What connections exist between Deuteronomy 12:17 and New Testament teachings on offerings? The Ancient Instruction: Deuteronomy 12:17 “Within your gates you must not eat the tithe of your grain, new wine, or oil, or the firstborn of your herd or flock, or any vow offerings you vow, or your freewill offerings, or your special gifts.” Purpose Behind the Restriction • Keep the offerings holy—set apart exclusively for the LORD. • Draw the worshiper to the place God chose, uniting the nation around His presence (vv. 5–7). • Ensure provision for the Levites (v. 19) and foster communal joy before God. • Prevent self-directed, casual use of what was consecrated. Carried Forward into the New Testament • Central, God-directed giving —Believers “laid them at the apostles’ feet” (Acts 4:34-35), not consuming the gifts themselves. —“On the first day of every week, each of you is to set aside a sum” (1 Corinthians 16:1-2). • Support of gospel servants —“Those who serve at the altar partake of the altar… the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel.” (1 Corinthians 9:13-14) • Offerings that are voluntary yet consecrated —“They gave of their own accord” (2 Corinthians 8:3). —“Each one should give as he has decided in his heart… for God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:7) • A fragrant aroma to God —Paul calls the Philippians’ gift “a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God.” (Philippians 4:18) Christ: The Ultimate Offering • All Old Testament offerings foreshadowed Christ (Hebrews 10:1-14). • Because His sacrifice is finished, believers’ offerings are no longer for atonement but expressions of worship and gratitude. • “Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise… and do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” (Hebrews 13:15-16) Practical Connections Today • What belongs to God should remain devoted to Him; personal use comes only after honoring Him first. • Giving flows through the gathered body of believers, ensuring ministry, missions, and mercy are supplied. • Offerings retain both discipline (regular, purposeful) and freedom (cheerful, Spirit-led). • Every gift, whether tithe, pledge, or freewill, rises as worship when presented through Christ. |
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