How can we apply the principle of designated offerings in our church today? The Context of Deuteronomy 12:17 “Do not eat within your gates the tithe of your grain, new wine, or oil, the firstborn of your herd or flock, any vow offerings that you vow, your freewill offerings, or the special gifts of your hands.” (Deuteronomy 12:17) The Principle Behind Designated Offerings • The items listed were to be brought to “the place the LORD chooses” (Deuteronomy 12:5-6), not kept for private use. • Once given, they were holy, devoted to God, unavailable for casual consumption. • The core principle: what is set apart for the Lord stays set apart for the Lord. New Testament Echoes • 1 Corinthians 16:2 – believers “set something aside” weekly for ministry. • Acts 4:34-35 – proceeds laid at the apostles’ feet, managed corporately, not privately. • 2 Corinthians 8:19-21 – a delegation carries the offering “to honor the Lord Himself and to show our eagerness,” adding accountability. • Philippians 4:15-18 – a “fragrant offering” specifically supports gospel work. Why the Principle Still Matters • Upholds the sacredness of giving—offerings remain God’s property, not ours. • Builds trust—clear designation prevents misallocation. • Targets ministry needs—missions, benevolence, building, relief, etc. • Models stewardship—leaders handle funds openly, guarding against reproach. Practical Applications for Today 1. Encourage members to separate the Lord’s portion from household funds as soon as income arrives. 2. Provide clearly labeled ways to give (envelopes, online dropdowns) so intent is unmistakable. 3. Maintain distinct accounting lines or bank accounts for each designated fund. 4. Require at least two trusted individuals to count and deposit offerings (2 Corinthians 8:20-21). 5. Publish regular reports showing how every designated dollar was spent. 6. Seek giver consent before redirecting leftover funds once a project is complete. 7. Receive special offerings for crisis relief or missions, mirroring the Jerusalem relief gift (Romans 15:26). 8. Celebrate fulfilled designations publicly, thanking God for His provision (Philippians 4:19-20). Heart Attitudes to Cultivate • Cheerful generosity, not compulsion (2 Corinthians 9:7). • Stewardship mind-set: “The earth is the LORD’s” (Psalm 24:1). • Humble secrecy—let giving be before God, not for applause (Matthew 6:3-4). • Joyful partnership in the gospel—fruit credited to the giver’s account (Philippians 4:17). Living It Out By setting apart gifts, handling them transparently, and deploying them exactly as promised, the church honors the spirit of Deuteronomy 12:17 today. Designated offerings become tangible acts of worship, channels of blessing to others, and testimonies of God’s faithfulness. |
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