‘...The purpose of tithing is to teach you always to put God first in your lives.” --Deuteronomy 14:23 (TLB)
The most direct and specific passage in the Bible concerning the tithe is found in Malachi 3:7-12 which reminds us of our tendency to rob God of His tithes and offerings; that, as a result, we are cursed with a curse; that, to break the curse, we are to "bring the whole tithe into the storehouse;" that we are to "test" God in this to see if He will not, "open for you the windows of heaven, and pour out for you a blessing until there is no more need;" and that, as we choose responsive obedience, Satan will be rebuffed with greater hinderance from access to our lives and families.
Some would argue that because tithing is an Old Testament practice we are freed from its constraints because of the finished work of Jesus Christ. While it is certainly true that we are free from the bondage of the Old Testament Law, we are invited to recognize that tithing predates the Law by some four hundred years! The first mention of tithing in the Bible is Genesis 14:20 where Abraham gives “a tenth of everything” to Melchizedek, the King of Salem (which is Hebrew for peace by the way). Many Bible scholars believe that Melchizedek was really Christ Himself in a pre-incarnate appearance. In any case, the Bible states that Melchizedek was "the priest of the most high God" (Gen. 14:18), and Abraham paid him tithes. While Moses was a man of the Law and lived under the Law that included the paying of tithes, Abraham was a man of faith and did not live under the Law—just like us!
In the New Testament tithing is mentioned ten times. In two of those instances Jesus Himself affirms the validity of tithing (see Mat. 23:23 and Luke 11:42) although, technically, the Jewish people were still operating under the Old Testament Law. In the New Covenant letter, Hebrews 7:1-10 uses the word "tithe" (or "tenth") seven of the ten times. While the main point of this passage is to point out that Melchizedek’s priesthood is superior to the Levitical priesthood, it is thought by many Bible scholars that the writer to the Hebrew Christians is also seeking to suggest that they voluntarily recommit to the sacrificial giving of a tithe without coming again under the bondage of the Old Testament Law.
The Financial Advisory Board (FAB) and our Governing Team here at HRAC would like to encourage you to read and study the above-mentioned passages of Scripture for yourself because giving is an important aspect of our devotion to God. Our God is the owner of all we possess - time, talents, and tresure. We would do well to recognize that possession does not indicate ownership; our loving God has graciously allowed us stewardship of our possessions. It is our hope that you will honor God with the first fruits of your labors and of your increase. We’ve shared with you what HRAC believes about financial stewardship and now we trust you to prayerfully consider what God is leading you to do.