Sermon on 1 December 2024 by Sis Hui Ling
Youth service recap : Tithes and Offerings
What is Tithes :
- A tithes is a tenth of what GOD has blessed us with
- Tithes sustain the Levites.
In today's context, people who are called by GOD to fully serve him
- Tithes also sustain the church and GOD's ministry
What is Offerings:
- An offering is something we give on top of our tithes
- The Bible does not say that offerings are for those working full time to take from
- Offering are needed to sustain the church
With the tithes and offerings the church can sustain those who truly needs help
Tithes as thanksgiving and celebration
Deuteronomy 26:1-11
[1] “When you enter the land the Lord your God is giving you as a special possession and you have conquered it and settled there, [2] put some of the first produce from each crop you harvest into a basket and bring it to the designated place of worship—the place the Lord your God chooses for his name to be honored. [3] Go to the priest in charge at that time and say to him, ‘With this gift I acknowledge to the Lord your God that I have entered the land he swore to our ancestors he would give us.’ [4] The priest will then take the basket from your hand and set it before the altar of the Lord your God. [5] “You must then say in the presence of the Lord your God, ‘My ancestor Jacob was a wandering Aramean who went to live as a foreigner in Egypt. His family arrived few in number, but in Egypt they became a large and mighty nation. [6] When the Egyptians oppressed and humiliated us by making us their slaves, [7] we cried out to the Lord, the God of our ancestors. He heard our cries and saw our hardship, toil, and oppression. [8] So the Lord brought us out of Egypt with a strong hand and powerful arm, with overwhelming terror, and with miraculous signs and wonders. [9] He brought us to this place and gave us this land flowing with milk and honey! [10] And now, O Lord, I have brought you the first portion of the harvest you have given me from the ground.’ Then place the produce before the Lord your God, and bow to the ground in worship before him. [11] Afterward you may go and celebrate because of all the good things the Lord your God has given to you and your household. Remember to include the Levites and the foreigners living among you in the celebration.
Attitudes for Tithes and Offerings
- Both tithes and offering are given out of gratitude, humility, eagerness and joy
- Offerings encourages others to give! It spurs joy, gratitude and glory ascribed to GOD
- Offerings are prompted by justice, mercy and faith
Offerings arising from unity and love
Acts 4:32-37
[32] All the believers were united in heart and mind. And they felt that what they owned was not their own, so they shared everything they had. [33] The apostles testified powerfully to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and God’s great blessing was upon them all. [34] There were no needy people among them, because those who owned land or houses would sell them [35] and bring the money to the apostles to give to those in need. [36] For instance, there was Joseph, the one the apostles nicknamed Barnabas (which means “Son of Encouragement”). He was from the tribe of Levi and came from the island of Cyprus. [37] He sold a field he owned and brought the money to the apostles.
2 Corinthians 8:1-5
[1] Now I want you to know, dear brothers and sisters, what God in his kindness has done through the churches in Macedonia. [2] They are being tested by many troubles, and they are very poor. But they are also filled with abundant joy, which has overflowed in rich generosity. [3] For I can testify that they gave not only what they could afford, but far more. And they did it of their own free will. [4] They begged us again and again for the privilege of sharing in the gift for the believers in Jerusalem. [5] They even did more than we had hoped, for their first action was to give themselves to the Lord and to us, just as God wanted them to do.
Offerings encourages more offerings and thanksgiving
2 Corinthians 9:12-15
[12] So two good things will result from this ministry of giving—the needs of the believers in Jerusalem will be met, and they will joyfully express their thanks to God. [13] As a result of your ministry, they will give glory to God. For your generosity to them and to all believers will prove that you are obedient to the Good News of Christ. [14] And they will pray for you with deep affection because of the overflowing grace God has given to you. [15] Thank God for this gift too wonderful for words!
Other references for attitude of offerings
Matthew 10:8
[8] Heal the sick, raise the dead, cure those with leprosy, and cast out demons. Give as freely as you have received!
Matthew 23:23
[23] “What sorrow awaits you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you are careful to tithe even the tiniest income from your herb gardens, but you ignore the more important aspects of the law—justice, mercy, and faith. You should tithe, yes, but do not neglect the more important things.
Luke 21:1-4
[1] While Jesus was in the Temple, he watched the rich people dropping their gifts in the collection box. [2] Then a poor widow came by and dropped in two small coins. [3] “I tell you the truth,” Jesus said, “this poor widow has given more than all the rest of them. [4] For they have given a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she has.”
2 Corinthians 8:12-15
[12] Whatever you give is acceptable if you give it eagerly. And give according to what you have, not what you don’t have. [13] Of course, I don’t mean your giving should make life easy for others and hard for yourselves. I only mean that there should be some equality. [14] Right now you have plenty and can help those who are in need. Later, they will have plenty and can share with you when you need it. In this way, things will be equal. [15] As the Scriptures say, “Those who gathered a lot had nothing left over, and those who gathered only a little had enough.”
2 Corinthians 9:7-9
[7] You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” [8] And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. [9] As the Scriptures say, “They share freely and give generously to the poor. Their good deeds will be remembered forever.”
Attitudes
- Justice, mercy and faith
- Freely as you have received
- From the heart
- Give eagerly and with what you have
- Cheerful giver
Romans 12:1
[1] And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him.
Comments