How can we ensure our offerings are "acceptable and pleasing to God"? The Pattern in Philippians 4:18 • “I have received full payment, and more. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, very pleasing to God.” (Philippians 4:18) • Paul identifies three qualities God delights in: – A fragrant offering (something that reaches His throne with delight) – An acceptable sacrifice (meets His holy standard) – Very pleasing to God (brings Him joy) • Our goal: bring the same aroma, acceptance, and pleasure to the Lord with every gift we bring—money, time, service, praise, or possessions. What Makes an Offering “Acceptable” 1. Flows from saving faith in Christ – “Without faith it is impossible to please God.” (Hebrews 11:6) 2. Springs from gratitude, not obligation – “God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:7) 3. Comes from a clean, repentant heart – “If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear.” (Psalm 66:18) 4. Aligns with revealed truth – God never receives what contradicts His Word (Malachi 1:6-14). 5. Advances His kingdom and meets real needs – “Do not neglect to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” (Hebrews 13:16) The Fragrance God Smells: Heart Posture First • Love: Offerings are “a fragrant aroma” when motivated by love for Christ and His people (John 13:34-35). • Sacrifice: Real cost brings real fragrance—like Mary’s alabaster jar (Mark 14:3-9). • Humility: The widow’s two small coins outweighed larger sums (Mark 12:41-44). • Dependence: Giving that trusts God’s provision honors Him (Proverbs 3:9-10). Practical Ways to Present Pleasing Offerings Today • Give regularly and proportionally (1 Corinthians 16:2). • Budget generosity first, not last. • Serve in the local church with the same devotion you give at work. • Offer praise continually: “Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise.” (Hebrews 13:15) • Share possessions with believers in need (Acts 2:44-45). • Support gospel workers and missionaries, following the Philippian example. • Practice hospitality—your table can become an altar of blessing (Romans 12:13). • Present your body as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God (Romans 12:1). Safeguards Against Unacceptable Offerings • Guard against pride: “Take care not to practice your righteousness before men to be seen by them.” (Matthew 6:1) • Reject leftover giving—God receives firstfruits, not scraps (Proverbs 3:9). • Avoid grudging or manipulated giving (2 Corinthians 9:7). • Confess sin quickly; don’t try to buy God’s favor with gifts (Isaiah 1:11-17). • Keep motives pure: aim for God’s glory, not personal recognition. The Promise Attached to God-Pleasant Giving • “And my God will supply all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19) • Acceptable offerings invite God’s abundant, timely provision. • Giving that pleases Him stores “treasure in heaven” and frees the heart from earthly chains (Matthew 6:20-21). By offering what costs us something, what flows from faith and love, and what aligns with His Word, we join the Philippians in presenting gifts that rise to heaven as a sweet-smelling aroma—offerings God gladly receives, blesses, and multiplies. |
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