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108 Offering and Tithes
Think about this: Christ loved us so much that he gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering to God.1 He made the ultimate sacrifice for you on the cross, loving you to death and beyond. Even as time marches on, His love stays constant.
It's so important for you to grasp that the biggest sacrifice has already been made. But now, you get to be a pleasing offering to God, too. Let your service, your honor, and your giving be a delight to your Heavenly Father. Know that Jesus has given you everything, and anything you offer pales in comparison to His love.
Giving to God, supporting His work, it's an expression of love. Don't see it as a burden or an obligation, but as a response to God's love and Jesus' sacrifice. It's a way of saying "thank you" for everything Heaven has poured into your life.
1Ephesians 5:2
Then he adds, “I will not remember their sins anymore. I will not remember the evil things they have done.” (Jeremiah 31:34)Where these sins have been forgiven, an offering for sin is no longer necessary.
He spoke these words while he was teaching in the temple courtyard. He was near the place where the offerings were put. But no one arrested him. That’s because the time for him to die had not yet come.
Bring the entire tenth to the storerooms in my temple. Then there will be plenty of food. Test me this way,” says the Lord. “Then you will see that I will throw open the windows of heaven. I will pour out so many blessings that you will not have enough room to store them.
Then Jesus said to him, “Don’t tell anyone. Go and show yourself to the priest, and offer the gift Moses commanded. It will be a witness to everyone.”
Lead a life of love, just as Christ did. He loved us. He gave himself up for us. He was a sweet-smelling offering and sacrifice to God.
“His master replied, ‘You have done well, good and faithful slave! You have been faithful with a few things. I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’“Then the man who had received one bag of gold came. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘I knew that you are a hard man. You harvest where you have not planted. You gather crops where you have not scattered seed.
Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give. You shouldn’t give if you don’t want to. You shouldn’t give because you are forced to. God loves a cheerful giver.
Jesus sat down across from the place where people put their temple offerings. He watched the crowd putting their money into the offering boxes. Many rich people threw large amounts into them.But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins. They were worth only a few pennies.Jesus asked his disciples to come to him. He said, “What I’m about to tell you is true. That poor widow has put more into the offering box than all the others.They all gave a lot because they are rich. But she gave even though she is poor. She put in everything she had. That was all she had to live on.”
“ ‘A tenth of everything the land produces belongs to the Lord. That includes grain from the soil and fruit from the trees. It is holy. It is set apart for him.
But I will sacrifice a thank offering to you. And I will shout with thankful praise. I will do what I have promised. I will say, ‘Lord, you are the one who saves.’ ”
He gave himself for us. By doing that, he set us free from all evil. He wanted to make us pure. He wanted us to be his very own people. He wanted us to desire to do what is good.
God did not spare his own Son. He gave him up for us all. Then won’t he also freely give us everything else?
Each of you must bring a gift. Give to the Lord your God, just as he has given to you.
Give, and it will be given to you. A good amount will be poured into your lap. It will be pressed down, shaken together, and running over. The same amount you give will be measured out to you.”
Do you really want to give? Then the gift is measured by what someone has. It is not measured by what they don’t have.
Take an offering for the Lord from what you have. Those who want to can bring an offering to the Lord. Here is what they can bring. “gold, silver and bronze
Praise the Lord for the glory that belongs to him. Bring an offering and come into the courtyards of his temple.
“But who am I? And who are my people? Without your help we wouldn’t be able to give this much. Everything comes from you. We’ve given back to you only what comes from you.
Brothers and sisters, God has shown you his mercy. So I am asking you to offer up your bodies to him while you are still alive. Your bodies are a holy sacrifice that is pleasing to God. When you offer your bodies to God, you are worshiping him in the right way.
Don’t forget to do good. Don’t forget to share with others. God is pleased with those kinds of offerings.
Be sure to set apart a tenth of everything your fields produce each year.Here are the things you should eat in the sight of the Lord your God. You should eat a tenth part of your grain, olive oil and fresh wine. You should also eat the male animals among your livestock that were born first to their mothers. Eat all these things at the special place the Lord your God will choose. He will put his Name there. You will learn to honor him always.
On the first day of every week, each of you should put some money away. The amount should be in keeping with how much money you make. Save the money so that you won’t have to take up an offering when I come.
He gave a blessing to Abram. He said, “May the Most High God bless Abram. May the Creator of heaven and earth bless him.They went to war against five other kings. They were Bera king of Sodom, Birsha king of Gomorrah, Shinab king of Admah, Shemeber king of Zeboyim, and the king of Bela. Bela was also called Zoar.Give praise to the Most High God. He gave your enemies into your hand.” Then Abram gave Melchizedek a tenth of everything.
Good things will come to those who are willing to lend freely. Good things will come to those who are fair in everything they do.
One person gives freely but gets even richer. Another person doesn’t give what they should but gets even poorer.Anyone who gives a lot will succeed. Anyone who renews others will be renewed.
“How terrible for you, teachers of the law and Pharisees! You pretenders! You give God a tenth of your spices, like mint, dill and cumin. But you have not practiced the more important things of the law, which are fairness, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the last things without failing to do the first.
Bring me thank offerings, because I am your God. Carry out the promises you made to me, because I am the Most High God.
As Jesus looked up, he saw rich people putting their gifts into the temple offering boxes.Then Jesus said to them, “Nation will fight against nation. Kingdom will fight against kingdom.In many places there will be powerful earthquakes. People will go hungry. There will be terrible sicknesses. Things will happen that will make people afraid. There will be great and miraculous signs from heaven.“But before all this, people will arrest you and treat you badly. They will hand you over to synagogues and put you in prison. You will be brought to kings and governors. All this will happen to you because of my name.And so you will be witnesses about me.But make up your mind not to worry ahead of time about how to stand up for yourselves.I will give you words of wisdom. None of your enemies will be able to withstand them or prove them wrong.Even your parents, brothers, sisters, relatives and friends will hand you over to the authorities. The authorities will put some of you to death.Everyone will hate you because of me.But not a hair on your head will be harmed.Remain strong in the faith, and you will receive eternal life.He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins.“A time is coming when you will see armies surround Jerusalem. Then you will know that it will soon be destroyed.Those who are in Judea should then escape to the mountains. Those in the city should get out. Those in the country should not enter the city.This is the time when God will punish Jerusalem. Everything will come true, just as it has been written.How awful it will be in those days for pregnant women! How awful for nursing mothers! There will be terrible suffering in the land. There will be great anger against those people.Some will be killed by the sword. Others will be taken as prisoners to all the nations. Jerusalem will be taken over by Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles come to an end.“There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. The nations of the earth will be in terrible pain. They will be puzzled by the roaring and tossing of the sea.Terror will make people faint. They will be worried about what is happening in the world. The sun, moon and stars will be shaken from their places.At that time people will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud. He will come with power and great glory.When these things begin to take place, stand up. Hold your head up with joy and hope. The time when you will be set free will be very close.”Jesus told them a story. “Look at the fig tree and all the trees,” he said.“What I’m about to tell you is true,” Jesus said. “That poor widow has put in more than all the others.“When you see leaves appear on the branches, you know that summer is near.In the same way, when you see these things happening, you will know that God’s kingdom is near.“What I’m about to tell you is true. The people living now will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened.Heaven and earth will pass away. But my words will never pass away.“Be careful. If you aren’t, your hearts will be loaded down with wasteful living, drunkenness and the worries of life. Then the day the Son of Man returns will close on you like a trap. It will happen suddenly.That day will come on every person who lives on the whole earth.Always keep watching. Pray that you will be able to escape all that is about to happen. Also, pray that you will not be judged guilty when the Son of Man comes.”Each day Jesus taught at the temple. And each evening he went to spend the night on the hill called the Mount of Olives.All the people came to the temple early in the morning. They wanted to hear Jesus speak.All these other people gave a lot because they are rich. But even though she is poor, she put in everything. She had nothing left to live on.”
The people were faithful. They brought in their offerings and a tenth of everything they produced. They also brought the gifts they had set apart to the Lord. Konaniah the Levite was in charge of everything they brought. His brother Shimei was next in command after him.
Those who give freely will be blessed. That’s because they share their food with those who are poor.
In everything I did, I showed you that we must work hard and help the weak. We must remember the words of the Lord Jesus. He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ”
I have received my full pay and have more than enough. I have everything I need. That’s because Epaphroditus brought me the gifts you sent. They are a sweet-smelling offering. They are a gift that God accepts. He is pleased with it.
Suppose someone gives even a cup of cold water to a little one who follows me. What I’m about to tell you is true. That person will certainly be rewarded.”
“Here is the way I want you to fast. “Set free those who are held by chains without any reason. Untie the ropes that hold people as slaves. Set free those who are crushed. Break every evil chain.Share your food with hungry people. Provide homeless people with a place to stay. Give naked people clothes to wear. Provide for the needs of your own family.
Don’t hold back good from those who are worthy of it. Don’t hold it back when you can help.Suppose you already have something to give. Don’t say to your neighbor, “Come back tomorrow. I’ll give it to you then.”
Command people who are rich in this world not to be proud. Tell them not to put their hope in riches. Wealth is so uncertain. Command those who are rich to put their hope in God. He richly provides us with everything to enjoy.Command the rich to do what is good. Tell them to be rich in doing good things. They must give freely. They must be willing to share.In this way, they will store up true riches for themselves. It will provide a firm basis for the next life. Then they will take hold of the life that really is life.
“Tell the people of Israel to bring me an offering. You must receive the offering for me from everyone whose hearts move them to give.
You will enter the land the Lord your God is giving you as your own. You will take it over. You will make your homes in the land.Now, Lord, I’m bringing you the first share of crops from the soil. After all, you have given them to me.” Place the basket in front of the Lord your God. Bow down to him.Then you and the Levites and the outsiders among you will be full of joy. You will enjoy all the good things the Lord your God has given to you and your family.You will set apart a tenth of everything you produce in the third year. That’s the year for giving the tenth to people who have greater needs. You will give it to the Levites, outsiders and widows. You will also give it to children whose fathers have died. Then all of them will have plenty to eat in your towns.Speak to the Lord your God. Say to him, “I have taken your sacred share from my house. I have given it to the Levites, outsiders and widows. I have also given it to children whose fathers have died. I’ve done everything you commanded me to do. I haven’t stopped obeying your commands. I haven’t forgotten any of them.I haven’t eaten any part of your sacred share while I mourned over someone who had died. I haven’t taken any of it from my house while I was ‘unclean.’ And I haven’t offered any of it to the dead. Lord my God, I’ve obeyed you. I’ve done everything you commanded me to do.Look down from the holy place where you live in heaven. Bless your people Israel. Bless the land you have given us. It’s the land you promised to give to our people of long ago. It’s a land that has plenty of milk and honey.”This day the Lord your God commands you to obey all these rules and laws. Be careful to obey them with all your heart and with all your soul.Today you have announced that the Lord is your God. You have said you would live exactly as he wants you to live. You have agreed to keep his rules, commands and laws. And you have said you would listen to him.Today the Lord has announced that you are his people. He has said that you are his special treasure. He promised that you would be. He has told you to keep all his commands.He has announced that he will make you famous. He’ll give you more praise and honor than all the other nations he has made. And he has said that you will be a holy nation. The Lord your God has set you apart for himself. That’s exactly what he promised to do.When you do, get some of the first share of everything your soil produces. Put it in a basket. It’s from the land the Lord your God is giving you. Take your gifts and go to the special place he will choose. He will put his Name there.
Melchizedek was the king of Salem. He was the priest of God Most High. He met Abraham, who was returning from winning a battle over some kings. Melchizedek blessed him.That’s because when Melchizedek met Abraham, Levi was still in Abraham’s body.The law that was given to the people called for the priestly system. That system began with Levi. Suppose the priestly system could have made people perfect. Then why was there still a need for another priest to come? And why did he need to be like Melchizedek? Why wasn’t he from Aaron’s family line?A change of the priestly system requires a change of law.We are talking about a priest who is from a different tribe. No one from that tribe has ever served at the altar.It is clear that our Lord came from the family line of Judah. Moses said nothing about priests who were from the tribe of Judah.But suppose another priest like Melchizedek appears. Then what we have said is even more clear.He has not become a priest because of a rule about his family line. He has become a priest because of his powerful life. His life can never be destroyed.Scripture says, “You are a priest forever, just like Melchizedek.” (Psalm 110:4)The old rule is set aside. It was weak and useless.The law didn’t make anything perfect. Now a better hope has been given to us. That hope brings us near to God.Abraham gave him a tenth of everything. First, the name Melchizedek means “king of what is right.” Also, “king of Salem” means “king of peace.”
The Lord does anything he wants to do in the heavens and on the earth. He does it even in the deepest parts of the oceans.He makes clouds rise from one end of the earth to the other. He sends lightning with the rain. He brings the wind out of his storerooms.
In the same way, let your light shine so others can see it. Then they will see the good things you do. And they will bring glory to your Father who is in heaven.
And God is able to shower all kinds of blessings on you. So in all things and at all times you will have everything you need. You will do more and more good works.
But remember the Lord your God. He gives you the ability to produce wealth. That shows he stands by the terms of the covenant he made with you. He promised it to your people of long ago. And he’s still faithful to his covenant today.
My God, I know that you tested our hearts. And you are pleased when we are honest. I’ve given all these things just because I wanted to. When I did it, I was completely honest with you. Your people here have also been willing to give to you. And I’ve been happy to see this.
Sell what you own. Give to those who are poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out. Store up riches in heaven that will never be used up. There, no thief can come near it. There, no moth can destroy it.Your heart will be where your riches are.
“When you give to needy people, do not announce it by having trumpets blown. Do not be like those who only pretend to be holy. They announce what they do in the synagogues and on the streets. They want to be honored by other people. What I’m about to tell you is true. They have received their complete reward.Instead, gather for yourselves riches in heaven. There, moths and rats do not destroy them. There, thieves do not break in and steal them.Your heart will be where your riches are.“The eye is like a lamp for the body. Suppose your eyes are healthy. Then your whole body will be full of light.But suppose your eyes can’t see well. Then your whole body will be full of darkness. If the light inside you is darkness, then it is very dark!“No one can serve two masters at the same time. You will hate one of them and love the other. Or you will be faithful to one and dislike the other. You can’t serve God and money at the same time.“I tell you, do not worry. Don’t worry about your life and what you will eat or drink. And don’t worry about your body and what you will wear. Isn’t there more to life than eating? Aren’t there more important things for the body than clothes?Look at the birds of the air. They don’t plant or gather crops. They don’t put away crops in storerooms. But your Father who is in heaven feeds them. Aren’t you worth much more than they are?Can you add even one hour to your life by worrying?“And why do you worry about clothes? See how the wild flowers grow. They don’t work or make clothing.But here is what I tell you. Not even Solomon in all his royal robes was dressed like one of these flowers.When you give to needy people, don’t let your left hand know what your right hand is doing.If that is how God dresses the wild grass, won’t he dress you even better? Your faith is so small! After all, the grass is here only today. Tomorrow it is thrown into the fire.So don’t worry. Don’t say, ‘What will we eat?’ Or, ‘What will we drink?’ Or, ‘What will we wear?’People who are ungodly run after all those things. Your Father who is in heaven knows that you need them.But put God’s kingdom first. Do what he wants you to do. Then all those things will also be given to you.So don’t worry about tomorrow. Tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.Then your giving will be done secretly. Your Father will reward you, because he sees what you do secretly.
Riches that are gained by sinning aren’t worth anything. But doing what is right saves you from death.
This stone I’ve set up as a sacred stone will be God’s house. And I’ll give you a tenth of everything you give me.”
The believers in Macedonia and Achaia were pleased to take an offering. It was for those who were poor among the Lord’s people in Jerusalem.
Then Moses gave an order. A message was sent through the whole camp. It said, “No man or woman should make anything else and offer it for the holy tent.” And so the people were kept from bringing more offerings.There was already more than enough to do all the work.
I will sacrifice an offering to you just because I choose to. Lord, I will praise your name because it is good.
People who serve in the temple get their food from the temple. Don’t you know this? People who serve at the altar eat from what is offered on the altar. Don’t you know this?So those who preach the good news should also receive their living from their work. That is what the Lord has commanded.
Jesus answered, “If you want to be perfect, go and sell everything you have. Give the money to those who are poor. You will have treasure in heaven. Then come and follow me.”
After some time, Cain gathered some things he had grown. He brought them as an offering to the Lord.And Abel also brought an offering. He brought the fattest parts of some animals from his flock. They were the first animals born to their mothers. The Lord was pleased with Abel and his offering.But he wasn’t pleased with Cain and his offering. So Cain became very angry, and his face was sad.
Praise the Lord, all you nations. Praise the Lord for his glory and strength.Praise the Lord for the glory that belongs to him. Bring an offering and come into the courtyards of his temple.
Praise the Lord for the glory that belongs to him. Worship the Lord because of his beauty and holiness.
Those who go out weeping as they carry seeds to plant will come back singing with joy. They will bring the new crop back with them.
Those who always want more bring ruin to their households. But a person who refuses to be paid to lie will live.
So let us never stop offering to God our praise through Jesus. Let us talk openly about our faith in him. Then our words will be like an offering to God.
“Bring the best of the first share of your crops to the house of the Lord your God. “Do not cook a young goat in its mother’s milk.”
The elders who do the church’s work well are worth twice as much honor. That is true in a special way of elders who preach and teach.Scripture says, “Do not stop an ox from eating while it helps separate the grain from the straw.” (Deuteronomy 25:4) Scripture also says, “Workers are worthy of their pay.” (Luke 10:7)
Keep lies far away from me. Don’t make me either poor or rich, but give me only the bread I need each day.If you don’t, I might have too much. Then I might say I don’t know you. I might say, ‘Who is the Lord?’ Or I might become poor and steal. Then I would bring shame to the name of my God.
“The King will reply, ‘What I’m about to tell you is true. Anything you did for one of the least important of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’
And you believers at Philippi know what happened when I left Macedonia. Not one church helped me in the matter of giving and receiving. You were the only one that did. That was in the early days when you first heard the good news.Even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me help when I needed it. And you did it more than once.
The Lord is my shepherd. He gives me everything I need.He lets me lie down in fields of green grass. He leads me beside quiet waters.
Those who give to poor people will have all they need. But those who close their eyes to the poor will receive many curses.
With all my heart I want the temple of my God to be built. So I’m giving my personal treasures of gold and silver for it. I’m adding them to everything else I’ve provided for the holy temple.
Work hard to feed hungry people. Satisfy the needs of those who are crushed. Then my blessing will light up your darkness. And the night of your suffering will become as bright as the noonday sun.
Blessed are those who care about weak people. When they are in trouble, the Lord saves them.But Lord, may you have mercy on me. Make me well, so I can pay them back.Then I will know that you are pleased with me, because my enemies haven’t won the battle over me.You will take good care of me because I’ve been honest. You will let me be with you forever.Give praise to the Lord, the God of Israel, for ever and ever. Amen and Amen.The Lord guards them and keeps them alive. They are counted among those who are blessed in the land. The Lord won’t hand them over to the wishes of their enemies.
“Do not gather for yourselves riches on earth. Moths and rats can destroy them. Thieves can break in and steal them.“When you give to needy people, do not announce it by having trumpets blown. Do not be like those who only pretend to be holy. They announce what they do in the synagogues and on the streets. They want to be honored by other people. What I’m about to tell you is true. They have received their complete reward.Instead, gather for yourselves riches in heaven. There, moths and rats do not destroy them. There, thieves do not break in and steal them.Your heart will be where your riches are.
So give freely to needy people. Let your heart be tender toward them. Then the Lord your God will bless you in all your work. He will bless you in everything you do.
They have spread their gifts around to poor people. Their good works continue forever. They will be powerful and honored.
Brothers and sisters, we want you to know about the grace that God has given to the churches in Macedonia.Here is my opinion about what is best for you in that matter. Last year you were the first to give. You were also the first to want to give.So finish the work. Then your desire to do it will be matched by your finishing it. Give on the basis of what you have.Do you really want to give? Then the gift is measured by what someone has. It is not measured by what they don’t have.We don’t want others to have it easy at your expense. We want things to be equal.Right now you have plenty in order to take care of what they need. Then they will have plenty to take care of what you need. The goal is to even things out.It is written, “The one who gathered a lot didn’t have too much. And the one who gathered a little had enough.” (Exodus 16:18)God put into the heart of Titus the same concern I have for you. Thanks should be given to God for this.Titus welcomed our appeal. He is also excited about coming to you. It was his own idea.Along with Titus, we are sending another brother. All the churches praise him for his service in telling the good news.He was also chosen by the churches to go with us as we bring the offering. We are in charge of it. We want to honor the Lord himself. We want to show how ready we are to help.They have suffered a great deal. But in their suffering, their joy was more than full. Even though they were very poor, they gave very freely.We want to keep anyone from blaming us for how we take care of that large gift.We are trying hard to do what both the Lord and people think is right.We are also sending another one of our brothers with them. He has often proved to us in many ways that he is very committed. He is now even more committed because he has great faith in you.Titus is my helper. He and I work together among you. Our brothers are messengers from the churches. They honor Christ.So show them that you really love them. Show them why we are proud of you. Then the churches can see it.I tell you that they gave as much as they could. In fact, they gave even more than they could. Completely on their own,they begged us for the chance to share in serving the Lord’s people in that way.They did more than we expected. First they gave themselves to the Lord. Then they gave themselves to us because that was what God wanted.
Give praise to the Most High God. He gave your enemies into your hand.” Then Abram gave Melchizedek a tenth of everything.
The people were happy when they saw what their leaders had been willing to give. The leaders had given freely. With their whole heart they had given everything to the Lord. King David was filled with joy.
Is it encouraging others? Then encourage them. Is it giving to others? Then give freely. Is it being a leader? Then work hard at it. Is it showing mercy? Then do it cheerfully.
Give to the one who asks you for something. Don’t turn away from the one who wants to borrow something from you.
He stands up for those who are treated badly. He gives food to hungry people. The Lord sets prisoners free.
They asked only one thing. They wanted us to continue to remember poor people. That was what I had wanted to do all along.
When I arrive, I will send some people with your gift to Jerusalem. They will be people you consider to be good. And I will give them letters that explain who they are.If it seems good for me to go also, they will go with me.
I am happy because you have joined me in spreading the good news. You have done so from the first day until now.
Anyone who is kind to poor people lends to the Lord. God will reward them for what they have done.
You will be made rich in every way. Then you can always give freely. We will take your many gifts to the people who need them. And they will give thanks to God.
When you give it to them, they eat it. When you open your hand, they are satisfied with good things.
Doing what is right will bring peace and rest. When my people do that, they will stay calm and trust in the Lord forever.
Even though you are evil, you know how to give good gifts to your children. How much more will your Father who is in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!
Turn your worries over to the Lord. He will keep you going. He will never let godly people be shaken.
Command the rich to do what is good. Tell them to be rich in doing good things. They must give freely. They must be willing to share.
He raises poor people up from the trash pile. He lifts needy people out of the ashes.He causes them to sit with princes. He causes them to sit with the princes of his people.
Think how great Melchizedek was! Even our father Abraham gave him a tenth of what he had captured.