Sabbath: Thankful Giving

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