Lesson 2: There Are a Variety of Ways to Give Offerings.

Definition 

The offering is a gift to God after our tithes.

Scripture Reading

Deuteronomy 12:6, “There bring your burnt offerings and sacrifices, your tithes and special gifts, what you have vowed to give and your freewill offerings, and the firstborn of your herds and flocks.”

Main Points

1. VARIOUS JEWISH OFFERINGS: The Jewish people were commanded by God to give certain offerings for specific situations above their tithe.  The burnt offering was for unintentional sins, Leviticus 6:8-13.  The grain offering was an act of worship and thanksgiving for God’s provision, Lev. 6:14-23.  The fellowship offering was a form of worship that also included a meal, Lev. 7:11-34.  The sin offering was for the forgiveness and cleansing of sins, Lev. 4:1-5:13. Lastly, the guilt offering was for the restitution of sins committed, Lev. 5:14-6:7.
2. CHRISTIAN OFFERINGS: The purpose of the New Testament offering is for worship, thanksgiving, and blessing.  In other words, the Christian gives offerings because they’re blessed to be a blessing!
3. VAROUS WAYS TO GIVE: Just like there was a variety of ways to give in the Old Testament, the Christian has a variety of ways to give offerings in the New Testament. Mainly, to their church or other ministries. Concerning their church Christians can give to missions, building projects, and charity.  Offerings to other ministries can go to anything from humanitarian aid to evangelistic crusades.

Summary

Prayerfully seek God and ask Him to lead you into the various offerings you should give after your tithes, (missions, building fund, etc).

Application

1. Be a faithful tither.
2. Pray and seek God for what offerings to give.
3. Be faithful in giving your offerings to God!

The offering is a gift to God “after” the tithe and is given in a “variety” of ways.  God said it should be a “generous” “seed” given with a “cheerful” heart from personal “sacrifice.” Offerings will always bring “thanksgiving” to God because they go towards “charity” and ministry “supplies.”  We give offerings in “obedience” to God’s Word, “sharing” with others our blessings with a “gracious” heart by “imitating” Jesus and revealing where our “treasure” really is.