Let me begin by saying the word “kingdom” is sometime used frivolously from people who don’t always obey the King but enjoy the gain of using His word “kingdom”. Broken down the word “kingdom” is made up of two words. “King” and “Dominion” imply that we surrender to His authority. The Apostle Paul warned Timothy, a young pastor, that there were people who would have the appearance of godliness but not submit to the authority of the King. According to Paul, these trouble makers were the ones who showed godliness as a way to become wealthy with gain(1 Timothy 6:5).
There is nothing wrong with being Godly. In fact it brings glory to God and represents Him well when Christians live a life that is godly. However, when we apply godliness as a means for financial gain, instead of godliness for love, it robs from Jesus.
Follow me here, under the old covenant, you could rob from God by not bringing your tithed farm produce (add up all the spices, grain, and some theologians believe it equaled close to 23 percent), . I’m not going to dwell on this because there are plenty of books and teachings today by the millions still applying this old covenant teaching. Under the new covenant, it is possible to rob (curse) Jesus. “How can we rob Jesus?” Well, I’m glad you asked……
The Bible tells us in Galatians that if you are relying on works of the law, then you are under a new covenant curse. Doesn’t mean your bank account or crops are cursed like the old covenant. For new covenant gentile believers, this curse is impacting Jesus to rob Him of the glory He is due. Rely on the works of the law and Jesus is not glorified to the world that He became the door of Heaven and is wide open to every believer to pour out blessings because of faith in Him.
Galatians 3:10-12 For all who rely on works of the law are under a curse; for it is written, “Cursed be everyone who does not abide by all things written in the Book of the Law, and do them.” 11 Now it is evident that no one is justified before God by the law, for “The righteous shall live by faith.” 12 But the law is not of faith, rather “The one who does them shall live by them.”
“Hang on Pastor B, why would you say tithing is the law?” Actually I didn’t say it, Jesus did and then He fulfilled the law on the cross and everything changed to faith in Him.
Matthew 23:23 NLT “What sorrow awaits you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you are careful to tithe even the tiniest income from your herb gardens, but you ignore the more important aspects of the law—justice, mercy, and faith. You should tithe, yes, but do not neglect the more important things.
Romans 7:6 But now we are released from the law, having died to that which held us captive, so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit and not in the old way of the written code.
The religious leader might say “See, Jesus said we should tithe!” Jesus didn’t come to abolish the law from the jews but to fulfill it. Once he fulfilled the law, he offered the new believer, by faith, a new spiritual heart with the new covenant law. Love is very generous and requires surrendering and compassion to be moved by faith. To give ten percent all you might need is a calculator, if even that. Often the prosperity preacher says you can purchase the favor of God or the removal of a curse off your money. Implying that just pay the mafia-like church and watch the protection and favor of God increase your financial gain. This kind of teaching robs and curses Jesus.
Remember the time the Apostle Paul taught tithing to all the new gentile believers in the church? Me either? “Well their money was cursed if they didn’t tithe”, says the mega pastor. Really? Not one mention from Apostle Paul to those new gentile converts in poverty about removing a financial curse in Acts, Romans, 1, 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians……..oh wait….. (he must have not loved them by not teaching “tithing”- insert eye roll)….
Philippians 4:18-20 I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God. 19 And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
Translation (mine): Thank you for the generosity and love gifts, my God will supply every need of yours because JESUS fulfilled the law on your behalf and deserves the glory!
“Ok, Brandon, you are now in left field….. how will the church and kingdom get funded?” What if new believers were taught faith to listen and submit to King Jesus for godliness and love without financial gain? Then Jesus would not be robbed by the message and receive the glory and honor He is due.
This next generation will not put up with the “Emperor’s Clothing” in churches called tithing to remove curses, nor will they sit on the sideline and give nothing to the bride of Christ and His kingdom. There is a generation rising that is moved by faith, love, and compassion and Jesus will receive all the glory for their godliness.
brandonpollard 
Love this!!