and Christ as the Kinsman Redeemer Who had to be willing to redeem]!

88. {V. 29} For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.

89. {V. 30} Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples [followers] after them, {Acts 20:27-30}." {See 1- Timothy 1:3-7}.

90. [Where the blood is said to be the blood of God, it was the function of the priest to make an offering for sin, and as high priest Jesus offered Himself without spot to the Father. See Acts 20:28; Ephesians 5:2; Hebrews 9:14; and 1- Peter 1:19}. Christ served both as Sacrifice and Sacrificer. It obviously was not part of the counsel of God for Paul to teach "Tithing" to Christian Assemblies. But Paul did make a strong suggestion to this particular Congregation to support Ministers with their donations." He stated:

91. {V. 33} Scripture: "I have coveted no man's silver or gold, or apparel [costly garments].

92. {V. 34} Yes, you yourselves know [personally], that these hands have ministered to my necessities, and to them that were with me.

93. {V. 35} I have showed you all things, how that so laboring [as he had done] you ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus how He said, it is more blessed to give than to receive, {Acts 20:33-35}."

94. {V. 35} above paraphrased: "In everything I have pointed out to you [by example] that by working diligently thus we ought to assist the weak, being mindful of the words of the Lord Jesus, how He himself said, It is more blessed ... makes one happier and more to be envied ... to give than to receive]."

95. Since Paul worked to support himself and his preaching companions, then the Ephesus Assembly did not support them with "Tithes." They did not even build an Assembly building for worship until the 3rd century A.D. See Dr. Newman's Church history, page 295 Vol. 1.

2. Paul Did Not Teach "Tithing" To The Congregation At Thessalonica.

96. This particular Assembly is a second example of an Assembly that Paul did not teach to support the Gospel with "Tithes."

97. {V. 7} Scripture: "For yourselves know how you ought to follow us, for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you, .

98. {V. 8} Neither did we eat any man's bread for nought [without a cause,]: but wrought [paid] with labour [physical work] and travail [kept busy] night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you, [that you couldn't say we owed anything to you for our sustenance].

99. {V. 9} Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an example to you to follow us,

100. {V. 10} For even when we were with you, this was commanded you, that if any would not work neither should he eat, {2- Thessalonians 3:7-10}." [This proves that this Assembly did not support Paul with "Tithes]."

3. The Congregation At Corinth:

101. This is the third Congregation Paul did not teach to pay "Tithes." He said to them:

102. {V. 11} Scripture: "Even unto this present hour we both hunger, and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted, and we have no certain dwelling place;

103. {V. 12} And labour, working with our own hands: reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it,

104. {V. 13} Being defamed, we intreat: we are made as the filth of the world, and are the offscouring of all things unto this day, {1- Corinthians 4:11-13}."

105. {Vs. 11-13} above paraphrased:

106. {11} " To this hour we have gone both hungry and thirsty; we habitually wear but one undergarment [and shiver in the cold]; we are roughly knocked about and wonder around homeless.

107. {12}: And we still toil unto weariness [for our living], working hard with our own hands. When men revile us, that is, wound us with an accursed sting ... we bless them. When we are persecuted, we take it patiently and endure it.

108. {13}: When we are slandered and defamed, we answer softly and bring comfort. We have been made, and are now the rubbish and filth of the world ... the offscouring of all things, and treated as the scum of the earth."

109. Does this sound like these men were fed and housed by other Christians, did they receive food and clothing from the rest of the Body of Christ? Had they taught "Tithing" we believe the people would have helped them, but Paul would not teach a lie in order to receive gifts of men. Should we teach lies today, or the truth even though we will likely be slandered by other Christians? Is it really different today than it was during Paul's time? This writer wrote a message such as this one some 40 years ago, what do you think happened?

110. Ministers and other folks called me a liar and a false teacher, and they will probably call you the same today if you stand up for the truth. So, what are you going to do? Just grin and bear it, that's what I did. But I didn't like it, and neither will you! But, keep the faith, what else can you do? But, never let anyone try to place you or your loved ones back under the old Law as some will do if they possibly can! Why did Paul not preach "Tithing" to them? Because he says: ...

111. Scripture: "Who also has made us able Ministers of the [Dispensation of the Mystery taught in Paul's Epistles of the] New Testament; not of the letter [of the old law], but of the Spirit [of God]: for the letter [law] kills, but the [Holy] Spirit gives life, {2- Corinthians 3:6}." ["Tithing" belonged to the letter, the old covenant, which did not bring life but brought bondage].

112. Now let the people who preach the old law of "Tithing" bring just one example where Paul taught "Tithing" to an Assembly. We have brought three examples of Congregations to which he did not teach "Tithing." And, there is evidence that he did not teach others to "tithe."

113. {V. 12} Paul said ... Scripture: "I know how to be abased, and I know to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need,

114. {V. 13} I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.

115. {V. 14} Notwithstanding you have well done, that you did communicate with my affliction.

116. {V. 15} He stated ... Now you Philippines know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no [local] Assembly communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but you only, {Phillippians 4:12-15}."

117. [Sometimes Paul was supported and sometimes he was not.] [Paul did not teach giving - to support his preaching. And, there is no evidence anywhere that he taught "Tithing]."

118. The above 4 verses paraphrased:

119. {12}: "I know how to be abased and live humbly in straitened circumstances, and I know also how to enjoy plenty and live in abundance. I have learned in any and all circumstances, the secret of facing every situation, well-fed or going hungry, having a sufficiency and to spare or going without and being in want.

120. {13}: I have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers me ... I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him Who infuses inner strength into me, that is, I am self-sufficient in Christ's sufficiency.

121. {14}: But it was right and commendable and noble of you to contribute for my needs and to share my difficulties with me.

122. {15}: And you Philippians yourselves well know that in the early days of the Gospel ministry, when I left Macedonia, no Assembly entered into partnership with me and opened up [a debit and credit] account in giving and receiving except you only." You will notice in {V. 18} that it is well pleasing to God when folks share in providing gifts for the ministry of His saints, it is the same as making a sacrifice to the Lord.

123. Scripture: "Let him [who receives instructions] that is taught in the Word [of God] communicate unto him [through the Holy Spirit] that teaches: [share] in all good [material] things [with his teacher, contributing to his support], {Galatians 6:6}." {See Romans 8:9}. [And, that is what we are trying to do in this message].

124. Scripture: "Every man according as he purposes in his heart [mind], so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loves a cheerful giver, {2- Corinthians 9:7}."

125. Do not think when a man is yielded to the Spirit, and fully surrendered to God, that the Spirit will put in his heart [mind] to give, how much he should give, and to what he should give. We need more Spirit led giving and less law led giving.

126. Spirit led giving always honors God, and promotes Scriptural things. Law giving, too often caters to the desire of the flesh. Spirit led giving never surrenders to the spirit of this world. Many times law led giving is for the purpose of keeping in-step with what the world systems are doing.

The Relation Of Christ To The Law.

127. {V. 17} Scripture: "Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets; I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill.

128. {V. 18} For verily [surely] I say to you, Till heaven and earth pass [away], one Jot or one tittle shall in no way pass from the law, till all be fulfilled, {Matthew 5:17-18}."

129. "Tithing" refers to the law and Christ did fulfill it when He died on the cross at Calvary. Even though the 10 commandments were fulfilled at the death of the Lord, this doesn't mean that we should ignore them. Although the law cannot save sinners {Romans 3:20}, and the redeemed of the present age are not under the law {Romans 6:14}, nevertheless it is a part of the holy Scriptures which is inspired by God, and therefore:

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130. {V. 16} Scripture: "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God [God breathed ... Greek: Theopneustos], and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: [For the redeemed of all ages].

131. {V. 17} That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works, {2- Timothy 3:16-17}."

132. [Man of God can refer to a prophet. See {1- Timothy 6:11; Acts 4:36; 13:1; 15:32; 19:6, compare Deuteronomy 33:1; 2- Kings 4:7; John 16:12-13; and 2- Peter 1:20-21}.

"Continued On Part Six of "Tithing."

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