“Offering As Worship”
Sermon Title: Offering As Worship
Scripture: 2 Corinthians 9:6-8 NIV
Introduction
The topic of “money” can be a sensitive subject to talk about in the church, but the truth is it shouldn’t be. However, it does leave a bad taste in our mouth when we see so called televangelist boasting about how rich they became from the offerings that came in. Should we be surprised when non-believers accuse Christianity and the clergy of profiteering?
Background
A recent survey conducted on committed Christians revealed that only 43% knew the background and history of why we give offerings and tithes.
· The first account of offering appears in the first book of the Bible with Cain and Abel (Gen. 4:1-5). The Hebrew indicates that Abel’s offering was of the best portions and we see it was accepted because God accepted Abel’s heart.
· We see the first account of tithing in the story of Abraham who gave a tenth of his plunder to Melchizedek the king of Salem and the priest of God Most High (Gen. 14:17-20). This would serve as a foreshadowing of how the Jews were to tithe according to the Mosaic Law (Lev. 27:30-32). We see the word “holy” associated with tithing and the Hebrew word for holy was “kodesh” which means to be set apart for a specific purpose. Being holy is not about being godly in appearance but to recognize that we have been set aside by God for a specific purpose in God’s kingdom work in the world.
· When God tells us to tithe, He is telling us that the tithe belongs to Him for it is holy – in a similar sense God is saying the same to us that we belong to Him. The same principal applies to the sabbath where God has deemed it holy to Him, so we rest on the sabbath and not do work (for profit) because we recognize that out of the 7 days of the week, the sabbath does not belong to us but God (Gen. 2:1-3; Exo. 20L8-11).
· Earning our living and spending our money for our needs is important, but God desires for us to do more than just taking care of our needs. He wants us to recognize the holiness and what part of it we are going to set aside for His kingdom works.
New Paradigm Mindset
We must also recognize and acknowledge that everything that we have and are given belonged to God in the first place. It is His.
· Our entire worldview will change when we begin to realize that none of the things I have was mine to begin with. Offering and tithing and giving in general becomes so easy when we realize it was never mine.
· The Israelites had forgotten this truth along the way such that Malachi accuses the Israelites of stealing from God when they don’t tithe (Mal. 3:6-10). In response to their stubborn hearts, God tells them to test Him to see whether or not God would give them so much blessings if they do what is right before God. Don’t misunderstand, this is not prosperity gospel that says God will make you rich you if give a lot of tithes and offering. What this means is that there’s a possibility that the blessings (whatever form it may be) may be held back from you because you have held back your blessings to God by not tithing.
Offering and Tithing as part of Worship
Offering and tithing is an important part of worship. Offering involved atonement for our sins and giving thanks for the forgiveness of sins (1 Chr. 16:1-2).
· 1 Chronicles 16:28-29 describes all the aspects of worship and we can that worship is about: (1) entering with a heart of thankgiving; (2) proclaiming His good works – we are to be messengers who unashamedly declare and pronounce the good news of Jesus Christ; (3) singing praises, NOT listening but singing praises; (4) offering for our King – when approaching a king, you would always bring a gift to pay honour
· The Hebrew word for worship is “shachah” which means bowing down or prostrating yourself (before God), or paying homage. The Hebrew for offering is “lehakriv” which means to draw near or to come close (to God). When we offer the best of what we have to God we are drawing closer to God, and drawing closer to God is what worship is about. The Apostle Paul marries the idea of worship and offering together that our very selves are to be an offering, a living sacrifice that is holy and pleasing to God, which is our true and proper worship (Rom. 12:1). This means all that we are and have are to be holy, set aside for a specific purpose for God.
The Heart
· Jesus watched many wealthy people putting in much into the collection box and a widow who put in two small coins which was all she had to live on (Mark 12:41-44). It wasn’t about the amount, it was about the heart and the desire to give God all that we have. What you have decided what is of greatest value to you, your heart will naturally follow (Matt. 6:21). If you value your own yourself and your comfort, it will naturally be more difficult for you to give more.
· What objections against tithing because there are no commands to tithe and the word “tithe” is not used in the NT and some believe Jesus abolished all that. However, we must remember that Jesus himself said that he did not come to abolish the law but to fulfill the law (Matt. 5:17). When you try to make the case that you don’t need to tithe, ask yourself, are you really being biblical or is your heart simply following where your treasure is?
· Some of the teachers of the law tried to trap Jesus in his words by posing a question that would either condemn him by the Jewish people or by the Roman authorities (Mark 12:14-17). Jesus knew they were trying to trap him, and he replied to them by saying, “give to God what is God’s.” We know what this means because God has made it clear to us what belongs to Him. Jesus also addresses the hypocrisy of the Jewish leaders when he points out that although they give a tenth of spices, they neglected the more important things of the law, which are justice, mercy, and faithfulness (Matt. 23:23). Here we see a clear case of tithing, but their heart is missing – Jesus rebukes them for not doing both.
4 Principles – How we offer ourselves to God and bless others as God blessed us
1. Give consistently (1 Cor. 16:1-3) – when you create good habit, good habit creates good character – creating good habits of giving will create a character of generosity.
2. Give generously (2 Cor. 8:1-5) – Paul tells us how the Macedonian churches gave generously beyond their means despite them going through hardships. Remember that when you are giving, you are giving you to the Lord, and how much you are willing to give reflects your heart and recognition of how much God has given to you.
3. Give humbly (Matt. 6:2-4) – Jesus taught us not to boast about our good works.
4. Give joyfully (2 Cor. 9:6-8) – God loves a joyful giver.
Reflection
· What is preventing you from giving? Is it your circumstances, financial situation, some thought or ideology?
· Have you ever given generously (even beyond your normal means) to something/someone other than to God/church? What was your heart during that time? Do you have the same heart when giving to God?
· Have you ever given in times of financial difficulty? What has that taught you about your relationship and trust in the Lord?