Investing in God's Kingdom Through Sacrifice and Gratitude
Summary
Feeling the presence of God is a profound experience that brings us together in worship and community. As we gather, we are reminded of the importance of our roles in building and sustaining the church. God has given us the responsibility to be co-laborers with Him, to tend to His creation, and to build His church. This partnership with God requires us to invest our time, resources, and hearts into His kingdom. We are called to make sacrifices, just as David did when he sought to build a temple for God, even though he was not the one to see it completed. His investment laid the foundation for Solomon's temple, teaching us that our sacrifices today can yield extraordinary results for future generations.
The story of Mary anointing Jesus with costly ointment illustrates the depth of gratitude and love that should drive our giving. Her act of worship was not about the value of the ointment but about the value of what Jesus had done for her. This challenges us to consider what we are willing to give for the kingdom of God. Our sacrifices, whether financial, time, or effort, are not just about the immediate results but about investing in something greater than ourselves.
As we look to the future, we are reminded of the need for a new building to accommodate our growing congregation. This requires extraordinary sacrifice from each of us. We are called to fast, pray, and give generously, trusting that God will honor our sacrifices and provide for our needs. Just as Elijah's sacrifice on Mount Carmel brought about a miraculous response from God, our sacrifices can lead to extraordinary outcomes.
In the coming weeks, let us seek God's guidance on how we can contribute to the future of our church. Let us be willing to give more than we have before, knowing that God will do more than we can imagine. Our sacrifices are not just about what we give up but about what we gain in return—an opportunity to be part of God's work and to see His kingdom grow.
Key Takeaways:
- Partnership with God: We are co-laborers with God, entrusted with the responsibility to build His church. This partnership requires us to invest our time, resources, and hearts into His kingdom, knowing that our efforts are part of a greater plan. [05:25]
- The Value of Sacrifice: Our sacrifices today, like David's investment in the temple, can yield extraordinary results for future generations. We are called to give our best to God, understanding that true worship involves giving something of value. [22:39]
- Gratitude in Giving: Mary's act of anointing Jesus with costly ointment teaches us that our giving should be driven by gratitude for what God has done for us. Our sacrifices are not about the cost but about the heart behind them. [46:47]
- Extraordinary Sacrifice, Extraordinary Results: Just as Elijah's sacrifice on Mount Carmel brought about a miraculous response, our sacrifices can lead to extraordinary outcomes. We are called to give generously, trusting that God will honor our efforts. [57:12]
- Investing in the Future: As we look to the future, we are reminded of the need for a new building to accommodate our growing congregation. This requires us to seek God's guidance and be willing to give more than we have before, knowing that our sacrifices are an investment in the kingdom of God. [59:12]
Youtube Chapters:
- [0:00] - Welcome
- [00:40] - Announcements and Fundraiser
- [01:42] - Pastor's Absence and Reflections
- [03:50] - Feeling the Holy Spirit
- [04:21] - God's Work Through People
- [05:25] - Co-laborers with God
- [06:09] - David's Transgression and Redemption
- [13:44] - Building the Ark and the Church
- [18:35] - The Importance of Sacrifice
- [22:39] - David's Full Price Offering
- [25:39] - Solomon's Wisdom and Sacrifice
- [30:30] - David's Rejection and Investment
- [34:40] - Messiah, the Son of David
- [36:11] - Personal Sacrifices and God's Provision
- [39:53] - Building the Future Church
- [41:09] - The Worth of the Kingdom
- [43:40] - God Honors Sacrifice
- [45:47] - Mary's Anointing of Jesus
- [50:25] - The Aroma of Sacrifice
- [56:24] - Preparing for Future Offerings
- [59:12] - Extraordinary Sacrifice, Extraordinary Results
- [01:03:18] - Call to Action and Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. 1 Chronicles 21:18-30 - David's purchase of the threshing floor and his offering to God.
2. 1 Chronicles 22:1-19 - David's preparation for the building of the temple.
3. John 12:1-8 - Mary anointing Jesus with costly ointment.
#### Observation Questions
1. What was David's response to the judgment of God upon Israel, and how did he seek to rectify his transgression? ([06:09])
2. How did Mary demonstrate her gratitude and love for Jesus in John 12:1-8, and what was the reaction of those around her? ([46:47])
3. What role does sacrifice play in the stories of David and Mary, and how is it portrayed as an act of worship? ([22:39])
4. How does the sermon describe the relationship between extraordinary sacrifice and extraordinary results, using the example of Elijah on Mount Carmel? ([57:12])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. In what ways does the sermon suggest that believers are co-laborers with God, and how does this partnership manifest in the building of the church? ([05:25])
2. How does the story of David's preparation for the temple illustrate the concept of investing in future generations, and what lessons can be drawn from his actions? ([31:32])
3. What does Mary's act of anointing Jesus teach about the nature of true worship and the value of sacrifice? How does this challenge contemporary views on giving? ([46:47])
4. How does the sermon connect the idea of personal sacrifice to the growth and future of the church community? ([39:53])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your current contributions to your church community. In what ways can you become more actively involved as a co-laborer with God? ([05:25])
2. Consider a time when you made a significant sacrifice for someone else. How did that experience impact you, and what did you learn about the value of giving? ([46:47])
3. The sermon emphasizes the importance of investing in future generations. What specific actions can you take to support the growth and development of your church's youth and future leaders? ([31:32])
4. How can you cultivate a heart of gratitude in your giving, similar to Mary's example? What practical steps can you take to ensure your sacrifices are meaningful and heartfelt? ([46:47])
5. The sermon calls for extraordinary sacrifice to achieve extraordinary results. What is one area of your life where you feel called to make a significant sacrifice, and how can you prepare for it? ([57:12])
6. Reflect on the current needs of your church community. How can you contribute to meeting these needs, whether through financial support, volunteering, or prayer? ([39:53])
7. How can you encourage others in your small group or church community to embrace the call to sacrifice and invest in the future of the church? ([01:03:18])
Devotional
I'm ready to provide the 5-day devotional based on the steps outlined. Here it is:
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Day 1: Co-Laboring with God in His Kingdom
In our journey of faith, we are called to be co-laborers with God, entrusted with the responsibility to build His church. This partnership is not passive; it requires active participation and investment of our time, resources, and hearts into His kingdom. As we engage in this divine collaboration, we become part of a greater plan that transcends our individual efforts. The work we do today is not just for the present but lays the foundation for future generations to continue building upon. This is a sacred trust that God has placed in us, and it is both a privilege and a responsibility to be part of His work. [05:25]
1 Corinthians 3:9-10 (ESV): "For we are God’s fellow workers. You are God’s field, God’s building. According to the grace of God given to me, like a skilled master builder I laid a foundation, and someone else is building upon it. Let each one take care how he builds upon it."
Reflection: What specific actions can you take this week to actively participate in building God's kingdom within your community?
Day 2: The Lasting Impact of Sacrifice
The story of David's desire to build a temple for God, despite not being the one to see it completed, teaches us about the lasting impact of sacrifice. David's investment laid the groundwork for Solomon's temple, illustrating that our sacrifices today can yield extraordinary results for future generations. True worship involves giving something of value, and it is through these sacrifices that we contribute to a legacy that extends beyond our lifetime. This challenges us to consider what we are willing to give for the kingdom of God, understanding that our efforts are part of a larger narrative that God is weaving. [22:39]
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: What is one area in your life where you can make a meaningful sacrifice for the benefit of others or the church?
Day 3: Gratitude as the Heart of Giving
Mary's act of anointing Jesus with costly ointment is a profound example of giving driven by gratitude. Her worship was not about the monetary value of the ointment but about the immeasurable value of what Jesus had done for her. This act challenges us to examine the motivations behind our giving. Are we giving out of obligation, or is our giving a reflection of our gratitude for God's work in our lives? When we give with a heart full of gratitude, our sacrifices become a fragrant offering to God, transcending the material and touching the divine. [46:47]
Mark 14:3-6 (ESV): "And while he was at Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he was reclining at table, a woman came with an alabaster flask of ointment of pure nard, very costly, and she broke the flask and poured it over his head. There were some who said to themselves indignantly, 'Why was the ointment wasted like that?'"
Reflection: Reflect on a recent act of giving. Was it motivated by gratitude? How can you cultivate a heart of gratitude in your daily life?
Day 4: Trusting God with Extraordinary Sacrifices
The story of Elijah's sacrifice on Mount Carmel demonstrates that extraordinary sacrifices can lead to miraculous outcomes. We are called to give generously, trusting that God will honor our efforts and provide for our needs. This requires faith and a willingness to step out of our comfort zones, believing that God can do more than we can imagine. As we make these sacrifices, we are reminded that they are not just about what we give up but about what we gain in return—an opportunity to witness God's power and to be part of His miraculous work. [57:12]
1 Kings 18:36-38 (ESV): "And at the time of the offering of the oblation, Elijah the prophet came near and said, 'O Lord, God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, let it be known this day that you are God in Israel, and that I am your servant, and that I have done all these things at your word. Answer me, O Lord, answer me, that this people may know that you, O Lord, are God, and that you have turned their hearts back.' Then the fire of the Lord fell and consumed the burnt offering and the wood and the stones and the dust, and licked up the water that was in the trench."
Reflection: What is one extraordinary sacrifice you feel God is calling you to make? How can you trust Him to provide as you step out in faith?
Day 5: Investing in the Future of God's Kingdom
As we look to the future, we are reminded of the need to invest in the growth of God's kingdom. This may involve building new spaces for worship, expanding ministries, or reaching out to new communities. Such endeavors require us to seek God's guidance and be willing to give more than we have before. Our sacrifices are an investment in the kingdom of God, and we trust that He will use them to accomplish more than we can imagine. As we invest in the future, we are participating in a divine legacy that will impact generations to come. [59:12]
Haggai 2:9 (ESV): "The latter glory of this house shall be greater than the former, says the Lord of hosts. And in this place I will give peace, declares the Lord of hosts."
Reflection: How can you contribute to the future growth of your church or community? What steps can you take this week to begin this investment?
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Quotes
1. "You know, God can do anything, but he always does it through people. Isn't that interesting? You know, he said, upon this rock, I will build my church. But isn't it interesting that we lay the bricks, we get the sticks, we pull together everything that's necessary for the house of the Lord. But the people God builds, we got to preach to him, we got to teach him, we got to disciple him, we got to pray for him, we got to care for him. But he says, I build my church. You don't get through this life without doing the work of the Lord. We're together laborers with him." [04:21] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Every one of us owe our salvation to other people's investment in the kingdom of God. And that's why I'm here today. Somebody gave it all. That we might have this today? We'll never know their names, but God does. Good night. You talk about a sacrifice. Was going to do. Family faithful when only Noah heard God. And only he and his family were saved. Noah, it was hard, but Noah, you saved your family. Extraordinary sacrifice got an extraordinary reward. Noah, it wasn't easy. Your sacrifice of obedience brought extraordinary results." [20:43] (113 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "No. God that costs me nothing. To be a good offering to God. That is an attitude of a man that understands worship, that understands giving God your best. It's not worth anything if it doesn't cost you anything. I don't know how you feel, but I know how God feels. God said, don't you bring me a lamb if it's got a blemish on it. Spotless. But you know, in my garden, when. You know we're going to give it away. If you're going to give to the. Your best, you give your best. Give me the leftovers, I don't want it. But if it costs you something, if it's worth something to you, God says, that's worth something to me." [25:39] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "And the thing pleased God. And God didn't just stop there. But you want to know something? It began way before that. It began way back in the past when David was still on the throne. David prayed for his son Solomon. And let me read what he says. Amen. Prayer must be backed up by sacrifice. God delights in your prayers. Think about that. Prayer of the upright is his delight. It's about relationship. God, I need to lead this people. A thousand years of learning. God gave him wisdom and understanding. It is own he got from goddess through sacrifice." [30:30] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Sacrifice affects you. It changes you. Jesus. Exceptional blessings upon our lives deserve. Exceptional offering. How much has Jesus done for you? What has the Lord done for you, church? I'm serious. What's God done for you? How much is this worth? You know how much he thought you were worth. Just wait, Calvary, now, how much is he worth? How much is what he's done worth to you? You know, I cannot begin to tell you the weights, the difficulties in the last 40 plus years of ministry that I have given. There's been hard times." [51:49] (85 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "It's worth anything. It's worth Calvary. It's worth the Lord on a cross. You say, oh, all you want's my money. Honey, I don't even care about your money. I want your heart. I want your visions and dreams for the kingdom of God. And I promise you, here's the flip of the coin. Here. I promise you, whatever you do, God will do more. You cannot outgive God, Sister Jennifer, you've been such a faithful woman from the time you came to Calvary. Many times you've made me have a heart of just feeling, weeping for you. God bless her, bless her husband, bless her kids. Because your sacrifice, I feel it. I'm just a man." [01:07:52] (75 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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