In what ways can we apply the principle of sacrificial giving in our lives? Sacrifice on Display: Numbers 7 : 61 “one young bull, one ram, and one male lamb a year old for a burnt offering;” What Makes This Offering Sacrificial? • Costly animals—prime, unblemished, the best of the herd • A complete burnt offering—everything consumed on the altar (Leviticus 1) • Personal identification—each tribal leader gave the same substantial gift, showing equal devotion • Public, joyful worship—given at the Tabernacle dedication, celebrating God’s presence among His people Timeless Principles Behind the Gift • Give God what He explicitly asks for, not what we find convenient (Numbers 7 ; Proverbs 3 : 9-10) • Offerings flow from gratitude for redemption already received (Exodus 13 : 14-16) • Real sacrifice costs something valuable (2 Samuel 24 : 24) • God records and remembers every gift (Hebrews 6 : 10) Living It Out Today Material Resources • Budget first-fruits for the Lord, not leftovers • Plan percentage giving that stretches faith (2 Corinthians 9 : 6-8) • Set aside an “open-hand” fund for spontaneous needs (James 2 : 15-16) • Downsize or delay personal wants to release funds for gospel work Time & Talents • Block prime hours, not scraps, for service—teaching, visiting, mentoring (Ephesians 5 : 15-16) • Use professional skills for kingdom projects—legal help, construction, design (1 Peter 4 : 10) • Serve where recognition is minimal: nursery, cleaning, behind-the-scenes tech Relational Generosity • Forgive offenses “seventy-seven times” (Matthew 18 : 22) even when it hurts reputation or pride • Open your home—hospitality that costs groceries, energy, privacy (Romans 12 : 13) • Bear others’ burdens long-term: special-needs families, widows, missionaries on furlough (Galatians 6 : 2) Guarding the Heart Motive • Give quietly (Matthew 6 : 3-4)—seek God’s approval, not applause • Maintain joy, not reluctance (2 Corinthians 9 : 7) • Remember ownership—everything originates with God (1 Chron 29 : 14) Looking to the Ultimate Sacrifice • Jesus “loved us and gave Himself up for us, a fragrant offering” (Ephesians 5 : 2) • Our giving mirrors His: voluntary, wholehearted, costly • Romans 12 : 1—present bodies as “living sacrifices”; money is only one piece of a life on the altar Takeaway Summary Sacrificial giving means offering God our best—possessions, time, abilities, and relationships—so that His glory, not our comfort, takes first place. Numbers 7 : 61 shows the pattern; the cross proves the power; daily choices put it into practice. |
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