22nd July, 2025
TOPIC: ACCEPTABLE OFFERINGS
Text: Romans 12:1-2
“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” — Romans 12:1-2 (KJV)
The truth that not all offerings are acceptable to God should stir deep reflection and gratitude when we see that God accepts ours. For example:
God accepted Abel’s offering and rejected Cain’s — Genesis 4:4-5
“And the Lord had respect unto Abel and to his offering: But unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect…”
Elisha rejected Naaman’s gift
— 2 Kings 5:15-16
“…As the Lord liveth, before whom I stand, I will receive none…”
But God remembered Cornelius’ offerings — Acts 10:4
“…Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God.”
The quality of the life, the heart of the offerer, and the offering itself are often the determining factors for whether an offering is accepted or rejected.
Understanding this principle, King David said:
“…I will not offer burnt offerings unto the Lord my God of that which doth cost me nothing.” — 2 Samuel 24:24
What is an Offering?
An offering is more than a gift; it is a sacrifice. Once it is given, it leaves your ownership and becomes God’s. Consider Abraham, who offered Isaac — once offered, Isaac became a living sacrifice:
“By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac… accounting that God was able to raise him up…” — Hebrews 11:17,19
Are you still competing emotionally with what you claimed to have given to God? If it’s truly laid on the altar, then it belongs to God and no more yours. Interestingly, the reward is yours.
What Makes Your Offerings Acceptable?
God can reject offerings not just because of the offering itself, but because of how and from whom it is offered. To make your offering acceptable therefore:
- You must first be acceptable to God — you must be born again.
“The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord: but the prayer of the upright is His delight.” — Proverbs 15:8
“Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” — John 3:3
- Offer according to your ability.
“Every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of the Lord thy God which He hath given thee.” — Deuteronomy 16:17 - Offer a living sacrifice — something that costs you deeply.
“Present your bodies a living sacrifice…” — Romans 12:1
“To obey is better than sacrifice…” — 1 Samuel 15:22 - Offer cheerfully and with faith.
“God loveth a cheerful giver.” — 2 Corinthians 9:7
“But without faith it is impossible to please Him…” — Hebrews 11:6
- Offer it in a timely manner — don’t delay.
“Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it.” — Proverbs 3:27
- Offer it on the right soil or altar — guided by the Spirit, not flesh.
“And the fire of God came down upon the altar…” — 1 Kings 18:38
Remember, Abraham got to the prescribed mount Moriah before the presentation of his offering (Genesis 22:2)
- Let it be done with honour — not for show or boasting.
“Honour the Lord with thy substance…” — Proverbs 3:9
“Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them…” — Matthew 6:1
Conclusion
Beloved, God is real and He rewards those who diligently seek Him:
“But without faith it is impossible to please Him: for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.” — Hebrews 11:6
Whether you offer to Him directly — such as the sacrifice of praise (Hebrews 13:15) — or indirectly through giving (Philippians 4:18), do it correctly and faithfully, and you will never lose your reward.
Shalom .