Applying sacrificial giving today?
How can we apply the principles of sacrificial giving in our lives today?

An Offering Recorded

“and two oxen, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs a year old, for the peace offering. This was the offering of Nahshon son of Amminadab.” — Numbers 7:17


What We Learn From Nahshon’s Gift

• Substantial: livestock that represented real wealth.

• Specific: God named the exact animals and quantities.

• Voluntary worship: Peace offerings were given freely out of gratitude (Leviticus 3).

• Corporate blessing: The animals fed priests and worshipers, strengthening the community.


Timeless Principles

1. Give what costs something (2 Samuel 24:24).

2. Give as God directs, not as impulse dictates (1 Corinthians 16:2).

3. Give with thankfulness, celebrating fellowship with God (Psalm 116:17).

4. Give in ways that bless others, not merely ourselves (Hebrews 13:16).


Echoes in the New Testament

Luke 21:1-4 — The widow’s two coins: value measured by sacrifice, not amount.

Romans 12:1 — Offer your bodies “as a living sacrifice.” Our whole lives become gifts.

2 Corinthians 9:6-8 — God loves a cheerful giver and supplies seed to the sower.

Philippians 4:18-19 — Paul calls financial help “a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice.”


Practical Ways To Live It Out Today

• Budget generosity first, not last—treat giving as a “firstfruits” line item (Proverbs 3:9).

• Choose concrete amounts that stretch faith rather than spare change.

• Give where spiritual nourishment is received: local church, missions, those in need (Galatians 6:6-10).

• Include non-monetary gifts: time, skills, hospitality, mentoring.

• Celebrate giving days: make offerings moments of joyful worship with family or friends.

• Anonymous giving when possible to guard the heart from pride (Matthew 6:3-4).


Heart Checks Before Giving

• Is my motive gratitude or obligation?

• Am I trusting God to meet my needs after I give (Malachi 3:10)?

• Does this gift reflect the worth of Christ, who “loved us and gave Himself up for us” (Ephesians 5:2)?

• Am I reconciled with others so my offering is not hindered (Matthew 5:23-24)?


Promises Attached To Sacrificial Giving

• “Sow generously, reap generously” (2 Corinthians 9:6).

• “Give, and it will be given to you” (Luke 6:38).

• “Your Father… will reward you” (Matthew 6:4).

• “God will supply all your needs” (Philippians 4:19).


Living Sacrifices Today

The altar has moved from Tabernacle courts to daily life. Every dollar, hour, and decision can echo Numbers 7:17—freely offered, precisely given, joyfully shared, and gratefully received by the Lord who first gave everything for us.

How does Numbers 7:17 connect to New Testament teachings on giving?
Top of Page
Top of Page