In what ways can we offer our "portion" to God today? Setting the Stage: What “Portion” Meant Then • In Israel’s sacrificial system, the worshiper set aside a selected “portion” of grain, oil, meat, or first-fruits that was placed on the altar for the LORD (Numbers 18:29). • The act acknowledged God’s ownership of everything and the giver’s trust that He would provide the rest. • The underlying principle remains timeless: the best and first belong to God. Christ, the Ultimate Portion • Jesus fulfilled every shadow of the offerings—He is both our portion and the One to whom we offer it (Hebrews 10:12-14). • Because we are in Christ, we now bring “spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 2:5). • Our portion today is never a payment for grace; it is a response of gratitude to the One who already gave all (2 Corinthians 8:9). Ways We Can Offer Our Portion Today Financial Resources • Give the “firstfruits” of income—planned, proportional, and cheerful (Proverbs 3:9; 2 Corinthians 9:7). • Support gospel work, care for the needy, and honor the local church’s mission (Malachi 3:10; Acts 4:34-35). Time and Schedule • Set apart regular, unhurried time for worship, Scripture, and fellowship (Psalm 90:12). • Build Sabbath rhythms that declare, “God runs the world; I can rest” (Exodus 20:8-10). Talents and Skills • Volunteer where your gifts meet kingdom needs—teaching children, leading worship, repairing roofs, coding websites (Romans 12:6-8). • Approach secular work itself as service rendered “for the Lord and not for men” (Colossians 3:23-24). Body and Lifestyle • Present your body “a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God” through purity, health stewardship, and rejecting addictive habits (Romans 12:1). • Let relationships, dating, and marriage reflect Christ’s love and holiness (Ephesians 5:1-2). Praise and Thanksgiving • Continually “offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that confess His name” (Hebrews 13:15). • Sing, testify, journal gratitude, and speak well of the Lord in everyday conversation (Psalm 34:1). Compassion and Generosity • Share food, funds, and friendship with those in need—“do not neglect to do good and to share with others” (Hebrews 13:16). • Engage in justice-mercy initiatives that embody Micah 6:8. Hospitality and Home • Open your table and living room to neighbors, missionaries, students, and the lonely (1 Peter 4:9). • See every meal as a miniature altar where God’s grace is celebrated. Creation Care • Steward the environment as God’s trustees—reduce waste, cultivate gardens, enjoy creation with thanksgiving (Genesis 2:15). Keeping the Portion Pure • Offer the “best and holiest part,” not leftovers (Numbers 18:29). • Guard motives—give out of love, not applause (Matthew 6:1-4). • Depend on the Spirit, who empowers both the desire and the deed (Philippians 2:13). Encouragement to Respond • “The LORD is my chosen portion and my cup” (Psalm 16:5); when He is our portion, giving Him ours becomes joy, not loss. • Whatever form your portion takes today—money, minutes, abilities—place it in His hands. He multiplies loaves and fish, and He will use your offering for His glory and your good. |
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