Why is obedience in offerings important for our relationship with God today? Leviticus 3:14—The Call to Precise Obedience “He is to present from it an offering made by fire to the LORD: the fat surrounding the entrails, all the fat that is on the entrails.” Key Observations from the Verse • God specifies exactly what part of the animal must be offered—nothing more, nothing less. • The worshiper’s role is to follow God’s pattern without alteration. • The detail underscores that offerings are about honoring God’s holiness, not personal preference. Why Such Precision Still Matters • God’s character has not changed (Malachi 3:6); His holiness still requires reverent obedience. • Jesus affirmed that even “the smallest letter or stroke” of the Law matters (Matthew 5:18). • Precise obedience demonstrates love (John 14:15) and trust that God knows best. From Old Covenant Sacrifice to New Covenant Living • Christ fulfilled the sacrificial system (Hebrews 10:10), yet believers remain “living sacrifices” (Romans 12:1). • Financial giving, acts of service, and praise are spiritual “offerings” (Hebrews 13:15-16; Philippians 4:18). • The principle stands: God, not we, defines what obedience looks like in each sphere. Blessings Tied to Obedient Offerings • Provision: “Bring the full tithe… and see if I will not open the windows of heaven” (Malachi 3:10). • Joy: “God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7). • Fellowship: Obedient giving draws us near, for “where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21). Consequences of Disobedient Offerings • 1 Samuel 15:22-23—Sacrifice without obedience is rebellion. • Malachi 1:13-14—Careless offerings dishonor God and invite curse. • Acts 5:1-11—Ananias and Sapphira show that deceptive giving disrupts the church and incurs judgment. Practical Ways to Offer Obediently Today • Set apart the “firstfruits” of income, time, and talents before allocating anything else (Proverbs 3:9-10). • Give purposely and proportionally, not impulsively (1 Corinthians 16:2). • Serve in the local church where God has planted you (1 Peter 4:10). • Offer continual praise and thanksgiving, even in trials (1 Thessalonians 5:18). • Guard motives—seek God’s glory, not public recognition (Matthew 6:1-4). Summary Leviticus 3:14 reminds us that God values careful, heartfelt obedience in our offerings. While the form of sacrifice has changed through Christ, the heart behind it—reverent submission, gratitude, and trust—remains essential for a vibrant relationship with Him today. |
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