GIFTS FOR THE KING
The Relevance of the gifts of the Magi
Summary
As we approach the Christmas season, we're invited to reflect on the profound significance of worship and giving in our relationship with God. The story of the Magi from Matthew 2:1-11 serves as a powerful reminder of true devotion. These wise men embarked on an arduous journey, possibly lasting months, with the sole purpose of worshipping the newborn King. Their actions teach us that genuine worship often requires sacrifice and isn't about convenience. The Magi's gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh symbolize Jesus' roles as King, High Priest, and Sacrificial Lamb. This narrative challenges us to examine the depth of our own worship. Are we willing to go out of our way, to bring our best before our King? As we consider our offerings, let's remember that true worship reaches its fullest expression when accompanied by a meaningful gift to God. This Christmas, may we renew our commitment to honoring Christ not just with our words, but with sacrificial giving that reflects His value in our lives.
Chapters
Chapter 1: The Journey of the Magi
The story of the Magi's journey to worship Jesus and the significance of their gifts.
Chapter 2: True Worship Requires Sacrifice
The importance of meaningful gifts in worship and the biblical tradition of not appearing before God empty-handed.
Chapter 3: The Weight of Our Offerings
The significance of our offerings and how they reflect our view of God as King and High Priest.
Chapter 4: Giving Our Best to God
The importance of giving our best to God in our offerings and tithes.
Chapters
Chapter 1: The Journey of the Magi
The story of the Magi's journey to worship Jesus and the significance of their gifts.
Chapter 2: True Worship Requires Sacrifice
The importance of meaningful gifts in worship and the biblical tradition of not appearing before God empty-handed.
Chapter 3: The Weight of Our Offerings
The significance of our offerings and how they reflect our view of God as King and High Priest.
Chapter 4: Giving Our Best to God
The importance of giving our best to God in our offerings and tithes.
Points Made
Title: The Profound Significance of Worship and Offering to the King
Sermon Summary: This sermon explores the deep meaning behind worship and offering, particularly in the context of the Magi's journey to worship Jesus. It emphasizes that true worship is not merely lip service but involves sacrifice and meaningful gifts to God. The pastor challenges the congregation to reevaluate their approach to worship and offering, stressing that the value placed on Jesus should be reflected in tangible acts of devotion.
Key Points:
- True worship reaches its fullest expression when accompanied by a meaningful gift to God
- The Magi's journey exemplifies the level of sacrifice and dedication in worshipping Jesus
- Offering time should not be a downtime in church services but a crucial part of worship
- The gifts of the Magi (gold, frankincense, and myrrh) represent Jesus' roles as King, High Priest, and Sacrifice
- Christians should bring their best offerings to God, reflecting the value they place on Him
- Tithing and offering are not about money but about honoring God as King
Scripture Reference:
- Matthew 2:1-11 (The visit of the Magi)
- Deuteronomy 16:16-17 (Bringing gifts before the Lord)
- Proverbs 18:16 (A gift opens the way)
Stories:
- The journey of the Magi from the East to Bethlehem
- The woman who poured expensive perfume on Jesus' feet
- Daniel's influence in the Babylonian court and its connection to the Magi's knowledge
Sermon Summary: This sermon explores the deep meaning behind worship and offering, particularly in the context of the Magi's journey to worship Jesus. It emphasizes that true worship is not merely lip service but involves sacrifice and meaningful gifts to God. The pastor challenges the congregation to reevaluate their approach to worship and offering, stressing that the value placed on Jesus should be reflected in tangible acts of devotion.
Key Points:
- True worship reaches its fullest expression when accompanied by a meaningful gift to God
- The Magi's journey exemplifies the level of sacrifice and dedication in worshipping Jesus
- Offering time should not be a downtime in church services but a crucial part of worship
- The gifts of the Magi (gold, frankincense, and myrrh) represent Jesus' roles as King, High Priest, and Sacrifice
- Christians should bring their best offerings to God, reflecting the value they place on Him
- Tithing and offering are not about money but about honoring God as King
Scripture Reference:
- Matthew 2:1-11 (The visit of the Magi)
- Deuteronomy 16:16-17 (Bringing gifts before the Lord)
- Proverbs 18:16 (A gift opens the way)
Stories:
- The journey of the Magi from the East to Bethlehem
- The woman who poured expensive perfume on Jesus' feet
- Daniel's influence in the Babylonian court and its connection to the Magi's knowledge
Scriptures References
Here are the scripture references mentioned or alluded to in the sermon, along with some relevant verses for the main themes discussed:
Explicitly Mentioned:
1. Matthew 2:1-5
2. Matthew 2:9-11
3. Deuteronomy 16:16-17
4. Proverbs 18:16
5. Isaiah (unspecified verse, likely Isaiah 29:13)
6. Malachi (unspecified verse, likely Malachi 3:10-11)
Alluded to:
7. Luke 2 (reference to shepherds and Jesus' birth)
8. Daniel (references to Magi in Nebuchadnezzar's court)
9. Acts 10:4 (reference to Cornelius' gifts and prayers)
10. Hebrews 3:1 (Jesus as High Priest)
11. Mark 14:3-9 or John 12:1-8 (woman anointing Jesus with expensive perfume)
12. Mark 12:41-44 or Luke 21:1-4 (widow's mite)
13. Matthew 5:23-24 (bringing gift to the altar)
14. Exodus 25:2 (willing offerings for the tabernacle)
Relevant verses for main themes:
15. 2 Corinthians 9:7 (cheerful giver)
16. 1 Chronicles 29:14 (all things come from God)
17. Philippians 4:18 (gifts as fragrant offering)
18. Hebrews 13:15-16 (sacrifice of praise and sharing)
19. Matthew 6:21 (where your treasure is, there your heart will be also)
20. Colossians 3:23-24 (doing everything as unto the Lord)
Explicitly Mentioned:
1. Matthew 2:1-5
2. Matthew 2:9-11
3. Deuteronomy 16:16-17
4. Proverbs 18:16
5. Isaiah (unspecified verse, likely Isaiah 29:13)
6. Malachi (unspecified verse, likely Malachi 3:10-11)
Alluded to:
7. Luke 2 (reference to shepherds and Jesus' birth)
8. Daniel (references to Magi in Nebuchadnezzar's court)
9. Acts 10:4 (reference to Cornelius' gifts and prayers)
10. Hebrews 3:1 (Jesus as High Priest)
11. Mark 14:3-9 or John 12:1-8 (woman anointing Jesus with expensive perfume)
12. Mark 12:41-44 or Luke 21:1-4 (widow's mite)
13. Matthew 5:23-24 (bringing gift to the altar)
14. Exodus 25:2 (willing offerings for the tabernacle)
Relevant verses for main themes:
15. 2 Corinthians 9:7 (cheerful giver)
16. 1 Chronicles 29:14 (all things come from God)
17. Philippians 4:18 (gifts as fragrant offering)
18. Hebrews 13:15-16 (sacrifice of praise and sharing)
19. Matthew 6:21 (where your treasure is, there your heart will be also)
20. Colossians 3:23-24 (doing everything as unto the Lord)
Helpful Quotes
- True worship reaches its fullest expression when accompanied by a meaningful gift to God.
- No one should appear before the Lord empty-handed. Each of you must bring a gift proportioned to the way the Lord your God has blessed you.
- A gift opens the way and ushers the giver into the presence of the great. It has nothing to do with talent, but with a physical gift that you bring before somebody in a higher authority or place.
- The gold signifies the kingship of Jesus, frankincense represents his high priesthood, and myrrh was for his embalmment. These three gifts profoundly reveal the ministry of Jesus.
- Offering time is not something that we just do in passing. It solidifies our worship connection to the king.
- Every gift is a memorial before God. So if you want to give God something that becomes a memorial, don't just give him anything. Let it be a weighty sacrifice to him.
- If you don't want to do something, it's okay with God. But the moment you accept to do something, make sure you're giving your best.
- When it comes to giving to God, give your best always. If you're not able to give your best, then say, Lord, I can't do it, for whatever reason.