Generosity and Legacy: Investing in God's Work

Devotional

Day 1: Giving God Our Best: Personal Devotion and Sacrifice

True devotion to God is demonstrated not just by what we give, but by the heart and sacrifice behind our giving. David, in 1 Chronicles 29, models a life that delights in the house of God, giving above and beyond what is required, motivated by love and reverence for the Lord. This kind of sacrificial devotion is not about recognition or pride, but about humbly offering ourselves and our resources for God’s purposes. When we surrender our hearts and lives to God, our giving becomes an act of worship, reflecting our trust and commitment to Him. [39:48]

1 Chronicles 29:3, 9 (NASB)
"Moreover, in my delight in the house of my God, the treasure I have of gold and silver, I give to the house of my God, over and above all that I have already provided for the holy temple... Then the people rejoiced because they had offered so willingly, for they made their offering to the Lord with a whole heart, and King David also rejoiced greatly."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where God is calling you to go above and beyond in devotion or sacrifice? How can you respond to Him today with a willing heart?

Day 2: The Mission: Making Disciples Who Make Disciples

The mission of the church is clear: to make disciples who make disciples, as commanded by Jesus in the Great Commission. This calling is not just for church leaders, but for every believer, inviting us to participate in God’s work by sharing the gospel, baptizing, and teaching others to obey Christ’s commands. Our lives, actions, and generosity should all point toward this mission, shaping a community where God’s love and truth are lived out and multiplied. [41:21]

Matthew 28:18-20 (NASB)
"And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, 'All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.'"

Reflection: Who is one person you can intentionally encourage or disciple this week, helping them take a step closer to Jesus?

Day 3: God Owns It All: The Perspective of Stewardship

A proper perspective of God recognizes that everything we have—our resources, talents, and opportunities—belongs to Him. David’s prayer in 1 Chronicles 29:10-17 acknowledges God’s greatness, sovereignty, and ownership of all things, reminding us that our giving is simply returning to God what is already His. This stewardship mindset frees us from pride and compels us to give generously and joyfully, knowing that we are participating in God’s work and trusting Him to provide for every need. [01:08:54]

1 Chronicles 29:14-17 (NASB)
"But who am I and who are my people that we should be able to offer as generously as this? For all things come from You, and from Your hand we have given You. For we are sojourners before You, and tenants, as all our fathers were; our days on the earth are like a shadow, and there is no hope. O Lord our God, all this abundance that we have provided to build You a house for Your holy name, it is from Your hand, and all is Yours. Since I know, O my God, that You try the heart and delight in uprightness, I, in the integrity of my heart, have willingly offered all these things; so now with joy I have seen Your people, who are present here, make their offerings willingly to You."

Reflection: In what ways can you practice open-handed stewardship today, recognizing that all you have is God’s?

Day 4: Trusting God’s Provision: Sowing and Reaping

God promises to supply and multiply what we sow for His kingdom, inviting us to trust Him with our resources and needs. When we give generously and cheerfully, we participate in the principle of sowing and reaping—what we sow, we will also reap. This is not about transactional giving, but about trusting God’s faithfulness and provision, even when it requires sacrifice or risk. Our security is not in our possessions, but in God who provides for every need and uses our generosity to bless others and advance His purposes. [01:00:19]

2 Corinthians 9:10-11 (NASB)
"Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness; you will be enriched in everything for all liberality, which through us is producing thanksgiving to God."

Reflection: Is there an area where you are hesitant to trust God with your resources? What step of faith can you take today to sow generously?

Day 5: Leaving a Legacy: Investing in the Next Generation

Our devotion and generosity are not just for the present, but for the generations to come. When we invest in God’s work—through our giving, service, and discipleship—we help create spaces and opportunities for others to encounter God, find hope, and grow in faith. This legacy is built not on comfort or recognition, but on a willingness to sacrifice for something greater than ourselves, trusting that God will use our offerings to impact lives far beyond our own. [58:20]

Psalm 78:4 (ESV)
"We will not hide them from their children, but tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the Lord, and his might, and the wonders that he has done."

Reflection: What is one way you can invest in the faith of the next generation—at home, in church, or in your community—this week?

Sermon Summary

In 1 Chronicles 29, we see King David’s heart for God as he prepares for the building of the temple—a vision he would not see completed himself, but one he was willing to invest in with personal devotion and sacrificial giving. David’s example reminds us that the work of God is never about us, our comfort, or our legacy, but about God’s glory and the generations that will come after us. The call to “give God the best that I got” is not just about finances, but about the surrender of our hearts, our time, our talents, and our willingness to be part of something greater than ourselves.

The mission of the church is clear: to make disciples who make disciples, rooted in the authority of God’s Word. This mission requires more than just attendance or surface-level participation; it calls for a deep, personal devotion to Christ that transforms our head, heart, and hands. As we pursue the vision God has given us—a new campus, a place for worship, discipleship, and community impact—we are invited to move beyond what is comfortable or convenient. True generosity is not measured by the size of the gift, but by the willingness of the heart and the sacrifice it represents.

David’s leadership dismantled the idea that giving is about obligation or transaction. Instead, he modeled a joyful, willing spirit, giving “over and above” because his delight was in the house of God. When the people saw this, they too gave willingly and rejoiced, understanding that their offerings were not for man, but for the Lord. This is the perspective we must carry: everything we have belongs to God, and we are simply stewards, entrusted to use our resources for His purposes.

Sacrificial giving is not about achieving a transaction with God, but about trusting Him with our whole lives. It is an act of worship, a test of our hearts, and an opportunity to participate in God’s ongoing work. Whether we are giving financially, serving, or investing in the next generation, we are invited to be part of a legacy that will outlast us. As we step forward in faith, let us remember that God is the provider, the owner of all things, and the one who multiplies what we surrender for His glory.

Key Takeaways

1. Personal Devotion and Sacrifice Are Foundational David’s willingness to give above and beyond was rooted in his personal devotion to God, not in obligation or public recognition. True generosity flows from a heart that delights in God and desires to see His purposes fulfilled, even when it requires real sacrifice. Our giving—of time, resources, or talents—should be an overflow of our relationship with God, not a mere transaction. [49:25]
2. The Mission Is Bigger Than Ourselves The vision God gives is always larger than any one person or generation. When we invest in God’s work, we are building for those who will come after us, leaving a legacy of faith and discipleship. This perspective keeps us humble and focused, reminding us that our efforts are for God’s glory, not our own comfort or reputation. [45:51]
3. Willingness and Joy in Giving Reveal the Heart The people rejoiced because they gave willingly and with their whole hearts, not under compulsion. God is not interested in reluctant or transactional giving; He desires our joyful participation in His work. When our hearts are aligned with God’s purposes, generosity becomes a source of joy and celebration, not a burden. [39:48]
4. Proper Perspective: God Owns It All David’s prayer acknowledged that all resources, honor, and power belong to God. We are stewards, not owners, and everything we give is simply returning to God what is already His. This stewardship mindset frees us from pride and anxiety, allowing us to trust God’s provision and participate in His kingdom work with open hands. [68:54]
5. Sacrificial Giving Is a Test and a Trust God uses opportunities for sacrificial giving to test our hearts and deepen our trust in Him. It is not about the amount, but about our willingness to trust God with what we have, believing that He will provide and multiply as we step out in faith. Our security is not in our resources, but in God’s faithfulness to supply every need as we participate in His mission. [72:55]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[37:34] - Opening Prayer and Worship
[38:49] - Scripture Reading: 1 Chronicles 29
[41:21] - The Authority and Mission of the Church
[42:57] - What Is a Disciple?
[44:29] - Vision for a New Campus
[45:51] - Building for God’s Glory, Not Ours
[48:19] - David’s Vision and God’s Response
[49:25] - Personal Devotion and Sacrifice
[55:28] - Leaving a Legacy for the Next Generation
[58:20] - Above and Beyond: The Call to Sacrifice
[60:19] - Giving with the Right Heart
[68:54] - Stewardship and God’s Ownership
[72:55] - Trusting God in Sacrificial Giving
[74:59] - The Heart of Generosity: A Family Story
[79:25] - Closing Prayer and Invitation
[82:28] - Offering and Announcements
[98:00] - Baby Dedication
[104:45] - Benediction and Dismissal

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

1 Chronicles 29:1-20 — (Focus: David’s preparation and prayer for the building of the temple, his personal devotion and sacrificial giving, and the people’s joyful response.)

- Matthew 28:18-20
(The Great Commission: Jesus’ command to make disciples of all nations.)

- 2 Corinthians 9:6-8
(“Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully… God loves a cheerful giver.”)

Observation Questions

In 1 Chronicles 29, what did David do to prepare for the building of the temple, even though he knew he would not see it completed himself?
According to the sermon, how did the people respond after seeing David’s example of giving?
What does Jesus command his followers to do in Matthew 28:18-20, and how does this relate to the mission of the church as described in the sermon?
In 2 Corinthians 9:6-8, what is the connection between the attitude of the giver and God’s response?

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think David was willing to give “over and above” what was required, even though he would not personally benefit from the temple? What does this reveal about his heart and priorities?
The sermon says, “The temple is not for man, but for the Lord God.” How does this perspective change the way we view our own giving and service in the church?
The people gave willingly and rejoiced. What does this suggest about the relationship between generosity and joy? How might giving out of obligation differ from giving out of delight?
The sermon mentions that sacrificial giving is a “test of our hearts” and an act of trust. In what ways can giving be a test, and what does it reveal about our trust in God?

Application Questions

David invested in a vision he would never see completed. Is there something in your life or in our church that you are being called to invest in for the sake of future generations? What might that look like for you personally?
The sermon challenges us to “give God the best that I got,” not just financially, but with our time, talents, and hearts. What is one area of your life where you feel God is asking you to go “above and beyond” right now?
The people’s willingness and joy in giving was contagious. Have you ever experienced a time when someone else’s generosity inspired you to be more generous? How can you model this kind of joyful giving in your own life?
The sermon says, “Everything we have belongs to God, and we are simply stewards.” Is there something you are holding onto tightly that you need to surrender to God? What would it look like to trust Him with it?
Sacrificial giving is described as a test and a trust. Can you think of a time when you gave sacrificially—whether money, time, or energy—and saw God provide in unexpected ways? What did you learn from that experience?
The mission of the church is to “make disciples who make disciples.” What is one practical step you can take this week to invest in someone else’s spiritual growth, either in your family, church, or community?
The sermon talks about leaving a legacy for the next generation. What kind of spiritual legacy do you want to leave? What is one thing you can do this month to move toward that goal?

Sermon Clips

Church, from the conception of this church, there has been stated numerous of times, unapologetically, in fact, that the authority for this church is the B -I -B -L -E, known as the Bible. Therefore, we are not confused about the clarion call that God has commissioned us to do. [00:41:34]

And according to the Bible, our mission is accomplished when we baptize people, when we teach individuals how to observe the commandments of God from the Word of God. [00:43:14]

In other words, church, being a disciple of Jesus Christ will impact and affect our head, our heart, as well as our hands. [00:44:17]

As disciples of Jesus Christ, we are compelled to grow spiritually, to serve our community by providing love and hope for the broken world through the gospel of Jesus Christ, but also by creating spaces where God's love can flourish. [00:44:30]

It's going to be a space that testifies about our faith in God. It's a place where our children, our teens, our young adults and adults can experience supernatural encounter with God as we learn, as we grow, as we fellowship, as we serve one another and for our community as disciples of Jesus Christ on this side of glory. [00:45:46]

If God has birthed a vision in your heart, the day will come where you will be called upon to make a sacrifice to achieve it. He says, and when you have to make the sacrifice, there are no guarantees of success. [00:46:46]

We have a God -sized vision, but our unwillingness to commit to accomplish that vision means we will not take the necessary risk or make the necessary sacrifice to achieve God -sized vision. [00:47:09]

People will make a difference in their world when they are committed to what could be. We call that vision. [00:47:35]

What do we need to know in giving God the best that I got? Well, in 2 Samuel, David had a desire, 2 Samuel chapter 7, David had a desire and a vision to build God a permanent sanctuary or permanent house. [00:48:23]

The first thing you and I have to understand it's going to take here it is a personal devotion and a personal sacrifice to God did you hear what I said it's going to take a personal devotion and a personal sacrifice to God. [00:50:03]

He says for the temple is not for man but for the Lord God some of y 'all miss y 'all shout cue right there he says that the temple is not for man it is for the Lord God church this truth should be the calling card of our testimony and building God a permanent facility because our new campus will not be for us it's gonna be for God to do. [00:52:15]

Church, it is our personal devotion to God that gives us the outlook and the grid to help us to understand that what we are doing for God is not for ourselves, which keeps us from bragging, boasting, and being prideful about what God's going to do in our life. [00:55:03]

God, church, is interested in you and me being disciples who have a biblical worldview of life that makes ourselves available to God in ways that God can meet the needs and fulfill our church vision by not only using us for this current generation, but guess what you and I get an opportunity to do? We get an opportunity to leave a legacy for the next generation. [00:56:22]

Family, we have an opportunity to leave a legacy driven by our spiritual connection of discipleship that view our devotion as a plug -in to connect with God's purpose in reaching the lost people with the gospel of Jesus Christ and therefore our devotion which leads us to a personal sacrifice. [00:56:55]

Church, these actions allows us to give something valuable for the sake of others specifically for the glory of God. [00:57:20]

God would rather have your heart than your money any day this is not a transaction and I know we're used to doing and so what we have to do we gotta look at this new level and this new level of faith in him showing that we can trust him showing that we know his promises. [01:00:35]

Church, it's our personal devotion our personal sacrifice should allow us to be more confident that we have joy it shouldn't be a burden to give to God because really giving to God really says what you believe do you trust him do you love him because church we get to participate in a new communion of God's work and other believers as well to become a part of something that's larger than the spiritual vision and the fruitfulness that God has for our lives now he wants to be connected to something greater. [01:01:41]

The people the Bible says that after they gave willingly and sacrificially they rejoiced because they had given here it is willingly to the Lord with their whole heart they gave out of their sacrifice because their heart was right with God because they knew what they were doing for the glory of God and the Bible says that David also rejoiced. [01:02:52]

This type of attitude this action of willingness and generosity should not be the exception for the children of God did you hear what I said it should not be the exception we shouldn't have to say we need to build a building for us to be generous towards God for us to have a willingness for God to use us to help do something for the kingdom of God it should be the norm of our lives to be willingly and generous for what God wants us to give. [01:06:26]

David understood church that all the materials all the resources even the people themselves it all belonged to God David says that both riches and honor it's in your Bible come from you and you rule over all and in your hands is power and might. [01:07:47]

When we have this proper perspective of God that all that we have all that we give belongs to him it should change our attitude and our actions towards giving we must understand that we are here it is stewards over the things that God has allowed us possess in our lives. [01:09:01]

God has here it is richly provided everything we have or will have and we should generously and gratefully have the opportunity to give. [01:09:58]

The truth of that passage helps us to understand that God owns everything. As the creator, as the maker, he is the giver of all things. And when we give, hear me, when we give, we're giving a portion back to what he already owns. [01:12:10]

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