Introduction

One of the greatest tests of our relationship with God is how we respond when He asks us to give—whether it’s time, obedience, resources, habits, or our hearts. Many people are willing to give something… but not always willing to give what God asked for.

Israel was in the wilderness. God was preparing to dwell in their midst. But before God set His glory among them, He required a specific offering—not any offering, not anything convenient, not leftovers—exactly what He asked for.

This teaches us a critical spiritual truth:

You cannot build God’s dwelling place with your preferences.
You must build it with His instructions.

1. God Speaks First (v. 1–2)

“And the LORD spake unto Moses… bring Me an offering.”

Giving begins with God’s voice, not our ideas.
God did not tell Moses, “Tell the people to give Me whatever they feel like giving.”
He gave specific instructions, because God already had a plan for how His sanctuary would be built.

Many believers give God:

The time left over
The obedience that feels comfortable
The habits they don’t mind surrendering
The worship they feel like expressing

But God says, “Bring Me what I asked for.”
Before you give—listen.
Before you move—ask.
Before you decide—obey.

God initiates giving. We only respond.

2. God Wants a Willing Heart—But a Specific Offering (v. 2)

“…of every man that giveth it willingly with his heart… My offering.”

Notice the balance:

God requires willingness AND obedience.

Some believers are willing but not obedient.
Others are obedient but not willing.
God wants both.

Many say, “God knows my heart.”
Yes—He knows when we’re giving from the heart, and He also knows when we're giving on our own terms.

God’s instructions were specific:

Gold
Silver
Brass
Blue, purple, and scarlet
Fine linen
Oil
Precious stones

Not because God needed expensive things, but because:

What God asks for aligns with the purpose He has already planned.

When you substitute your preference for His command, you interfere with His purpose.

3. God’s Requests Are Connected to His Presence (v. 8)

“And let them make Me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them.”

What was the offering for?

Not for Moses.
Not for a building program.
Not for status.

It was so that God could dwell among them.

When God asks you to give:

Obedience
Forgiveness
Worship
A relationship to let go
A habit to surrender
A seed to sow
A calling to step into

…it is ALWAYS tied to His presence in your life.

God says,
“Give Me what I asked for, so I can dwell where I desire to dwell.”

Some people don’t sense God’s presence because they have built a sanctuary based on their preferences—not His blueprint.

You cannot host God with disobedience.
You cannot carry God’s glory on your terms.
You cannot experience God’s fullness with partial surrender.

4. God Gives the Pattern—We Don’t Create Our Own (v. 9)

“According to all that I shew thee… even so shall ye make it.”

God does not give suggestions—He gives patterns.

He didn’t leave Moses to “figure it out.”
He didn’t want creative freedom.
He gave a pattern, a design, a standard.

This applies to:

Worship

God wants worship in Spirit and truth—not performance.

Lifestyle

Holiness is not optional; it’s God’s blueprint.

Ministry

We serve God His way—not according to culture, trends, or opinions.

Giving

God doesn’t accept everything simply because we offer it.
He accepts what He asked for.

Cain gave an offering, but Abel gave the right offering.
Saul gave sacrifices, but God wanted obedience.
The rich young ruler gave commandments, but God wanted his heart.

Giving God what we want is religion.
Giving God what He asked for is relationship.

Conclusion: What Is God Asking From You?

The question today is not:
“Are you giving?”
Many people give something.

The real question is:
“Are you giving what God asked for?”

Is He asking you to:

Surrender something?
Start something?
Forgive someone?
Serve in a way you’ve resisted?
Give financially as He instructed?
Let go of a sin, habit, or relationship?
Submit to His calling on your life?

You cannot walk in God’s presence while holding back God’s request.

**Give God what He asked for—

Not what is comfortable,
Not what is convenient,
Not what is leftover,
Not what you think is enough—
but what He specifically commanded.**

When you give God the right offering,
You will experience the right presence,
And walk in the right purpose.

Giving God What He Asked For