Malachi 3:3 And he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver… This offering was presented to God after the purification of His people had taken place. An offering in righteousness. I. MUST HAVE NOTHING UNRIGHTEOUS ASSOCIATED WITH IT. God hates robbery for burnt-offering. Righteous getting must precede righteous giving. Trade morality is more acceptable in God's sight than spurious temple munificence. II. MUST BE PRESENTED UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF RIGHT EMOTIONS. God regards the impulses that stir the offerer more than the offering. It is for the offerer's sake that He requires an offering. In presenting our offerings rightly, we need — 1. The promptings of love. 2. The inspiration of gratitude. 3. The ardour of consecration. III. MUST BE OFFERED IN A RIGHT WAY. God has made known the right way of approach to Himself. 1. The offering must be presented with sincerity. Insincerity is unrighteous. The offering must be made to God, and not to win the favour, admiration, or interest of men. 2. The offering must be presented with humility. Self-righteousness is unrighteousness. 3. The offering must be presented with faith in God's revelation of Himself in Christ. IV. MUST BE PROPORTIONATE TO OUR POSSESSIONS. For the rich to give as the poor is unrighteous. Our possessions test us. Our willing offerings to God often manifest the righteousness or unrighteousness of our characters as nothing else does. God gives to us that we may have the joy of giving to Him. V. WILL BE ACCEPTABLE TO GOD. 1. The righteous offerings of His people are in accordance with His own righteous nature. 2. They manifest the effects of His grace upon their hearts. 3. They tend to spread the knowledge of His benevolence in the earth. (W. Osborne Lilley.) Parallel Verses KJV: And he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the LORD an offering in righteousness. |
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