How can we apply the principle of sacrificial giving in our daily lives? Sacrificial giving pictured in Hezekiah’s revival - “The total number of burnt offerings that the assembly brought was seventy bulls, one hundred rams, and two hundred lambs— all these were a burnt offering to the LORD.” (2 Chronicles 29:32) - The offerings were voluntary and abundant, made after the temple was cleansed and worship was restored. - Every animal represented real wealth; the people surrendered what they could have used for themselves. - The giving was corporate—families and leaders united in honoring God. Core principles drawn from the verse • God-centered: gifts were “to the LORD,” not to impress others. • Costly: bulls, rams, and lambs meant a measurable loss. • Responsive: generosity flowed out of renewed worship and repentance. • Communal: each person’s sacrifice joined with others to create a greater whole. New Testament echoes of the same heart - Romans 12:1: “Present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual service of worship.” - 2 Corinthians 8:3-4: believers “gave according to their ability and even beyond,” begging for the privilege of sharing. - Mark 12:44: the widow “put in everything she had, her whole livelihood.” - Luke 6:38: “Give, and it will be given to you… For with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.” Practical expressions of sacrificial giving today Financial • Set aside the first portion of income, honoring God before bills or leisure. • Budget an additional percentage above the tithe for missions, benevolence, and crisis needs. Time • Reserve weekly time for gathered worship and service. • Volunteer in children’s ministry, community outreach, or visitation of shut-ins. Talents & skills • Offer professional abilities—accounting, carpentry, music, technology—for church and charitable use. Possessions & hospitality • Open your home for Bible studies or overnight lodging for traveling servants of the gospel. • Share vehicles, tools, and equipment with families in need. Compassion & mercy • Sponsor orphans, support persecuted believers, assist local shelters. • Choose simpler living to free resources for others. Daily self-denial • Forgive offenses promptly, relinquishing the “right” to retaliation. • Fast periodically, redirecting meal costs to feed the hungry. Heart attitudes that fuel generous sacrifice • Gratitude: remember the ultimate sacrifice of Christ (2 Corinthians 9:15). • Stewardship: “The earth is the LORD’s, and the fullness thereof” (Psalm 24:1). • Trust: “My God will supply all your needs” (Philippians 4:19). • Cheerfulness: “God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7). • Worship: giving is an act of adoration, not mere philanthropy. Steps to put it into practice this week 1. List income, time blocks, skills, and possessions God has entrusted to you. 2. Choose one area where giving will genuinely cost you something significant. 3. Set a specific amount, schedule, or action, and follow through within the next seven days. 4. Keep the act as private as possible, allowing God alone to see (Matthew 6:3-4). 5. Review monthly, adjusting upward as He provides and as He prompts a deeper surrender. Result to anticipate Sacrificial giving strengthens faith, meets genuine needs, advances the gospel, and brings the giver into deeper fellowship with the Lord who gave Himself without reserve. |
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