What New Testament teachings align with the willingness to give in Exodus 35:21? Touchpoint Verse: A Heart Moved to Give – Exodus 35:21 “Everyone whose heart stirred him and whose spirit prompted him came and brought an offering to the LORD for the work of the Tent of Meeting, for all its service, and for the sacred garments.” New Testament Echoes of Spirit-Prompted Generosity • 2 Corinthians 9:7 – “Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” – Same inner stirring; no coercion. – Joy, not duty, fuels the offering. • 2 Corinthians 8:3-5 – “For I testify that they gave according to their ability and even beyond it. … They urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service… and they exceeded our expectations: They gave themselves first to the Lord…” – Personal surrender precedes material giving, mirroring Israel’s free-hearted response. • Acts 4:32-35 – “All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own… there were no needy persons among them.” – Corporate generosity for God’s house becomes generosity for God’s people. • Acts 2:44-45 – “All the believers were together and had everything in common… they were selling their possessions and goods and distributing the proceeds to anyone as he had need.” – Voluntary, Spirit-cultivated sharing, not forced socialism. • Mark 12:41-44 – The widow’s two small coins: “She, out of her poverty, has put in everything she had…” – God treasures sacrificial, heartfelt offerings, regardless of size. • Luke 8:1-3 – Women who “were helping to support them out of their own means.” – Practical support for ministry, akin to financing tabernacle work. • Philippians 4:15-18 – “Even in Thessalonica, you sent me aid again and again when I was in need… your gifts are a fragrant offering…” – New-covenant giving still rises like Old-covenant incense. • 1 Timothy 6:18-19 – “Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share…” – Not a suggestion; a command embracing the same willing attitude. • 1 John 3:17-18 – “If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no compassion on him, how can the love of God remain in him?” – Love proves itself through open-handed action. Key Parallels Drawn 1. Stirred by the Spirit – Exodus: “whose spirit prompted him” – NT: Believers “led by the Spirit of God” (Romans 8:14) to exercise gifts, including giving (Romans 12:8). 2. Voluntary, Not Constrained – Exodus: offering was freewill. – NT: “not reluctantly or under compulsion” (2 Corinthians 9:7). 3. Purpose-Driven Giving – Exodus: fund the tabernacle, God’s dwelling. – NT: support gospel ministry, relief of saints, and witness to the world (Philippians 4:15; 1 Corinthians 9:14). 4. Heart Before Hand – Exodus: heart stirred first, then offerings. – NT: Macedonians “gave themselves first to the Lord” (2 Corinthians 8:5). 5. Joyful Sacrifice – Exodus givers parted with gold, silver, fine linen. – NT givers “sold property and possessions” with gladness (Acts 2:46). Applying the Pattern Today • Invite the Spirit to move your heart; giving starts with worship. • Decide intentionally, then give cheerfully—trusting God supplies seed to the sower (2 Corinthians 9:10). • View resources as stewardship, not ownership (Psalm 24:1; Acts 4:32). • Support the local church’s ministry, global missions, and brothers and sisters in need. • Remember: sacrificial giving is “a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God” (Philippians 4:18). |
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