The word “Offering” is by Strong’s definition: The act of: bringing
to; setting before; sacrificing; presenting; a gift. It is used 728 time in
the Bible, most (over half) in Leviticus and Numbers. In the Old Testament it
deals with the sacrificial system set in place by God and performed by
the priest in the Temple. It is used only 23 times in the New Testament. Let's
look today at these teachings.
Giving
Mark 12:41-44 Jesus
sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd
putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large
amounts. But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth
only a few cents. Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you,
this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave
out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had
to live on.” (Giving from your heart)
Ephesians 5:2 and walk in the way of love, just as Christ
loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
(Jesus)
Philippians 2:17 But even if I am being poured out like a
drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad
and rejoice with all of you. (Giving all you have)
Involvement
Acts 10:4 Cornelius stared at him
in fear. “What is it, Lord?” he asked. The angel answered, “Your prayers and
gifts to the poor have come up as a memorial offering before God.
(Involvement with the “least of these”)
Philippians 4:18 I have received full
payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have
received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an
acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. (Involvement in
ministry)
Relationship
Mark 12:33 To love him with all your heart, with all your understanding
and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is more
important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.” (Relationship with God)
Matthew 5:23 “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the
altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you,
leave your gift there in front of the
altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift. (Relationship with
others)
Your Life
1 Peter 2:5 you also, like living stones, are being built
into a spiritual house [Or into a temple of the Spirit] to be a holy
priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus
Christ. (Your life)
Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s
mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to
God—this is your true and proper worship. – Rom. 12:1
Take your ordinary everyday life and place it before God as an
offering.
Worship is saying: “I trust you” even when our eyes don’t
see it - “Thy will be done” even when our hearts don’t feel like it-“I’ll
follow you” even when our minds don’t understand it
No greater act of worship than giving God all of you. (Open
your hands even if you have to pry them open)
Is this your prayer?