THE GIFTS FOR THE TABERNACLE
1. THE GIFTS WERE GIVEN BY REDEEMED PEOPLE
Exdous 19:4 “I…brought you uinto myself” Exdous 25:2 “speak unto Israel, that they bring” II Corinthians 8:5 “First gave their own self to the Lord.” III John 7 “Taking nothing of the Gentiles. Acts 8:20 “thy money perish with thee.”
2. THE GIFTS WERE GIVEN OUTRIGHT
The scriptural methods of supporting God’s work is not by selling or begging, but by direct, out-right gifts. Exodus 25:2 “bring me an offering…of every man that giveth.” Exodus 36:3 “and they brought…free offerings.” II Corinthians 8:4 “Praying us…that they would receive the gifts.” Acts 20:35 “more blessed to give than receive.” Compare John 3:16 “God so loved the world that He gave.”
3.THE GIFTS WERE GIVEN VOLUNTARILY
Exodus 35:4-9 “whosoever is of a willing heart.” Exodus 35:20-29 “Israel brought a willing offering II Corinthians 9:11 “God loveth a cheerful giver.” II Corinthians 8:12 “if there be first a willing mind.” Compare Romans 8:32 “with Him…freely give us all things.”
4. THE GIFTS WERE GIVEN GENEROUSLY
Exodus 36:5 “the people bring much more than enough.” Exodus 36:6-7 “sufficient for the work…and too much.” The Tabernacle cost over a million dollars. Mark 12:44 “did cast in all she had.” II Corinthians 8:1-3 “their liberality…beyond their power.” II Corinthians 9:6 “boundifully” See Acts 2:45; 4:34-35. Compare II Corinthians 9 :15 “His unspeakable gift.”
5. THE GIFTS WERE GIVEN TO GOD HIMSELF
Although put into the hands of Mosesd and his associates, the gifts were not given to them, but to God Himself. Exodus 25:2 “that they bring Me an offering.’ Exodus 35:21-22 “offered…unto the Lord…for all His.” Philippians 5:18 “I…received…well pleasing to God.’ Colossians 3:23 “wharsoever ye do…heartily, as to the Lord.” Compare Hebrews 9:14 “offered himself…to God.”
6. THE GIFTS WERE USED BY GOD
In man’s hands, Israel’s wealth led them away from God: Exodus 32:3-4 “golden earring…a molten calf.” In God’s hands, their wealth brought God into their midst: Exodus 25:8 “that I may dwell among them.” Our gifts are used by God also: II Corinthians 9:11 “caused…thanksgiving unto God.”
