How can we apply the principle of sacrificial giving in our daily lives? Grounding the Principle in Numbers 28:19 “You are to present to the LORD an offering made by fire: two young bulls, one ram, and seven male lambs a year old, all unblemished.” Israel’s worship in the wilderness revolved around costly, spotless offerings. Nothing casual, nothing second-rate. God received the best, and the people learned that true devotion always costs something valuable. What Sacrificial Giving Really Means • Giving that genuinely costs us—something we notice and feel • Offering the first and finest, not the leftovers (cf. Proverbs 3:9) • Trusting God to supply tomorrow’s need when today’s best is placed on His altar • Doing it gladly, because love makes sacrifice a joy (2 Corinthians 9:7) Bringing the Principle Home 1. Finances – Tithe first, budget second. – Periodically give beyond the tithe to needs the Lord highlights. 2. Time – Schedule service before leisure; volunteer where Gospel impact is clear. – Guard a Sabbath rhythm so what’s offered is wholehearted, not exhausted scraps. 3. Talents – Use marketable skills for ministry without invoicing every hour (Acts 20:35). – Mentor younger believers even when projects or deadlines press. 4. Possessions – Hold assets loosely. Loan tools, share vehicles, open your home (Hebrews 13:16). – Plan periodic “give-away days” to keep accumulation in check. 5. Emotional Margin – Be present with hurting people when it disrupts convenience (Romans 12:15). – Offer forgiveness that costs pride and vindication (Ephesians 4:32). Everyday Habits That Keep the Heart Soft • Pre-decide percentages: spontaneous giving rests on planned generosity. • Keep a “God’s ledger” journal—record His provisions after each sacrificial step. • Fast from a comfort (coffee, streaming, eating out) and redirect the savings. • Celebrate testimonies of provision; gratitude fuels further sacrifice. New Testament Echoes That Strengthen Resolve • Romans 12:1 – “Present your bodies as a living sacrifice…” The whole life goes on the altar. • Mark 12:41-44 – The widow’s two mites show that cost is measured by what remains. • Philippians 4:18 – Paul calls the Philippians’ gift “a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God.” • 2 Corinthians 8:1-5 – Macedonians give “beyond their ability” because they first gave themselves to the Lord. Motives That Keep Sacrifice Pure • Gratitude for Christ’s once-for-all sacrifice (Ephesians 5:2). • Kingdom vision—seeing resources turned into redeemed souls. • Eternal perspective—treasure laid up where moth and rust cannot destroy (Matthew 6:19-21). • Love for the Body—meeting practical needs so no believer lacks (Acts 4:34). Living It Out This Week Choose one area—money, time, talent, possessions, or emotional margin—and make one concrete, costly gift before the week ends. Then watch how the God who required unblemished lambs still delights to supply “all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19). |
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