Numbers 18:21 *I give to the Levites all the tithes in Israel as their inheritance in return for the work they do while serving at the tent of meeting*
*HISTORY OF TITHING IN THE NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH*.
The early church (30 AD- 100 AD) in Acts of apostles did not demand tithe because the people gave generously (Acts 2:44-45, 4:32-35). They were so generous to the point where they sold their properties to support the ministry of the apostles&the needy( Acts 6:1-4,1 Tim 5:3-16).
In 1 Corinthians 16:2, we read about weekly collection for saints. No one threatened anyone with curse for not giving tithe. The emphasis was on gift, collection, sharing,liberality&generosity. Giving was seen as worship. Then, one would wonder why the early church never demanded tithe?
*The reason is simply because the people cultivated a habit of giving more than 10% to God. They understood the principle&purposes behind the old testament command of tithing. They understood what God had in mind when He commanded tithing in the old testament, so, they decided to even do more*.
Their knowledge of the principle&purposes helped them greatly to do the right thing. Even in the post apostolic church (100 AD- 300 AD), the church of that era did not demand tithe to be paid because the people continued with the culture of generous giving.
In new testament church history, tithing resurfaced between 300 AD-800 AD. The bishops of that time taught it as a helpful model to support the church. In 567 AD, the Council of tours officially urged Christians to tithe.
In 787 AD, council of Aachen, mandated tithing in the Frankish Empire under Charlemagne. The reason for this was because the state collected it like a tax to fund churches, priests, and poor relief. It replaced the old Roman tax system. At that time, Christianity had become a state religion so the state determined certain things in the church.
There is something I want us to see in this historical account; they (church councils comprising of bishops) demanded tithe to fulfill the purposes for which God intended of it but they deviated from the principle (honour&worship).
Ever since, tithing became controversial because some church leaders only emphasized the purposes but not the principle. That made tithing look more like a "personal" benefit for a few rather than a practice with divine principle.
Also, it should be noted that the period between 500 AD-1000 AD were the dark ages in church history where there was spiritual decline. The people were not as spiritual as they used to be, their leaders also became corrupt. Then, the understanding behind the principle had waned.
Tithing would not have become a debate among believers If the principle is clearly taught and understood by believers. In fact, the apostolic church culture of generous giving would have remained till date.
In my opinion, God is restoring to the church of today what the post apostolic church lost-the principle of tithing. He wants us to give (tithing inclusive) in principle (honour&worship) even generously( more than 10%).
Albeit, not under compulsion, coercion, threat or legalistically because we are no longer under the law but grace. Grace does not threaten, the law does.
*If I can give/surrender my life to Christ, what stops me from surrendering my money, time&all to Him in worship?*
Father, give me a heart of worship. Let everything I do flow from a sound understanding of who you are.