Giving Our Best: Aligning with God's Purpose

 

Summary

In today's message, we explored the profound lessons from Genesis 4:1-5, focusing on the story of Cain and Abel. The essence of this narrative is not about the quantity of the offerings but the quality and attitude behind them. Abel's offering was accepted because he gave his best, while Cain's was rejected due to his "broke attitude." This teaches us that God values the heart and intention behind our gifts more than the gifts themselves. When we give our best to God, we open ourselves to receive His best in return. This principle is echoed in the story of Jesus multiplying the loaves and fishes, illustrating that God blesses and increases what we offer with gratitude.

We also delved into the concept of time, drawing from Ecclesiastes 3:1-15. Time is a divine gift, and understanding its seasons is crucial. Solomon's wisdom reminds us that there is a time for everything, and recognizing these times can lead to true happiness. Real happiness is not found in temporary things but in aligning our lives with God's eternal purpose. Solomon, with all his wealth and wisdom, concluded that happiness is found in living to please God. This challenges the notion that Christians must wait for heaven to experience joy. Instead, God desires for us to be happy now and forever.

To achieve this, we must cultivate three habits: creating space, developing a strategic schedule, and synchronizing our time with the divine. Creating space allows us to be present and intentional with our time. A strategic schedule, modeled after God's creation process, helps us prioritize what truly matters. Finally, synchronizing our time with God's eternal perspective ensures that we are aligned with His purpose, allowing us to experience His blessings repeatedly.

Key Takeaways:

1. Attitude in Giving: The story of Cain and Abel teaches us that God values the heart behind our offerings more than the offerings themselves. Abel's best portions were accepted because they reflected a heart of gratitude and reverence. This reminds us to give our best to God, not out of obligation, but out of love and thankfulness. [01:53]

2. Understanding Time: Ecclesiastes teaches that there is a season for everything. Recognizing and aligning with these seasons can lead to true happiness. Solomon's wisdom shows that happiness is not in material wealth but in living according to God's purpose. [06:17]

3. Real Happiness: True happiness is not found in temporary things but in aligning our lives with God's eternal purpose. Solomon's life illustrates that without God, all pursuits are vanity. God desires for us to be happy now and forever, challenging the notion that joy is reserved for the afterlife. [13:02]

4. Creating Space: To make time for what matters, we must first create space. This involves being intentional and present, allowing us to discern God's direction for our lives. Space is about direction, not just duration, and it helps us focus on what truly matters. [19:36]

5. Synchronizing with Divine Time: God's time is circular, not linear. By looking at our past and recognizing God's faithfulness, we can trust Him with our future. This perspective allows us to walk confidently into the future, knowing that God will repeat His blessings. [33:05]

Youtube Chapters:

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:50] - Cain and Abel's Offerings
[01:53] - Attitude in Giving
[03:12] - God's Increase
[04:50] - Understanding Time
[06:17] - Seasons of Life
[10:08] - Real Happiness
[13:02] - Happiness Now and Forever
[14:55] - The Sermon on the Mount
[18:06] - Creating Space
[19:36] - Space vs. Time
[22:47] - Strategic Scheduling
[28:33] - God's Work Schedule
[30:11] - Divine Timing
[33:05] - Circular Time Perspective
[35:00] - God's Faithfulness
[36:25] - Altar Call: It's Time
[37:21] - Commitment to God's Timing
[40:33] - Closing Prayer

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
- Genesis 4:1-5
- Ecclesiastes 3:1-15

#### Observation Questions
1. What were the differences in the offerings made by Cain and Abel, and how did God respond to each? [00:50]
2. According to the sermon, what is the significance of the attitude behind our offerings to God? [01:53]
3. How does Ecclesiastes describe the nature of time and its seasons? [06:17]
4. What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between happiness and aligning with God's purpose? [13:02]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the story of Cain and Abel illustrate the importance of the heart's attitude in giving? [01:53]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that understanding the seasons of time can lead to true happiness? [06:17]
3. How does the sermon challenge the traditional view of happiness being reserved for the afterlife? [13:02]
4. What does it mean to synchronize our time with God's eternal perspective, according to the sermon? [33:05]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own attitude when giving to God. Are there areas where you feel you could offer more of your best? How might this change your relationship with God? [01:53]
2. Consider the current season of your life. How can you better align your actions and decisions with God's purpose for you? [06:17]
3. The sermon suggests that real happiness is found in living according to God's purpose. What steps can you take this week to align more closely with this purpose? [13:02]
4. How can you create space in your life to be more intentional with your time? What practical changes can you make to your schedule to prioritize what truly matters? [19:36]
5. Think about a time when you felt out of sync with God's timing. What did you learn from that experience, and how can you apply those lessons now? [33:05]
6. Identify one area in your life where you feel you are too busy. What specific actions can you take to create space and allow for God's direction? [20:58]
7. How can you cultivate a habit of gratitude in your daily life, and what impact do you think this will have on your happiness and relationship with God? [03:12]

Devotional

Day 1: The Heart of Giving
The story of Cain and Abel in Genesis 4:1-5 highlights the importance of the heart and attitude behind our offerings to God. Abel's offering was accepted because it came from a place of gratitude and reverence, while Cain's was rejected due to his lack of sincerity and "broke attitude." This narrative teaches us that God values the intention behind our gifts more than the gifts themselves. When we give our best to God, not out of obligation but out of love and thankfulness, we open ourselves to receive His best in return. This principle is further illustrated in the story of Jesus multiplying the loaves and fishes, showing that God blesses and increases what we offer with a grateful heart. [01:53]

Hebrews 13:16 (ESV): "Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God."

Reflection: Think of a recent time when you gave something to someone. Was your heart in the right place? How can you ensure your future offerings, whether to God or others, come from a place of genuine love and gratitude?


Day 2: Seasons of Life
Ecclesiastes 3:1-15 reminds us that time is a divine gift, and understanding its seasons is crucial for true happiness. Solomon's wisdom teaches that there is a time for everything, and recognizing these times can lead to a fulfilling life. Real happiness is not found in temporary things but in aligning our lives with God's eternal purpose. Solomon, despite his wealth and wisdom, concluded that happiness is found in living to please God. This challenges the notion that Christians must wait for heaven to experience joy, as God desires for us to be happy now and forever. [06:17]

Ecclesiastes 7:14 (ESV): "In the day of prosperity be joyful, and in the day of adversity consider: God has made the one as well as the other, so that man may not find out anything that will be after him."

Reflection: Reflect on the current season of your life. Are you recognizing and aligning with God's purpose in this season? How can you find joy in both prosperity and adversity?


Day 3: Eternal Joy
True happiness is not found in temporary things but in aligning our lives with God's eternal purpose. Solomon's life illustrates that without God, all pursuits are vanity. God desires for us to be happy now and forever, challenging the notion that joy is reserved for the afterlife. By living according to God's purpose, we can experience a deep and lasting joy that transcends our circumstances. This understanding encourages us to seek fulfillment in our relationship with God rather than in material wealth or achievements. [13:02]

Psalm 16:11 (ESV): "You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore."

Reflection: Consider what brings you joy in your daily life. Are these sources of joy aligned with God's eternal purpose for you? How can you shift your focus to find joy in His presence?


Day 4: Creating Space for God
To make time for what truly matters, we must first create space in our lives. This involves being intentional and present, allowing us to discern God's direction for our lives. Creating space is about direction, not just duration, and it helps us focus on what truly matters. By prioritizing our time and energy, we can better align ourselves with God's will and experience His guidance and blessings. This practice requires us to be mindful of how we spend our time and to make room for God in our daily routines. [19:36]

Isaiah 30:21 (ESV): "And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, 'This is the way, walk in it,' when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left."

Reflection: Evaluate your daily schedule. Are you creating enough space to hear God's direction? What changes can you make to ensure you are intentional and present in your walk with Him?


Day 5: Trusting in God's Timing
God's time is circular, not linear. By looking at our past and recognizing God's faithfulness, we can trust Him with our future. This perspective allows us to walk confidently into the future, knowing that God will repeat His blessings. Synchronizing our time with God's eternal perspective ensures that we are aligned with His purpose, allowing us to experience His blessings repeatedly. Trusting in God's timing requires faith and patience, but it ultimately leads to a life of peace and fulfillment. [33:05]

Habakkuk 2:3 (ESV): "For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end—it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay."

Reflection: Reflect on a time when you struggled with waiting on God's timing. How can you learn to trust His faithfulness and timing in your current situation? What steps can you take to align your life with His eternal perspective?

Quotes



God cannot grow what you will not sow. And God gives glory when you get more. I know that. I know more ain't quite. It's not more. It's more. And so he can't give you more if you don't give him your best. So can we thank God that we don't have a broke attitude? [00:02:44] (19 seconds)


Time is an important discussion, because if you don't know how to tell time, you'll stay longer than you should. You'll leave before you learn, and your life will look like two bad feet to good music. You'll miss the steps that God has ordained for your life. [00:06:07] (18 seconds)


I have seen the burden God has placed on us all, yet God has made everything. Beautiful. When? In his own time. He's planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God's work from beginning to end, so I have concluded there is nothing better than to be, what's that word, and enjoy ourselves as long as we can. [00:07:06] (28 seconds)


You cannot make time. If you do not make space to think about how you want to spend your time. Time is different than space. Time is about duration. Space is about direction. Time is about how long. Space is about why you should. [00:19:57] (23 seconds)


God's schedule was strategic and a lot of the world is scattered because we find our value in being busy so our schedule looks like this can we put it up on the board can we put it up yeah our schedule is Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday eat work bills eat work bill Friday we get happy for one hour. [00:26:05] (27 seconds)


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Transcript
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