In what ways can we apply the principle of offering to God in our lives? Setting the Scene – Numbers 31:52 “The offering to the LORD of the gold from the commanders of thousands and of hundreds weighed 16,750 shekels.” Israel’s officers had just returned from battle. Though they had already distributed the spoils, they voluntarily gathered an additional gift of gold and laid it before the LORD. The text highlights both the tangible value (16,750 shekels) and the heart behind the act: gratitude for preservation and victory. That same “thank-You” impulse fuels our offerings today. Core Principle – Everything Comes From Him, So Everything Is Offered Back • 1 Chronicles 29:14 – “Everything comes from You, and we have given You only what comes from Your hand.” • Psalm 24:1 – “The earth is the LORD’s, and the fullness thereof.” Because He owns it all, giving is not loss but recognition. Ways to Offer to God Today 1. Finances • Proverbs 3:9-10 – “Honor the LORD with your wealth...” • Malachi 3:10 – Test Him through the tithe and see His provision. • 2 Corinthians 9:7 – Give cheerfully, not under compulsion. 2. Time • Ephesians 5:16 – Redeem the time because the days are evil. • Setting aside a regular Sabbath rhythm, family devotions, serving hours. 3. Talents & Skills • 1 Peter 4:10 – Use gifts to serve others as faithful stewards. • Exodus 31:3-5 – Bezalel’s craftsmanship offered for the tabernacle mirrors our creative contributions. 4. Acts of Worship & Praise • Hebrews 13:15 – “Let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise.” • Colossians 3:16 – Singing with gratitude in our hearts. 5. Daily Obedience and Holy Living • Romans 12:1 – Present your bodies as a living sacrifice. • John 14:15 – Love expressed through obedience. 6. Compassion & Justice • Isaiah 58:6-7 – Loose the chains of injustice; share your food with the hungry. • Matthew 25:40 – Serving “the least of these” is serving Christ Himself. Heart Posture Matters More Than Amount • Mark 12:41-44 – The widow’s two small coins outweighed larger gifts because she gave all she had. • 1 Samuel 16:7 – The LORD looks at the heart, not appearances. Gratitude, reverence, and voluntary joy transform a gift into an offering. Blessings That Follow Faithful Offering • Provision – Philippians 4:19; Luke 6:38. • Deeper Fellowship – Matthew 6:21, where treasure goes, heart follows. • Kingdom Impact – 2 Corinthians 9:12, needs met and God thanked. Putting It Into Practice This Week • List your income, then prayerfully decide a percentage to give first, not last. • Block out an hour to serve someone with your skill set. • Schedule daily “first-fruits” time in Scripture and worship. • Identify one possession you can share or donate in Jesus’ name. As Israel’s commanders piled gold at Moses’ feet, they declared, “All victory, safety, and wealth belong to the LORD.” Our modern offerings preach the same sermon, turning everyday resources into living reminders that He alone is worthy. |
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