Tithing: Transition & The Fulness of Times: Grace!

THE TRANSITION (New Testament, Pre-Resurrection of Christ, Under Law) The Pharisees' Self-Righteousness (Luke 18:9-14) Again, Jesus' illustration was meant to expose the misconception about the purpose of the law: it was not meant to separate those who could perform from those who could not, but to expose an equal need for a Savior. Summary of the Tithe During the Transition  Jesus never told anyone to tithe! THE FULNESS OF TIMES: GRACE! (New Testament, Post-Resurrection, Under Grace) Tithing, the Priesthood & Melchizedek (Hebrews 6:19-7:22, 8:6) Hebrews 8:6 Even before the law, the Levites tithed to Melchizedek, the priest of the Most High God, typically, Jesus, since they were in the loins (were the progeny) of Abraham. The stage has been set for the new, perfect, unchangeable covenant. In Abraham, all those who would seek to fulfill the law by tithing did so, once and for all, by giving the tenth through Abraham to Jesus.Levi tithed to Jesus because he was "in Abraham." Likewise, we "receive" because we are now "in Christ"! Caring for Ministers (1 Corinthians 9:1-18)  Paul reveals that with freedom comes responsibility. Bound by our new nature, which is love, at its root, giving. We are to provide for those who minister before the Lord and to His people. The poor and needy should likewise be cared for. How this is done is directed on a personal level by the One Who knows the needs best, the Holy Spirit. Caring for Those in Need (1 Corinthians 16:1-4) Paul evidently didn't want to have to worry about collecting when he got there, he told the Corinthians the same thing he had told the Galatians. "So Let Each One Give as He Purposes in His Heart" (2 Corinthians 9:1-15)