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“By Him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name” (Hebrews 13:15).
“But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased” (Hebrews 13:16).
In our verses today we have two kinds of sacrifices mentioned. The first one is praise and thanksgiving to God, and this always comes first. What is due to the Lord is always the most important, and comes before what is due to other people. We should be ready to praise and thank the Lord at all times, but especially when we come together on Lord’s day to remember our Lord Jesus Christ in death.
However, God also values our sacrifice on behalf of others, and the Word of God has put the two verses right next to one another. That is why it is appropriate to take a collection when we come together to remember the Lord, for then we are giving in a practical way for the help and care of others. According to 1 Corinthians 16:2, we are to put aside money every week, according to how much God has given us, in order to be a help to others. This is also a sacrifice that is pleasing to God.
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