May 6 – Giving from a Generous Heart

Sunday School Lesson

May 6

Giving from a Generous Heart

 

Devotional Reading: Psalm 112

 

Background Scripture: Exodus 25:1-7; 35:4-29; Leviticus 27:30-33; 2 Corinthians 9:6-8

 

Exodus 35:20-29

 

20 And all the congregation of the children of Israel departed from the presence of Moses.

 

21 And they came, every one whose heart stirred him up, and every one whom his spirit made willing, and they brought the Lord’s offering to the work of the tabernacle of the congregation, and for all his service, and for the holy garments.

 

22 And they came, both men and women, as many as were willing hearted, and brought bracelets, and earrings, and rings, and tablets, all jewels of gold: and every man that offered offered an offering of gold unto the Lord.

 

23 And every man, with whom was found blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine linen, and goats’ hair, and red skins of rams, and badgers’ skins, brought them.

 

24 Every one that did offer an offering of silver and brass brought the Lord ’s offering: and every man, with whom was found shittim wood for any work of the service, brought it.

 

25 And all the women that were wise hearted did spin with their hands, and brought that which they had spun, both of blue, and of purple, and of scarlet, and of fine linen.

 

26 And all the women whose heart stirred them up in wisdom spun goats’ hair.

 

27 And the rulers brought onyx stones, and stones to be set, for the ephod, and for the breastplate;

 

28 And spice, and oil for the light, and for the anointing oil, and for the sweet incense.

 

29 The children of Israel brought a willing offering unto the Lord, every man and woman, whose heart made them willing to bring for all manner of work, which the Lord had commanded to be made by the hand of Moses.

 

2 Corinthians 9:6-8

 

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.

 

Key Verse

 

This I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.—2 Corinthians 9:6

 

 

Lesson Aims

 

After participating in this lesson, each learner will be able to:

 

1. Recall how the Israelites demonstrated generosity in funding the tabernacle’s construction.

 

2. Compare and contrast the Old and New Testament texts in today’s study with regard to giving.

 

3. Identify one way that he or she can better express generosity in giving and make a plan to do so.

 

 

Introduction

 

1. “Giving While Living”

 

In 2012, Chuck Feeney made a remarkable and highly publicized announcement: he had decided to stop giving. That marked the end of a 30-year campaign to give away the large majority of his considerable fortune. The son of Irish-American immigrants, Feeney was born during the Great Depression and served as a radio operator in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean conflict (1950-1953). To make extra money, he started a small side business selling duty-free alcohol to American soldiers; by 1960, at the beginning of the travel boom, Feeney had begun to build an international empire of duty-free shops.

 

But in 1984, Feeney changed course, deciding to give rather than receive. After selling his share in his company, he established a foundation to promote global education, public health, care for the elderly, and peace efforts. Feeney’s foundation closed in 2016 after fulfilling its objective of distributing $8 billion (U.S. currency).

 

In many ways, this low-key approach reflects the biblical perspective. Feeney’s foundation used the slogan “Giving While Living” to summarize his view that people should not simply amass wealth to leave to their heirs, but instead use what they have to do good while they are alive and well. God consistently calls us to give while living, viewing the financial resources we have as assets to be used for His purposes.

 

1. Lesson Background

 

The exodus from Egypt and the receiving of the law at Sinai marked the beginning of the nation of Israel. We should remember Abraham’s descendants had lived in Egypt for many generations, and over time they had become quite familiar with the religious views of their Egyptian overlords. Perhaps for this reason, the first two of the Ten Commandments stressed that God’s people were not to worship like the Egyptians, who believed in many gods. The Israelites were to serve no gods other than the only true God and were not permitted to make idols or other physical representations of Him (Exodus 20:1-6).

 

To further assist in the religious reeducation of the people, God commanded Moses to construct a sanctuary, a national center of worship. That large, semiportable tent-complex came to be called the tabernacle (Exodus 25:8, 9; 26:1). Significantly, God did not miraculously provide the construction materials for the project. Instead, He called for an offering “of every man that giveth it willingly with his heart” (25:2). That challenge takes us to the result.

 

1. Old Covenant Giving

 

(Exodus 35:20-29)

 

The Old Testament passage of our lesson takes us into a whole-community assembly of the Israelites at Mount Sinai, with Moses in charge. He has just finished specifying in some detail the material needed for construction of the tabernacle, its furnishings, and the nature of the garments to be worn by priests (Exodus 35:4-19).

 

1. Willing Givers (vv. 20-22a)

 

20, 21. And all the congregation of the children of Israel departed from the presence of Moses. And they came, every one whose heart stirred him up, and every one whom his spirit made willing, and they brought the Lord’s offering to the work of the tabernacle of the congregation, and for all his service, and for the holy garments.

 

These two verses and the next set the tone for the remainder of the passage. Two points are particularly notable. First, all those who give do so willingly, as they are moved in their hearts. This theme is repeated several times to emphasize not only the personal commitment of individuals but also the spirit of national unity that emerges around the project (Exodus 35:22, 29; 36:2, 3).

 

Second, the people’s response addresses all areas of God’s instructions given through Moses regarding construction of the tabernacle proper (see Exodus 36:8-38), its furnishings (for all his service; see 37:1-38:8; etc.), and the priestly holy garments (see 39:1-31).

 

22a. And they came, both men and women, as many as were willing hearted.

 

Another theme that runs throughout this passage is that contributors are not limited to a select group since both men and women give (compare 1 Chronicles 29:1-9). God’s call does not go out only to the wealthy but to everyone. The people respond as their hearts move them.

 

1. Valuable Gifts (vv. 22b-28)

 

22b. And brought bracelets, and earrings, and rings, and tablets, all jewels of gold: and every man that offered offered an offering of gold unto the Lord.

 

God has instructed that many of the fixtures and furnishings in the tabernacle are to be gold-plated, while the priestly garments are to be gold-embroidered and covered with precious gems (examples: Exodus 25:11-13, 24-28, 38-40; 26:6; 28:11-28). Such costly materials call attention to the majesty of God and symbolize the significance and the sacred privilege of worship.

 

What Do You Think?

 

How do we decide when “going first class” on church furnishings is worth the extra cost?

 

Points for Your Discussion

 

Considering beauty and functionality

 

Considering life-cycle cost

 

In handling designated gifts

 

Considering interest on borrowing to do so

 

Considering ministry opportunities lost by doing so

 

We may find it surprising that the Israelites, who had left Egypt as slaves, are able to provide the necessary gold and gems primarily through donations of personal jewelry. But God had made a way for the Israelites to give, even before they realized it would be necessary to do so. When God first appeared to Moses in the burning bush to announce delivery of the Israelites from slavery, He also promised to “give this people favour in the sight of the Egyptians” so that “when ye go [out of Egypt], ye shall not go empty” (Exodus 3:21). The Hebrew women were to acquire “jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and raiment” from the Egyptians just before the exodus, with the result that the Hebrews would “spoil the Egyptians” by escaping with their personal goods (Exodus 3:22)!

 

These instructions were followed (Exodus 11:2, 3; 12:35, 36), and the Israelites left Egypt with a substantial amount of gold, silver, and precious gems. Now, having experienced God’s deliverance in crossing the Red Sea, the people realize that this plunder was not for their personal benefit, but for the good of the people as a whole. Thus they willingly contribute as God, through Moses, requests.

 

Hearts Moved

 

Bill and Melinda Gates, one of the wealthiest couples in the world, established the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation in 2000. Through it the couple has given billions of their own dollars to, among other things, improve health and well-being in developing countries. The couple knows that not all of their projects will be successful. But they continue to try because they have a heart to “help all people live healthy, productive lives.”

 

To have a heart that is willing is where true giving begins, as today’s text makes clear. That willingness is founded in realizing that one is involved in something greater than self. Bill and Melinda Gates give so people have the best chance possible to live their best lives. The Israelites were generous in constructing something that would help everyone in their community lift eyes to God: the tabernacle.

 

What thing bigger than yourself motivates you to give? Perhaps you know of children whose only daily meal is provided in school. Perhaps you see homeless people living in deplorable conditions. People are often more receptive to the gospel when their physical needs are met. Not having the wealth of Bill and Melinda Gates is no excuse for not giving. See Luke 21:1-4.

 

—S. K.

 

How to Say It

 

acaciauh-kay-shuh.

 

GoshenGo-shen.

 

JudeaJoo-dee-uh.

 

MacedoniaMass-eh-doe-nee-uh.

 

ShittimShih-teem.

 

SinaiSigh-nye or Sigh-nay-eye.

 

tabernacletah-burr-nah-kul.

 

ThummimThum-im (th as in thin).

 

UrimYou-rim.

 

23a. And every man, with whom was found blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine linen.

 

The word every stresses again the broad participation in the special offering. The precious fabrics mentioned here include various colors of cloth. Such fabrics are an expensive commodity in the ancient world, where all fabrics are hand-dyed (compare Proverbs 31:22; Acts 16:14). Dyes are produced from natural elements, usually shellfish harvested from the Mediterranean Sea.

 

Fine linen refers to a bright white, high-quality Egyptian cloth spun from flax fibers. Extant samples recovered from ancient Egyptian tombs are so finely woven that they resemble silk in appearance and texture. The blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine linen will be used to make the hanging curtains of the tabernacle (Exodus 26:31, 32) as well as priestly garments (39:1, 2).

 

23b. And goats’ hair, and red skins of rams, and badgers’ skins, brought them.

 

Use for the material we see here is found in Exodus 26:14; 36:14, 19. Red skins of rams are created by tanning and dyeing, producing a look and texture similar to modern Moroccan leather.

 

24a. Every one that did offer an offering of silver and brass brought the Lord’s offering.

 

Many of the tabernacle’s fixtures are to be fashioned from silver or brass (Exodus 26:11, 19-21; 27:2, 3, 6, 10, 11, 17-19). Such material is likely obtained by melting down jewelry and other household items that the Israelites acquired from the Egyptians.

 

24b. And every man, with whom was found shittim wood for any work of the service, brought it.

 

Shittim wood refers to what is now called acacia, a thorny tree common in the Sinai Peninsula. No doubt the Israelites harvest this locally. Acacia is an exceptionally durable building material, harder than oak and highly resistant to wood-boring insects. Perhaps for this reason, the wooden sections of the tabernacle itself and all its furnishings, including the altar and the ark of the covenant, are to be made of shittim wood (see Exodus 25:10, 23, 28; 26:15-30, 32; 27:1, 6-8).

 

25. And all the women that were wise hearted did spin with their hands, and brought that which they had spun, both of blue, and of purple, and of scarlet, and of fine linen.

 

Wise hearted refers not to intellectual wisdom but rather to technical skill, in this case the skill of weaving (see Exodus 28:3). The larger flow of the passage suggests that men, who work primarily outside the home and have oversight of flocks and fields, bring natural resources (lumber, skins, dyes) to their wives and daughters, who in turn work to produce the needed fabrics. The overall impression is that entire families are involved in responding to the call to give.

 

26. And all the women whose heart stirred them up in wisdom spun goats’ hair.

 

The fabric mentioned here is doubtless obtained from the Hebrews’ herds of long-haired goats. These produce a coarse, black cloth often used for making tents (such as the tabernacle will be).

 

What Do You Think?

 

What steps can you take to serve God generously with your talents?

 

Points for Your Discussion

 

Regarding talents that don’t seem to have much spiritual applicability

 

When time is tight

 

When your church isn’t sure how to make use of your talents

 

Other

 

27. And the rulers brought onyx stones, and stones to be set, for the ephod, and for the breastplate.

 

Not surprisingly the leaders of the people, being generally wealthier, provide the more costly items that others might not easily obtain. The ephod and the breastplate are garments worn by the high priest during his service in the tabernacle. The ephod is a large vest worn as an outer garment; onyx stones engraved with the names of the twelve tribes of Israel are attached to the shoulders of the vest to serve as a symbol of the people when the high priest appears before the Lord (Exodus 25:7; 28:6-14).

 

The breastplate is a woven garment worn over the ephod and is also mounted with twelve precious stones in gold settings, one for each of the tribes. The breastplate contains pockets that hold the Urim and Thummim, which are used to determine the Lord’s will on serious matters (Exodus 28:15-30).

 

28. And spice, and oil for the light, and for the anointing oil, and for the sweet incense.

 

Specific amounts and kinds of spice will be used along with olive oil to create the anointing oil. The recipe for preparing this is found in Exodus 30:22-25; its use—and penalty for misuse—is specified in 30:26-33.

 

Oil for the light refers to another use for olive oil: that being fuel for the flame of the tabernacle’s lampstand (Exodus 27:20, 21; 35:14; 39:37). Burning of the sweet incense will happen concurrently with tending to the lamps (30:7). As with the anointing oil, instructions for creating and using this incense are provided (30:34-36); the penalty for misuse is identically severe (30:37, 38). Doubtless God intends that this unique scent will communicate a special sense of His presence to the Israelites in their worship.

 

1. Obedient Givers (v. 29)

 

29a. The children of Israel brought a willing offering unto the Lord, every man and woman, whose heart made them willing to bring for all manner of work.

 

This verse summarizes the persistent theme of the passage. First emphasized is the involvement of every man and woman in this undertaking. One senses that people at every social level contribute to ensure that God’s house is completed as planned.

 

29b. Which the Lord had commanded to be made by the hand of Moses.

 

Also noted is that the master plan for this tabernacle is not of human origin; it has been commanded by the Lord, to be supervised by Moses. That leader will eventually inspect the finished effort and bless the people for having done as the Lord commanded (Exodus 39:43).

 

What Do You Think?

 

What steps can we take to remind ourselves that all good things come from God?

 

Points for Your Discussion

 

Regarding helpful Scriptures to memorize

 

Considering prayer patterns that should change

 

Considering how doing so serves as a witness

 

1. New Covenant Giving

 

                                                               (2 Corinthians 9:6-8)

 

About 15 centuries pass as we reach the New Testament passage of today’s lesson. The apostle Paul is on his third missionary journey as he pauses to write to his beloved Corinthians. As today’s text opens, he has just reported on the generous financial gifts that the churches of Macedonia have sent to help meet the needs of Christians in Judea/Jerusalem who are suffering severely (2 Corinthians 8:1-15).

 

Assuming that the Corinthians will follow suit, Paul plans to send several of his associates to collect their contributions to this worthy cause (2 Corinthians 8:16-9:5).

 

1. Law of the Harvest (v. 6)

 

6. But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.

 

Paul uses a common-sense principle from the world of agriculture to illustrate a spiritual truth. The person who sows few seeds will get little yield, whereas those who invest more aggressively will gain a larger and more profitable harvest.

 

Applied to the situation at hand, those who give generously to help others in need will receive a larger reward than those who give less. This verse is not promising that those who give to others will necessarily receive a financial bonus in return; Paul’s own experiences, which he recounts in some detail in 2 Corinthians 11 and 12, prove that God does not operate that way. There’s a fine line to walk here. We must not doubt that our giving will be rewarded, but we must not give with the attitude that God “owes” us something as we tap our foot impatiently waiting for the blessing to show up.

 

Sowing for Hope

 

Born to a teenage mother and living in the worst parts of town, basketball superstar LeBron James is grateful for his great fortune. So he is giving back. Drafted into the NBA right out of high school in 2003, LeBron founded the LeBron James Family Foundation in 2004 to help single parents and their children who are in need.

 

LeBron has also donated $41 million to pay college tuition for 1,100 youth in Ohio. Those who enroll in his “I Promise” program at the University of Akron will be eligible to receive this scholarship. LeBron states that the young people are “the reason I do what I do. These students have big dreams, and I’m happy to do everything I can to help them get there.” He notes that many African-American children can only dream of attending college because of the expense. The more LeBron earns, the more he gives to provide hope to many for a better life. He is sowing into lives generously and will reap generously the joy of helping improve lives.

 

It is often said that we get out what we put in. Athletes become superstars by constant practice. Great inventors spend countless hours creating new products. Great chefs suffer many failures on their way to prepare food as no one else does. Sowing involves risk. But so does failure to sow. See Jesus’ parables about servants entrusted with resources (Matthew 25:14-30; Luke 19:11-27).

 

—S. K.

 

1. Decision of the Giver (v. 7a)

 

7a. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity.

 

Paul’s counsel to potential givers echoes the attitude of the actual givers who supported the construction of the tabernacle. That giving was “willing hearted” (Exodus 35:22), and Paul insists that true giving must come from the heart. To give from the heart is the opposite of giving grudgingly (example: “I’d rather keep the money, but I guess I’ll give”) or of necessity (example: “It’s my duty to give a certain percentage”).

 

1. Love of God (v. 7b)

 

7b. For God loveth a cheerful giver.

 

This statement does not suggest that we earn God’s love by giving, of course. It simply communicates that God is pleased when His people give out of a genuine desire to do so, rather than from a sense of obligation.

 

What Do You Think?

 

How do you make sure that your attitude about giving honors the Lord?

 

Points for Your Discussion

 

During lean times

 

During bountiful times

 

1. Ability of God (v. 8)

 

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.

 

This verse indirectly addresses the unspoken thought that often lies behind contemplated acts of generosity: “If I give away what I have, what will happen if I myself need it back someday?” Paul’s answer shows that the question is misguided. God owns everything, is concerned about all His people, and shows abundant grace to those who follow Him.

 

This being the case, we can be confident that He will always supply what we need. As Paul writes elsewhere, “My God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19). Our future need might even by met by those whose needs we meet now (see 2 Corinthians 8:13-15)!

 

What Do You Think?

 

How do these passages impact you?

 

Points for Your Discussion

 

Regarding how they affirm your attitude and practice of giving

 

Regarding how they challenge or correct you

 

Conclusion

 

1. Common Factor

 

The challenges of Moses to the Israelites and of Paul to the Corinthians were for different reasons. The Israelites were challenged to give to construct a place of worship by which they, the givers, would benefit. The end result could be seen and touched as a physical reminder of God’s presence. By contrast, the Corinthians were challenged to give to meet the needs of people they had never seen and might never see.

 

Although the anticipated outcomes of the two giving plans were different, they shared a common factor: willingness—actual on the part of the Israelites; anticipated on the part of the Corinthians. When we find ourselves faced with an important and valid opportunity to give to meet a need, we should examine our attitude before we examine our bank account (2 Corinthians 8:12). A good place to start to test for a proper giving attitude is to recall the ultimate example of having a willingness to give: Jesus. “Though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich” (8:9).

 

1. Prayer

 

Heavenly Father, sometimes it’s hard to let go of what we have in order to help others. Teach us to trust You enough to give cheerfully. We pray this in the name of Jesus, who gave His all for us. Amen.

 

1. Thought to Remember

 

A proper attitude about giving

trumps the size of the gift.

 

 

KID’S CORNER

Having Assurance of God’s Presence

May 6, 2018

Exodus 35:20-29 & 2 Corinthians 9:6-8

 

Exodus 35:20-29 & 2 Corinthians 9:6-8

(Exodus 35:20) Then all the congregation of the sons of Israel departed from Moses’ presence.

When the Hebrews left their life of slavery in Egypt, Moses led them forth as a wealthy people, for the LORD God influenced the Egyptians to pay them in arrears (an extremely large amount overdue them) for their 400 years of slavery. The LORD told Moses: “Tell the people that men and women alike are to ask their neighbors for articles of silver and gold. (The LORD made the Egyptians favorably disposed toward the people, and Moses himself was highly regarded in Egypt by Pharaoh’s officials and by the people)” (Exodus 11:2-3). By grace, God extended justice and mercy to the Hebrews for their unjust treatment by Pharaoh and the Egyptians, and He met all their material needs before they left for the Promised Land: “The Israelites did as Moses instructed and asked the Egyptians for articles of silver and gold and for clothing. The LORD had made the Egyptians favorably disposed toward the people, and they gave them what they asked for; so they plundered the Egyptians” (Exodus 12:35-36).

After the LORD led Moses and His people to the Promised Land, He gave them the law and instructions for building the tabernacle (the tent of meeting), where He would dwell in the midst of His people and meet with Moses. Then, the whole Israelite community withdrew from Moses to obey the LORD.

(Exodus 35:21) Everyone whose heart stirred him and everyone whose spirit moved him came and brought the LORD’S contribution for the work of the tent of meeting and for all its service and for the holy garments.

After they left Moses, most of the Israelites willingly and out of thankfulness for all the LORD had done for them (if not yet out of true love for the LORD) began to give out of their abundant possessions as well as their time and service to construct what the LORD had commanded them to build. The materials they gave included all that was needed for the priests to be properly clothed as the LORD commanded during their service at the tabernacle, for implements used in worship, and for the construction of the tent of meeting.

(Exodus 35:22) Then all whose hearts moved them, both men and women, came and brought brooches and earrings and signet rings and bracelets, all articles of gold; so did every man who presented an offering of gold to the LORD.

These gifts were freely given by the Israelites and not under compulsion. The LORD did not make the people “favorably disposed” toward Him as He had made the Egyptians “favorably disposed” toward the Israelites. They gave willingly. The Israelites obeyed the LORD out of a sincere gratitude for all the LORD had done for them in truly and decisively freeing them from slavery, defeating their enemies, keeping them safe, giving them a leader like Moses, revealing a just law in the Ten Commandments to teach moral behavior to their leaders and them, revealing His presence with them day and night, feeding them bread and meat in the wilderness among other blessings. This “wave offering” was a solemn offering to the LORD and was designated especially for the LORD’s special use and would also benefit them. This wave offering was not burned or consumed or used by the priests for their use. It was exclusively and freely given to pay for the building of the tabernacle. These precious metals (from the jewelry and ornaments given to them by the Egyptians) would be recast for the LORD’s use. The Hebrews gave what they could have saved for their security or worn to beautify themselves outwardly in order to beautify the tabernacle for the LORD’ enjoyment, for they would never see most of the beautiful objects used in temple worship that were made from their gifts for use by the priests inside the tabernacle.

(Exodus 35:23) Every man, who had in his possession blue and purple and scarlet material and fine linen and goats’ hair and rams’ skins dyed red and porpoise skins, brought them.

They also gave many of the most beautiful and costly garments and other fabrics that the Egyptians had lavished on them when the LORD influenced the Egyptians to look favorably upon them and bless them.

(Exodus 35:24) Everyone who could make a contribution of silver and bronze brought the LORD’S contribution; and every man who had in his possession acacia wood for any work of the service brought it.

The LORD had made certain that all their material needs would be met and all they would need for building the tabernacle would be provided when they left Egypt. In the wilderness, they would not have access to these building materials or a place to buy them. Only if they freely gave from what the LORD had given them earlier would the materials for building the tabernacle be provided. The LORD’s presence with them and providing a place for the LORD to dwell in their midst meant more to them than their most precious or practical possessions.

(Exodus 35:25) All the skilled women spun with their hands, and brought what they had spun, in blue and purple and scarlet material and in fine linen.

Both men and women were involved in providing for the construction of the tabernacle. They gave of their possessions (including yarn and fine linen) that the LORD had given them, and they gave of their talents (they spun with their hands), and they gave of their time in the construction of the tabernacle. They became excellent examples for their children and grandchildren who would follow the LORD.

(Exodus 35:26) All the women whose heart stirred with a skill spun the goats’ hair.

The Bible teaches us how important the work of the women was in the building of the tabernacle (where goat hair was needed for the outer covering of the tent of meeting) and in the creating of garments for the priests to wear during worship (not their daily clothing). Again, the Book of Exodus teaches that all these gifts of time, talent, and treasure were “freely given” and not given under compulsion. No doubt the Holy Spirit was involved in their giving as an influence within them, but not as a cause of their giving contrary to their thankfulness to the LORD and their willingness to obey Him.

(Exodus 35:27) The rulers brought the onyx stones and the stones for setting for the ephod and for the breastpiece;

The ephod was a garment worn by the high priest along with the breastpiece. The leaders would most likely have been the leaders of the various twelve tribes of Israel including the Levitical priests. The onyx stones and gems probably belonged to the more wealthy tribal leaders of the Israelites, who also wanted to contribute to the building of the tent of meeting. The stones and gems would have decorated the garments of the high priest, and perhaps other priests when they served at the tabernacle. Hebrews from every social status wanted to contribute to the LORD’s work.

(Exodus 35:28) and the spice and the oil for the light and for the anointing oil and for the fragrant incense.

In the Book of Revelation, the bowls of incense represent the prayers of the saints; perhaps the incense used in the tabernacle worship service represented the prayers of the people that the priests offered to the LORD in their behalf. The ingredients for the incense and lamp oil were also provided by the Israelites.

(Exodus 35:29) The Israelites, all the men and women, whose heart moved them to bring material for all the work, which the LORD had commanded through Moses to be done, brought a freewill offering to the LORD.

The Book of Exodus continues to emphasize that all those who gave to the LORD’s work, both men and women, did so willingly and not under compulsion from God, from Moses, from tribal leaders, or from peer pressure. These were freewill offerings, and almost everyone wanted to play a part in doing the LORD’s will when He told them what to do to provide for His worship and the assurance of His presence in their midst.

(2 Corinthians 9:6) Now this I say, he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.

The Apostle Paul used an illustration from farming that would have been easily understood by his readers. If a farmer sowed 160 acres with corn or wheat, he would normally reap more than a nearby farmer with similar soil who only sowed 80 acres of his 160 acres. In the spiritual realm, usually those who spend more time in worship, Bible study, prayer, studied giving to serve the Lord, and in helping others in the Name of the Lord will reap more spiritually than those who spend half that time or no time at all trying to please the Lord or obey His commands.

(2 Corinthians 9:7) Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

Just as the ancient Hebrews that God had rescued from slavery in Egypt gave freely to promote the proper worship of the LORD, so Paul commended Christians who decided what to give and then gave what they had decided (the Lord Jesus being their Helper and Provider just as the LORD had first given the Hebrews more than they needed to give to His work). Once again, giving freely means giving what one wants to give, and not because a person feels compelled to give. Those who request Christians give to promote the Lord’s work should not use compulsory arguments, appeals to guilt feelings, appeals to selfishness, or other immoral means to achieve their goals. Furthermore, those who give should not do so with reluctance (preferring not to give or preferring to use the resources the Lord has given them for their own use rather than give for the Lord’s use). God loves givers who give cheerfully to achieve His purposes, and especially those who give cheerfully because they love the Lord Jesus and want to serve Him and His people.

(2 Corinthians 9:8) And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed;

Paul stimulates our faith by reminding Christians that God has the ability and the resources to bless us beyond what we need so we can have the ability and resources to do every good work that the Lord wants us to do. How different the work of the Church and Christians would be if Christians blessed with an abundance read the Scriptures and prayed so they would know and do what the Lord Jesus wanted them to do with the blessings they have received from God. God has called the Church and all Christians to abound in good works as they by faith follow the Lord’s leading and use His gifts of time, talent, and treasure to do His will.

 

 

Having Assurance of God’s Presence

May 6, 2018

Exodus 35:20-29 & 2 Corinthians 9:6-8

 

“Everyone who was willing and whose heart moved them came and brought an offering to the LORD for the work on the tent of meeting, for all its service, and for the sacred garments” (Exodus 35:21).

 

The LORD wanted to assure the Hebrews of His continual presence with His people as He led them through the wilderness and into the Promised Land under Moses’ leadership. Because the LORD had miraculously delivered His people from slavery in Pharaoh’s Egypt through a series of plagues that proved the LORD was the God above all their gods, His people also wanted and needed the LORD to continue going with them to provide all their needs and defeat all their enemies. To meet all the needs of His people, the LORD told Moses that He wanted them to construct a tent of meeting or tabernacle where they would be assured of the LORD’s presence. They were never to create an idol as a visible representation of God as did the Egyptians and their neighbors, but wherever the LORD told Moses to lead them they would take the tabernacle with them and the invisible God would go too. When the Hebrews learned of God’s plans to go with them and the need for them to provide a tent of meeting, with appreciation for all the LORD had done for them and with thankful and willing hearts the Hebrews gave a portion of what the Egyptians had given them when they left Egypt so those building the tent of meeting and making garments for the priests would have all the supplies they needed. Believers still want God to abide with them day-by-day, and with thankful hearts they give joyfully and willingly to accomplish God’s plans for His people.

 

 

 

Thinking Further

Having Assurance of God’s Presence

May 6, 2018

Exodus 35:20-29 & 2 Corinthians 9:6-8

Name ______________________________

 

1. How did the Hebrews have so much to give toward the building of the tabernacle?

 

 

 

2. Why do you think the Hebrews gave what they gave?

 

 

 

3. Who gave and what were some of the things they gave?

 

 

 

4. How did the Hebrews give?

 

 

 

5. How does the Lord Jesus want Christians to give?

 

 

 

Questions for Discussion and Thinking Further

 

1. How did the Hebrews have so much to give toward the building

of the tabernacle? When the LORD led them out of slavery in Egypt, the LORD gave them an abundance of possessions from the Egyptians when the Hebrews asked their Egyptian neighbors for them.

 

2. Why do you think the Hebrews gave what they gave? They gave out of appreciation and thankfulness for all the LORD had done for them, and they wanted to help build a tabernacle, so the LORD would be in their presence and they could worship Him.

 

3. Who gave and what were some of the things they gave? Everyone who was willing gave. They gave precious metals and stones as well as more common metals, precious gems and stones, clothing materials for priests and the tent of meeting, and animal skins.

 

4. How did the Hebrews give? They gave freely and not under compulsion.
5. How does the Lord Jesus want Christians to give? The Lord Jesus wants us to give cheerfully and do good works in

abundance

 

 

Word Search

Having Assurance of God’s Presence

May 6, 2018

Exodus 35:20-29 & 2 Corinthians 9:6-8

Name _____________________________

 

F J E S U S M D G V T Y Y B Q

W N T K Y C E N T R W L L I F

Y I V S B A I Q A U D S G S D

L K L O M R S E S O M U N R E

H V L L E N H L Z C T O I A R

N K U F I M W K W A A R R E C

S M F S T N O U B H B E A L A

L O R Y N L G E D F U N P I S

I Q E J E B R R M T N E S T Y

X A E K T N O E P V D G N E R

O D H X A L E K L S A H K Q X

K A C C N T I B M Q N S Y L I

V Z L L I W E E R F T J B F V

L E C N T M Z T Z Q L W M Y B

J W G U P J U C V O Y E O L Z

 

Israelite

Moses

LORD

Willing

Heart

Offering

Tent

Meeting

Tabernacle

Sacred

Freewill

Sparingly

Generously

Cheerful

Abundantly

 

 

True and False Test

Having Assurance of God’s Presence

May 6, 2018

Exodus 35:20-29 & 2 Corinthians 9:6-8

Name ____________________________

 

 

Circle the true or false answers. Correct the false statements by restating them.

 

1. Moses compelled the Israelites to give so the tent of meeting could be built for him to worship the LORD. True or False

 

2. Those who were willing and whose heart moved them brought offerings to the LORD. True or False

 

3. After the LORD freed them from slavery, the Israelites had much to give because the Egyptians had given them much before they left Egypt. True or False

 

4. The people gave gold, silver, and bronze as part of their offerings. True or False

 

5. The people gave of their possessions because they were too busy to give any of their time toward the construction of the tent of meeting. True or False

 

6. Talented Egyptian slaves that the Israelites took with them spun fine yarn with their hands. True or False

 

7. All the women who were willing and had the skill spun the goat hair. True or False

 

8. The priests kept the gold earrings that were given and gave them to their wives. True or False

 

9. Whoever sows generously will also reap generously. True or False

 

10. Believers should not give reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. True or False

 

True and False Test Answers

Exodus 35:20-29 & 2 Corinthians 9:6-8

 

1. False
2. True
3. True
4. True
5. False
6. False
7. True
8. False
9. True

10.True

 

 

Prayer

 

Heavenly Father, sometimes it’s hard to let go of what we have in order to help others. Teach us to trust You enough to give cheerfully. We pray this in the name of Jesus, who gave His all for us. Amen.