Good day everyone, today is a pleasure to come to you with a very important biblical subject. This subject is foundational to Christianity.
We see its impact throughout the bible both old and new testament. It is the subject of OFFERINGS.
Christianity began with the offering of Jesus' life for the atonement of our sins. John3:16
God's covenant with Abraham was sealed with the offering of his son. Gen22:16-17
King solomon become the wealthiest and wisest king through offerings. 1Kings3:4-12
By offerings people received approval and disapproval from God as we see in the story of Cain and Abel Gen4:4-5
The scriptures are full of accounts of the importance of offerings.
As with many important subjects, it is important that we understand this subject so as to to make the most of it.
Many Christians are frustrated not because they are not giving themselves to the right things, but often because
they lack the proper understanding that will position them to make the most of what they are giving themselves to.
The scriptures say in Proverbs 4:7 Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.(kjv)
and Ecclesiastes 10:15
There is a very powerful framework in the scriptures that can help us understand this subject and thus make the most of it.
Scriptures provide a framework upon which spiritual knowledge can be organised.
Organised knowledge is the basis of understanding and wisdom.
romans 15:4 (scriptures are TLMS) ,
The seed principle is one framework for understanding offerings
God lays down this principle in genesis 1:29 "And God said, Behold, I have given you every plant bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, which has seed in its fruit; to you it shall be for food."(nkjv)
( Gal6:7 Gen8:22 Psalms 126:6)
From these references we get the idea that everything God has given to us for our sustenance has seed in it.
In other words whatever God gives to us comes with seed in it or a certain substance, resource or power which
when utilised can generate in larger quantities that very thing. God is the source of all things but He has
made seeds the re-source of all the things He gives.
It is the glory of God the Father provide all things for His children but it brings more glory to God to raise children who are capable of providing all they need themselves.
The joy of every father is that His children will be like Him in ability and in character. And we come into maturity in ability and character by this seed principle.
Lets look at the subject of Offerings in light with the Principles of seed sowing
Offerings in the Christian context is sowing seeds to advance the Kingdom or economy of God on earth.
The fundamental seed that is sown is our lives and the fundamental harvest of this seed is abundant life. John10:10
Every other type of seed sown is derived from this fundamental sowing of our lives to God. Col3:23
Seed sowing is the activation of the seed principle or the power of a seed. Acts 20:35
Basic principles of the seed principle.
1. Now a seed is the reproductive agent of a thing. according to Jer31:27
2. Anything can be a seed. Jeremiah31:27
3. The type of fruit depends on the type of seed sown ( Galatians 6:8 )
a) Your life is the best kind of seed.
4. The quantity of fruit depends on the quantity of seed sown. ( 2 Corinthians 9:6
a) Giving your whole being (heart, soul, spirit body) Mark12:30
5. The quantity of fruit also depends on the type of soil sown. ( matthew 13:23 )
a) God is the best soil to sow your seed. The spirit of man which is where the Spirit of God lives
is the altar for this offering. John 4:20 John4:24 . In the story of the samaritan woman
Jesus pointed out the importance of the soil, altar or location of our offerings. We also see this same emphasis in 2Chron7:12 Deut12:5-6 .
To make offerings in the spirit means our offerings serve the intents and purposes of the Spirit.
The intents and purposes of the Spirit of God is revealed through our fellowship with Him.
It is not enough to offer our lives for noble and good courses but to offer our lives for God's purposes. The two are not always the same
so it takes a continuous walk and fellowship with the Spirit to know.
b) The soil needs to be worked on. Our spirit needs to be worked on so it can better Host the presence of God
6. The manifestation of fruit depends on the time. ( Gen8:22 )
a) The duration between seed sowing and harvest is one thing we have little control over for the most part. But the time is necessary
because it gives us enough time to build the character and foundation necessary to make the most of the harvest.
Waiting periods are periods are trial periods where we are perfected, refined and adequately prepared for the harvest
7. The quantity of fruit also depends on the season. Ecc3:1-2 Gen8:22
a) Maize seeds sown in the dry seasons can't bear as much fruits when sown in the rainy season
b) The best time to sow our lives is now, and not tomorrow or when we feel like it or when we have sorted out other issues
To sum it up.
1. Our lives are seeds. the most powerful of all seeds
2. The best thing we can do with our lives is to present it to God as a living sacrifice
3. Offer everything our lives consists of. ( our hearts, soul, mind , will, strength etc)
4. The best soil or altar to sow our lives on is On God.
5. Because it takes time for the seeds to bring forth.
Patience is the principal virtue that enables all other virtues required to make the most of the harvest.
6. The time to sow you life is always now. Tomorrow is not guaranteed for anyone. Nothing can be more important, more urgent
more necessary, more fundamental, more of a Precondition than sowing our lives to God.
God bless you as you reflect on this message.