AN OFFERING

Offering

noun - American Dictionary Of The English Language - Noah Webster 1828 copy right 1967 & 1995 (Renewal)

That which is presented in divine service; an animal or a portion of bread or corn, or of gold and silver, or other valuable articles, presented to God as an atonement for sin, or as a return of thanks for his favors, or for other religious purpose; a sacrifice; an obligation. In the Mosaic economy, there were burnt-offerings, sin-offerings, peace-offerings, trespass-offerings, thank-offerings, wave-offerings, and wood-offerings. Pagan nations also present offerings to their deities. Christ by the offering of himself has superseded the use of all other offerings, having made atonement for all men.

As we just read offerings come in many different forms and for various purposes. The last sentence sums it up for the Christian Jesus Christ became our ultimate sacrifice. We can easily see that Jesus was, is, and always shall be the Sinless Lamb of God which takes away the sin of the whole world. That fact alone takes the place of many of the various types of offerings described in the definition above. This begs the question, "Is Jesus the financial sacrifice for our offerings of silver and/or gold?" The simple answer is, "No". The reason the answer is “no” is because if Jesus would of fulfilled the financial offering forever, then we would not have a recording of a financial offering in the New Testament. There are various examples of financial offerings found in the New Testament as you will read later on in this article. What Jesus did fulfill for us was the curse of poverty. Under the Old Testament Law one of the penalties of sin was poverty (financial lack) Jesus was our substitute for that curse so we could be financially well off in this earth. This answer comes from 2 Corinthians 8:9 which declares that Jesus became poor so that we might be rich.

For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich. KJV

The scripture can not be broken, nor should it be bent to fit our opinion or doctrine. What we will do now is examine a little closer the last part of this verse which states, "You through his poverty might be rich". The use of the word "might" clearly indicates that being a God fearing Christian is no guarantee that you will be rich. So even though Jesus was, is, and always shall be your substitute for the curse of poverty you are not automatically made wealth by this fact. I know some will state in Heaven we all will be rich, I don't necessarily share that opinion but I would never argue the point. The implication of rich usually has to do with a reference to something of value, some stature of living, or base income, or assets. In Heaven, Angela and I believe that the streets are paved with gold and jewels line the gates of Jerusalem with that concept in mind the thought of being rich in Heaven is based on an earthly ideal of wealth and riches. We believe in God's Heaven (or the Heaven God created for us to live in) many people will be blessed and very comfortable. Some will have more material possessions than others but the classification of rich and poor will be greatly neutralized. Therefore for us to claim we will be rich could be misinterpreted because in many nations the thought of someone being rich inherently includes someone else being poor. We firmly believe that God's Heaven will be established upon His Glorious economy where none will be poor, and that thought also implies none will be rich by comparison. We will all be well supplied with sufficiency plus more than enough. The reference scripture is in Acts 4:32

And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common. KJV

I know Jesus promised us a home in Heaven John 14:1-3 and according to the King James Version a mansion:

1 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.
2 In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. KJV

This verse also tells us that Jesus is going to prepare the place for us. The fact is Jesus gave us all, so how can I personally claim all these things that are given to Me through the shed Blood of Jesus Christ as my riches? Angela and I choose not to think of God's Heaven in terms of our (or personal) riches but rather the glorious Kingdom of God. Wherever the Lord's tell us to dwell on earth we purpose to be content. Likewise, whatever rewards or material blessing we use on earth we purpose to be appreciative. So if the Lord asks us to move around in Heaven the same heart we have here on earth will suffice. Not my will but thy will be done. Oh Lord. Likewise, not our stuff be increased but thy stuff be multiplied. Oh Lord. Angela and I have no problem with people thinking they will be financially rich in Heaven because compared to earth this is true. Likewise, if the analogy is made between Heaven and Hell, we do believe all those in Hell will be poor, thus making everyone else in Heaven very rich. However, our desire is not to keep you focused on Heaven for future satisfaction but rather you would obtain enough financial stability right here on earth that you would experience God's fulfillment right now in your everyday life. The more you grow in Christ Jesus you will come to see material things are temporal blessing, but knowing God on a intimate level is the ultimate blessing Jesus died for.

John 4:23-24
23 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.
24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. KJV

Now we will pick back up the thought of "you might be rich" this is stated because consistent material blessings from God are generally conditional. The reason we use the word generally is because you could of inherited a steady stream of financial blessing from a parent or relative and basically live a life of ungodliness. Their are many who obtain wealth by inheritance and the wealth it's self is a blessing of God, and even the way you received it by inheritance is God's will but that is quite different then building an estate of wealth with God. God's ways of financial prosperity hinge primarily on four things:

1) Living a godly lifestyle

Proverbs 22:4
By humility and the fear of the LORD are riches, and honour, and life.KJV

John 14:23
Jesus replied, "If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. NIV

2) Being a good and faithful steward over the possession the Lord has entrusted you with

Luke 16:10-12
10 "Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. 11 So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches? 12 And if you have not been trustworthy with someone else's property, who will give you property of your own? NIV

And Luke 12:42
And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat in due season? KJV

3) Being a tither

Malachi 3:10-12
10 Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.
11 And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the LORD of hosts.
12 And all nations shall call you blessed: for ye shall be a delightsome land, saith the LORD of hosts. KJV

4) Being sensitive to God to help others with the extra resources God has placed in your possession

Luke 12:20-21
20 But God said to him, 'Fool! This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be which you have provided?'
21 "So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God." NKJV

These principles tell us that being financially successful in the earth requires certain conditions being met first. The prosperity of God includes spiritual, mental and physical blessings all at the same time. I know that some people win lotteries while others gain wealth through ungodly avenues. However, that is not what we (as Christians) are all about, we don't despise the riches in the earth, we only encourage people to obtain them God's Way and thus purpose to use them for God's Glory. Riches are not a problem to the wise and godly steward but they can prove destructive to foolish and ungodly. This is the reason we a taking some time to discuss motives before money. Yes, financial offering can be a good thing if done with the right motive but if your motive is wrong your offering is automatically rejected according to the scripture references listed below:

Genesis 4:3-7
3 And in process of time it came to pass, that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto the LORD.
4 And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the LORD had respect unto Abel and to his offering:
5 But unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell.
6 And the LORD said unto Cain, Why art thou wroth? and why is thy countenance fallen?
7 If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him. KJV

And Leviticus 10:1-2
1 And Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, took either of them his censer, and put fire therein, and put incense thereon, and offered strange fire before the LORD, which he commanded them not.
2 And there went out fire from the LORD, and devoured them, and they died before the LORD. KJV

And Malachi 1:6-8
6 A son honoureth his father, and a servant his master: if then I be a father, where is mine honour? and if I be a master, where is my fear? saith the LORD of hosts unto you, O priests, that despise my name. And ye say, Wherein have we despised thy name?
7 Ye offer polluted bread upon mine altar; and ye say, Wherein have we polluted thee? In that ye say, The table of the LORD is contemptible.
8 And if ye offer the blind for sacrifice, is it not evil? and if ye offer the lame and sick, is it not evil? offer it now unto thy governor; will he be pleased with thee, or accept thy person? saith the LORD of hosts. KJV

And Matthew 5:23-24
23 Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee;
24 Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift. KJV

And Acts 5:1-6
1 But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession,
2 And kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles' feet.
3 But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land?
4 Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God.
5 And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost: and great fear came on all them that heard these things.
6 And the young men arose, wound him up, and carried him out, and buried him. KJV

I know my friend this is a sobering message but we want you to know offerings are holy unto the Lord, we should treat them as such. We do not desire to put any fear in someone that they could die if they lie to God and give a bad offering but we do want you to see that attitude and proper motive is everything to God when it comes to receiving “an offering”. The offering we present to the Lord is holy and we should never have our eyes so focused on the physical part that we under-look (or overlook) the spiritual side of our heart before God. An offering you give to God is special and for that reason we should follow the special instructions given to us in the New Testament. Directions for giving offering in the New Testament are clearly recorded in several verses let us start by reading 2 Corinthians 8:12-15

12 For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not.
13 For I mean not that other men be eased, and ye burdened:
14 But by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may be a supply for their want, that their abundance also may be a supply for your want: that there may be equality:
15 As it is written, He that had gathered much had nothing over; and he that had gathered little had no lack. KJV

Verse 14 clearly states that we should give from our abundance, this also implies to not give when we don’t have enough to give. If you are behind on your bills as a tither your problem is not your percentage of giving in the offering but probably has something to do with your income, spending and saving habits. Saving up to have extra should be your first priority, then from our extra giving to those who are less fortunate or to the special church projects. Remember that this article is about financial offerings, which are optional, we are not discussing the tithe, which is not optional. The Lord is telling us that giving offerings should never be a financial burden to the saints. Since we are His children it is understood that He is the greater Father and we are the lesser financially. The simply message is don't try to give from a position of pressure or want (lack). Our motive for giving in an offering should be joy and peace, I would hope we would never give from a motive of how much am I due back. “An offering” that is based on selfish motives would be rejected by God because it is void of love. We must keep our eyes upon the Love of God because that is the fruit of the Spirit that always produces a good harvest. The principle of giving from your abundance (your extra) is also shown in the example of the offering given to the church at Jerusalem in 1 Corinthians 16:1-3

1 Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye.
2 Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.
3 And when I come, whomsoever ye shall approve by your letters, them will I send to bring your liberality unto Jerusalem. KJV

I had to unlearn the mindset of giving to special projects and less fortunate people simply because they had a need. It is wiser to put yourself and your family into at least a low position of prosperity before even considering the financial welfare of others. Some will criticize this teaching as being selfish, but quite the contrary, this type of teaching is biblically sound for several reasons:

We are told to provide for our family first.

1 Timothy 5:8
But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. NKJV

To be considered for ministry one must be a good leader of his/her family, that includes financially

1 Timothy 3:2-6
2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, temperate, sober-minded, of good behavior, hospitable, able to teach; 3 not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, but gentle, not quarrelsome, not covetous; 4 one who rules his own house well, having his children in submission with all reverence 5(for if a man does not know how to rule his own house, how will he take care of the church of God?); NKJV

And Titus 1:5-8
5 For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee:
6 If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly.
7 For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre;
8 But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate; KJV

A godly man will leave an inheritance for his children

Proverbs 13:22
A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children's children: and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just. KJV

Leaving your family in debt is not good even when you are serving God

2 Kings 4:1
Now there cried a certain woman of the wives of the sons of the prophets unto Elisha, saying, Thy servant my husband is dead; and thou knowest that thy servant did fear the LORD: and the creditor is come to take unto him my two sons to be bondmen. KJV

If you don't take care of your family financially you could lead them to poverty.

Mark 12:42
And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing. KJV

The resources God has given you are to be used by yourself and your family, to have a sincere desire to see your family have adequate provision is not selfish, it is indeed God's Will. Notice that our Heavenly Family desires for His family to have adequate provision plus extra. Shall you boast that you are more righteous than God, no my friend, that sweet mother who saves her money to send her children to college is following God's Will. Never let a minister, or preacher, or some organization put you on a guilt trip because you haven't given your last dollar to their offering. We will prove that offerings are not a work of the flesh but rather a blessing from God. If we do things God's Way He will help us to have more than enough to do both. I know that sounds a little strange being in contrast with many prosperity preachers today, but it is the Word of God amongst two witnesses. I have learned by example it is truth and this truth will help all who take it to heart because it will set you free. Yes, free indeed. What did the Apostle Paul teach us about offerings in 2 Corinthians 9:1-15?

1 For as touching the ministering to the saints, it is superfluous for me to write to you:
2 For I know the forwardness of your mind, for which I boast of you to them of Macedonia, that Achaia was ready a year ago; and your zeal hath provoked very many.
3 Yet have I sent the brethren, lest our boasting of you should be in vain in this behalf; that, as I said, ye may be ready:
4 Lest haply if they of Macedonia come with me, and find you unprepared, we (that we say not, ye) should be ashamed in this same confident boasting.
5 Therefore I thought it necessary to exhort the brethren, that they would go before unto you, and make up beforehand your bounty, whereof ye had notice before, that the same might be ready, as a matter of bounty, and not as of covetousness.
6 But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.
7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.
8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:
9(As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever.
10 Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;)
11 Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God.
12 For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God;
13 Whiles by the experiment of this ministration they glorify God for your professed subjection unto the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal distribution unto them, and unto all men;
14 And by their prayer for you, which long after you for the exceeding grace of God in you.
15 Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift. KJV

Now we will read this verse in the New Living Translation because this is one of the Apostles Paul most in-depth teachings on how to prepare “an offering”. If someone was having a little bit of difficulty understanding the King James Version Angela and I do believe this version reads a little easier.

2 Corinthians 9:1-15

1 The Collection for Christians in Jerusalem

I really don't need to write to you about this gift for the Christians in Jerusalem. 2 For I know how eager you are to help, and I have been boasting to our friends in Macedonia that you Christians in Greece were ready to send an offering a year ago. In fact, it was your enthusiasm that stirred up many of them to begin helping. 3 But I am sending these brothers just to be sure that you really are ready, as I told them you would be, with your money all collected. I don't want it to turn out that I was wrong in my boasting about you. 4 I would be humiliated — and so would you — if some Macedonian Christians came with me, only to find that you still weren't ready after all I had told them! 5 So I thought I should send these brothers ahead of me to make sure the gift you promised is ready. But I want it to be a willing gift, not one given under pressure.

6 Remember this — a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. 7 You must each make up your own mind as to how much you should give. Don't give reluctantly or in response to pressure. For God loves the person who gives cheerfully. 8 And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. 9 As the Scriptures say,

"Godly people give generously to the poor.
Their good deeds will never be forgotten."

10 For God is the one who gives seed to the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will give you many opportunities to do good, and he will produce a great harvest of generosity in you.

11 Yes, you will be enriched so that you can give even more generously. And when we take your gifts to those who need them, they will break out in thanksgiving to God. 12 So two good things will happen — the needs of the Christians in Jerusalem will be met, and they will joyfully express their thanksgiving to God. 13 You will be glorifying God through your generous gifts. For your generosity to them will prove that you are obedient to the Good News of Christ. 14 And they will pray for you with deep affection because of the wonderful grace of God shown through you.

15 Thank God for his Son — a gift too wonderful for words! NLT

One of the first things we will note is that the Apostle Paul is speaking specifically about offerings, not tithes. Tithes are for the local storehouse for the ministers where as offering are for the saints or some religious activity or project. In verse 5 (KJV) we are told correctly not to give out of covetousness, this means do not give because you desire more possessions or more money. Verse 5 (NLT) is stating not to give under pressure but willingly. We are told as a matter of bounty, which is liberality in giving for a gift. Now keep in mind that in 2 Corinthians 8:11-15 Paul already told them don't give what you don't have financially (in the physical realm) now Paul is taking them into motives and heart (into the spiritual realm). We should not give money in an offering to God simply because we desire to have a reward for our actions. For by grace are you saved through faith not of works lest any man should boast.-Ephesians 2:8,9 Generally speaking if someone takes up a collection to help another church or to help an individual, the offering is taken from a group of people. If each person gives what they can (both little and large) the gift will still be accepted before God and used by people (or person). We must keep our heart right first, then consider what can we afford because typically that is your level of peace. Notice in verse 7 the fundamental statement of truth in financial giving is declared. This statement can not be voided out of this verse because it was not added by the translators it is divine. I will repeat here so that no one gets lost or confused:

2 Corinthians 9:7
Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. KJV

This is the gospel we preach, "Every person as they desire in their own heart, not according to someone else’s desire". This is very simple if you are clear in your thinking. The simplicity of this truth is that you decide when you will give and how much you will give. This is totally your decision, no one else’s, but wholly and solely yours, at least between you and your spouse, if married. Clearly the Lord could of reworded that verse but the fact is He did not, therefore we should not. The Lord teaches us that when we are in control of what we give and when we give we should have joy, thus enabling us to be cheerful givers. We don't, I repeat do not give because we are in need of more money. Look at verse 7, read the whole context of these scriptures if this truth is difficult for you to swallow. We don't, I repeat do not give with regret or reservation in our heart, why because God loves a happy and peaceful giver. Think about it, if you are in complete control why would you not be happy about what you are doing. We stated early that each and every offering is a form of worship to God. If you do not want to worship God with a specific offering then by all means don't. This is very easy to understand because those who feel that they have to give more money to get out of a financial mess are guilty of giving of necessity. This type of thinking is wrong and can produce a stronghold in the mind which puts people under bondage in giving. This would be like someone holding a gun to your head and stating worship God right now freely. As you can see something is very wrong with that picture, the thing that is wrong is the motive and the heart. You have the privilege and right to worship God with your substance just like you have the right and privilege to worship God with a clear conscious and clean heart. When it comes to giving keep it simple as noted in Romans 12:6-8 because some people God has already ordained to be more gifted than you.

6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith;
7 Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching;
8 Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness. KJV

The person enabled by our Lord Jesus and Heavenly Father to make more is already in a better position to give more money. The last thing the Father and Jesus wants is for one of their beloved children to think that they need to do more because they think, “The only way I will be blessed is if I can produce more works”. This type of thinking is not a work of God’s Grace, but rather the voice of religious works. Like we keep stating offerings are a spiritual blessing to God when you present them the right way, but if you try to do it in your own righteousness what was intended to be a blessing for you will quickly become a curse unto you. As we continue to look at 2 Corinthians 9 let us notice verses 8-10 where God states that He will give you more when you help others. This is God's Promise and God can not lie. We must always believe that God will honor His Word. Angela and I know that the Lord is faithful to perform His Word. However, notice specifically in verse 8 the Lord states that He is able to make a grace abound toward you. The grace is spiritual first, then you will be in a position of having all sufficiency in all things, which after that you can abound to every good work. Notice this re-emphasizes what we stated early when we said, "You should be giving from your abundance, your extra". We know according to Matthew 6:31-34 that we are to seek God's righteousness first then all those natural financial and material blessing will be added unto us.

Matthew 6:31-33
31 "Therefore do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' 32 For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. NKJV

This tells us that when we know what is right and pleasing in the sight of God, He will show us what will prosper in our lives. If we never take the necessary time to understand how to save and when to gather we are only deceiving ourselves to think one day we will instantly be rich. No, my dear beloved child of God, you must make a decision by faith with actions following that you will be a good steward and accumulate extra so that you will be in a good position to give unto every good work. God then tells you that He will help you with this endeavor by increasing your seed sown (naturally) and the fruits of your righteousness (spiritually). We should always realize both parts need to be properly aligned to return an optimal yield. Your heart (your spirit, your motive) and soul (your thinking, what forms your belief) and your money (the physical assets) must all be in unison to produce “an offering” that is well pleasing to God. The Lord needs two things to go right for the offering to fulfill its purpose.

The first thing - the heart (the motive, the spiritual) must be right to please God first

and the second thing - the need of the particular church or individual must be met for complete satisfaction in Christ (the natural, the physical). The need being met will cause much thanksgiving in God according to verses 11-15 in 2 Corinthians 9

You are not responsible to meet the need of the individual or church you are only given an opportunity to participate in the collection of the gift (the offering). If you have the extra money and you desire to participate then by all means do it with cheerfulness, but if you do not by all means do not. He that does give an offering is not a better person than he who does not give, remember it is a matter of God's Grace, not our works. The fact of the matter might be that someone simply has more resources than someone else. We are told in 2 Corinthians 10:12 not to compare ourselves among ourselves, or measure ourselves by ourselves. Your giving does not make you a better person because the Blood of Jesus has already cleansed you from all sin and impurities. Now if you have not accepted Jesus as your personal Lord and Savoir please do it today by clicking on the following "Salvation" link and following the message to receive Jesus as Lord. Notice that the Apostle Paul shares this vision of offering being spiritual and natural in his address to the church at Philippi in Philippians 4:14-19

14 But it was right and commendable and noble of you to contribute for my needs and to share my difficulties with me.
15 And you Philippians yourselves well know that in the early days of the Gospel ministry, when I left Macedonia, no church (assembly) entered into partnership with me and opened up [a debit and credit] account in giving and receiving except you only.
16 For even in Thessalonica you sent [me contributions] for my needs, not only once but a second time.
17 Not that I seek or am eager for [your] gift, but I do seek and am eager for the fruit which increases to your credit [the harvest of blessing that is accumulating to your account].
18 But I have [your full payment] and more; I have everything I need and am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent me. [They are the] fragrant odor of an offering and sacrifice which God welcomes and in which He delights.
19 And my God will liberally supply ( fill to the full) your every need according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. AMP

The Apostle Paul encouraged the Believers in Philippi that it is good to give offerings for the Lord's work. He also acknowledges that he needed the money to help his ministry. Paul pointed out the fact that many churches did not help him, but Philippi did and for this they were commended. This shows the natural side of the offering meeting the practical needs of the minister. Then Paul moves into the spiritual side by stating some of the blessing that follow giving “an offering” the right way. In verse 17 Paul states that whatever you give is being noticed by God and the spiritual laws of sowing and reaping work. Therefore any seed of financial provision you sow unto someone and something else has the potential to be fruitful to the point of returning a harvest back to you. Paul said we have an account with God and in this account we accumulate blessings to be distributed at various times in our life. In verse 18 Paul speaks about his practical physical needs being met, which reminds us of what we discussed earlier (the second thing) about the servant of God must have their needs met for the Lord to be satisfied. Verse 18 continues with Paul speaking of the spiritual part of the offering by stating the Lord delights in such offerings (the first thing). Therefore because these two things were done the right way Paul continues with verse 19 which speaks of a future harvest of God meeting their needs. The verses in Philippians 4:14-19 apply specifically to the Philippian church that aided Paul financially do not make the mistake of thinking those verses apply to you when you have not done what the Philippian church did. That means if you are giving as a group to the needs of another organization (church or ministry) the Lord has shown us an example that your organization should reap a return blessing for your blessing of giving to them. We must keep the proper perspective when considering whether or not to give in an offering. The two things discussed earlier were from the Lord side, now we will look at our side as children of God.

First - Is our heart right with God (Are we in right standing with God void of sin and is our motive for giving based on love)

Secondly - Do I have some extra money (that is not already designated to someone or something else) for giving toward the things of God

We read in Romans 12:8 that we should keep our giving simple. If our motive is right and we have some extra money to give unto God’s Kingdom we should proceed with a clear conscience. Having the extra money to give toward God's Work keeps us from dealing with unnecessary pressure because we gave something we really could not afford. Your primary purpose in giving “an offering” should be your expression of love unto God. “An offering” is one way to worship God with your substance just like God's People have done throughout the various centuries. Angela and I would much rather equate financial offerings with worship unto God than equate our financial offerings to our personal riches to come. We choose by decision to be large on motive and smaller on the natural results, because motive is before God and returns will come through men. We have found it better to keep our eyes on Jesus to never be let down or disappointed by men. The fact of God is that even if our full harvest is not fully consummated until we get to Heaven God always honors His Word. Man does not always obey God’s Word, but yet God still remains faithful. Amen!

Since we have discussed what offerings are and how to give "an offering" we will now look at some different reasons to give "An Offering" unto God's Plan (or His Purposes). First we will look at "an offering" taken for our fellow brethren in 1 Corinthians 16:1-4

1 Collection for the Saints

Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given orders to the churches of Galatia, so you must do also: 2 On the first day of the week let each one of you lay something aside, storing up as he may prosper, that there be no collections when I come. 3 And when I come, whomever you approve by your letters I will send to bear your gift to Jerusalem. 4 But if it is fitting that I go also, they will go with me. NKJV

Notice the Apostle Paul ordered the whole church, not a particular individual, re-iterating that this is done as a group. He states again that it should be taken from our prosperity, the extra. Please take care of your own family first then use your extra to help others. Paul specifically states that he did not want a collection when he came because he knows people will give on compulsion and others will give to look good (wrong motive, to be seen of men). Paul does not tell each person how much to give but rather states in verse 3 that “the gift” will be attributed to the whole church. This confirms our (Angela and I) understanding that some will give more and some will give less and some beloved children of God will not give anything. The fact remains that if you don't have any extra money you should not give what you do not have. The bible teaches us that we should always count up the cost before we make the investment or else we could be asking for trouble later on down the road.

Luke 14:28-30
28 For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?
29 Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him,
30 Saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish. KJV

We also see in Acts an offering taken up for the saints of God in Jerusalem

Romans 15:25-28
25 But before I come, I must go down to Jerusalem to take a gift to the Christians there. 26 For you see, the believers in Greece have eagerly taken up an offering for the Christians in Jerusalem, who are going through such hard times. 27 They were very glad to do this because they feel they owe a real debt to them. Since the Gentiles received the wonderful spiritual blessings of the Good News from the Jewish Christians, they feel the least they can do in return is help them financially. 28 As soon as I have delivered this money and completed this good deed of theirs, I will come to see you on my way to Spain. NLT

This gives us two witnesses that taking up "an offering" to help other people less fortunate than you is godly. In verse 27 we see a good reason to help another church if that church is a sister church that has been a blessing to your church (or you) in some way. It is obvious that we can not meet all the needs of every hurting Christian in the world, so choosing to help those that you are affiliated (or associated) with is probably a more practical solution. Speaking of your local church is there an example of collecting an offering for a program? We can see from Acts 6:1-4 that the early church had a food bank for the widows.

1 In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Grecian Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. 2 So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, "It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. 3 Brothers, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them 4 and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word." NIV

It is very common in today’s society to take up an offering for a preacher (guest speaker, minister, evangelist or missionary) or a ministry they represent. The New Testament endorses this kind of offering.

Mark 12:41-42
41 And Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury: and many that were rich cast in much.
42 And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing. KJV

Offerings were given in the ministry of Jesus Christ and the verse below shows this continued even in the ministry of the Apostle Paul.

Philippians 4:14-17
14 But even so, you have done well to share with me in my present difficulty.
15 As you know, you Philippians were the only ones who gave me financial help when I brought you the Good News and then traveled on from Macedonia. No other church did this. 16 Even when I was in Thessalonica you sent help more than once. NLT

We can concluded by the two references below that collections for building programs are shown in the Holy Bible also.

Exodus 36:2-7
2 And Moses called Bezaleel and Aholiab, and every wise hearted man, in whose heart the LORD had put wisdom, even every one whose heart stirred him up to come unto the work to do it:
3 And they received of Moses all the offering, which the children of Israel had brought for the work of the service of the sanctuary, to make it withal. And they brought yet unto him free offerings every morning.
4 And all the wise men, that wrought all the work of the sanctuary, came every man from his work which they made;
5 And they spake unto Moses, saying, The people bring much more than enough for the service of the work, which the LORD commanded to make.
6 And Moses gave commandment, and they caused it to be proclaimed throughout the camp, saying, Let neither man nor woman make any more work for the offering of the sanctuary. So the people were restrained from bringing.
7 For the stuff they had was sufficient for all the work to make it, and too much. KJV

And 1 Chronicles 29:1-9
1 Furthermore David the king said unto all the congregation, Solomon my son, whom alone God hath chosen, is yet young and tender, and the work is great: for the palace is not for man, but for the LORD God.
2 Now I have prepared with all my might for the house of my God the gold for things to be made of gold, and the silver for things of silver, and the brass for things of brass, the iron for things of iron, and wood for things of wood; onyx stones, and stones to be set, glistering stones, and of divers colours, and all manner of precious stones, and marble stones in abundance.
3 Moreover, because I have set my affection to the house of my God, I have of mine own proper good, of gold and silver, which I have given to the house of my God, over and above all that I have prepared for the holy house,
4 Even three thousand talents of gold, of the gold of Ophir, and seven thousand talents of refined silver, to overlay the walls of the houses withal:
5 The gold for things of gold, and the silver for things of silver, and for all manner of work to be made by the hands of artificers. And who then is willing to consecrate his service this day unto the LORD?
6 Then the chief of the fathers and princes of the tribes of Israel, and the captains of thousands and of hundreds, with the rulers of the king's work, offered willingly,
7 And gave for the service of the house of God of gold five thousand talents and ten thousand drams, and of silver ten thousand talents, and of brass eighteen thousand talents, and one hundred thousand talents of iron.
8 And they with whom precious stones were found gave them to the treasure of the house of the LORD, by the hand of Jehiel the Gershonite.
9 Then the people rejoiced, for that they offered willingly, because with perfect heart they offered willingly to the LORD: and David the king also rejoiced with great joy. KJV

Along that same line of thought, offerings are commonly taken up for repair and maintenance of the Lord's House (His Edifice).

2 Kings 12:9-12
9 But Jehoiada the priest took a chest, and bored a hole in the lid of it, and set it beside the altar, on the right side as one cometh into the house of the LORD: and the priests that kept the door put therein all the money that was brought into the house of the LORD.
10 And it was so, when they saw that there was much money in the chest, that the king's scribe and the high priest came up, and they put up in bags, and told the money that was found in the house of the LORD.
11 And they gave the money, being told, into the hands of them that did the work, that had the oversight of the house of the LORD: and they laid it out to the carpenters and builders, that wrought upon the house of the LORD,
12 And to masons, and hewers of stone, and to buy timber and hewed stone to repair the breaches of the house of the LORD, and for all that was laid out for the house to repair it. KJV

And 2 Kings 22:2-7
2 And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, and walked in all the way of David his father, and turned not aside to the right hand or to the left.
3 And it came to pass in the eighteenth year of king Josiah, that the king sent Shaphan the son of Azaliah, the son of Meshullam, the scribe, to the house of the LORD, saying,
4 Go up to Hilkiah the high priest, that he may sum the silver which is brought into the house of the LORD, which the keepers of the door have gathered of the people:
5 And let them deliver it into the hand of the doers of the work, that have the oversight of the house of the LORD: and let them give it to the doers of the work which is in the house of the LORD, to repair the breaches of the house,
6 Unto carpenters, and builders, and masons, and to buy timber and hewn stone to repair the house.
7 Howbeit there was no reckoning made with them of the money that was delivered into their hand, because they dealt faithfully. KJV

Since we are showing examples of offerings pertaining to the House of the Lord we can also see that offering are commonly used to furnish the House of God.

1 Chronicles 28:10-18
10 Take heed now; for the LORD hath chosen thee to build an house for the sanctuary: be strong, and do it.
11 Then David gave to Solomon his son the pattern of the porch, and of the houses thereof, and of the treasuries thereof, and of the upper chambers thereof, and of the inner parlours thereof, and of the place of the mercy seat,
12 And the pattern of all that he had by the spirit, of the courts of the house of the LORD, and of all the chambers round about, of the treasuries of the house of God, and of the treasuries of the dedicated things:
13 Also for the courses of the priests and the Levites, and for all the work of the service of the house of the LORD, and for all the vessels of service in the house of the LORD.
14 He gave of gold by weight for things of gold, for all instruments of all manner of service; silver also for all instruments of silver by weight, for all instruments of every kind of service:
15 Even the weight for the candlesticks of gold, and for their lamps of gold, by weight for every candlestick, and for the lamps thereof: and for the candlesticks of silver by weight, both for the candlestick, and also for the lamps thereof, according to the use of every candlestick.
16 And by weight he gave gold for the tables of shewbread, for every table; and likewise silver for the tables of silver:
17 Also pure gold for the fleshhooks, and the bowls, and the cups: and for the golden basons he gave gold by weight for every bason; and likewise silver by weight for every bason of silver:
18 And for the altar of incense refined gold by weight; and gold for the pattern of the chariot of the cherubims, that spread out their wings, and covered the ark of the covenant of the LORD. KJV

And 1 Kings 15:14-15
14 But the high places were not removed: nevertheless Asa's heart was perfect with the LORD all his days.
15 And he brought in the things which his father had dedicated, and the things which himself had dedicated, into the house of the LORD, silver, and gold, and vessels. KJV

The location of the offering could be anywhere, the key is the heart (your motive) and the persons ability (their financial resources). This is stressed because to worship God on future projections is not necessary according to the word of God. Since now faith is according to Hebrews 11:1 you should strongly consider what is available to you at the present time to decide if you should partake of the offering being presented. The beautiful thing about worshipping God is that He is always ready to receive worship from you if your heart is right with Him. Remember in Matthew 5:23-24 Jesus told us it is OK to even leave a gift at the altar and then come back later to offer your gift to God. This can not be emphasized enough - that you do not need to rush into an offering, nor should you give on compulsion or under pressure. You should be fully relaxed and in control of what you are doing with your financial offering because this is a form of worship unto God. Rushing to worship with a financial offering when your heart or mind is not really sure if you should be giving a certain amount is disastrous. Why, because any house divided shall fall, it can not stand according to Mark 3:24,25. We are instructed in Mark 12:29,30 to love the Lord our God with all of our heart, soul, mind and strength so why would we worship God any other way. Since “an offering” is holy unto the Lord we should be holy in thought and heart for complete unity. We see an example of a divided heart and a pure heart in the ministry of Jesus recorded in Mark 12:38-44

38 And he said unto them in his doctrine, Beware of the scribes, which love to go in long clothing, and love salutations in the marketplaces,
39 And the chief seats in the synagogues, and the uppermost rooms at feasts:
40 Which devour widows' houses, and for a pretence make long prayers: these shall receive greater damnation.
41 And Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury: and many that were rich cast in much.
42 And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing.
43 And he called unto him his disciples, and saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury:
44 For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living. KJV

We need to discuss exactly what Jesus was doing in this example so that there will be no confusion. Some have thought that Jesus was speaking against giving from a position of abundance but if that was the case Jesus would be condemning His own words which state, "To whom much is given, To him shall much be required" referring to Luke 12:48. Jesus would also be condemning King David and various other patriarchs who had much and gave much. This thought also contradicts the teaching of the Apostle Paul who specifically taught us to give from our abundance as discussed in 2 Corinthians 8: 14 and 1 Corinthians 16:2. No my friend, Jesus told us exactly what He was doing in verse 41. Notice that Jesus looked at “how” the people gave in the offering. Jesus was looking at their heart through their actions. The more spiritually discerning we become the easier this will be for us as Christians. The “how” Jesus was observing is their motive. Jesus and our Heavenly Father are always looking at our motive (our heart) this is nothing new. Did not even the Apostle Paul teach us in 2 Corinthians 9:7 that our heart should be in our giving. The rich in this example were not the righteous but rather the unrighteous. Jesus was in the Temple of God at Jerusalem (Mark 11:27) dealing with the chief priests, and the scribes, and the elders, some Pharisees, some Sadducess, and He had even been dealing with some of the Herodians that day. The problem with many of the rich in the ministry of Jesus was that they did not believe on Him or His message. Jesus had just spoken against many of the wrong practices of the various rich groups we just mentioned and this example just adds to that list. The issue was not the amount of money but it was exactly what we keep emphasizing in the article, the motive or heart of the giver. Since many of the rich did not believe in Jesus their motive (their heart) could not be right and if your heart is not right when you give, you get zero credit with God. Some rich were just giving to flaunt their money, remember pride loves to be seen of men as an important one or a big shot. Jesus had just instructed His true disciples in verses 38-40 to not put on a big show and since Jesus typically teaches by precept and example He followed His teaching with a real live example. It was not that the poor widow put more natural money into the offering but what she did put into that offering was her heart. Her desires, her hope, yes all her living (her motive was right) because I firmly believe she loved God and she wanted to partake of His ministry, just as we do today. The spiritual side of any offering far outweighs the natural amount. Since she gave by faith and in the spirit of love, she gave way more than those who only gave money. She gave spiritual substance with a financial amount compared to their void of spiritual substance with only a natural amount. As you can see the spiritual principle of worship always supercedes the natural resources of man. She worshipped God from her heart, the rich did not. So base your financial offering upon your heart first and your ability second. This gives us a perfect example that God is no respecter of persons and your little will go a very long way with God. Never be embarrassed about the amount of your offering to God because rest assured He is looking at you heart. Jesus notices how you give over what amount you give. If your heart is right the offering is accepted before God because your holy heart sanctifies the offering to make it holy unto God. This is why we always endorse a prayer over the offering and thanksgiving with every offering you present to God. Prayer reminds us that we are speaking (worshipping) our great Creator and Father who Loves us dearly. We will never be able to adequately express our love for God with our financial giving at best we can only acknowledge His Greatness, His Glory, and His Honor due His Name. Jesus, Jesus, Jesus there is no other Name like that Name, Thank You Heavenly Father in the Wonderful Name of Jesus. Amen!

Generally speaking there are a lot of good programs, ministers and ministries to give unto as “An Offering” to the Lord. If you follow your heart and properly plan out your resources there is no reason why you should not be able to give some portion to what ever you desire in due season. Remember despise not small beginnings, it is better to give a little from your little of extra, then to wait until you have extreme extra to decide to give. The Lord will monitor your progress and He will give unto you more to give if you are faithful with what He has already placed in your hands. Every person should give according to the motive of love, as they purpose in their heart and considering their financial ability. When we do worship God with our financial offering, praying over the offering to be sure we acknowledge God's Presence receiving the offering with the giving of thanks for all the wonderful things He is and forever shall be is a must. Remember your Heavenly Father and Lord Jesus are doing great things for you and your family continuously. If you have nothing, believe God to increase you to the place where you can give comfortably. If you have a little, spend a little, save a little, and give only a little. If you have much, spend modestly, save a lot, and thus give a lot toward the Kingdom of God because just maybe you were created to do so (for such a time as this). Our Heavenly Father loves you no matter what you give because He loved you so much that He gave His only begotten Son, Jesus, the Christ, the Savior of the world. Amen!

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16 KJV

We encourage the giving of offerings toward the things of God, we just don't solicit them for the ministry. Know that God put ministries on earth to help perfect the people, He did not put people on earth for the perfecting of the ministry!-Ephesians 4:11-16 Offerings are a form of your personal worship unto God and for that reason alone we try not to distract people by compelling them to give when it should be done from a heart of compassion. Angela and I don't know exactly how much extra you have at any given moment therefore we will not persuade you to give "an offering" to any ministry at any time. We purpose to give you accurate knowledge of God's Heart toward "an offering" and God's Word concerning offerings for you to determine what is best for you and your family. If you purpose in heart to always have some extra money designated toward offerings then God will help honor that purpose. You must do your part to keep your heart right before God and be a good steward over the resources in your possession. For those that worship God must worship Him in spirit (in your heart) and in truth (according to His Word).

God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. John 4:24 KJV

In His Love, Eric & Angela Foster

back to the top