Commitment and Sacrifice: Embracing God's Vision Together
Summary
Today is a day of commitment and encouragement, a day to reflect on the significance of giving and sacrifice in our spiritual journey. The Bible teaches us not to give for the sake of recognition but to give from a place of genuine devotion and commitment to God. This is a defining moment for our church as we embark on a three-year commitment to expand our impact and presence, seeking to 10X the territories God has called us to inhabit. This commitment is not just about financial contributions but about consecrating ourselves, setting ourselves apart for God's purposes, much like the Israelites did under Joshua's leadership.
Commitment and consecration are not popular concepts in today's culture, which often resists the idea of binding oneself to something or someone. Yet, as we learn from the story of Joshua and the Israelites, consecration is about stepping out from the crowd and dedicating ourselves to God's work. It requires breaking free from the gravitational pull of the world's norms, which often prioritize self-interest and material gain over spiritual growth and community well-being.
King David's story further illustrates the importance of sacrifice in worship. When offered a free threshing floor for his offering, David insisted on paying for it, declaring that he would not offer to God something that cost him nothing. This principle of sacrificial giving is echoed in the life of Jesus, who laid down His life for us. True worship involves sacrifice, a willingness to give up something valuable for the sake of God's kingdom.
As we consider our commitments, we are reminded that God knows our hearts through our actions. Our willingness to sacrifice and give is a test of our faith and devotion. It is an opportunity to demonstrate our trust in God's vision and our desire to be part of His work. While we cannot guarantee an awakening, we know that without sacrifice, it is unlikely to occur. God is looking for communities willing to embrace the value of sacrifice and step into His vision for a greater impact.
Key Takeaways:
- Commitment and consecration are essential in our spiritual journey. They involve setting ourselves apart for God's purposes and breaking free from the world's norms that prioritize self-interest. This requires a conscious effort to align our lives with God's vision. [08:43]
- Sacrificial giving is a form of worship that reflects our devotion to God. Like King David, we should be willing to offer something that costs us, demonstrating our commitment to God's kingdom. This principle is exemplified in Jesus' ultimate sacrifice on the cross. [17:08]
- Our actions reveal the state of our hearts. God knows our hearts through what we do, and our willingness to sacrifice is a test of our faith and devotion. This is an opportunity to demonstrate our trust in God's vision and our desire to be part of His work. [38:41]
- The gravitational pull of the world's norms can hinder our spiritual growth. We must consciously choose to break free from these norms and embrace the values of God's kingdom, such as sacrifice and community well-being. [23:06]
- An awakening requires a community willing to sacrifice for God's vision. While we cannot guarantee an awakening, we know that without sacrifice, it is unlikely to occur. God is looking for communities willing to embrace the value of sacrifice and step into His vision for a greater impact. [40:08]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[06:31] - The Push for 10X
[08:43] - Commitment and Consecration
[12:13] - Breaking Free from Gravitational Pull
[14:49] - King David's Sacrificial Worship
[17:08] - The Cost of True Worship
[23:06] - Overcoming Automatic Systems
[24:33] - The Heart of Sacrifice
[34:15] - A Test of Faith
[35:22] - Equal Value in Community
[36:36] - Abraham's Test of Faith
[38:41] - God Knows Our Hearts
[40:08] - Embracing Sacrifice for Awakening
[41:09] - Invitation to Commitment
[43:20] - Preparing for Sacrificial Giving
[44:54] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Joshua 3:5 - "Joshua told the people, 'Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do amazing things among you.'"
2. 2 Samuel 24:24 - "But the king replied to Araunah, 'No, I insist on paying you for it. I will not sacrifice to the Lord my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing.'"
3. Philippians 2:5-8 - "In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!"
Observation Questions:
1. What does Joshua instruct the Israelites to do in Joshua 3:5, and why is this significant for their journey? [08:43]
2. How does King David's response to Araunah's offer in 2 Samuel 24:24 illustrate the principle of sacrificial giving? [17:08]
3. According to Philippians 2:5-8, what attitude did Christ Jesus demonstrate, and how is this related to the concept of sacrifice?
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the act of consecration in Joshua 3:5 relate to the idea of setting oneself apart for God's purposes in today's context? [08:43]
2. In what ways does King David's insistence on paying for the threshing floor challenge modern views on giving and sacrifice? [17:08]
3. How does the example of Jesus' sacrifice in Philippians 2:5-8 serve as a model for Christian living and worship?
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you felt called to step out of your comfort zone for God's purposes. What did you learn from that experience, and how can it inform your current spiritual journey? [08:43]
2. Consider your current commitments. Are there areas where you feel God is calling you to demonstrate sacrificial giving? How can you respond to this call? [17:08]
3. The sermon mentioned the gravitational pull of the world's norms. Identify one norm that you feel is hindering your spiritual growth. What steps can you take to break free from it? [12:13]
4. How can you cultivate a heart of sacrifice in your daily life, similar to the examples of King David and Jesus? What practical steps can you take this week? [23:06]
5. The sermon emphasized the importance of community in embracing God's vision. How can you actively contribute to your community's spiritual growth and well-being? [40:08]
6. Reflect on the concept of an awakening. What role do you believe personal and communal sacrifice play in fostering spiritual renewal? [40:08]
7. How can you ensure that your actions align with your heart's intentions, demonstrating genuine devotion to God? What changes might be necessary in your life to achieve this? [38:41]
Devotional
Day 1: Commitment and Consecration: Aligning with God's Vision
In a world that often prioritizes self-interest and material gain, the concepts of commitment and consecration can seem countercultural. Yet, these are essential elements of a spiritual journey that seeks to align with God's vision. Commitment involves a conscious decision to set oneself apart for God's purposes, much like the Israelites did under Joshua's leadership. Consecration requires breaking free from the gravitational pull of worldly norms and dedicating oneself to God's work. This process is not passive; it demands active participation and a willingness to step out from the crowd. By doing so, individuals can experience a deeper connection with God and a more profound impact on their communities. [08:43]
Joshua 3:5 (ESV): "Then Joshua said to the people, 'Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you.'"
Reflection: What is one specific area in your life where you feel called to break free from worldly norms and commit more fully to God's purposes? How can you take a tangible step towards this commitment today?
Day 2: Sacrificial Giving: The Heart of True Worship
Sacrificial giving is a profound expression of worship that reflects one's devotion to God. It is not about the size of the gift but the heart behind it. King David exemplified this when he insisted on paying for the threshing floor, declaring that he would not offer to God something that cost him nothing. This principle is further exemplified in Jesus' ultimate sacrifice on the cross. True worship involves a willingness to give up something valuable for the sake of God's kingdom. It is a test of faith and a demonstration of trust in God's vision. By embracing sacrificial giving, individuals can participate in God's work and experience the joy of contributing to His kingdom. [17:08]
2 Samuel 24:24 (ESV): "But the king said to Araunah, 'No, but I will buy it from you for a price. I will not offer burnt offerings to the Lord my God that cost me nothing.' So David bought the threshing floor and the oxen for fifty shekels of silver."
Reflection: Consider a possession or resource that you hold dear. How might God be calling you to use it for His kingdom, even if it requires sacrifice?
Day 3: Actions Reveal the Heart: Demonstrating Faith through Deeds
Our actions are a reflection of the state of our hearts. God knows our hearts through what we do, and our willingness to sacrifice is a test of our faith and devotion. This is an opportunity to demonstrate trust in God's vision and a desire to be part of His work. While words can express intentions, actions provide tangible evidence of commitment. By aligning actions with God's purposes, individuals can reveal the true condition of their hearts and participate in the unfolding of His vision. This alignment requires intentionality and a willingness to act in faith, even when the path is uncertain. [38:41]
James 2:18 (ESV): "But someone will say, 'You have faith and I have works.' Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works."
Reflection: Reflect on a recent decision or action. What did it reveal about the state of your heart and your faith in God's vision?
Day 4: Breaking Free from Worldly Norms: Embracing God's Values
The gravitational pull of the world's norms can hinder spiritual growth and alignment with God's vision. These norms often prioritize self-interest and material gain over spiritual growth and community well-being. To embrace God's values, individuals must consciously choose to break free from these norms and align their lives with His purposes. This requires a willingness to challenge societal expectations and embrace the values of sacrifice, community, and spiritual growth. By doing so, individuals can experience a deeper connection with God and a more meaningful impact on their communities. [23:06]
Romans 12:2 (ESV): "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."
Reflection: Identify a specific societal norm that you feel pressured to conform to. How can you actively resist this pressure and embrace God's values instead?
Day 5: Community and Sacrifice: The Path to Awakening
An awakening requires a community willing to sacrifice for God's vision. While an awakening cannot be guaranteed, it is unlikely to occur without sacrifice. God is looking for communities that embrace the value of sacrifice and step into His vision for a greater impact. This involves a collective commitment to God's purposes and a willingness to prioritize the well-being of the community over individual interests. By doing so, communities can create an environment where spiritual growth and transformation can occur, paving the way for an awakening. [40:08]
Acts 2:44-45 (ESV): "And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need."
Reflection: Think about your role in your community. How can you contribute to a culture of sacrifice and collective commitment to God's vision? What specific action can you take this week to support this culture?
Quotes
"Commitment is not a positive word in our culture. We don't like to commit. We don't like to commit to even dating somebody, let alone marrying somebody. We don't like to commit to weekend plans unless we have something that is so sold out we've got to get there a year in advance. Everyone wants to be there or something like that. We just don't like to commit. What does it mean to commit? I want to give you another C word that's very similar to. It's the word consecrate." [00:09:52] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Consecrate yourself. Consecrate. What does it mean to consecrate yourself? It means if I'm here where everybody else is, I set myself aside. If I'm here where everybody else is, I allow myself to be used by God. If I'm here, I dedicate and set myself aside for God's purposes in a moment, which in this situation was stepping into the Jordan River." [00:10:17] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Awakening has a major X factor of the Holy Spirit. And Jesus says the Holy Spirit is like wind. He's unpredictable. You don't know exactly what He's going to do. But I can tell you this. The Spirit is looking to see, is there any community out there that will give up something for my vision? Is there any people out there that will sacrifice? Can you sacrifice something? There's not a lot today." [00:24:07] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"God's testing us right now. I don't know if you know that. It's a test. That, that was, that conversation was a test for me, a test, like, do you want to just do like a growing nonprofit and do nonprofit plays that they do? Or do you have a different thing you want me to do through this church? It was a test, I think, and it's a test right here for you right now." [00:35:43] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"For a lot of us today, this is a test. First of all, you already started passing the test. You came in today. You didn't stay home. That's awesome. That's awesome. And now, and now, you get to see whether or not God has your heart. God gets to see whether or not he has your heart. And the way he sees that is sacrifice." [00:39:35] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"God, if there's something you want from us, if you want to nudge us right now, we'll take that. If not, we want you to hear from us. We want you to hear how much we care for you and the vision for your kingdom." [00:44:54] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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