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?
“Dear God, take my ordinary everyday life, and make it an
offering to You.”
