04/05/2025
First Sunday Service âŞâ May 4, 2025
1st Lesson: 2Chronicles 26:16-23
2nd Lesson: Mark 9:40-46
Sermon by: V/S/E/O.T. Adegbamigbe (JP)
Title: Unacceptable and Unlawful Offering
In our journey as Christians, one of the fundamental aspects of our faith is the practice of giving. It is not merely an act, but rather a reflection of our willingness to sacrifice for the benefit of others and in obedience to God. True giving often requires us to step out of our comfort zones and trust in Godâs provision, even during times of financial difficulty.
Consider the Biblical example of the widow who, despite having only a meager meal left, selflessly provided for the prophet Elijah. This act of faith illustrates that, in giving, we often receive blessings in returnâsometimes in ways we least expect.
Our lessons today revolve around the theme of giving and the implications of our offerings. We reflect on King Uzziah, who ascended to the throne at the young age of sixteen and ruled for 52 years while doing the will of God. However, he eventually became arrogant and overstepped his bounds, thinking he could act as he pleased in spiritual matters. His grave error was offering incense with unholy hands on the altar, leading to Godâs wrath and resulting in leprosy that plagued him for the rest of his life.
This story serves as a powerful reminder: if you have not been appointed or called to perform certain duties in the church, refrain from taking them upon yourself. Our acts of worship, such as offering incense, must come from a place of purity and holiness. In Exodus 20:26, it is emphasized that whatever we bring before God must be holy and stem from a sincere heart, as echoed in Proverbs 11:25-26.
Furthermore, I've encountered individuals who boast about their contributions, embellishing how much they have helped others, but it often lacks genuine Christian intent. *Wisdom truly is essential to navigate these aspects of our faith.* In the company of believers, Satan's influence should diminish, as we proactively seek righteousness.
When we face spiritual challenges, it is necessary to learn from our failures and strive to pass those tests in order to move forward in our spiritual journeys. *Interestingly, there are those outside the church who understand the importance of giving, even if they do not actively participate in worship.*
If we aspire to give unconditionallyâas Christ exemplifiedâGod will undoubtedly expand our capacities for generosity. Emulating God means reflecting His giving nature. As Christians, we should refrain from reacting negatively to situations, and our aim should be to plant seeds without solely seeking immediate returns.
Giving must be motivated by revelation rather than by emotion. It is crucial to look beyond immediate appeals; recognize that there are individuals whose giving mirrors that of Cain from the scriptures, wishing to gain favor for the wrong reasons.
As we give, we should avoid the temptation of showcasing our generosity. As instructed in Matthew 6:1-4, our offerings should be done discreetly, not for public recognition. I recall attending an event where one man withheld his donation simply because his name was mispronouncedâan attitude of pride that detracted from the essence of giving.
Our lives as Christians must be distinctly different from those of unbelievers. We are called to live out our faith with integrity and authenticity, understanding that it is God, not our own strength or intellect, who provides for our needs (Deuteronomy 8:18). If we mistakenly believe our wealth results solely from our knowledge or skills, we miss the divine source of our blessings.
When you possess the grace to give, approach it with joy and thanksgiving, for it is more blessed to give than to receive, as articulated in scripture.
Types of Offerings include:
- Burnt Offering
- Tithe Offering
- Spiritual Offering
- Sing Offering
As stated in Leviticus 22:18, whatever we bring to the church must be without blemish, reflecting the sanctity of our gifts. Emotional giving can often mislead us, straying us from true generosity. Each member of our church community must embrace the identity of a giver because it is the essence of our Christian calling.
Let us honor God with what we have, as we also seek to honor those in need within our communities (2 Samuel 24:23-25). It is crucial that we act with urgency and righteousness before it is too late.
Prayer Point: Heavenly Father, grant me the spirit of giving, so I may serve You and others with a heart full of love and generosity.
