“Sacrifices & Contribution”

 

The apostle Peter called entitled all Christians with the following description: (1st Peter 2:9) “But, ye, are a chosen race, a

royal priesthood,

a holy nation, a people for a peculiar treasure, that the excellences, ye may tell forth, of him who, out of darkness, hath called you into his marvellous light”

What is a priesthood all about? Making sacrifices.  Christians should make sacrifices for our King. The sacrifices we make, should give credit and glory to Jesus, not ourselves. The apostle Paul called all Christians to live like they themselves were sacrifices, (Rom. 12:1) “I beseech you therefore, brethren, through the compassions of God, to present your bodies a living, holy sacrifice, unto God acceptable,—your rational divine service;”

 

Sacrifices to God were burnt, this means they smelt.  There were also the offerings of incense, resulting in an aroma.  Paul spoke of this very effect in our lives as Christians.

Ephesians 5:2 “And walk in love—even as, the Christ also, loved you, and delivered himself up in your behalf, an offering and sacrifice unto God, for a fragrance of sweet smell.”  See Philippians 4:18, also. Even our praise of God is a sacrifice, Hebrews 13:15

 

We should be engaged in the greatest mission under Heaven and on Earth. Money is absolutely essential in carrying on it’s work.  The proper use of money assumes an important place in a Christian’s life. Let us learn that giving is a job (stewardship), and accounting is involved for every steward. There will be a calling to account, it is required that stewards be found faithful, 1st Cor. 4:1-2.

 

Sacrificial giving is three-fold

a. We cannot serve both God and money, Luke 16:13-15

b. Giving is the proof of sincerity 2nd Cor. 8:8-9

c. Giving is voluntary not compulsory, 2nd Cor. 8:12.

 

Characteristics of Christian Giving in the New Testament.

1. Regularly, 1stCor. 16:1-2

2. Systematically, ‘lay by in store’

3. Individually, “each of you”

4. Liberally, 2nd Cor. 8:1-4

5. Purposefully, 2nd Cor. 8:12-15

6. Cheerfully, 2nd Cor. 9:7

7. Readily, 2nd Cor. 8:12

8. Unselfishly Sacrifice, 2nd  Cor. 8:5

 

This week’s prayer pointer, Do we make sacrifices cost something? David did! 2nd Sam. 24:18-25. Remember the myth of the hen and the hog who walked by the church sign with the preachers sermon title, “How Can We Help The Poor?”, after reflection, the hen said, ‘we can give them a ham & egg breakfast’ The hog protested, saying, ‘That would only be a contribution from you, but complete sacrifice for me!’ Jesus isn’t asking for a dead sacrifice but a living one, Rom. 12:1. Do we give God thanks for the privilege of giving? Do we thank Him for His mercy in accepting our sacrifices, no matter how small?