Faithful Stewardship and Sacrifice in God's Presence

Devotional

Day 1: Faithful Stewardship in Our Calling

We are entrusted with a specific group of people to shepherd, much like Jesus with His disciples. Our focus should be on faithfully serving those God has given us, rather than seeking to expand our influence beyond His calling. This requires humility and a recognition that our work is part of a larger divine plan. The privilege of receiving God's word comes with the responsibility to nurture and guide those within our sphere of influence. It is not about the numbers or the grandeur of our ministry but about the faithfulness to the task God has given us. In a world that often measures success by size and reach, we are reminded that true success in God's eyes is measured by our obedience and dedication to the people He has placed in our care. [02:32]

Acts 20:28 (ESV): "Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood."

Reflection: Who are the specific people God has entrusted to you to shepherd and care for? How can you focus on serving them faithfully today?

Day 2: Interdependence in the Body of Christ

Every member of the church, regardless of their role, is vital to the health of the body. Just as the heart and hand depend on each other, so too do we depend on one another for spiritual nourishment and growth. This mutual dependence fosters a spirit of humility and gratitude. In the body of Christ, no one is insignificant, and each person's contribution is essential for the church's overall well-being. Even those who may seem to have little to offer can bless us in unexpected ways, teaching us compassion and softening our hearts. Recognizing our need for one another helps us to appreciate the diversity of gifts and roles within the church, leading to a more unified and effective community. [04:21]

1 Corinthians 12:21-22 (ESV): "The eye cannot say to the hand, 'I have no need of you,' nor again the head to the feet, 'I have no need of you.' On the contrary, the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable."

Reflection: Who in your church community do you rely on for spiritual support? How can you express gratitude for their role in your life today?

Day 3: Building with Obedience

The church must be built on the foundation of obedience to God's commands, as demonstrated by Moses in the construction of the tabernacle. This obedience ensures that our work is filled with God's glory and stands the test of time, unlike works built on pride or human wisdom. When we follow God's instructions with humility and dedication, we create a space where His presence can dwell and His glory can be revealed. Our efforts, when aligned with His will, become a lasting testament to His presence and power. Building with obedience requires us to set aside our own agendas and desires, trusting that God's plan is perfect and His ways are higher than ours. [13:06]

Exodus 40:16 (ESV): "This Moses did; according to all that the Lord commanded him, so he did."

Reflection: In what areas of your life are you building on your own wisdom rather than God's commands? How can you realign your efforts with His will today?

Day 4: Sacrificial Offering

True worship involves offering to God that which costs us something, as David exemplified. This principle challenges us to examine our lives and ensure that our sacrifices are genuine and not merely convenient gestures. Such offerings deepen our relationship with God and open us to greater revelations of His nature. When we give sacrificially, we demonstrate our devotion and trust in God's provision. Our sacrifices, though small compared to Christ's, are significant when made with a heart of devotion. This act of worship requires us to prioritize God's approval above all else, even when it means being misunderstood by others. [22:28]

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.'"

Reflection: What is one thing you can offer to God today that requires a genuine sacrifice? How can this deepen your relationship with Him?

Day 5: Living Before God's Face

Our lives should be lived with an awareness of God's constant presence and scrutiny. This means seeking His approval above all else and being willing to be misunderstood by others for the sake of obedience. In doing so, we find freedom from the opinions of men and assurance in God's protection and guidance. Living before God's face involves a daily commitment to align our actions and decisions with His will, trusting that His eyes and heart are upon us. This awareness of His presence provides comfort and strength, knowing that we are never alone and that He is actively involved in our lives. [45:56]

Psalm 139:1-3 (ESV): "O Lord, you have searched me and known me! You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar. You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways."

Reflection: How can you cultivate a greater awareness of God's presence in your daily life? What steps can you take to seek His approval above all else today?

Sermon Summary

In our gathering today, we reflected on the profound privilege of receiving God's word and the responsibility that comes with it. We are reminded not to take for granted the freedom we have to meet and share in God's word, recognizing that this freedom may not always be guaranteed. Our calling is not to serve the entire world but to faithfully shepherd those whom God has entrusted to us, just as Jesus did with His disciples. This is a humbling reminder that our work is not about numbers or grandeur but about faithfulness to the task God has given us.

The body of Christ is a place of mutual dependence, where each member, regardless of their perceived importance, contributes to the whole. Just as the heart relies on the hand to sustain life, so too do we rely on one another. Even those who seem to have little to offer, like children with Down syndrome, can bless us in ways we might not expect, softening our hearts and teaching us compassion.

We are called to build a church that endures, one that is not swayed by pride or self-importance. The work we do for God must be done with humility and obedience, following the example of Moses, who built the tabernacle exactly as the Lord commanded. This obedience ensures that the glory of the Lord fills our work, making it a lasting testament to His presence.

The church is a place of sacrifice, where we offer to God that which costs us something. This principle is exemplified in the story of David, who refused to offer to God that which cost him nothing. Our sacrifices, though small compared to Christ's, are significant when made with a heart of devotion. We are encouraged to live before God's face, seeking His approval above all else, and trusting that His eyes and heart are upon us, providing protection and guidance.

Key Takeaways

1. Faithful Stewardship: We are entrusted with a specific group of people to shepherd, much like Jesus with His disciples. Our focus should be on faithfully serving those God has given us, rather than seeking to expand our influence beyond His calling. This requires humility and a recognition that our work is part of a larger divine plan. [02:32]
2. Interdependence in the Body of Christ: Every member of the church, regardless of their role, is vital to the health of the body. Just as the heart and hand depend on each other, so too do we depend on one another for spiritual nourishment and growth. This mutual dependence fosters a spirit of humility and gratitude. [04:21]
3. Building with Obedience: The church must be built on the foundation of obedience to God's commands, as demonstrated by Moses in the construction of the tabernacle. This obedience ensures that our work is filled with God's glory and stands the test of time, unlike works built on pride or human wisdom. [13:06]
4. Sacrificial Offering: True worship involves offering to God that which costs us something, as David exemplified. This principle challenges us to examine our lives and ensure that our sacrifices are genuine and not merely convenient gestures. Such offerings deepen our relationship with God and open us to greater revelations of His nature. [22:28]
5. Living Before God's Face: Our lives should be lived with an awareness of God's constant presence and scrutiny. This means seeking His approval above all else and being willing to be misunderstood by others for the sake of obedience. In doing so, we find freedom from the opinions of men and assurance in God's protection and guidance. [45:56]
** [45:56]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:31] - Gratitude for God's Word
[01:14] - Passing the Torch to the Next Generation
[02:16] - Shepherding the Few
[03:37] - Mutual Dependence in the Body
[05:04] - Lessons from Down Syndrome Children
[08:16] - The Danger of Pride
[09:58] - The Eternal Value of God's Work
[12:06] - Obedience in Building the Church
[14:37] - The Glory of the Lord in Obedience
[18:07] - The Temple as a Picture of the Church
[22:10] - The Cost of True Worship
[27:22] - Abraham's Sacrifice and Revelation
[33:00] - The Heart Over the Head
[40:21] - The Church as a House of Sacrifice
[45:56] - Living Before God's Face

Bible Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:

John 17:9-11 - Jesus prays for those given to Him by the Father.
1 John 2:17 - The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.
2 Samuel 24:24 - David refuses to offer to God that which costs him nothing.

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Observation Questions:

In John 17:9-11, Jesus prays specifically for those given to Him by the Father. How does this reflect the idea of being entrusted with a specific group of people to shepherd? [01:59]
According to 1 John 2:17, what is the outcome for those who do the will of God compared to the world and its desires? How does this relate to the sermon’s emphasis on building a church that endures? [10:26]
In 2 Samuel 24:24, David insists on paying for the threshing floor to offer a sacrifice to God. How does this illustrate the principle of sacrificial offering discussed in the sermon? [22:28]
The sermon mentions the mutual dependence within the body of Christ. How is this concept illustrated through the analogy of the heart and the hand? [04:21]

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Interpretation Questions:

How does Jesus’ prayer in John 17:9-11 challenge the common notion of expanding influence and numbers in ministry? What does it mean to focus on those God has specifically entrusted to us? [02:32]
Reflecting on 1 John 2:17, what does it mean for a church or individual to do the will of God? How can this be a measure of lasting impact in ministry? [10:26]
In what ways does the story of David in 2 Samuel 24:24 challenge modern perceptions of worship and sacrifice? How can this principle be applied to our personal and communal worship practices? [22:28]
The sermon discusses the importance of obedience in building the church, as seen in Moses’ construction of the tabernacle. How does this obedience ensure that the work is filled with God’s glory? [13:06]

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Application Questions:

Reflect on your current responsibilities. Are there specific people or tasks God has entrusted to you that you might be overlooking in pursuit of broader influence? How can you refocus your efforts? [02:32]
Consider the relationships within your church community. How can you foster a spirit of mutual dependence and humility, recognizing the value of each member’s contribution? [04:21]
Think about your personal sacrifices for God. Are there areas where you might be offering to God that which costs you nothing? How can you make your offerings more genuine and heartfelt? [22:28]
In what ways can you ensure that your work and service in the church are done with obedience to God’s commands, rather than relying on human wisdom or pride? [13:06]
How can you cultivate an awareness of living before God’s face, seeking His approval above all else? Are there specific areas in your life where you need to trust in God’s protection and guidance more fully? [45:56]
Identify a recent situation where you felt misunderstood for the sake of obedience to God. How did you handle it, and what might you do differently in the future to maintain your focus on God’s approval? [45:56]
Reflect on a time when you experienced God’s protection or guidance in a tangible way. How can this experience encourage you to trust Him more in your current circumstances? [47:58]

Sermon Clips

We do not take anything for granted. I said on the first day that we were thankful that we had freedom in this country to be able to meet together like this. We don't know how long that freedom will continue, but in the same way, we don't take for granted that, as if we deserve to get a word from heaven. [00:00:37]

There are certain people whom God has given me. There's certain people whom God has given to different elders here, not just to me. I'm just one of the elders among others. And I say, Lord, those are the only ones I have to take care of. I'm not here to reach meet all the needs in India. [00:02:37]

In the body of Christ, there is no part that can say, I'm self-sufficient. I only give, I never receive. There's no part. You may say the heart is the most important. If I were to ask you which is more important, the heart or the hand, definitely the heart. But if the hand doesn't take food and put it into the mouth, the heart will die. [00:03:42]

I said these children, they cannot sin consciously because they don't know what they're doing. They will all be in heaven, without a doubt they will be part of the body of Jesus Christ. I don't know about all the others sitting here, I said, but these ones I'll definitely know I'll see in heaven. [00:05:41]

Moses did exactly as the Lord commanded. Now you would have thought if you mention it once, that's enough, but no. Starting with Exodus 39 verse 1 and the last part, it says just as the Lord commanded Moses. It's repeated in verse 5, chapter 39 verse 5 and verse 7 and numerous times. [00:13:01]

I will never offer to the Lord my God that which cost me nothing. And the Lord said to me, you must never offer to me anything in your life which costs you nothing. Many people who argue about tithe and all that, very often it costs them nothing. Their glory in what they have given, the question is not what you given, the question is how much did it cost you. [00:22:37]

When you decide in your life like Abraham, to offer to God that which costs you everything, you will get revelations on Jesus Christ which you'll never see otherwise. You will see like Abraham, Jesus in a new way. I have seen it. I have got the most amazing revelations of Christ from the scriptures. [00:29:48]

I will not offer to God that which cost me nothing. And what and when I think of cost, I say what I call sacrifice is nothing. If I think I've sacrificed something for the Lord, I'm fooling myself. Do any of you think you sacrifice something for the Lord? You are in darkness. [00:37:55]

I will not offer to the Lord that which cost me nothing. I remember about, I think it was about 30 years, 24 years ago or something, a brother from Australia said we are three of us here brother, will you come to have some meetings for us, travel all the way from India to Australia to meet three people. [00:51:13]

I want to live utterly for you and trust him. Don't live in fear that the devil will mess up your life or harm you. He cannot. God's eyes are on you, his ears are open to your prayer. Say, Lord, help me to find my place in the church. [00:55:36]

I want to submit to authority. I don't want to be alone to myself. Help me, Lord, to find my place in the church. Father, we thank you for all that you've done. Let me give you glory in Jesus' name. Amen. [00:56:57]

We are unworthy slaves. We have only done what you told us to do. We can take no credit for anything. When we look at Calvary's cross, I meditate on it frequently. I've been doing that for 50 years and the Lord shows me deeper meanings in that cross. [00:53:20]

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