Lesson 4 Review: Offerings for Jesus

 

Introduction

Memory Text: “What shall I render to the LORD for all His benefits toward me? I will take up the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the LORD. I will pay my vows to the LORD now in the presence of all His people” (Psalm 116:12-14, NKJV).

We give offerings from the 90 percent that remains besides the tithe. We bring our gifts/offerings in response to what God has done for us, especially in the sacrifice of Jesus for the advancement of the cause of God.

What is our motivation for giving?

‘Our giving is in response to His amazing gift of Jesus to us.’

What are some of the benefits of giving?

‘Giving strengthens our love for Jesus and others.’ ‘Making an offering can be a deeply spiritual experience, an expression of the fact that our lives are wholly surrendered to God as our Lord.’

What is the nature of giving?

‘Our offerings are an evidence of our willingness to sacrifice self for God.’

‘Giving comes from the heart that trusts in a personal God who constantly provides for our needs as He sees best.’

‘Our offerings rest on the conviction that we have found assurance of salvation in Christ.’

What does it mean to give as one “purposes in his heart”?

It simply implies giving at the will of the giver, and at the comfort of the giver, not “grudgingly” (2 Corinthians 9:6, 7, NKJV).

What criterion does God give as basis for the amount of our offerings?

‘The amount of our offerings is based on what we have been blessed with.’

What is the best in trying to repay God for all His benefits?

We cannot repay God for all His benefits, the best we can do is be generous with the cause of God and in helping our fellow human beings. It is our Christian duty to bring offerings to the LORD.

What are the four things that are at least present in worship services?

Study/preaching, prayer, music, and tithes and offerings.

What should the bringing of our offerings mean to us?

It should be a privilege, an opportunity, and a responsibility to bring our offerings. This is part of the worship experience, and it positively impacts our relationship with God.

In what way was the value of the widow’s gift in Mark 12:41-44 measured?

It was measured “not by the worth of the coin but by the love to God and the interest in His work that had prompted the deed.” — Ellen G. White, Counsels on Stewardship, p. 175.

What other thing is significant about giving?

Giving is the only gift Jesus ever commended.

What lessons can we learn from giving?

It is not only our prayers that are heard in heaven but the motives of our gifts is also noted (See Acts 10:1-4). In the two great principles of God’s law, loving God (Luke 10:27) is revealed in prayer, whereas loving our neighbors is revealed in almsgiving.

What is the nature of “Big Jar” giving?

“Big Jar” offerings, given by fewer people take real love and commitment to give from our investments. “Big Jar offerings” tell better where our hearts are with God, “ ‘For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also’ ” (Matt. 6:21, NKJV).

In Conclusion,

It is our duty as Christians to give to the LORD voluntarily and under the constraints of love, for God loves a cheerful giver. We give in appreciation to what He has done for us. I pray that God gives and sustains in us the heart to give in the right way in Jesus’ name.