Showing posts with label sowing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label sowing. Show all posts

Friday, September 7, 2012

God's Pattern For Deliverance Part 4 - The Power Encounter: The Beginning of the End


God’s Pattern For Deliverance


 

Part 4 – The Power Encounter: The Beginning of the End


 

If we are Free…


 

               If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed. Joh 8:36

 

               If the Son shall make you free. How exactly does that happen? How does the Son go about bringing freedom to a life of oppression and servitude?

               We know that we serve a God that uses patterns to communicate His nature and His will for every given situation. By coming to understand the patterns that God has given us, we can always achieve the desired results in any situation.

               It’s just like making a dress from a pattern. Every time we follow the pattern we have, we end up with the same dress. The same is true for God’s patterns. If we follow His pattern for deliverance, we will always end up being delivered. And we will stay delivered. No exceptions.

Enslavement is Pride


 

               Back in the very beginning of things as far as man is concerned, satan was cast down. His downfall was due to a pride issue. Any time anyone rises up to defy Almighty God it is a pride issue, plain and simple. When we refuse to humble ourselves before the Lord Jesus Christ and do as He commands, it is an expression of pride in one form or another.

               Once he was cast down, he again defied the will of God and contributed to the downfall of man in the Garden of Eden. Obviously, he was still struggling with that whole pride thing.

               In order to cause man’s downfall, he played on Eve’s pride, as well as her lusts. It was her pride that was the real culprit, however. It was her desire to be like a god that caused her to take a bite of the forbidden fruit.

               Let’s face it: that tree had always been in the Garden. The fact that it was good for food and pleasant to the eye had never been a problem for her in the past. The difference this time was that she was promised the wisdom of the gods if she ate it. Like most of us would have done, her foolish pride manifested in her desire to be like God, so she took a bite. Pride was her downfall.

               Because of her pride, she and her husband fell from grace. As a result of the fall, sin, sickness and disease, and everything unwholesome was given authority to operate on the earth. Therefore, every form of sin, sickness and oppression is a direct result of pride. Either the pride of man or the pride of satan. Regardless of whose pride we’re talking about, someone’s pride is always at the root of every sin and every form of oppression, including disease. Had it not been for pride, none of these various forms of oppression would exist on the earth. If it were not for pride, they would not have the freedom to operate as they do.

               So when we begin to discuss the need for deliverance in any form – salvation, healing, or demonic deliverance – we must first address that what we really need deliverance from is pride. Whether it’s out pride, the pride of our culture, or the pride of the enemy, it is pride that is always the root.

               But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. Jas 4:6

 

               Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall. Pro 16:18

 

               Since we are talking about pride, we need to understand that God hates a proud heart (Ps. 101:5). As such, He is always willing to get involved in our situations in order to bring humility. If we are struggling with pride, God will bring humility through the working of His Holy Spirit as we learn to submit ourselves wholly to Him. If it is the pride of our culture that has taken up arms against us, He is more than willing to become involved in our situation in order to honor his Word and exalt the humble. If it is the pride of the enemy that has oppressed us, He is more than willing to put His hand on that thing and declare that it must let us go. It is all about bringing humility to a place where pride is oppressing us.

The Provision of the Promise


 

               One expression of man’s pride is the inability or the refusal to believe in the promises of God. We see this all the time in the church world. Some denominations refuse to believe that God still heals today. Others claim that the gifts of the Spirit are not for today. Still others say that apostles and prophets are no longer in operation.

               When we make the decision to walk with Jesus, we need to quickly come to a major decision in our walk. Either we’re going to believe the Word of God or we’re going to believe the doctrines of men and the doctrines of devils that are so prevalent in the church of today.

               If we’re going to believe the Word of God, then we need to decide we’re going to believe all of it. Not just selected passages that agree with what we’ve been taught. If what we’re being taught does not line up with the Bible, then we need to decide in favor of the Bible. Always. Every time.

               If we’re going to believe the doctrines of man, then there is nothing that I or any other minister can do to help. Sorry.

               Once we come to the decision to believe the Word of God, it is a short walk to believing that every promise that God made to the people in the Bible is still good today. 

              

 

               Once God makes us a promise, it as good as money in the bank. God has made us numerous promises that we need to hold onto. Many, many promises are contained in the Word. They are just as valid today as the day they were recorded.

               And the Word is not the only source that God uses to reassure us that He is taking care of something for us. Sometimes He will witness His promises directly to our spirits. At other times, He may use a prophetic voice to speak into our lives. It doesn’t matter how He communicates His promises to us. A promise from God is a promise from God; period.

               And God said moreover unto Moses, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, The LORD God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, hath sent me unto you: this is my name for ever, and this is my memorial unto all generations. Go, and gather the elders of Israel together, and say unto them, The LORD God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob, appeared unto me, saying, I have surely visited you, and seen that which is done to you in Egypt: And I have said, I will bring you up out of the affliction of Egypt unto the land of the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Amorites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites, unto a land flowing with milk and honey. And they shall hearken to thy voice: and thou shalt come, thou and the elders of Israel, unto the king of Egypt, and ye shall say unto him, The LORD God of the Hebrews hath met with us: and now let us go, we beseech thee, three days' journey into the wilderness, that we may sacrifice to the LORD our God. And I am sure that the king of Egypt will not let you go, no, not by a mighty hand. And I will stretch out my hand, and smite Egypt with all my wonders which I will do in the midst thereof: and after that he will let you go. And I will give this people favour in the sight of the Egyptians: and it shall come to pass, that, when ye go, ye shall not go empty: But every woman shall borrow of her neighbour, and of her that sojourneth in her house, jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and raiment: and ye shall put them upon your sons, and upon your daughters; and ye shall spoil the Egyptians. Exo 3:15-22

 

               In this passage, we see a promise from God that He will lay His hand on the thing oppressing the Israelites to bring them out of their oppression. In addition, He is going to make sure that they are reimbursed for all their trouble. These promises to the children of God are still good, today. When we are being oppressed by something, all we have to do is to follow the pattern that God has given us. When we do so, we activate every promise that He has made for that type of situation. How do we know that the Old Testament promises of God are still valid?

               Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him. Act 10:34-35

 

               God does not have more love for those in the Bible than He has for you. Everything that He did for those that are recorded in the Word, He is still doing for His children. It doesn’t matter what has happened in your past. It doesn’t matter where you came from. It doesn’t even matter that you are not worthy of His help. We have all participated in numerous sins worthy of a death sentence. We’ve all come from bad places in our lives. None of us are worthy to be called the sons of God on our own. Nevertheless, He loves us all the same. Just like He loved those in the Word. We are all His chidren, and we are all entitled by right of our spiritual rebirth to all of His promises. We just have to make the decision to believe the promise and then to stand on it until it manifests in our lives.

               In other words, with very few exceptions, everything that happened in the Bible can, should and does happen today. Everything.

               And I will stretch out my hand, and smite Egypt with all my wonders which I will do in the midst thereof: and after that he will let you go. Exo 3:20

 

               If God was willing and able to strike down the thing oppressing and enslaving the children of Israel for their benefit, He will do the same for us. In fact, since we are covered by the blood of Christ Jesus, we have a right to expect even more because we are sons and not servants.

The Uprooting Begins


 

               And afterward Moses and Aaron went in, and told Pharaoh, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, Let my people go, that they may hold a feast unto me in the wilderness. And Pharaoh said, Who is the LORD, that I should obey his voice to let Israel go? I know not the LORD, neither will I let Israel go. And they said, The God of the Hebrews hath met with us: let us go, we pray thee, three days' journey into the desert, and sacrifice unto the LORD our God; lest he fall upon us with pestilence, or with the sword. And the king of Egypt said unto them, Wherefore do ye, Moses and Aaron, let the people from their works? get you unto your burdens. And Pharaoh said, Behold, the people of the land now are many, and ye make them rest from their burdens. And Pharaoh commanded the same day the taskmasters of the people, and their officers, saying, Ye shall no more give the people straw to make brick, as heretofore: let them go and gather straw for themselves. And the tale of the bricks, which they did make heretofore, ye shall lay upon them; ye shall not diminish ought thereof: for they be idle; therefore they cry, saying, Let us go and sacrifice to our God. Let there more work be laid upon the men, that they may labour therein; and let them not regard vain words. And the taskmasters of the people went out, and their officers, and they spake to the people, saying, Thus saith Pharaoh, I will not give you straw. Go ye, get you straw where ye can find it: yet not ought of your work shall be diminished. So the people were scattered abroad throughout all the land of Egypt to gather stubble instead of straw. And the taskmasters hasted them, saying, Fulfil your works, your daily tasks, as when there was straw. And the officers of the children of Israel, which Pharaoh's taskmasters had set over them, were beaten, and demanded, Wherefore have ye not fulfilled your task in making brick both yesterday and to day, as heretofore? Then the officers of the children of Israel came and cried unto Pharaoh, saying, Wherefore dealest thou thus with thy servants? There is no straw given unto thy servants, and they say to us, Make brick: and, behold, thy servants are beaten; but the fault is in thine own people. But he said, Ye are idle, ye are idle: therefore ye say, Let us go and do sacrifice to the LORD. Go therefore now, and work; for there shall no straw be given you, yet shall ye deliver the tale of bricks. And the officers of the children of Israel did see that they were in evil case, after it was said, Ye shall not minish ought from your bricks of your daily task. And they met Moses and Aaron, who stood in the way, as they came forth from Pharaoh: And they said unto them, The LORD look upon you, and judge; because ye have made our savour to be abhorred in the eyes of Pharaoh, and in the eyes of his servants, to put a sword in their hand to slay us. And Moses returned unto the LORD, and said, Lord, wherefore hast thou so evil entreated this people? why is it that thou hast sent me? For since I came to Pharaoh to speak in thy name, he hath done evil to this people; neither hast thou delivered thy people at all. Exo 5:1-23

 

               In this chapter, we are seeing the first stages of the actual power encounter between God and the nation of Egypt. The Power Encounter happens when the power of God directly confronts the oppressor in our lives. It doesn’t matter whether that oppressor is our own flesh, the world we live in, or the demonic forces of the enemy. The deliverance process is the same, and the reaction will be the same.

               Once God has seen our affliction, heard our cry for help, and come to an intimate understanding of our struggle, He comes down to deliver us. When He comes down to deliver us from our oppressor, the first thing that He does is to “fire a shot over the bow”. He does this in order to let that thing, whatever it is, know that He is about to set us free.

               When God first informs this oppressor that He is setting us free, the first thing we usually see happen is that it rises up in defiance. Because of its pride, it will rise up against the will of God in our lives. In short, the problem will become worse than ever. Sickness and disease will manifest more and usually worse symptoms than ever. Addictions will seem to become even harder to struggle against. Those that struggle against rage or similar issues will notice that for a time they are having even more trouble than usual. This is only a temporary situation, as we will soon see.

               The fact that it is rising up in defiance is actually a good sign. That means that God has pointed His finger at that thing and informed it that He has come down to bring us deliverance, healing, etc.

               Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field: But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way. But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also. So the servants of the householder came and said unto him, Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? from whence then hath it tares? He said unto them, An enemy hath done this. The servants said unto him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up? But he said, Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn. Mat 13:24-30

 

               When God comes into our lives, He immediately begins to sow good things into our lives. Unfortunately, all of us have had a life before Christ. As a result, we all have areas in our lives where we deal with things within us that are not of God. Many of us are broken, hurt, unloving, etc. Once God comes into those areas of our lives, He turns over the field and begins planting a new crop.

               Like most farmers, when God plants a seed, He is looking for a harvest. Unlike human farmers, however, God doesn’t just plant a seed and look for the harvest. He sets the date for the harvest. Just like God created corn and wheat and squash to grow in a certain time span, the seeds He creates and plants within us are assigned a certain amount of time to grow and bear fruit. Once God sets that date, He doesn’t change it. God doesn’t worry about coming up with a “plan B”, because His “plan A” always works out just like He wanted it to.

               So when we come to Jesus as Lord and Savior, God immediately begins to place seeds within us. He plants the nature of Christ within us; the fruit of the Spirit. He plants a new love within us. He plants many things that weren’t there before.

               Once God begins to plant seeds for righteousness within us, our flesh, the world, and the forces of the enemy will rise up to try and choke out those good things the Lord has planted. After God first plants for His harvest, we will suddenly seem to be battling on every front. Our flesh will rise up, and those things we haven’t struggled with in years will come back to haunt us. Our friends, family, and even our spouses will come against us. The world around us will start treating us like we’re lepers. Problems will arise at work. We will suddenly seem to be getting sick s lot more often than is usual, etc.

               It seems like the more we pray for relief from this uprising, the worse it gets. If we are not careful, we can come to believe that this is God’s fault. We can come to convince ourselves that He has abandoned us. If we listen to the voices of others, or the voice of our flesh, we will be constantly reminded that things weren’t this bad before God got involved in our lives. We may even allow ourselves to be convinced that the only safe thing to do is to turn around and walk away from God.

               And Moses spake before the LORD, saying, Behold, the children of Israel have not hearkened unto me; how then shall Pharaoh hear me, who am of uncircumcised lips? Exo 6:12

 

               If we’re not careful, we can allow ourselves to be convinced that the issues we are dealing with are bigger than us. We may even come to the conclusion that they are bigger than our God.

               Do not be intimidated by any of these things in your life. If God is sowing into you, then He has already planned and set the date for the harvest. On that date, He will pull up the things that are struggling against you and remove them from your life. Once the tares in our lives rise up in prideful defiance to His will, we can be assured that He can and will strike them down. We can also take comfort in the fact that the date for their destruction has already been set, and that their days are numbered. We can also rest assured in the fact that when God sets the date for the harvest, everything after that is His work. We can’t mess it up even if we try because it is no longer about us. It’s about Him versus the tares.

               Then the LORD said unto Moses, Now shalt thou see what I will do to Pharaoh: for with a strong hand shall he let them go, and with a strong hand shall he drive them out of his land. And God spake unto Moses, and said unto him, I am the LORD: And I appeared unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and unto Jacob, by the name of God Almighty, but by my name JEHOVAH was I not known to them. And I have also established my covenant with them, to give them the land of Canaan, the land of their pilgrimage, wherein they were strangers. And I have also heard the groaning of the children of Israel, whom the Egyptians keep in bondage; and I have remembered my covenant. Wherefore say unto the children of Israel, I am the LORD, and I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and I will rid you out of their bondage, and I will redeem you with a stretched out arm, and with great judgments: And I will take you to me for a people, and I will be to you a God: and ye shall know that I am the LORD your God, which bringeth you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians. And I will bring you in unto the land, concerning the which I did swear to give it to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob; and I will give it you for an heritage: I am the LORD. Exo 6:1-8

 

               Once God has set a date for the harvest in our lives, He never waivers. He never takes a step back. Even if every single thing which has power over our lives rises up in defiance, God never changes the schedule. He never forgets His covenant promises to His children, and His Word is as good as gold.

               So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.

Isa 55:11

 

               You can rest assured that when the mouth of God uttered those promises of freedom to the children of Israel, that He was speaking to you, as well. He had your exact situation in mind, and the date for the harvesting of the tares is set in stone, written in Heaven.

God Marches Forward – The Engagement Initiated


 

               And the LORD said unto Moses, See, I have made thee a god to Pharaoh: and Aaron thy brother shall be thy prophet. Thou shalt speak all that I command thee: and Aaron thy brother shall speak unto Pharaoh, that he send the children of Israel out of his land. And I will harden Pharaoh's heart, and multiply my signs and my wonders in the land of Egypt. But Pharaoh shall not hearken unto you, that I may lay my hand upon Egypt, and bring forth mine armies, and my people the children of Israel, out of the land of Egypt by great judgments. And the Egyptians shall know that I am the LORD, when I stretch forth mine hand upon Egypt, and bring out the children of Israel from among them. And Moses and Aaron did as the LORD commanded them, so did they. And Moses was fourscore years old, and Aaron fourscore and three years old, when they spake unto Pharaoh. And the LORD spake unto Moses and unto Aaron, saying, When Pharaoh shall speak unto you, saying, Shew a miracle for you: then thou shalt say unto Aaron, Take thy rod, and cast it before Pharaoh, and it shall become a serpent.

Exo 7:1-9

 

               Once any form of bondage rises up in prideful defiance to the Word and the will of God, God responds by increasing the pressure. Remember back in Chapter 5, God only instructed Moses to tell Pharaoh that the children of Israel needed to go three days into the wilderness to celebrate a feast. Now that Pharaoh has risen up against God and His children in prideful defiance, God changes the terms of His command to Egypt. No longer does He tell Moses to demand three days for a feast. Now He tells Moses that He is going to execute great judgments against Egypt until the Egyptians know that Jehovah is God. Once God has executed those judgments and the Egyptians realize Who they are defying, God assures Moses that the Egyptians will send them from Egypt, not just let them go to sacrifice.

               This pattern still works today in our lives. Once any form of bondage rises up, God begins the engagement by putting pressure on it. People we don’t even know will begin interceding for us. The Spirit of the Lord will come over us and minister rest and peace to us in the middle of its uprising. Those that God has placed in our lives will suddenly begin to hold us up when we start to falter. In short, God begins to pressure that thing until it is time to engage it.

               And Moses and Aaron went in unto Pharaoh, and they did so as the LORD had commanded: and Aaron cast down his rod before Pharaoh, and before his servants, and it became a serpent. Then Pharaoh also called the wise men and the sorcerers: now the magicians of Egypt, they also did in like manner with their enchantments. For they cast down every man his rod, and they became serpents: but Aaron's rod swallowed up their rods. And he hardened Pharaoh's heart, that he hearkened not unto them; as the LORD had said.

Exo 7:10-13

 

               Regardless of what rises up to defy the Lord, His power always dwarfs it and eats it up.

               The Hebrew word translated here as “serpent” (Strong’s #H8577) should have actually been translated as “sea monster, sea serpent, or dragon”. During the time of the exodus event, it was also used to describe very large crocodiles. We need to take just a minute to consider the implications of this.

               When God met Moses at the burning bush, He instructed Moses to throw down his rod and it became a serpent. In Pharaoh’s court, however, it is Aaron that throws down the rod. At the burning bush, the Hebrew word for serpent is used in the original text (Strong’s #H5175). In the court of Pharaoh, the same word is not used because the rod of Aaron became a very large crocodile, not a serpent.

               Why is this important? We must take into consideration that we are dealing with ancient Egyptians.  Ancient Egyptians revered the Nile crocodile as one of the most powerful gods in their pantheon. The crocodile god was worshipped by nearly every class of Egyptian, and was thought to be nearly undefeatable, even by other gods.

               When Aaron’s rod turned into a giant crocodile and swallowed up the crocodiles of Pharaoh’s magicians, it sent a very clear message to Pharaoh and his wise men that their gods had been turned against Egypt by the power of Jehovah. With this one simple act, Jehovah proved that He was so powerful that He could, in fact, turn the Egyptian gods against the nation that worshipped them. This sent a very clear message to the children of Israel to have faith in Jehovah. This also sent a clear message to the Egyptian magicians that all of their demonic power would be of no avail against this unknown God of the Hebrew slaves.

               This is always the next step in the pattern for deliverance. After the defiant uprising of whatever is binding us, God begins to turn the power of that thing against itself. For example, cancerous tumors will begin to devour themselves instead of the healthy cells of the body. The drugs that a person is addicted to will begin to exhibit unusual, undesirable side effects at this stage. The idolatrous things in a person’s life will begin to turn on them. There are many examples of how this step manifests in our lives.

               And the LORD said unto Moses, Pharaoh's heart is hardened, he refuseth to let the people go. Get thee unto Pharaoh in the morning; lo, he goeth out unto the water; and thou shalt stand by the river's brink against he come; and the rod which was turned to a serpent shalt thou take in thine hand. And thou shalt say unto him, The LORD God of the Hebrews hath sent me unto thee, saying, Let my people go, that they may serve me in the wilderness: and, behold, hitherto thou wouldest not hear. Thus saith the LORD, In this thou shalt know that I am the LORD: behold, I will smite with the rod that is in mine hand upon the waters which are in the river, and they shall be turned to blood. And the fish that is in the river shall die, and the river shall stink; and the Egyptians shall lothe to drink of the water of the river. And the LORD spake unto Moses, Say unto Aaron, Take thy rod, and stretch out thine hand upon the waters of Egypt, upon their streams, upon their rivers, and upon their ponds, and upon all their pools of water, that they may become blood; and that there may be blood throughout all the land of Egypt, both in vessels of wood, and in vessels of stone. And Moses and Aaron did so, as the LORD commanded; and he lifted up the rod, and smote the waters that were in the river, in the sight of Pharaoh, and in the sight of his servants; and all the waters that were in the river were turned to blood. And the fish that was in the river died; and the river stank, and the Egyptians could not drink of the water of the river; and there was blood throughout all the land of Egypt. And the magicians of Egypt did so with their enchantments: and Pharaoh's heart was hardened, neither did he hearken unto them; as the LORD had said. Exo 7:14-22

 

               The Nile was ancient Egypt’s greatest source of nourishment. In one way or another, it fed and watered the entire country.

               The Nile brought trade of foodstuffs from other nations. It overflowed its banks every year, creating the most fertile soil for farming in the Middle East. Irrigation ditches kept the Egyptian crops watered and healthy. It supplied drinking water for people and animals. Many of Egypt’s pantheon of gods were connected with it. In short, it was indispensible to the health, welfare and spiritual life of Egypt.

               For an ancient nation, the Egyptians were actually fairly civilized. They had a system of written laws that were enforced throughout the country. Their religious system was more advanced than most any heathen nation, with the priests becoming wealthier and more politically powerful as they progressed in rank. Egypt had a standing professional army of thousands, and by military standards, was one of the most powerful nations in the world. The country’s military machine was well organized and well funded. The country was well protected from outside invaders by a system of manned border keeps and an advanced early warning system of professional military messengers. Their roads and buildings were some of the most advanced architectural achievements in the old world. In short, they were far from being barbarians.

               They were so civilized, and their religious beliefs so strong, that the thought of drinking blood would have made most of them sick enough to vomit. When God turned the Nile to blood, He caused the one thing that nourished all of Egypt to become an abomination to it. By doing so, He also defiled the religious worship of a number of Egyptian gods in the process.

               So because Pharaoh has risen up in prideful defiance to the Word of Jehovah, the consequences are severe. God demonstrates that the Egyptian gods are not only powerless against Him, but that they are His to turn against the nation. In addition, the one thing that nourishes the entire nation has now become abominable to it.

               It still works this way. Once any form of bondage raises itself up in defiance, God turns the power of that thing against itself and then takes whatever is feeding it and turns that source of nourishment into an abominable thing. For instance, during these stages of this process, an alcoholic may begin having horrible hangovers when they drink (unusual, undesirable side effect). As a result, they will begin having days when the mere thought of a drink will make them physically ill (becomes abominable).

               Once these steps have been instituted, God begins the plaguing process to achieve the full working of deliverance.

               For those of you that are struggling against something in your lives, please take just a few moments to review your circumstances. Can you see yourself or a loved one in the steps of this pattern? If so, then you know that your answer to prayer is in the works. God is already working to bring your freedom from whatever it is that is oppressing you.

               I encourage you to continue praying and to keep seeking the Lord for your freedom. If you have progressed this far in this pattern of events, then you know that the date for your freedom is already on God’s calendar. Whatever is working against you has a limited number of days. Begin to praise Him for the things that He has accomplished and is accomplishing for you.

               I also encourage you to continue reading and studying along with this series. The next article, “God’s Pattern For Deliverance Part 5 – The Uprooting Begins” will be out soon. Blessings!

              

 

              

 

 

                                            

              

 

 

              

 

 

 

Monday, September 3, 2012

Tithing and the New Testament Church


Tithing and the New Testament Church


 

               For any of us that have been in the church world for any period of time, we are familiar with the subject of tithing. It seems to be a favorite topic for Sunday morning sermons. It is also a hot topic on Christian Television and Christian Radio broadcasts. It is such a popular topic that it seems like you cannot walk into the local church or turn on the local Christian television or radio station without hearing the word “tithe”  mentioned numerous times and expounded upon. This is generally followed by a long string of promises about how God blesses those that tithe faithfully. But is it in fact, Biblical?

               In order to gain an in-depth knowledge of this subject, it is necessary for us to investigate the biblical law on the subject, and then compare that to the New Testament admonishments about giving. It is important for us, as New Covenant Believers to understand our responsibilities under the New Covenant, and to honor them faithfully. The question is, does that apply to the law of tithing? Let’s take a look. First, we’ll begin by learning the Mosaic Law on the subject.

Tithing Under the Law


 

               And all the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land, or of the fruit of the tree, is the LORD'S: it is holy unto the LORD. And if a man will at all redeem ought of his tithes, he shall add thereto the fifth part thereof. And concerning the tithe of the herd, or of the flock, even of whatsoever passeth under the rod, the tenth shall be holy unto the LORD. He shall not search whether it be good or bad, neither shall he change it: and if he change it at all, then both it and the change thereof shall be holy; it shall not be redeemed. These are the commandments, which the LORD commanded Moses for the children of Israel in mount Sinai. Lev 27:30-34

 

               Under the Mosaic Law, one tenth of a man’s increase was considered holy unto the Lord. That tenth, or tithe of his increase, was reserved to be given to the Lord. It was not to be used, sold, etc. It was holy, just like the temple was holy. Under this same law, a person was prohibited from reducing the amount of the tithe for any reason. A tenth was a tenth, period. Should the immediate need arise to leave the tithe temporarily unpaid, the person in question was allowed to add 20% (a fifth part) to the tithe in repayment of what he owed the Lord. Failure to tithe or to repay the tithe was bad news for the transgressor, as he would inherit a financial curse (we will discuss this later).

               And, behold, I have given the children of Levi all the tenth in Israel for an inheritance, for their service which they serve, even the service of the tabernacle of the congregation. Neither must the children of Israel henceforth come nigh the tabernacle of the congregation, lest they bear sin, and die. But the Levites shall do the service of the tabernacle of the congregation, and they shall bear their iniquity: it shall be a statute for ever throughout your generations, that among the children of Israel they have no inheritance. But the tithes of the children of Israel, which they offer as an heave offering unto the LORD, I have given to the Levites to inherit: therefore I have said unto them, Among the children of Israel they shall have no inheritance. Num 18:21-24

 

               The Levites, those of the tribe of Levi, performed all the services of the temple for the children of Israel. They offered up the sacrifices brought to the temple, counseled with them and performed other duties which we would today consider pastoral duties. In addition, all the priests and the High Priest were from the tribe of Levi as well. The priests performed all heavy lifting in the temple, offering up the yearly atonement for sin, communicating God’s will to the people, etc.

               The Levites and the Levitical priesthood were blessed in their service to the temple. As wages for their labors, they received a tenth of the tithe of all the land. This was given to them to provide for their living expenses. As part of the same law, however, they were barred from owning any land. Their inheritance was the temple and their service in it.

               Thou shalt truly tithe all the increase of thy seed, that the field bringeth forth year by year. And thou shalt eat before the LORD thy God, in the place which he shall choose to place his name there, the tithe of thy corn, of thy wine, and of thine oil, and the firstlings of thy herds and of thy flocks; that thou mayest learn to fear the LORD thy God always. And if the way be too long for thee, so that thou art not able to carry it; or if the place be too far from thee, which the LORD thy God shall choose to set his name there, when the LORD thy God hath blessed thee: Then shalt thou turn it into money, and bind up the money in thine hand, and shalt go unto the place which the LORD thy God shall choose: And thou shalt bestow that money for whatsoever thy soul lusteth after, for oxen, or for sheep, or for wine, or for strong drink, or for whatsoever thy soul desireth: and thou shalt eat there before the LORD thy God, and thou shalt rejoice, thou, and thine household, And the Levite that is within thy gates; thou shalt not forsake him; for he hath no part nor inheritance with thee. At the end of three years thou shalt bring forth all the tithe of thine increase the same year, and shalt lay it up within thy gates: And the Levite, (because he hath no part nor inheritance with thee,) and the stranger, and the fatherless, and the widow, which are within thy gates, shall come, and shall eat and be satisfied; that the LORD thy God may bless thee in all the work of thine hand which thou doest. Deu 14:22-29

 

               For two years out of three, the children of Israel were to bring their tithes to the temple, and eat them before the Lord, rejoicing for the increase He had given them. If they could not bring the tithe itself because of the distance, they were to sell it, and once in Jerusalem, buy whatever they wished with the money to hold the celebration in the Lord’s honor.

               During the third year, they were not to bring the tithe to the temple. They were to store it up within the city gates of wherever they lived. Once it was stored up, those in authority were to distribute the goods to Levites, the widows and the orphans as necessary. This was God supported those that had fallen on hard times. Again, this was a sacred duty that every Israelite was bound by the law to perform.

               When thou hast made an end of tithing all the tithes of thine increase the third year, which is the year of tithing, and hast given it unto the Levite, the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow, that they may eat within thy gates, and be filled; Then thou shalt say before the LORD thy God, I have brought away the hallowed things out of mine house, and also have given them unto the Levite, and unto the stranger, to the fatherless, and to the widow, according to all thy commandments which thou hast commanded me: I have not transgressed thy commandments, neither have I forgotten them: I have not eaten thereof in my mourning, neither have I taken away ought thereof for any unclean use, nor given ought thereof for the dead: but I have hearkened to the voice of the LORD my God, and have done according to all that thou hast commanded me. Look down from thy holy habitation, from heaven, and bless thy people Israel, and the land which thou hast given us, as thou swarest unto our fathers, a land that floweth with milk and honey. Deu 26:12-15

 

               Paying the tithe in the manner proscribed and at the time proscribed, entitled the Israelites to financial blessings from the Lord. After they had fulfilled their obligation to tithe, they were to approach the Lord in prayer and speak their blessing into existence. Doing so without having paid the full tithe would pronounce a curse on the individual and their household. The tithe was considered holy, and to consume it in any other method was unholy. Diverting the holy things of God for unholy uses was extremely dangerous.

               Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings. Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation. Mal 3:8-9

 

               God considered using His tithe for any other purpose to be robbery. Robbing God of anything is never advisable, and the children of Israel frequently suffered the consequences of their indiscretions. Crops would fail, their enemies would attack and loot the nation, and famine would result. All God asked for was a tenth of what He had given them. If they refused to comply with His wishes, He simply took it all back or gave it to someone else. Seems reasonable enough.

               Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the LORD of hosts. And all nations shall call you blessed: for ye shall be a delightsome land, saith the LORD of hosts. Mal 3:10-12

 

               Even when the children of Israel transgressed the law of the tithe, God gave them an easy way out. All they had to do was to bring it in as they had been originally instructed. If they did, the blessing would outweigh the curse. God’s grace was apparent even to a nation of thieves.

New Testament Tithing


 

               Tithing is very seldom mentioned under the New Covenant. Remember, tithing was part of the Mosaic Law. Under the New Covenant, Christ fulfilled the Law for us, redeeming us from its’ curse.

               But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe. But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed. Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster. For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. Gal 3:22-27

 

               As a result, certain changes were effected in the Law of Moses. Grace replaced many aspects of the Mosaic Law with new laws.

               Now consider how great this man was, unto whom even the patriarch Abraham gave the tenth of the spoils. And verily they that are of the sons of Levi, who receive the office of the priesthood, have a commandment to take tithes of the people according to the law, that is, of their brethren, though they come out of the loins of Abraham: But he whose descent is not counted from them received tithes of Abraham, and blessed him that had the promises. And without all contradiction the less is blessed of the better. And here men that die receive tithes; but there he receiveth them, of whom it is witnessed that he liveth. And as I may so say, Levi also, who receiveth tithes, payed tithes in Abraham. For he was yet in the loins of his father, when Melchisedec met him. If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood, (for under it the people received the law,) what further need was there that another priest should rise after the order of Melchisedec, and not be called after the order of Aaron? For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the law. Heb 7:4-12

 

               In this passage, Paul is very clear that the levitical priesthood has been replaced by a new order, the order of Melchisedec. Because the priesthood has been changed, so the law must also be changed. He is referring directly to the Law of the Tithe, here.

               Tithing is a such a hot subject in our time. I’m sure that it must have been a hot topic in the time of Christ, as well, right? Let’s look into the Word to see how Jesus discussed the tithe.

               Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone. Ye blind guides, which strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel. Mat 23:23-24

 

But woe unto you, Pharisees! for ye tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass over judgment and the love of God: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone. Luk 11:42

 

               Ouch! Jesus gives them full credit for paying the full tithe, yet He says that it is not good enough! Why? Let’s take another look.

               The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted. Luk 18:11-14

 

               The Law of the tithe was part of an overall system in desperate need of repair. The Israelites were practicing a religion, and didn’t have a relationship with God. They paying of the tithe became a source for self-righteous pride, just as it is today. They came to believe that the paying of the tithe was one factor that made them holier than others. What does God think about the holiness of man?

               But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away. Isa 64:6

 

               The Word never records Jesus encouraging the tithe. In fact, every time He mentions the tithe, it is in the sense that the tither is, in fact, a hypocrite and not a son. The apostles of the New Covenant Church are also never recorded encouraging the tithe. In fact, the tithe, as part of the Mosaic Law has already been fulfilled for us in Christ Jesus. So what does the New Testament say about our giving to support ministries?

Jesus’ View of Giving


 

               And Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury: and many that were rich cast in much. And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing. And he called unto him his disciples, and saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury: For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living. Mar 12:41-44

 

               Notice that in this passage, Jesus positions Himself so as to be able to see not only who is giving, but how much. Giving is important to the Lord, but the tithe is NOT. Why?

               From Jesus’ point of view, the poor widow woman gave more than all of the rich folks that gave an abundance. How can this be? Because she gave all she had. She withheld nothing from God. She gave it all. Even though all she had was a mere two mites, she gave it all. And that meant more to Him than all the giving of all the wealthy people.

               Those that were wealthy gave a portion of what they had. In fact, they withheld the largest portion of what they owned for their own personal use. They reserved their ninety percent  and held it fast. When the widow woman approached the collection box, she put it all in. Every cent. She had already discovered what the Lord Himself was trying to teach the children of Israel. 

                And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or parents, or brethren, or wife, or children, for the kingdom of God's sake, Who shall not receive manifold more in this present time, and in the world to come life everlasting. Luk 18:29-30

 

               See the wording has changed from the Old Testament blessings promised in Malachi chapter three? Jesus does not encourage His disciples to give a tenth of their possessions; He tells them that they need to give it all. If they do so, they will receive back many times over what they have given away.

Sowing Seed into the Kingdom


 

               Many times when ministries are asking for money, they will use the terms “seed”, “sowing”, or “seed faith”.  What does it mean to “sow into” a ministry. Is it a biblical doctrine, or another of man’s doctrines?

Sowing and reaping is definitely a kingdom principle. However, there are certain stipulations to sowing and reaping that we must understand. This doctrine is so prevalent in the New Testament that Paul even goes so far as to say:

               (As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever. Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;) Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God. For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God; Whiles by the experiment of this ministration they glorify God for your professed subjection unto the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal distribution unto them, and unto all men; 2Co 9:9-13

 

               God gives seed to the sower. All He looks for is an obedient heart to give. If the obedient heart is present, He will supply the seed to be sown. Every time. And then He will repay the sower many times over, both in this world and in the next.

               Sowing into the kingdom is one way that God uses to supply the needs of the saints. You’ll notice that I said the saints, and not ministries. For ministries, Jesus Himself established the rule we should live by.

               Hearken; Behold, there went out a sower to sow: And it came to pass, as he sowed, some fell by the way side, and the fowls of the air came and devoured it up. And some fell on stony ground, where it had not much earth; and immediately it sprang up, because it had no depth of earth: But when the sun was up, it was scorched; and because it had no root, it withered away. And some fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up, and choked it, and it yielded no fruit. And other fell on good ground, and did yield fruit that sprang up and increased; and brought forth, some thirty, and some sixty, and some an hundred. And he said unto them, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear. Mar 4:3-9

 

               When we “sow into” a ministry, we should be looking for a seed to bear fruit. This is the way God set up things to work. After all, a farmer doesn’t go into a field and scatter a bunch of seeds around just for something to do. When he scatters those seeds, he is looking forward to a harvest. So how do we sow to look for a harvest? Jesus has already given us the answer.

               Notice from this passage in Mark, that it is only the seed which falls into good ground that brings forth a harvest. What is good ground? Good ground is the ground that feeds you. Good ground is the ground where your seed will take root and produce the harvest you are looking for. Seed sown into any other ground is wasted. Yep, that’s right. Wasted.

               When we “sow into” a ministry of any sort, we need to make sure it is good ground. One sure way to tell is by sowing into the ministries that feed us spiritually. If a minister that does not nourish your soul asks for a seed, it is not for you to sow. You’re not being fed there.

               However, as with most things, there is an exception to this rule for sowing. We need to remember that everything we have is God’s and not ours. If God lays it on our heart to give to a ministry that is feeding others, we need to come in line with that. Everything we have is His, and if He wants to shift kingdom resources to support a ministry that so that others will be fed, we need to get behind it with everything He asks us for. And we need to do it joyfully, understanding that every seed sown under those conditions will generate thirty, sixty, and hundred-fold returns.

               This is not to say that we need to respond to radio and television ministries that are habitually begging for our money. In fact, we should NOT respond to such requests unless specifically guided by the Spirit of the Lord to do so. Remember that any seed not cast into good ground is merely wasted. If those ministries are operating within God’s plan for them, they will not need to beg for money. God will provide. If God is not providing, we need to seriously question the fruit they are producing. Is it fruit for the kingdom, or are they lining their own pockets?

               Many of the radio and television ministries that habitually beg for money from viewers and listeners will make promises that God will multiply “X” times over if you give. Or they will make statements like “everyone that sends $111 will receive a blessing, and those that send $1111 will receive a blessing ten times over.” This is not God. It is witchcraft. Every time we give to ministries using these tactics, we become complicit in their witchcraft, and need to repent for being drawn into their mess.

               Let me make one thing clear. I absolutely believe in supporting the work of the ministry. I absolutely believe that God loves a cheerful giver, and that He has given me certain kingdom resources which He allows me to use and to watch over until it is time for them to be shifted somewhere else. And I absolutely believe in following the voice of the Holy Spirit, even when He tells me to give everything I have. It is all God’s stuff. His money. His resources. To be used for His glory. And I rejoice every time I feel led to sow into a ministry, because I know that God is once again giving me an opportunity to reap a harvest of souls, simply by obediently shifting His resources into the work He has ordained them for.

               God has set us free from the Law of the Tithe. He has given us the freedom to reap as large a harvest as our barns will hold by cheerfully sowing into good ground. Every time we sow, we are guaranteed a harvest by the Lord of the Harvest, and it excites me when I have an opportunity to be part of that.

               I encourage all of my readers to set yourself free from the Law of the Tithe and to turn everything you have over to the Lord. Watch Him use it for His glory, then rejoice, knowing a harvest will be reaped for the kingdom!