How can we apply the principle of offering our best to God today? Our Best: The Heart Behind the Offering “The priest is to wave them together with the bread of the firstfruits as a wave offering before the LORD, together with the two lambs. They will be holy to the LORD for the priest.” • Israel’s very first and finest produce and animals were set aside for God. • The act signified trust: giving the first harvest before seeing the rest. • God called the gift “holy,” underscoring its purity and quality. Why the Principle Still Stands • Malachi 1:8 warns against offering blemished gifts; God notices quality. • Romans 12:1 calls believers to be “living sacrifices, holy and pleasing.” • Christ—“the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep” (1 Corinthians 15:20)—models giving Himself completely. Four Modern “Firstfruits” to Offer 1. Time 2. Talents 3. Treasure 4. Testimony Practical Ways to Offer Each One • Time – Begin the day in Scripture before any screen (Psalm 5:3). – Schedule weekly worship first, then other commitments (Hebrews 10:25). • Talents – Serve in areas of God-given skill: teaching, music, craftsmanship (1 Peter 4:10). – Prepare thoroughly; excellence is an act of honor (Colossians 3:23). • Treasure – Set aside giving when income arrives, not after expenses (Proverbs 3:9-10). – Practice percentage giving that stretches faith (2 Corinthians 9:6-8). • Testimony – Speak of Christ early and naturally in conversations (Acts 1:8). – Share recent answers to prayer, not just past stories (Psalm 107:2). Guardrails for Sincere Giving • Check motive: Is it love or obligation? (1 Corinthians 13:3) • Maintain integrity: the best, not leftovers (Malachi 1:13-14). • Trust God’s provision: Seek Him first; necessities follow (Matthew 6:33). Promises Linked to Wholehearted Offering • Provision overflowing—“your vats will overflow with new wine” (Proverbs 3:10). • Joy in worship—“God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7). • Eternal fruit—“your labor in the Lord is not in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:58). Living the Lesson Offering our best today means consistently placing God first in every resource we steward, with the confident expectation that He receives, multiplies, and blesses what is wholly and willingly laid before Him. |
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