Sabbath: Thankful Giving
Minister: |
Rev. Ronald Van Overloop |
Date: |
9/21/2014 AM
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Text:
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Haggai 1;
Lord's Day 38
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Psalters: |
250, 332, 349, 137 |
- The History.
- Giving in the Old Dispensation.
- First, they collectively gave for the construction of the tabernacle (Ex. 25:1-9).
- The ceremonial law demanded that they give first.
- In the New Testament church the apostles continued the practice of offerings as a part of worship.
- The office of deacon was instituted for the purpose of caring for the needs of the Grecian widows (Acts 6).
- Romans 12:8 lists giving as a gift (also “helps” in I Cor. 12:28).
- Special collections were taken to assist those impoverished in special ways.
- I Corinthians 9:3-15 calls for the support of the ministry of the gospel.
- The concept of giving as a part of the worship of God.
- Conclusion drawn from history.
- Offerings of money were a regular part of how God was worshipped in the tabernacle and temple.
- Besides collections for the poor, there is also the right of those who nurture us spiritually (Gal. 6:6; I Cor. 9:8-14).
- Scripture makes no essential difference between giving in worship.
- That collections were urged on the first day of the week implies offering is a part of worship.
- Worship involves two things.
- Worship is meeting God with adoration and praise out of gratitude for what He has done for us.
- Worship is the confession that all that we are and have is of the Lord.
- The offerings which are part of our worship service are continual reminders of our proper spiritual perspective.
- This act of worship is to implemented “cheerfully” (II Cor. 9:7).
- We are to give as God purposed in our heart.
- We are not to give “grudgingly or of necessity.”
- Rather we are to strive for “cheerful” giving, i.e., joyous, with great happiness because we are so grateful.
- May we strive ever for cheerful giving for that is true worship.