THE HEART WITH WHICH AN OFFERING IS BROUGHT

“The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination; how much more when he brings it with wicked intent!”
Proverbs 21:27 (NKJV)

• The person of who brought a sacrifice, an offering, to God matters; and the heart, motive or intent, with which he brought the sacrifice.
- The wicked referred to in the passage talks about the ungodly, a sinner, someone who lives in sin.
- Some people think when the Bible talks about the wicked, it refers to someone who commits a heinous crime or a terrible sin like murder. Whoever lives in sin is an ungodly person, a wicked person. A liar, a fornicator, an adulterer, a cheat, or whatever sin a person commits– such is the wicked (James 2:10,11).

• To bring a sacrifice with a wicked intent is to bring an offering to God with a thought or motive that is wrong.
- A couple, Ananias and Sapphira, sold their land and brought the proceeds to the apostles, but the heart with which they brought it is wrong– it was a deceptive heart ❤️(Acts 5:1-10).
- They told a lie that they had brought the whole amount of the money for the land they sold, whereas they bought a part of the proceeds.
- They brought the money with a wicked intent, they wanted to impress other people, that they might receive praise from men (1 Corinthians 4:5).
- The Holy Spirit however revealed the evil intent of their hearts, and both of them, husband and wife, died that same day (Acts 5:3-10).

• If the heart with which you brought a sacrifice, an offering, to God is not right; you may receive a condemnation or rebuke instead of blessings or praises (Malachi 1:14).
- Be sincere with God in whatever you do, do not live a deceptive life, double standard life.
- Always remember you are dealing with God, not human beings, and you cannot bamboozle or trick Him.
- It is not only in offerings, but in whatever you do for God. Your services in the vineyard of God also.

• What you are assigned to do in God’s vineyard: Are you doing it with a good heart? Are you not doing it with levity, frivolity, or wicked intent? Are you not doing it to impress other people? (Galatians 1:10).
- In your walk with God, be sincere; do not strive to please men, but God.
“But as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, even so we speak, NOT AS PLEASING MEN, but GOD who tests our hearts.”
1 Thessalonians 2:4 (NKJV)
- If you please God, you will be accepted by men.
“When a man’s ways please the LORD, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.”
Proverbs 16:7 (NKJV)

• In whatever you do pertaining to God’s kingdom, do it well– with a good heart and enthusiasm (1 Corinthians 4:2).
- Always consider it a privilege and a priority to do anything for God: His works, His Ministers and the people of the household of faith.
“Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.”
Galatians 6:10 (NKJV)
- There is a reward for whatever you do for God and His kingdom, especially if you do it with a good heart.
“For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister.”
Hebrews 6:10 (NKJV)

• You will not fail in Jesus’ name.
Peace!