Freewill Offerings

 

A Distinction in Titles and Offerings

 

By what has God ordained that His work he sustained?

 

“Tithes and Offerings.” Malachi 3:8.

 

How are we told to come into His courts?

 

“Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; bring an offering and come into his courts.”

Psalm 96:8.

 

Note – Various offerings are mentioned in the Bible, such as a thank offerings, peace offerings, sin offerings, and trespass offerings.”

 

Concerning the celebration of the three annual feasts, what instruction did God give to His people anciently?

 

“Three times a year you are to celebrate a festival to me. Celebrate the Feast of Unleavened Bread; for seven days eat bread made without yeast, as I commanded you. Do this at the appointed time in the month of Abib, for in that month you came out of Egypt. No one is to appear before me empty-handed.” Exodus 23:14,15.   

 

Acceptable Offerings

 

With what spirit would God have us give?

 

“Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” 2 Corinthians 9:7. 

 

What has Christ said regarding giving?

 

“It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Acts 20:35.

 

According to what rule were the Israelites commanded to give?

 

“Each of you must bring a gift in proportion to the way the Lord your God has blessed you.” Deuteronomy 16:17.  Compare 1 Corinthians 16:2.

 

Upon what basis are gifts acceptable to God?

 

“For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what he does not have.” 2 Corinthians 8:12.  

 

What charge was Timothy instructed to give the rich?

“Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.” 1 Timothy 6:17-19.

 

How does God regard such a course?

 

“And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for such sacrifices God is pleased.” Hebrews 13:16.

 

The Case of the Covetous Man

 

How does God regard the covetous man?

 

“He boasts of the cravings of his heart; he blesses the greedy and reviles the Lord.”

Psalm 10:3. (See Exodus 18:21.)

 

What warning did Christ give against covetousness?

 

“Then he said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” Luke 12:15.

 

How, in the parable, did God regard the selfish rich man?

 

“But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?’” Verse 20.

 

What application does Christ make of this parable?

 

“This is how it will be with anyone who stores up things for himself but is not rich toward God.” Verse 21. (See 1 Timothy 6:7.)

 

Laying up Treasures in Heaven

 

By what means can men lay up treasures in heaven?

 

“See your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys.”  Luke 12:33. “For we brought nothing into this world, and we can take nothing out of it.” 1 Timothy 6:7.

 

What words of Jesus where our hearts are?

 

“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Luke 12:34.

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