What does "bring his own offering" teach about personal responsibility in worship? Verse in Focus Leviticus 4:28 — “and he realizes his guilt in the sin he has committed, then he shall bring his offering, a female goat without blemish, for the sin he has committed.” What the Phrase Emphasizes • “Bring” — intentional, voluntary action • “His” — individual ownership; not delegated, borrowed, or second-hand • “Offering” — something valuable surrendered to God Personal Responsibility in Worship • Responsibility to Recognize Sin – The verse presumes the worshiper becomes aware of guilt; no one else can repent for him. • Responsibility to Initiate Approach – He must come; no priest fetches him, no family member pushes him. • Responsibility to Provide the Sacrifice – The required goat is supplied from his own flock or resources. • Responsibility to Offer What God Specifies – He follows divine instructions exactly, not his personal preferences. Wider Biblical Support • Psalm 51:17 — “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit.” Personal contrition is non-transferable. • 2 Samuel 24:24 — David: “I will not offer to the LORD my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing.” • Romans 12:1 — “Present your bodies as a living sacrifice.” Each believer must present himself. • Hebrews 13:15 — “Through Jesus, let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise.” The “us” is plural, yet each heart must voice its own praise. Practical Takeaways for Today • Bring Your Heart: Authentic confession and gratitude cannot be outsourced. • Bring Your Hands: Serve in the local church; don’t assume others will fill every need. • Bring Your Resources: Give financially and materially as the Lord prospers you (2 Corinthians 9:7). • Bring Your Schedule: Prioritize corporate worship and personal devotion; attendance and attention are offerings too. • Bring Your Best: God asked for an unblemished animal; today He still deserves excellence, not leftovers. Summary “Bring his own offering” teaches that worship is a personal duty. God calls each believer to acknowledge sin, obey His instructions, and present a costly, wholehearted gift. Corporate gatherings matter, but no crowd can substitute for the individual who comes before the Lord with faith, obedience, and sacrifice. |
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