Tobiah in the House
-Worldly Money Principles in God's House
by Brett Jacobsen
Money has and probably always will be a hot topic in and out of the Church. It is no wonder that this is the case when the world is so caught up in the money game and the world seems to leek, and sometimes pour into God’s House. Jesus said “where your treasure is, there will your heart be also” Matt 6:21, which takes the money topic to a high level of priority.
As money is a part of every day life we do need to spend time regularly examining our financial dealings and mindsets in the light of God’s Word and His holy presence. Although there has been considerable dishonour and distractions with money in the church we should not avoid the subject but rather come back to a place of honour and biblical obedience.
Eliashib’s Compromise
Nehemiah chapter thirteen gives us a sad prophetic picture of the modern day church’s financial woes and the fruit that has been produced by worldly compromise.
A national revival was set in motion thanks to Nehemiah calling the people of God back to the standards of the Word of God. As they examined their ways through His Word it became obvious that some major changes were required.
We see in verse four that “Eliashib the priest, having the oversight of the chamber of the house of our God, was allied unto Tobiah” Neh 13:4 . Now Tobiah was an Ammonite and according to verse one he should not have been allowed “into the congregation of God forever.” Eliashib not only became allied to Tobiah but verse five tells of him preparing a great chamber for Tobiah to live in within God’s house. This great chamber just so happens to be the place where they used to lay the tithes and offerings.
Now in a modern day context many leaders that have been given or just taken the oversight of God’s House (the Body of Christ) have allied themselves, and in effect their congregations unto Tobiah, who represents worldly ways and systems. Obviously Eliashib allowing Tobiah into the house was in some way beneficial to him, a nice little business venture.
Just like in Nehemiah’s time we the church have allowed worldly dealings and financial dishonour to take the place of God’s ways of looking after His house. It is a humanistic, untrusting, fear-filled mindset that abandons or distorts biblical principles and adopts all sorts of striving and compromise in its place. Proverbs 3:5 says to “Trust in the Lord with all our hearts and lean not unto our own understanding” and yet in the church we have leaders exacting money out of people for all sorts of carnal endeavours which has caused many saints to reject biblical money principles and lean into the dark shadow of compromise.
To Tithe or Not to Tithe?
There is a mindset rising in the modern day church that is a direct reaction to all the Hollywood style, miss-management and lascivious spending trends of certain ministries and churches. This mindset seems to throw the proverbial baby out with the bath water in its attack on first fruits giving. While it is true that the New Testament doesn’t promote or discredit tithing, it does flow some Old Testament principles directly into the New Covenant in relation to giving. Some of these principles are:
First fruits:
Prov 3:9-10 Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase:10 So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.
1 Cor 16:1-3 “Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him”.
Bringing in:
Mal 3:10 Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house
Acts 4:34-37 as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold, 35 And laid them down at the apostles' feet: / brought the money, and laid it at the apostles' feet.
Central distribution:
Neh 13:10-13 Then brought all Judah the tithe of the corn and the new wine and the oil unto the treasuries. 13 And I made treasurers over the treasuries, Shelemiah the priest, and Zadok the scribe, and of the Levites, Pedaiah: and next to them was Hanan the son of Zaccur, the son of Mattaniah: for they were counted faithful, and their office was to distribute unto their brethren.
Acts 4:35 And laid them down at the apostles' feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need.
Worthy of a Wage
Another principle that God flowed into the New Testament is wages for His Levites. Back in Nehemiah thirteen we see God’s sore displeasure when the house of God was forsaken. Verse ten explains the reason for God’s and Nehemiah’s wrath was, “the portions of the Levites had not been given them: for the Levites and the singers, that did the work, were fled every one to his field” Neh 13:10 . Although God is probably fed up with the excessive living of some of His workers, He is not happy when His true, pure hearted servants are out in the fields labouring rather than in His house serving.
Although in the New Testament church there is no precedent for a hierarchical leadership structure with a “Clergy” class of special people, there is however, certain people who are clearly called to give up so called “normal work” and work in God’s house as their job (1 Cor 9:6 have not we power to forbear working?) .
One of the greatest misconceptions with the ministry wage deal is that, so called “full time ministers” should have to live by faith”. The fact is that all Christians should live by faith, and in the same measure that plumber Bob and nurse Betty can rightfully expect their pay cheque at the end of the week so God’s employed servants are “worthy of their reward(misthos- pay for service, hire, wages)” 1 Tim 5:18.
In fact, in God’s economy, the Levites had no right to be out earning a crust and in a New Testament context, those that are called to “forbear working” also have no write to be doing business. This isn’t just because of the conflict of interests that can and probably will arise, but is God’s wisdom to set aside certain ones to “give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word” Acts 6:4.
You may be thinking “what about Paul’s tent making business?” While it is true that Paul the apostle did spend some time working a job, it is not correct to say that this was the norm. The instances where Paul worked a job were out of the ordinary. At Corinth it seems that Paul had to spend some time working because of their “carnality” and only for a season until there were enough saints to support him. Later he said to the same people that he “robbed other churches, taking wages of them, to do you service” 2 Cor 11:8.
So although the New Testament doesn’t enforce tithing with the promise of a curse for any who don’t do it, it clearly inherits enough principles from the Old Testament to continue it in some form as long as it doesn’t become legalism or manipulative leverage. Perhaps a better term than tithing would be first fruits giving.
An interesting point to look at for all those that cry legalism at the word tithe or first fruits is Paul’s comments to the Corinthians and specifically his reference to the Law of Moses.
“Say I these things as a man? or saith not the law the same also?9 For it is written in the law of Moses, Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn. Doth God take care for oxen?10 Or saith he it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written: that he that ploweth should plow in hope; and that he that thresheth in hope should be partaker of his hope.11 If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things?12 If others be partakers of this power over you, are not we rather? Nevertheless we have not used this power; but suffer all things, lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ.13 Do ye 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?14 Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel.” 1 Cor 9:8-14
While it is true that we are not under the law nor are we justified by the keeping of it, there are still vital elements of truth flowing throughout its precepts. Not to mention its prophetic significance.
Perhaps the adjustment that needs to be made to tithing in order for it to fit in the New Testament is a change from 10% belongs to God to 100% is His. Every other aspect seems to have increased drastically from the old to the new, for example:
Old Testament New Testament
- The Sabbath is holy to God - Every day is set apart to Him
- Don’t commit adultery - Don’t look lustfully
- Do not murder - Do not be angry at your brethren
- The nation of Israel has priests - The church is a nation of priests
- Give a tithe (tenth) of all - All is His, give our whole life to Him
and money to what is Biblical ministry.
The Answer
The answer for the modern day church concerning money is the same answer for all other areas in the church. It is to be revived in the Word by the Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him.
We need to allow the New Testament Nehemiah’s (true apostles and prophets) to do their work in relaying the foundation of Jesus Christ and “set in order the things that are wanting” Tit 1:5.
Nehemiah’s response to this neglect was to: “cast forth all the household stuff of Tobiah out of the chamber” v 8, “I commanded, and they cleansed the chambers: and thither brought I again the vessels of the house of God, with the meat offering and the frankincense” v9, “contended I with the rulers” & “gathered them together, and set them in their place” v11, “I made treasurers over the treasuries” v13
The result of Nehemiah’s setting things in order was, “Then brought all Judah the tithe of the corn and the new wine and the oil unto the treasuries.” v12
When real biblical practices are built upon with the right heart motivation, then and only then, can we expect the true blessing of the Lord to be upholding us in our finances, for the saints and the household of God.
Remember that Jesus said,
“where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness! No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.” Matt 6:21-24
Again let’s not react out of our hurts or our out and out disgust for the contempt that has been brought to the body of Christ through financial dishonour. But rather let us embrace the heart of God through biblical obedience and make the necessary changes that the hour requires.
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Thank you.
September 1st, 2005 at 5:31 pm
for so long the modern day church has encouraged us to give out of compulsion, With offers of membership, Blessing, Progams, and a handsome pastor who is guarenteed to shake your hand at the end of the sunday service(cause if he doesnt we’ll go elswhere). And it is becoming more difficult to find people that give to God simply because He says to.
The above is sound scriptual reference that tithing is not at all new testement teaching, but giving the entirety of one’s life to Christ including finances is the mandate of every christian, as to see Christ glorified in our lives completely.
I would like to challenge those who believe ‘paying the way’ for those set apart to equip the saints, is old testement legalisim to find where tithing began, and point out where it is God told us to stop.
It is a lack of faith that stops people relinquishing the control of their finances to God and nothing more.
December 25th, 2005 at 12:54 am
I fully understand your point on giving but I refuse to submit to leaders who still only use the tithing portion of the old testament. Christians give but it never seems to be enough because of mans need to have a bigger building and nicer things. Where does the bible say preachers are required to have more than the people he or she leads.I am a giver and always will be because I give as I purpose in my heart. Have you not noticed that in america preachers live better than any saint coming to their church. I am also a preacher who has not been allowed to lead because I will not tithe. I am not cursed with a curse and I do not rob God. My family realized long ago that if persecution would really attack american prachers the way it does in other parts of the world most leaders would run because money would not protect them. Why does these same money hungry preachers have armourbearers and bodyguards. Jesus had no need for such individuals. This letter may sound like I am angry but really I am just frustrated because all I want is for the truth to be spread. Where are there ministry opportunities for a preacher who refuses to preach Law and grace together. Why does missions suffer in most churches? I think it is because there is no glamour in it. The spirtual warfare is a lot more evident when you try to really spread the gospel instead of making sure we impress people with our new cars and homes. I am not against prosperity but how does that cause me to be a better father or christian. If I live a secret life the preachers leaves that to God but If I choose not to tithe I can’t do anything in the church. I am glad someone allowed me to express my displeasure in watching saints suffer man’s control of their finances. We should live by faith,walk by faith, give faithfully ,and be more loving to one another. Thanks again Brother Ed
December 27th, 2005 at 12:34 pm
Response to Ed.
He Ed,
Thanks for your comment.
I did not endorse “leaders who still only use the tithing portion of the old testament”. I was saying that a first fruits mentality among other Old Testament principles flowed accross into the New Tesament, not the legal ten percent and not with compulsion.
“although the New Testament doesn’t enforce tithing with the promise of a curse for any who don’t do it, it clearly inherits enough principles from the Old Testament to continue it in some form as long as it doesn’t become legalism or manipulative leverage. Perhaps a better term than tithing would be first fruits giving.” As you can see I do encourage a first fruits kind of giving instead of tithing as it is scriptural to honour.
Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine. 18 For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward. 1 Tim 5:17-18
As for your comment “mans need to have a bigger building and nicer things” I couldn’t agree more, actually I thought I did agree more. You should also read the articles I wrote titled “No such thing as a church” and “Normal yet extraordinary” which can be found on this same site. I don’t see a New Testament place for church buildings at all.
You said, “Have you not noticed that in america preachers live better than any saint coming to their church?” I am from Australia which is not quite as bad as over there but is folowing in the same muddy footsteps. You may agree with me in a quote taken from the book I am writing at the moment.
“Many of our modern churches have become Hollywood whores prostituting themselves to the world, using worldly marketing strategies for the sake of instant gratifying results and oh how the saints thrive on it.”
You said, “I am also a preacher who has not been allowed to lead because I will not tithe” and “all I want is for the truth to be spread.” and “Where are there ministry opportunities for a preacher who refuses to preach Law and grace together” and “spirtual warfare is a lot more evident when you try to really spread the gospel instead of making sure we impress people with our new cars and homes” and “If I live a secret life the preachers leaves that to God but If I choose not to tithe I can’t do anything in the church.”
In response; the church is not a building or man made organisation at all, it is the ekklesia - “called out saints”, you are the church with a multitude of ministry opportunities at your proverbial and literal doorstep. Don’t be limited by mans seemingly tight grip on the throat of the “church”. Man rules the pride based Laodicean church accross the globe but not the true underground church of Pliladelphia (brotherly love). I’d encourage you to get a few Jesus followers together and flee the church scene, meet from house to house and in parks, down the beach etc where real people are hungry for real truth. You won’t be recognised by man for all your hard work neither will you receive worldly accolades but you will see heaven move you into a powerfull place.
I also am frustrated to the bone, but while I realise that a large part of christendom is up the creek, I focus on the Word and the prophetic direction the Spirit is giving the open eared church of the hour. Frustration can cause you to rise up and model the real change God is downloading in this hour or it can cause you to retreat in bitterness. Hold fast to your calling and be encouraged that it probably is far from the “church” that won’t let you preach.
One last one. “watching saints suffer man’s control of their finances”.
The way we opperate is that we are not a church and we have not a name as that is unbiblical and futile. We are only part of His church. We have a team of elders and no one owns Gods people. We meet from house to house and in parks. We don’t take up offerings but rather we “Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings(collections) when I come 1 Cor 16:2, this is not enforced or manipulated in any way. I’ll explain more in my book which should bfinished before Jesus returns.
I hope this clarified just a little. I would write more but I type with one finger on each hand and it takes a long time.
Loving Jesus
Bretto
May 25th, 2006 at 7:06 am
NT after Christ Died speaks only of offerings. I wonder why?
June 1st, 2006 at 11:43 am
Hey Rod,
You said “NT after Christ Died speaks only of offerings. I wonder why?”
I can handle your sarcastic vibe but not your erroneous statement.
Offering or offerings are only spoken of 2 times in the New Testament concerning the giving of finances:
*And he said, Of a truth I say unto you, that this poor widow hath cast in more than they all: For all these have of their abundance cast in unto the offerings of God: but she of her penury hath cast in all the living that she had. (Luke 21:3-4)
This is speaking of a woman who was actually still under the Old Covenant.
*Now after many years I came to bring alms to my nation, and offerings. (Acts 24:17)
This is speaking of Paul bringing a corporate offering from the churches to the church at Jerusalem which was suffering.
There are other words which are mentioned concerning the giving of finances:
5092. time, tee-may’; from G5099; a value, i.e. money paid, or (concr. and collect.) valuables; by anal. esteem (espec. of the highest degree), or the dignity itself:–honour, precious, price, some.
Eg: Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour (time), especially they who labour in the word and doctrine. (1 Tim 5:17)
He is putting the onus on the saints to make sure this honour happens, thus it is instructional for us to honour (time- value, money paid etc) the true elders (presbuteros- proven of spiritual maturity) who are “among [us]“. (1 Pet 5:1)
3800. opsonion, op-so’-nee-on; neut. of a presumed der. of the same as G3795; rations for a soldier, i.e. (by extens.) his stipend or pay:–wages.
Eg: I robbed other churches, taking wages (opsonion) of them, to do you service. (2 Cor 11:8)
3408. misthos, mis-thos’; appar. a prim. word; pay for service (lit. or fig.), good or bad:–hire, reward, wages.
Eg: For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward (misthos). (1 Tim 5:18)
And in the same house remain, eating and drinking such things as they give: for the labourer is worthy of his hire (misthos). (Luke 10:7)
5536. chrema, khray’-mah; something useful or needed, i.e. wealth, price:–money, riches.
Eg: brought the money (chrema), and laid it at the apostles’ feet. (Acts 4:37) (not hollywood apostles, true foundation servants)
It is painfully obvious that we are not to just give all over the place with the main part of our financial contributions, though we are to be generous everywhere as well, we are to “Let the elders … be counted worthy”. Remember these “elders [...] are among you.” (1 Pet 5:1) These are a plural team of mature saints that have (most of the time) given up the right to work or run a buisness in order to oversee and be an example to your life. An obscure “offering” here and there, is not only impractical, but is also unbiblical.
How do you suppose true leaders are to “give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.” (Acts 6:4)
It seems that you, like many others who are off the systemic church, are yet to find true servant leaders to do life with. When you do, you may understand the joy and value in biblical honour for real leaders.
I thought I was already unambiguous about my money views in the article you commented on ‘Tobiah in the house’. I am not into tihing, as it is not a New Testament principle; I am however a consistent firstfruits type giver into the local eldership that I am “among.” (1 Pet 5:2)
Keep praying and studying.
peace
Bretto