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Homer’s “Odyssey” is an epic poem that follows the journey of Odysseus, the cunning King of Ithaca, as he attempts to return home after the Trojan War. The journey is fraught with peril, as Odysseus encounters a myriad of obstacles set by the gods and mythical creatures. Throughout the narrative, Odysseus’s loyalty, wit, and perseverance are tested as he navigates challenges like the Cyclops, the wrath of Poseidon, and the seductive allure of the Sirens. The poem not only recounts his physical journey but also his struggle to maintain his identity and purpose in the face of overwhelming odds.

One of the most iconic episodes in “Odyssey” is the encounter with the Sirens, who are enchanting creatures that lure sailors to their doom with their irresistible songs. Odysseus, aware of their deadly power, instructs his men to plug their ears with beeswax while he himself is tied to the mast of the ship so that he can hear the Sirens’ song without succumbing to it.

Prosperity Gospel Preachers as the Sirens

Just as the Sirens in “The Odyssey” seek to lure sailors away from their journey and toward destruction, preachers of the prosperity gospel aim to divert their followers from the pursuit of spiritual and eternal riches to the fleeting allure of earthly wealth. The prosperity gospel teaches that faith in God, combined with donations to religious causes, will result in material wealth and physical well-being. This message is enticing, especially in a world where many struggle with financial insecurity. However, this focus on material gain leads believers away from the true teachings of Christ, Who warned against storing up treasures on earth and emphasized the pursuit of heavenly riches instead. As Matthew 6:19-21 (NIV) says, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

The similarity between the Sirens and prosperity gospel preachers lies in their methods and goals. The Sirens used their enchanting music to create an illusion of safety and wisdom, drawing sailors irresistibly toward their island, where they would meet their doom on the rocks. Similarly, prosperity gospel preachers craft messages that are appealing and convincing, but ultimately lead their followers to spiritual ruin. They encourage believers to fixate on temporary, worldly pleasures, abandoning the true path of righteousness and eternal life in favour of transient riches. Proverbs 14:12 (NIV) warns, “There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death.”

The Alluring Music of the Sirens and the Prosperity Gospel

The Sirens’ music was not just beautiful; it was personal and tailored to the desires of each listener. They sang of past and future events, tempting sailors with the promise of knowledge and understanding, something deeply attractive to human nature. This is similar to how the prosperity gospel appeals to the innate human desire for success, wealth, and security. The message is enticing because it seems to offer a direct path to achieving these goals through faith and devotion. However, just as the Sirens’ music leads sailors to their doom, the promises of the prosperity gospel lead believers away from the true teachings of Christ, focusing instead on worldly gains.

The danger of the prosperity gospel lies in its distortion of Biblical teachings. It suggests that God’s primary purpose is to make His followers wealthy and prosperous, which directly contradicts the teachings of Jesus about self-denial, sacrifice, and the pursuit of spiritual riches over material wealth. In Luke 12:15 Jesus warns His followers: “Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.” The prosperity gospel’s focus on wealth and success can cause believers to lose sight of their true spiritual journey, much like the sailors who are drawn away from their course by the Sirens’ song.

True Biblical Doctrine as the Beeswax

In “The Odyssey”, the only way for Odysseus and his crew to safely navigate past the Sirens was to plug their ears with beeswax, blocking out the alluring sound. This act symbolizes the need for discernment and steadfastness in the face of temptation. In a similar way, true Biblical doctrine acts as a safeguard against the misleading and tempting messages of the prosperity gospel. By grounding ourselves in the teachings of Scripture, we can protect ourselves from being swayed by doctrines that promise earthly gain at the expense of spiritual truth. Colossians 2:8 (NIV) warns, “See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ.”

The similarities between true Biblical doctrine and the beeswax are clear: both serve as protective measures, ensuring that the journey remains on course. Just as the beeswax kept Odysseus’s crew from hearing the Sirens’ seductive song, adherence to sound Biblical teaching helps Christians to resist the lure of false doctrines like the prosperity gospel. By remaining anchored in the truth of Scripture, we can avoid the spiritual shipwreck that comes from chasing after the empty promises of material wealth and instead focus on our ultimate goal—eternal life in Christ. Ephesians 6:11 (NIV) encourages believers to “put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.”

Conclusion

The parallels between the Sirens of “The Odyssey” and modern-day prosperity gospel preachers serve as a cautionary tale for Christians today. Just as Odysseus and his men needed to be vigilant and take precautions to avoid the deadly allure of the Sirens, so too must believers today guard themselves against the deceptive promises of the prosperity gospel. By grounding themselves in true Biblical doctrine and focusing on the eternal rather than the temporal, Christians can ensure that they stay on course in their spiritual journey, resisting the temptations that lead to spiritual ruin.

For the past 2 weeks, we have delved deeply into the topic of tithing, exploring its historical context and its irrelevance to the New Covenant established by Christ. It is essential to understand that our salvation and acceptance before God have been fully paid for by Christ on the cross. This truth is foundational to our faith and must be clearly understood by every believer.

Background to Genesis 43:23

The verse in question is part of the larger narrative of Joseph and his brothers. Joseph, sold into slavery by his jealous brothers, rises to a position of power in Egypt, becoming the governor responsible for managing the grain during a severe famine. His brothers, unaware of his true identity, come to Egypt seeking food, and Joseph tests their integrity and repentance by placing their money back in their sacks. Upon their return to Egypt, the brothers, fearful of the consequences, attempt to return the money to Joseph’s steward. The steward responds with the reassuring words found in Genesis 43:23: “Peace to you, do not be afraid. Your God and the God of your father has put treasure in your sacks for you. I received your money.”

Joseph as a Type of Christ

Theologically, Joseph is a typology, a “type of Christ,” a foreshadowing of the Messiah to come. Just as Joseph was betrayed by his brothers, sold into slavery, and later exalted to a position of authority, so too was Christ betrayed, crucified, and ultimately exalted to the right hand of God. Joseph’s brothers, who sinned against him, are symbolic of humanity, who have sinned against Jesus. This typology draws a clear parallel between Joseph’s forgiveness of his brothers and Christ’s forgiveness of our sins.

Christ’s Provision of Righteousness

Just as Joseph provided grain to his brothers to sustain them during the famine, so Christ provides us with the righteousness that sustains us in our moral famine. The famine in Joseph’s time was severe, threatening the survival of many, just as our moral inadequacy before God is dire. Isaiah 64:6 reminds us, “All our righteous acts are like filthy rags.” We are utterly incapable of achieving righteousness on our own; it is only through Christ that we are sustained.

The Futility of Human Efforts to Pay for Righteousness

In their ignorance of Joseph’s grace, his brothers tried to gather money to pay for the grain they had received. This mirrors the misunderstanding many Christians have today, thinking they must gather their own acts of righteousness to pay for the grace and righteousness they receive from Christ. Common acts that are often seen as “payment” include participation in church activities, charitable giving, personal devotions, and tithing. Scripture is clear that these acts, while good in themselves, are insufficient to pay off our moral debt to God. Romans 3:23 states, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” We are incapable of earning our way to righteousness; it is a gift from God, not a debt we can repay.

The Reassurance of Genesis 43:23

The response Joseph’s brothers received from his steward in Genesis 43:23 holds weighty spiritual truth for us today.

1. Peace about Our Moral Debt: Just as the steward told Joseph’s brothers to be at peace and not to be afraid, we too are called to be at peace concerning our moral debt before God. Romans 5:1 assures us, “Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” If we have truly repented of our sins and placed our trust in Christ, we can rest in the knowledge that He has paid our debt.
2. Confidence in the Full Payment: The brothers feared that their debt had not been fully settled, but they were reassured. Similarly, we can be confident that Jesus has fully paid our debt. Colossians 2:14 declares, “He canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross.” Our debt has been paid in full by Christ’s sacrifice.
3. Righteousness Credited to Us: It was Joseph who had placed the money into the brothers’ sacks through his steward, just as it is God who credits Christ’s righteousness to our account. 2 Corinthians 5:21 proclaims, “For our sake, He made Him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.” This righteousness is not earned; it is a divine credit given to us through faith in Christ.

Conclusion

Genesis 43:23 serves as a powerful reminder that our salvation is a work of God’s grace, fully paid for by Christ on the cross. Just as Joseph’s brothers were reassured of their peace and provision, we too can rest in the assurance that our moral debt has been fully paid, our righteousness is a gift, and we are called to live in the peace that comes from knowing Christ has done it all.

The letter to the Galatians, authored by the Apostle Paul, is one of the most powerful treatises in the New Testament that addresses the nature of the Gospel and the role of the Mosaic Law. Written to the churches in Galatia, a region in modern-day Turkey, the letter was penned in response to a crisis: certain individuals were teaching the Galatians that in addition to believing in Christ, they needed to observe the Jewish law, particularly circumcision, to be truly saved.

Paul’s letter to the Galatians is a passionate defence of the Gospel of grace and a stern rebuke to those who would turn believers away from it. He emphasizes that salvation is by faith alone in Jesus Christ and not by the works of the Law. This epistle remains crucial in understanding the relationship between the Law and the Gospel and the sufficiency of Christ’s atoning work.

Tithing: A Threat to True Faith

This week we shall observe that those who practice tithing as a means to secure God’s favour or blessings are not living in true faith in Christ. Such individuals are, in essence, cut off from the eternal life that comes through faith in Jesus. By examining Paul’s arguments in the letter to the Galatians, we will see that tithing, as it is practiced today, is incompatible with the Gospel of grace and leads believers away from the true path of salvation.

The Meaning of “Grace” in Galatians

The word “grace” (Greek: charis) is central to Paul’s message in Galatians. Etymologically, charis refers to a gift or favour, one that is given freely without any expectation of return. In the context of Paul’s writings, grace refers to the unmerited favour of God, particularly as it relates to salvation. Paul uses this term to contrast the free gift of salvation through faith in Christ with the works-based approach of the Mosaic Law. For example, in Galatians 2:21, Paul asserts, “I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!” Here, grace is juxtaposed with the idea of earning righteousness through the Law, stressing that salvation is a gift, not a reward for human effort.

The Law of Tithing: Earning God’s Favour

The Law of Tithing, as presented in the Old Testament, demands that believers secure God’s favour and blessings through the giving of a tenth of their income. Key verses that support this practice include Leviticus 27:30, Malachi 3:10, and Deuteronomy 14:22-23. However, this concept goes against the Gospel of Jesus Christ, which teaches that God’s favour is not something that can be earned through financial contributions but is a free gift given through faith. As Paul expresses in Galatians 1:6 (NIV), tithers are “abandoning the grace of Christ” for a favour that is merited through the payment of tithes. Paul says that this exchange of grace for works is a dangerous departure from the true Gospel.

Tithing as a Means to Evade God’s Curse

Many today tithe out of fear of being cursed, as indicated in Malachi 3:9. They seek to evade God’s curse by adhering to this Old Testament command. However, this practice directly contradicts the Gospel of Jesus Christ, which declares that Christ has delivered us from the curse of the Law. In Galatians 3:13-14, Paul writes, “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us… He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit.” Tithing, therefore, is not only unnecessary but actually a denial of the sufficiency of Christ’s sacrifice.

The Example of Simon the Sorcerer

The story of Simon the Sorcerer in Acts 8:9–24 serves as a powerful illustration of the dangers of attempting to buy God’s favour with money. Simon, a man who had previously practiced sorcery, offered money to the Apostles in exchange for the power to impart the Holy Spirit. Peter’s response to Simon’s request—”May your money perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money!” (Acts 8:20)—reveals the unregenerate nature of those who seek to procure God’s favour through monetary means. This belief is rampant in churches today, where the giving of tithes and offerings is linked to receiving blessings. Such practices expose a lack of true faith in the sufficiency of Christ’s work.

The Implication of Tithing

Paul’s statement in Galatians 2:21, “I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!” is a direct challenge to those who tithe as a means of gaining favour with God. By relying on tithing, they are effectively setting aside God’s grace, which is the only means of salvation. If righteousness and blessings could be obtained through tithing, then Christ’s sacrifice would be rendered meaningless. Therefore, those who tithe are rejecting the grace of God and cannot be saved.

Justification by Faith Alone

In Galatians 3:7-9, Paul emphasizes that it is faith in Christ’s atonement on the cross alone that justifies us before God without the addition of works such as tithing. “Understand, then, that those who have faith are children of Abraham. Scripture foresaw that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, and announced the gospel in advance to Abraham: ‘All nations will be blessed through you.‘ So those who rely on faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith.” This passage makes it clear that our justification comes solely through faith, not through any act of tithing or other works.

The Curse of Tithing

Ironically, the curse that tithers seek to avoid actually comes upon them when they do tithe. In Galatians 3:10, Paul warns, “For all who rely on the works of the law are under a curse, as it is written: ‘Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law.'” Those who practice tithing as a means of securing God’s favour are relying on the Law and are therefore under the very curse they seek to escape. Galatians 3:13-14 makes it clear that our deliverance from the curse of Malachi 3:8 and other curses of the Mosaic Law is based on what Christ did for us on the cross. Paul further explains in Romans 9:3 that being under a curse is equivalent to being cut off from the salvation that comes through Jesus Christ. In Romans 11:20–23, Paul elaborates that the unbelief demonstrated by those who persist in tithing is what confirms them as unbelievers in Christ, rendering them ineligible for salvation.

Tithing as Falling from Grace

Paul uses the concept of circumcision to refer to an individual’s adherence to the law as a way of earning God’s favour through works. In Jewish custom, circumcision was a physical sign of one’s submission to the Law, symbolizing an attempt to earn righteousness by following its regulations. This practice was rooted in the covenant God made with Abraham, where He commanded, “Every male among you shall be circumcised. You are to undergo circumcision, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and you” (Genesis 17:10-11).

In Galatians 5:2-4, Paul uses circumcision to signify adherence to the Law of Moses, emphasizing that all who choose to earn God’s favour through works of the Law, such as tithing, are actually submitting to the entire Law of Moses. Paul warns that Christ is of no value to those who submit to the Law, declaring that they have “fallen from grace.” By tithing, believers are submitting to the Law and falling from grace, rendering Christ’s sacrifice of no value to them.

Tithing: A Weak and Miserable Force

Galatians 4:9 refers to the Law as a “weak and miserable force,” a description that applies equally to the practice of tithing. The deficiencies of tithing are numerous: it places a burden on believers, it fosters a false transactional relationship with God, and it distracts from the true Gospel of grace. Tithing is incapable of saving or blessing anyone; it is a shadow of the Old Covenant that has been fulfilled in Christ.

The Works of the Flesh: A Result of the Law

Paul’s exhortation in Galatians 5:16–26 is crucial in understanding the implications of relying on the Law for salvation. He contrasts the works of the flesh with the fruit of the Spirit, illustrating that those who rely on the Law are cut off from the grace of Jesus Christ, which brings true transformation. The moral decay and rampant sin in many churches today can be traced back to this false teaching that God’s favour can be procured through financial contributions. This teaching undermines the true Gospel of Jesus Christ and leads to spiritual stagnation rather than growth.

The Motives of Pastors who Promote Tithing: Galatians 6:12-13

In Galatians 6:12-13, Paul reveals the true motives of pastors who promote tithing:

1. They seek to impress people by building huge churches and living lavishly.

Many pastors who promote tithing aim to impress people by constructing enormous, elaborate church buildings and living opulent lifestyles. This approach appeals to the congregation’s desire for visible success and prosperity, creating a false image of God’s favour and blessing. These leaders use the funds collected from tithes to support their personal luxury, including expensive homes, cars, and other material possessions. This pursuit of grandeur and wealth is contrary to the humble and selfless example set by Jesus Christ. Instead of fostering genuine spiritual growth and community service, the practice of tithing prioritizes outward appearances and material wealth, misleading believers into equating financial prosperity with spiritual approval. This focus on external success eliminates the core message of the Gospel, which emphasizes true character transformation, faith, and reliance on God’s grace rather than worldly riches.

2. They want to avoid unpopularity by preaching what the people want to hear:

Pastors promote tithing to avoid unpopularity by preaching messages that cater to their congregation’s desires rather than adhering to the true Gospel. In a culture increasingly driven by materialism and instant gratification, the promise of financial blessings in exchange for monetary offerings to God is an appealing message. By assuring congregants that their financial contributions will lead to God’s favour and prosperity, these pastors sidestep the more challenging and unpopular aspects of the Gospel that call for repentance, self-denial, and a focus on eternal rather than earthly treasures. This approach not only fills pews and offering plates but also shields the leaders from criticism, as they tell people what they want to hear: that their path to success and God’s favour lies in their financial generosity rather than in their faith and obedience to Christ.

3. They seek to grow their following so they may boast of how committed their followers are to them and their ministries.

Proponents of tithing are driven by a desire to grow their following using the financial contributions of their congregants as a metric of their success and influence. This focus on numerical growth and monetary gain leads to a form of spiritual boasting, where leaders take pride in the size and financial commitment of their congregation rather than in genuine spiritual transformation. Such leaders emphasize tithing and financial giving as evidence of faith and commitment, creating a culture where the value of a believer is measured by their financial contributions. This not only distorts the true essence of the Gospel but also creates a superficial and transactional approach to faith where the emphasis is placed on outward displays of piety and support for the ministry rather than on the inward renewal and faith in Christ that Paul emphasizes in Galatians 5:22–26. By boasting about the financial sacrifices of their followers, these leaders shift the focus from Christ’s work to their own achievements, undermining the message of grace and the transformative power of the Gospel.

The True Measure of Salvation: Galatians 6:15

Paul closes his letter  by pointing out what truly matters: transformation through faith in Christ. Galatians 6:15 states, “Neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything; what counts is the new creation.” Faith in Christ has nothing to do with how much money we give to churches or the status and following afforded by our material wealth. What matters is whether we have been delivered from our sinful, carnal nature. Without this transformation, we cannot legitimately claim to be born again.

Conclusion

The practice of tithing as a means of securing God’s favour or blessings is fundamentally opposed to the Gospel of grace. It is a return to the Law, a denial of the sufficiency of Christ’s sacrifice, and a path that leads away from true faith and salvation. True believers in Christ rely solely on His grace, not on their own works, to secure their standing before God.

This week, we shall look into the reasons why tithing is not a requirement for modern believers. By examining the divisions of the Mosaic Law and their fulfilment in Christ, we will see why certain practices, including tithing, were necessary under the Old Covenant but are no longer applicable under the New Covenant. Next week, we will further explore this topic by delving into why tithing MUST not be practiced, emphasizing the theological and scriptural foundations for this position.

The Mosaic Law, as presented in the Old Testament, is a complex and multifaceted legal system given to the Israelites through Moses. It is traditionally divided into three distinct parts: the Moral Law, the Ceremonial Law, and the Civil Law. Each of these components served a unique purpose within the religious, ethical, and societal framework of ancient Israel.

The Three Parts of the Mosaic Law

Understanding the three divisions is crucial for interpreting their applications and relevance today.

1. The Moral Law

The Moral Law comprises the Ten Commandments and other laws that dictate ethical behaviour and moral principles. These laws are universal, timeless, and continue to hold significance in the New Testament. They set forth fundamental principles of right and wrong, guiding human conduct in accordance with God’s will.

Matthew 5:17-18 (NIV): “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfil them. For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished.”

Romans 13:9-10 (NIV): “The commandments, ‘You shall not commit adultery,’ ‘You shall not murder,’ ‘You shall not steal,’ ‘You shall not covet,’ and whatever other command there may be, are summed up in this one command: ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.’ Love does no harm to a neighbour. Therefore love is the fulfilment of the law.”

2. The Ceremonial Law

The Ceremonial Law includes regulations pertaining to religious rituals, sacrifices, festivals, and the duties of priests and Levites. These laws were designed to facilitate atonement for the failures (sins) of Israelites in fulfilling the Moral Law.

Leviticus 4:20 (NIV): “And do with this bull just as he did with the bull for the sin offering; in this way the priest will make atonement for the community, and they will be forgiven.”

Leviticus 5:10 (NIV): “The priest shall then offer the other as a burnt offering in the prescribed way and make atonement for them for the sin they have committed, and they will be forgiven.”

3. The Civil Law

The Civil Law governed the daily life of the Israelites, covering regulations on property, family relations, and societal conduct. Examples include laws governing property and theft (Exodus 22:1-6), judicial procedures (Deuteronomy 16:18-20 and Deuteronomy 19:15-21), loans and debts (Exodus 22:25-27 and Deuteronomy 24:10-13), and sanitation and public health (Deuteronomy 23:12-14 and Leviticus 13-14).

These laws were specific to the social and cultural context of ancient Israel and are considered changeable. In modern times, countries have constitutions that guide their societies in such matters, and the New Testament commands Christians to be subject to these governing authorities.

Romans 13:1-2 (NIV): “Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.”

2. 1 Peter 2:13-14 (NIV): “Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right.”

Tithing in the Context of the Ceremonial Law

1. The Purpose of Tithing

Tithing was part of the Ceremonial Law, designed to support the Levites who were fully occupied in the work of atoning for the sins of Israel.

Numbers 18:21 (NIV): “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.”

Deuteronomy 14:27-29 (NIV): “And do not neglect the Levites living in your towns, for they have no allotment or inheritance of their own… Then the Lord your God may bless you in all the work of your hands.”

Nehemiah 10:37 (NIV): “Moreover, we will bring to the storerooms of the house of our God, to the priests, the first of our ground meal, of our grain offerings, of the fruit of all our trees and of our new wine and olive oil. And we will bring a tithe of our crops to the Levites, for it is the Levites who collect the tithes in all the towns where we work.“

The Levites had to continually offer sacrifices prescribed by the Ceremonial Law, which could not make man perfect.

Hebrews 10:4 (NIV): “It is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.”

Hebrews 10:11 (NIV): “Day after day every priest stands and performs his religious duties; again and again he offers the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins.“

2. The Demands of the Ceremonial Law

The Ceremonial Law required that the sinner bring an animal or crop to the temple in Jerusalem for sacrifice to be handed over to a Levitical priest.

Leviticus 17:5 (NIV): “This is so the Israelites will bring to the Lord the sacrifices they are now making in the open fields. They must bring them to the priest, that is, to the Lord, at the entrance to the tent of meeting and sacrifice them as fellowship offerings.”

Deuteronomy 12:5-6 (NIV): “But you are to seek the place the Lord your God will choose from among all your tribes to put his Name there for his dwelling. To that place you must go; there bring your burnt offerings and sacrifices, your tithes and special gifts, what you have vowed to give and your freewill offerings, and the firstborn of your herds and flocks.”

3. No money was demanded in any atoning sacrifice, as it is the blood that makes atonement.

Leviticus 17:11 (NIV): “For the life of a creature is in the blood, and I have given it to you to make atonement for yourselves on the altar; it is the blood that makes atonement for one’s life.”

Hebrews 9:22 (NIV): “In fact, the law requires that nearly everything be cleansed with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.”

The Sacrifice of Christ and the End of the Ceremonial Law

1. In the New Testament, Christ’s sacrifice on the cross has done away with the Ceremonial Law of Moses.

Colossians 2:14 (NIV): “Having cancelled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross.”

Hebrews 10:9-10 (NIV): “Then he said, ‘Here I am, I have come to do your will.’ He sets aside the first to establish the second. And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.”

2. Christ’s sacrifice is superior because it was done once and has forever perfected believers.

Hebrews 10:14 (NIV): “For by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy.”

Hebrews 9:12 (NIV): “He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, thus obtaining eternal redemption.”

Tithing and the New Covenant

Since Christ has done away with the Ceremonial Law, tithing is no longer necessary. There are no longer Levites or a temple in Jerusalem to bring tithes to, even if it were a requirement. The New Testament teaches that believers are now under a new covenant, one that is based on the sacrifice of Christ and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. In this new covenant, the emphasis shifts from ritualistic practices to a personal relationship with God through faith in Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. As such, the principles of giving in the New Testament focus on what Christ did on the cross and not what the Levites did in the temple.

Paying tithes in the New Testament is not only a complete misunderstanding of the Gospel but also a departure from its core principles.

1. Tithes were required to be taken to the temple in Jerusalem and nowhere else, as prescribed in Deuteronomy 12:5-6, which states, “But you are to seek the place the Lord your God will choose from among all your tribes to put his Name there for his dwelling. To that place, you must go; there bring your burnt offerings and sacrifices, your tithes and special gifts, what you have vowed to give and your freewill offerings, and the firstborn of your herds and flocks.”
2. Pastors are not priests who atone for our sins as the Levites, who received tithes, did under the Old Covenant. The role of the Levites, as described in Numbers 18:21-24, was unique to the sacrificial system of atonement that has been fulfilled and superseded by Christ’s sacrifice.
3. Tithes were never in the form of money, only animals and crops, as indicated in Leviticus 27:30-32, which specifies, “Every tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land or of the fruit of the trees, is the Lord’s; it is holy to the Lord. If a man wishes to redeem some of his tithe, he shall add a fifth to it. And every tithe of herds and flocks, every tenth animal of all that pass under the herdsman’s staff, shall be holy to the Lord.” Thus, the New Testament practice of monetary tithing reflects a misunderstanding of both the scriptural and contextual foundations established in the Old Covenant.

The Gospel of Grace

The Gospel of Jesus Christ centres on the grace and freedom that believers receive through His sacrificial death and resurrection. This New Covenant of Grace liberates Christians from the ceremonial and ritualistic obligations of the Ceremonial Law which includes tithing. By insisting on tithing as a compulsory practice, one reverts to a legalistic framework that Christ came to do away with and transcend. This legalism undermines the transformative power of the Gospel which calls believers to live out their faith through dependence on Christ’s sacrifice on the cross and the guidance of the Holy Spirit rather than through adherence to the regulations of the Old Covenant.

Conclusion

Understanding the divisions of the Mosaic Law and their implications helps clarify why certain practices, like tithing, were necessary under the Old Covenant but are no longer applicable under the New Covenant. Christ’s ultimate sacrifice has fulfilled the requirements of the Ceremonial Law, bringing us into a new era of faith and practice. As such, tithing, which was part of the Ceremonial Law meant to support the Levitical priesthood and temple services, SHOULD NOT be practiced by modern believers. Insisting on tithing as a requirement is a misinterpretation of the Gospel and a departure from the freedom that Christ has secured for us through His perfect and complete sacrifice.

In Romans 1:1, before the Apostle Paul describes himself as an apostle chosen by God and sent out to preach the Gospel, he first identifies himself as a “slave of Jesus Christ.” This self-identification is reflective, as Paul likens his relationship with God to that of a Roman slave to his master. This week we shall explore the implications of this imagery, relating it to the life of a Christian who is truly a slave to Jesus.

Paul and Slavery

Slaves were integral to the Roman Empire, forming a substantial part of the labour force and contributing significantly to the economy. Their roles spanned various sectors, from domestic work and skilled trades to agricultural labour and public services. Slaves were extremely important in maintaining the daily operations and prosperity of Roman society.

Throughout his ministry, Paul interacted with slaves on several occasions, such as in his letter to Philemon regarding the runaway slave Onesimus, whom Paul described as a beloved brother in Christ (Philemon 1:16). Additionally, in his letters to the Ephesians (Ephesians 6:5–9) and Colossians (Colossians 3:22-4:1), Paul provided instructions on the conduct of Christian slaves and masters, urging mutual respect and justice.

Paul used the picture of a Roman slave to explain his relationship with Christ. He spoke of his complete submission and obedience to his divine Master. This imagery calls attention to the depth of his devotion and the authority Christ held over his life. Here are four truths we can garner from this imagery:

1. Jesus Owns Believers

Just as Roman slaves were owned by their masters and had no freedom to go their own way, Christians, as slaves of Jesus, are owned by Him. In 1 Corinthians 6:19–20, Paul writes, “You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honour God with your bodies.” This ownership means that our lives are no longer ours to direct. We are called to live in obedience to Christ, following His teachings and commands. Christians who run after false teachings, such as the prosperity gospel, are not truly living as slaves of Christ. They seek their own desires and comfort rather than submitting to the will of Jesus, thus failing to honour their true Master.

2. Lack of Legal Personhood

In the same way Roman slaves had no legal personhood and were entirely dependent on their masters, Christians are entirely dependent on Jesus for their identity and purpose. Galatians 2:20 states, “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.” This complete surrender to Christ means that our identity is no longer rooted in ourselves but in Him. We do not seek our own glory or rights, but instead, we live to glorify Jesus, recognizing that our true personhood and value come from our relationship with Him.

Jesus also says in John 15:5, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” Our spiritual vitality, growth, and fruitfulness come from our connection to Christ. We rely on Him for strength, wisdom, and guidance in all aspects of our lives. This dependence promotes a deep relationship with Jesus, characterized by trust, love, and obedience.

3. Subject to the Master’s Will

Roman slaves were subject to the master’s will, and Christians are similarly called to be subject to the will of Christ. In Luke 22:42, Jesus Himself models this submission in the Garden of Gethsemane, saying, “Not my will, but yours be done.” As slaves of Christ, we are called to seek and obey God’s will above our own. This submission requires trust and humility, acknowledging that God’s plans and purposes are higher and better than our own. It is a call to surrender our desires, ambitions, and plans, entrusting our lives entirely to Him.

4. Work and Treatment

The varied work and treatment of Roman slaves depending on their masters can be likened to the diverse callings and experiences of Christians. Ephesians 2:10 states, “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Each Christian is given unique gifts and callings, and we are to serve faithfully in whatever capacity we are placed in. The treatment we receive may vary, and following Jesus may lead to different life circumstances, some challenging and some rewarding. However, our service is ultimately for God’s glory, and we trust in His goodness and sovereignty over our lives.

Conclusion

In Romans 1:1, Paul’s self-identification as a slave of Jesus Christ is a powerful declaration of his complete surrender and devotion to his Master. By likening his relationship with God to that of a Roman slave to his master, Paul draws attention to the depth of commitment, obedience, and dependence that characterize the life of a true Christian. As we reflect on this imagery, we are reminded that our lives are not our own, but we belong to Jesus, called to live in faithful service and submission to Him.