How can Exodus 36:7 inspire us to contribute to our church community? The Moment of Overflow in Exodus 36:7 “for the materials they had were sufficient to perform all the work, and there was more than enough.” What We See Happening • The people respond to God’s clear command (Exodus 35:4-29) with wholehearted giving. • The craftsmen report an unexpected problem: “We have too much!” • Moses actually tells the people to stop bringing offerings (Exodus 36:5-6). Timeless Principles Drawn from the Text • God’s projects are never under-funded when His people obey promptly. • Abundance flows when hearts are stirred by gratitude rather than pressured by guilt. • The Lord measures generosity not by size but by willingness (cf. 2 Corinthians 9:7). How This Inspires Our Own Church Life • Give from revelation, not routine – Israel heard a clear word from the LORD; we give because Scripture still commands support for gospel work (1 Corinthians 9:13-14). • Expect God-sized provision – He who supplied for the Tabernacle still supplies for every local congregation’s real needs (Philippians 4:19). • Aim for “more than enough” – When everyone participates, the church moves from scraping by to overflowing—able to plant, serve, and send (Acts 13:2-3). • Let leaders steward the overflow – Moses paused the giving to prevent waste; today’s elders budget wisely so resources advance the mission, not accumulate aimlessly (1 Timothy 3:3). Practical Steps for Modern Believers 1. Pray over each paycheck asking, “Lord, what portion is Yours for kingdom work?” 2. Automate faithfulness—schedule regular giving so generosity isn’t hostage to feelings (Proverbs 3:9). 3. Watch for special prompts—building projects, missionary needs, benevolence funds mirror the Tabernacle moment. 4. Celebrate testimonies of overflow—publicly share when a ministry goal is exceeded; it fuels joy and further generosity (Psalm 96:3). Guarding the Heart • Reject reluctant giving—“God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7). • Resist pride—credit belongs to the LORD, not the donors (1 Chronicles 29:14). • Remember eternal dividends—earthly resources converted into spiritual fruit bring reward that moth and rust cannot destroy (Matthew 6:19-20). Living the Lesson This Week As the Israelites turned raw gold, silver, and yarn into a dwelling for God, we turn time, talent, and treasure into living temples—people saved, discipled, and sent. Let Exodus 36:7 convince us that God’s blueprint for our church will never lack supply when every member brings what the Lord has placed in their hands. |
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