READ | SERMON NOTES
Summary l In the New Testament, Paul urged us to give from our heart (2 Cor:6-8). Exodus 35 is a powerful example of giving as an act of worship in our discipleship when people give out of their hearts and commit their will to God’s cause. People gave so willingly that Moses had to tell them to stop giving as they had more than enough to build the tabernacle. The tabernacle embodies the theology of worship where God is the great King who reigns and is worthy of our praise and adoration. God comes to dwell in the tabernacle built to the letter by people who were previously stiff-necked and rebellious. God speaks of the need for voluntary contributions to give people the opportunity to experience the gift of generosity and self-sacrifice and be directly involved in an ongoing relationship with Him according to the pattern of worship prescribed by Him (Ex 25:1-9). Moses’s challenge to the people was to give with willing hearts as an act of worship to honour God. The same challenge applies to us today.
A. Give Willingly (without reluctance)
Are we giving willingly? Are we going through the motion of giving the same each year? Does our gift demonstrate our esteem for God or honour God? Are we giving to the church or to God, to support what is or what can be?
1) God’s invitation to give is extended to all but only what is given willingly is received
2) Giving is the height of worship
3) Call to give is God’s command
Moses took God’s command seriously. He assembled the entire community, not just the leaders.
B. Give Wholeheartedly (without reservation)
All whose spirits were stirred gave willingly with no guilt or blame on anyone for what they gave or did not give.
1) The spirits of the people were willing because they recognised the worthiness and sovereignty of God having experienced God’s deliverance from Egypt, in the desert and heard the voice of God from Mt Sinai. It does not matter what we give in earthly value but we give our best wholeheartedly because God deserves our best and our adoration.
2) Principle: Your best, given willingly and wholeheartedly honours God
3) Give from a willing heart
4) Giving without reservation
a. Response was widespread. Everyone – men, women, leaders, children – gave. Biblical worship is always corporate.
b. Response was overwhelming. People brought what was needed plus freewill offering till they had to be restrained from bringing more because there was more than enough. Everyone brought and did his part even though not all brought the same amount in terms of cost, treasures and time.
C. Give Joyfully (without religious obligation)
Giving was a joyous occasion. People gave out of love, not guilt or duty. Hearts stirred and spirits moved refer to movements within the inner person. The sanctuary was important to the spiritual life of the Israelites. Those who gave did so out of a sense of privilege to be involved in the work, not obligation.
How is God stirring your heart and moving your spirit?
We are called to build the house of God with our talent and resources. What can you bring to God as your offering of love and gratitude?
For those who are currently pledging, do raise your standard of giving (and not your standard of living) when God blesses you with more.
God takes what we give and multiply it for His glory.
(Sermon notes by Woo Choi Yin)
PONDER | REFLECTION QUESTIONS
A. Give Willingly (Without Reluctance)
- In Exodus 25:1-2, God instructs Moses to receive offerings from those whose hearts prompt them to give. How does this instruction reflect God’s desire for willing participation rather than obligatory giving?
- Reflect on a time when you felt a strong desire to give or serve. What motivated you? How did it feel to give willingly?
- Share how can we cultivate a heart that is more willing to give.
B. Give Whole-heartedly (Without Reservation)
- What are some challenges you face in giving whole-heartedly, and how can you overcome them?
- Share a personal experience where you felt compelled by your heart to give whole-heartedly. How did that experience impact you and those around you?
- Exodus 35:4-5 highlights the community coming together to contribute to the construction of the Tabernacle. The response was widespread and overwhelming. How does our giving today contribute to God’s work and presence in the world?
C. Give Joyfully (Without Religious Obligation)
- In Exodus 36:2-7, the people gave so much that Moses had to tell them to stop. What does this extraordinary generosity tell us about the power of a community united in joyful giving?
- Spend a few moments in silent reflection, asking God to reveal areas in your life where He is calling you to give more joyfully.
- Pray together as a group, asking God to cultivate willing hearts among all of you and to guide your hearts in giving joyfully.
