Why is it important to follow God's instructions for worship and offerings today? Grounded in God’s Character • God does not change (Malachi 3:6); His holiness, order, and standards remain constant. • Because His character is unchanging, His instructions carry enduring authority (Deuteronomy 12:32). • Worship that pleases Him must reflect who He is—holy, righteous, and true (John 4:24). Numbers 28:26—A Pattern of Reverent Obedience “On the day of the firstfruits, when you present to the LORD an offering of new grain during the Feast of Weeks, you are to hold a sacred assembly; you must not do any regular work.” • Specific timing: “On the day of the firstfruits.” • Specific offering: “new grain.” • Specific posture: “sacred assembly.” • Specific lifestyle mark: “must not do any regular work.” God’s precision underlines that worship is on His terms, not ours. Timeless Reasons to Follow God’s Instructions • Affirms His Lordship – Obedience declares, “You are God; I am not.” (1 Samuel 15:22) • Protects us from self-styled worship – Nadab and Abihu offered “unauthorized fire” and paid with their lives (Leviticus 10:1-2). • Safeguards purity of the gospel – False worship distorts God’s nature and misleads others (Galatians 1:8-9). • Cultivates grateful remembrance – Firstfruits reminded Israel that every harvest came from the Lord; our obedience still declares gratitude (Psalm 50:14). • Builds covenant community – Unified, orderly worship prevents division and promotes mutual edification (1 Corinthians 14:40). • Invites divine blessing – “Blessed are all who fear the LORD, who walk in His ways.” (Psalm 128:1) New-Covenant Expression of the Same Heart • Sacrificial system fulfilled in Christ (Hebrews 10:1-10), yet the principle of offering remains. • Our offerings today: – Bodies as living sacrifices (Romans 12:1). – Praise, the “fruit of lips” (Hebrews 13:15). – Material gifts for gospel work (Philippians 4:18). • Still gathered, still holy – “Let us not neglect meeting together.” (Hebrews 10:25) – The Spirit empowers true worship rather than abolishing order (1 Corinthians 14:26-33). Practical Takeaways for Today • Approach corporate worship with preparation and reverence, not casually. • Give first and best—time, talents, resources—before spending on ourselves. • Align worship practices with clear biblical patterns; avoid innovations that contradict Scripture. • Keep the Lord’s Day distinct from ordinary work, honoring His rhythm of rest and assembly. • Measure success in worship by faithfulness to God’s Word, not by personal preference or cultural trends. Obedience to God’s instructions for worship and offerings remains vital because it honors His unchanging character, safeguards the purity of our faith, and positions us to receive His blessing—just as it did for Israel on the day of the firstfruits. |
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