DON'T COME TO GOD EMPTY-HANDED

Title: DON'T COME TO GOD EMPTY HANDED

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Deuteronomy 16:16-17
Supporting Texts: Proverbs 3:9-10, Psalm 96:8, 2 Corinthians 9:6-8

INTRODUCTION:
As we gather for the annual Thanksgiving celebration, it is a time to reflect on God's faithfulness and generosity throughout the year. God has blessed us in countless ways, and in response, we are called to honour Him with our sacrifices. The principle of not coming to God empty-handed is rooted in Scripture and encourages us to show gratitude by offering meaningful gifts. Thanksgiving is a unique opportunity to give generously, demonstrating our love, faith, and trust in God.

1. WHY GOD EXPECTS OUR SACRIFICES

a) Recognising God's Blessings
God has been our source, provider, and protector. Our sacrifices acknowledge His hand in our lives.

b) Honouring God with What We Value
Giving costly sacrifices reflects the honour we have for God, demonstrating He is worthy of our best.

c) Showing Our Trust in God's Provision
Offering a sacrifice is an act of faith, showing that we trust God to continue to meet our needs.

d) Obedience to God's Word
The Scriptures command us not to come to God empty-handed but to give generously as He has blessed us.

e) Biblical Example: Abel’s Acceptable Sacrifice
Abel’s offering was pleasing to God because he gave from the best of his flock (Genesis 4:3-5).

2. THE IMPORTANCE OF GIVING A COSTLY SACRIFICE

a) Sacrifice as an Expression of Love
Just as we give generously to those we love, we show our love for God by giving Him our best.

b) Sacrifice Opens Doors to Greater Blessings
When we give costly sacrifices, we invite God’s favour and blessings to overflow in our lives (Proverbs 3:9-10).

c) Sacrifice Reflects Our Gratitude
True gratitude is expressed through action. Our giving shows our thankfulness for God’s goodness.

d) Costly Sacrifice is a Test of Faith
Giving something significant tests our faith, encouraging us to trust in God’s provision.

e) Biblical Example: David’s Sacrifice on the Threshing Floor
David insisted on paying for the land to build an altar, saying he would not give God a sacrifice that cost him nothing (2 Samuel 24:24-25).

3. BENEFITS OF GIVING GENEROUSLY TO GOD

a) Increased Harvest and Overflow
God promises to bless those who give generously with an abundant return (2 Corinthians 9:6-8).

b) Divine Protection and Favour
Sacrifice draws God’s protection, covering us and our families with His favour.

c) Joy and Fulfilment in Giving
There is a deep joy and fulfilment in giving to God, knowing it pleases Him.

d) Establishing a Legacy of Generosity
Our giving impacts future generations, leaving a legacy of faith and provision.

e) Biblical Example: Solomon’s Extravagant Offering and God’s Response
Solomon’s lavish sacrifice led to divine favour and wisdom beyond measure (1 Kings 3:4-13).

4. PRACTICAL WAYS TO GIVE A MEANINGFUL THANKSGIVING SACRIFICE

a) Reflect on God’s Blessings This Year
Take time to count God’s blessings, allowing gratitude to inspire your offering.

b) Give Thoughtfully and Prayerfully
Seek God’s guidance on what to give, and let your sacrifice reflect your heart of gratitude.

c) Prepare in Advance for the Celebration
Plan your gift in advance, considering what will truly honour God and reflect His blessings in your life.

d) Aim to Give Sacrificially
Your gift should be something that costs you, reflecting a true sacrifice to God.

e) Biblical Example: The Widow’s Sacrificial Offering
Despite her poverty, the widow gave all she had, and Jesus praised her sacrifice (Mark 12:41-44).

CONCLUSION:
God calls us not to come to Him empty-handed, especially during times of thanksgiving. When we give a costly sacrifice, we acknowledge His faithfulness and generosity. As we bring our thanksgiving offerings, may we remember that our gifts reflect our gratitude and devotion to the One who has blessed us abundantly. Let us come before God with willing hearts, joyful spirits, and sacrificial gifts, trusting that He will reward our faith and bless us beyond measure.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, help me to give generously and cheerfully as a reflection of my gratitude.

2. Father, let my sacrifices bring honour to Your name.

3. Lord, guide me in offering a thanksgiving sacrifice that pleases You.

4. Father, bless my offering and multiply it for Your glory.

5. Lord, let my sacrifice open doors of favour and blessings in my life.

6. Father, give me a heart that honours You with my substance.

7. Lord, let my sacrifice be a testimony of Your goodness.

8. Father, bless all who give sacrificially during this Thanksgiving.

9. Lord, protect and preserve my family as I honour You with my offering.

10. Father, may my life continually reflect a spirit of generosity.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:

1. May God honour your sacrifices and pour out blessings upon you.

2. As you come before God with thanksgiving, may He open doors of divine favour.

3. Your sacrifices will bring protection and preservation over you and your household.

4. May God multiply every gift you offer, meeting all your needs in abundance.

5. As you give in faith, may God establish you in prosperity.

6. May the Lord remember your sacrifices and bless you beyond measure.

7. May your heart of generosity inspire others to honour God.

8. May this Thanksgiving season mark the beginning of new blessings in your life.

9. Your offering will draw the attention of heaven and release divine provision.

10. May you live a life that overflows with God’s blessings as you give sacrificially.

DON'T COME TO GOD EMPTY-HANDED

TITLE: DON'T COME TO GOD EMPTY-HANDED

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Deuteronomy 16:16-17 
Supporting Texts: Proverbs 3:9-10, 2 Corinthians 9:6-8, Malachi 3:10

INTRODUCTION 
In the Scriptures, God commands His people not to come before Him empty-handed. This principle reflects God’s desire for His children to approach Him with a heart of gratitude, faith, and worship through giving. Whether in the form of tithes, offerings, or our time and talents, coming to God with something in hand shows our acknowledgment of His Lordship and provision in our lives. This message explores why we should never approach God empty-handed, the blessings that come from giving, and how it reflects our relationship with God.

1. THE PRINCIPLE OF GIVING TO GOD 

a) Honour the Lord with Your Substance
Proverbs 3:9-10 tells us to honour the Lord with our wealth and the firstfruits of all our crops. Giving is a way of honouring God, showing that we trust Him as our provider. When we come before God with our offerings, we are declaring that He is the source of all that we have.

b) God Requires Sacrifice, Not Emptiness 
In Deuteronomy 16:16-17, God commanded that no one should appear before Him empty-handed. This principle is seen throughout Scripture, where God’s people are instructed to bring offerings as an act of worship and acknowledgment of His blessings. Bringing something to God is a reflection of our faith and recognition of His sovereignty.

Biblical Example: Abel's Offering (Genesis 4:3-5) 
Abel brought the firstborn of his flock, giving the best to God, while Cain brought an offering from the fruit of the ground. Abel’s offering was accepted because it reflected a heart of faith and sacrifice. God is pleased when we bring our best to Him, just as Abel did.

2. WHY YOU MUST NOT COME EMPTY-HANDED 

a) Gratitude for God's Blessings 
Everything we have is from God. Coming to Him with an offering is an expression of gratitude for His provisions. Whether it’s our finances, time, or talents, when we give back to God, we are acknowledging that He has blessed us first. We must recognize that God blesses us so we can be a blessing.

b) Faith and Trust in God's Provision 
When you come to God with something in your hand, it shows your faith in His ability to provide. It takes faith to give, especially when you have little. However, God honors that faith by multiplying what you give. 2 Corinthians 9:6-8 reminds us that whoever sows generously will also reap generously.

Biblical Example: The Widow of Zarephath (1 Kings 17:8-16) 
Despite her dire circumstances, the widow of Zarephath gave the little she had to the prophet Elijah. Her obedience and faith resulted in God miraculously multiplying her resources, ensuring she and her son did not go hungry. Her story reminds us that even when we have little, God can multiply our seed when we give in faith.

3. THE BLESSINGS OF COMING WITH AN OFFERING 

a) Divine Multiplication 
God multiplies what we bring to Him. Just as Jesus multiplied the five loaves and two fish brought by the boy (John 6:9-13), God takes the little we bring and turns it into abundance. When we offer what we have to God, He blesses it beyond what we could imagine.

b) Open Heavens and Overflowing Blessings 
Malachi 3:10 assures us that when we bring our tithes and offerings, God opens the windows of heaven and pours out blessings that we will not have room enough to receive. Our giving releases divine favor and provision over our lives. When we refuse to come empty-handed, God responds with supernatural blessings.

Biblical Example: Solomon’s Sacrifice (1 Kings 3:4-13) 
When Solomon became king, he offered a thousand burnt offerings to God. That night, God appeared to him and asked, “What do you want?” Solomon’s extravagant offering unlocked an unprecedented blessing, and God gave him wisdom, wealth, and honor. Giving to God unlocks divine encounters and breakthroughs.

4. PRACTICAL WAYS TO GIVE TO GOD 

a) Offerings and Tithes 
Bring your offerings and tithes regularly to God’s house. This is a foundational way to honor God and support His work. Malachi 3:10 reminds us that giving our tithes and offerings brings blessings and rebukes the devourer in our lives.

b) Giving of Your Time and Talents
Apart from financial giving, God also desires that we give our time and talents. Serving in His house, using our skills for His kingdom, and dedicating time to minister to others are ways we can give back to God.

Biblical Example: The Macedonian Churches (2 Corinthians 8:1-5) 
The churches in Macedonia gave generously, even in their poverty, not only financially but also by dedicating themselves to the Lord’s work. Their willingness to give sacrificially was a testimony of their love for God and trust in His provision.

5. THE CONSEQUENCES OF COMING EMPTY-HANDED 

a) Missed Opportunities for Blessing
When we come to God empty-handed, we miss out on opportunities for divine blessing and multiplication. In Luke 6:38, Jesus said, “Give, and it will be given to you.” Holding back what we should give robs us of the harvest that God has in store for us.

b) Hindering God’s Work 
When we refuse to give, we hinder the advancement of God’s work on earth. Haggai 1:9-11 speaks of a time when the people neglected the temple, and as a result, their harvests were poor. When we prioritize God’s kingdom, He ensures that all our needs are met.

Biblical Example: Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1-11) 
Ananias and Sapphira held back part of their offering and lied about it to the apostles. Their actions resulted in severe judgment. While God does not demand what we do not have, He expects honesty, faith, and obedience in our giving.

CONCLUSION 
God is a giver, and He expects us to mirror His character by giving back to Him from the blessings He has bestowed upon us. Coming to God with something in your hand is a reflection of your faith, gratitude, and recognition of His Lordship. Whether it is through tithes, offerings, or service, God promises that when you give, you will not go empty. As you make it a principle to never come before God empty-handed, you will experience the abundant blessings that only He can provide.

PRAYER POINTS 
1. Lord, I thank You for the blessings You have given me. 

2. Father, help me to always give willingly and joyfully. 

3. Lord, I reject the spirit of stinginess and withholding from You. 

4. Father, open the windows of heaven and pour out blessings as I give. 

5. Lord, multiply the seed I have sown and increase my harvest. 

6. Father, give me a heart that honours You with my substance. 

7. Lord, let my giving unlock divine favour and open doors in my life. 

8. Father, as I give, let me experience supernatural multiplication in every area. 

9. Lord, help me to give my time, talents, and resources for Your glory. 

10. Father, let my giving bring me closer to Your divine purpose for my life.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS 
1. I declare that as you give to God, you will not lack any good thing. 

2. The Lord will open the windows of heaven over your life and pour out abundant blessings. 

3. Every seed you sow will multiply in your hands, and you will reap a bountiful harvest. 

4. The favour of God will rest upon you as you honour Him with your substance. 

5. Your giving will unlock divine encounters and breakthroughs. 

6. As you bring your offerings, the Lord will rebuke every devourer in your life. 

7. You will never come to God empty-handed, and you will always experience overflow. 

8. God will multiply every little you give and turn it into abundance. 

9. You will receive divine favour in the sight of men as you faithfully give to God. 

10. The Lord will cause you to prosper in all areas of your life as you obey His principles of giving.