How can we apply the principle of offerings in Numbers 18:28 today? Scripture Foundation “Thus you are to present an offering to the LORD from all the tithes you receive from the Israelites. And from these tithes you must give the LORD’s offering to Aaron the priest.” (Numbers 18:28) Timeless Principles Drawn from Numbers 18:28 • God owns everything; we merely steward what He places in our hands (Psalm 24:1). • Everyone gives—those who serve vocationally in ministry are not exempt. The Levites tithed on the tithe they received. • Offerings are given first, not last. They are “of the tithes you receive,” pointing to first-fruits (Proverbs 3:9). • Offerings are designated for the support of God’s ordained work and workers (1 Corinthians 9:13-14). • Giving is an act of worship that ascends to God before it ever meets a human need (Philippians 4:18). Practical Ways to Live It Out Today 1. Prioritize first-fruits giving – Set aside the first portion of every paycheck, dividend, or other increase before any other expenditure. – Automatic transfers or separate giving accounts help keep God first, not last. 2. Give even if you’re in ministry or on limited income – Pastors, missionaries, and church staff model faith by tithing on their income just as the Levites did. – Retirees, students, and those with irregular earnings can still give proportionately (2 Corinthians 8:12). 3. Support the local church and gospel workers – Channel the “tithe of the tithe” to those who labor in teaching and shepherding (Galatians 6:6). – Partner with missionaries or church-planting efforts beyond your congregation. 4. Cultivate broader “offerings” – Give time and skills—mentoring youth, repairing facilities, leading worship. – Offer hospitality, meals, transportation, or professional expertise as gifts to the body. 5. Practice transparency and accountability – Keep clear records; invite trusted believers or spouses to review your giving plan. – Churches likewise should report how gifts are stewarded, reflecting the integrity expected of the priests. Heart Attitudes God Desires • Willingness: “Each one should give as he has purposed in his heart” (2 Corinthians 9:7). • Joy: “God loves a cheerful giver” (same verse). • Faith: Trusting that He will “open the windows of heaven” (Malachi 3:10). • Eternal perspective: “Store up for yourselves treasures in heaven” (Matthew 6:20). • Humility: Remembering we give only what we have first received (1 Chronicles 29:14). Blessings Attached to Faithful Giving • Material provision—“my God will supply all your needs” (Philippians 4:19). • Spiritual fruit—generosity loosens the grip of greed and enlarges compassion (2 Corinthians 9:10-11). • Kingdom impact—ministries flourish, the lost hear the gospel, the poor are helped (Luke 6:38). • Eternal reward—God credits what is done for His name to our heavenly account (1 Timothy 6:18-19). Applying Numbers 18:28 today means gladly returning a portion of every blessing to the Lord, ensuring that both our hearts and His work remain fully funded and faithfully served. |
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