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“The value of a soul, who can estimate? Would you know its worth, go to Gethsemane…Look upon the Saviour uplifted on the cross…” COL, 196 Because of the value of mankind (the object of God’s giving) - Jesus became the measure of that. II. THE ONE YOU GIVE DETERMINES WHAT IS GIVEN 1PETER 1:18-19<br>
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“Consider to whom the offering is to be made” 4T484.<br>
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III. Need to finance non-tithe funded projects Matt 28:18-20 IV. Love and Gratitude Determine how much you give
God loved us and gave—John 3:16
We love because He first loved us 1John 4:19
Then we can also say that, “we give because He first gave us Jesus.”<br>
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“I see the proof of your love to the Lord Jesus Christ in your freewill offering for this “region beyond.” Manuscript Releases, vol. 3, 256.2<br>
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The Lord has given Jesus to our world, and the question is, What can we give back to God in gifts and offerings to show our appreciation of His love? “Freely ye have received, freely give.” CS 287.1<br>
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V. Offerings Show How We Regard What God Done For US Ps 116:12 “And they were commanded not to appear before the Lord empty. They were to bring tokens of their gratitude to God for His continual mercies and blessings bestowed upon them. These offerings were varied according to the estimate which the donors placed upon the blessings they were privileged to enjoy. Thus the characters of the people were plainly developed.<br>
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Those who placed a high value upon the blessings which God bestowed upon them brought offerings in accordance with their appreciation of these blessings. Those whose moral powers were stupefied and benumbed by selfishness and idolatrous love of the favors received, rather than inspired by fervent love for their bountiful Benefactor, brought meager offerings. Thus their hearts were revealed,” 2T 573.1<br>
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VI. THE SCOPE OF MISSION DETERMINES THE SIZE OF THE OFFERINGMATT 24:14 “Can Christians, who boast of a broader light than had the Hebrews, give less than they? Can Christians living near the close of time be satisfied with their offerings when not half so large as were those of the Jews? Their liberality was to benefit their own nation; the work in these last days extends to the entire world. 4T 79.1<br>
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VII. LIGHT AND BLESSINGS DETERMINE
WHAT IS GIVEN
The poor widow Mark 12:42-43
Zacchaeus Lk 19 :8<br>
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Adventist Believe on pages 305-306 “The Israelites probably contributed as much as one fourth to one third of their income to religious and charitable purposes. Did such a heavy contribution lead to poverty? On the contrary, God promised to bless them in their faithfulness (Mal.3:10-12; Patriarchs and Prophets, 530; “Tithe,” SDA Bible Dictionary, rev,ed.,1127).<br>
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Should we give as much as did the Israelites, or are their patterns of giving no longer applicable?<br>
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Nowhere does the New Testament repeal or relax this system. As we compare our privileges and blessings with those of the Israelites, we see that in Jesus our share has clearly been greater. Our gratitude will find a corresponding expression through a greater liberality so that the gospel salvation can be extended to others (3T,392).<br>
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Now God requires, not less, but greater gifts than at any other period of the world. The principle laid down by Christ is that the gifts and offerings should be in proportion to the light and blessings enjoyed. He has said: “For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required.” Testimonies for Church, vol.3,392.2<br>
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VIII. Givers Have a Choice Acts 5; 2Cor 9:7 “I saw that anciently the covetousness of some led them to withhold a suitable proportion; they made their offering stinted. This was recorded in heaven, and they were cursed...Some were visited with affliction in their families. God would not accept a lame offering. It must be without blemish, the best of their flocks, and the best fruits of their fields. And it must be a freewill offering, if ...the blessing of the Lord rest upon their families and their possessions” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 1, 221).<br>
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“In that day those who think that God will accept meager offerings and unwilling services will be disappointed. God will not put his superscription upon the work of any man, high or low, rich or poor, that is not done heartily, faithfully and with an eye single to His glory” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 2, 666).<br>
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IX. Desire to Emulate God—the best Giver John 3:16 “In giving His Son to our world, God gave all heaven,” The Health Food Ministry, 55.
"In the gift of Jesus,God gave all heaven," DA, 565.
Will you reciprocate His giving by giving the best you have?<br>
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X. Surrender of our hearts to God “If we have given our
hearts to Jesus, we also
shall bring our
gifts to him.” DA 65<br>
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Isaiah 29:13 Illustration:
THE TWO FRIENDS<br>
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XI. Desire to draw near to God<br>
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Giving offerings is a means of drawing near to God.
A Jew taking an offering to the temple if asked, “where are you going?” could answer, “ to draw near to God.”
This is because Korban where the word offerings/ sacrifice as seen mean to draw near to God.<br>
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“The cross brings us near to God, reconciling us to Him,” Acts of the Apostles 209-210<br>