Investing Our Gifts: Living Sacrificially for Christ
Summary
In today's sermon, we explored the profound themes of sacrifice and investment, drawing inspiration from the Parable of the Talents in Matthew 25:14-30. This parable illustrates a man going on a journey who entrusts his wealth to his servants according to their abilities. Upon his return, he assesses their stewardship. The servants who invested and multiplied their talents were commended, while the one who buried his talent was condemned.
This parable is a metaphor for our lives as followers of Christ. We are each given a variety of gifts, not just financial but also our time, talents, and abilities. The expectation is that we use these gifts to further God's kingdom, to build up the church, and to serve others. The master's return symbolizes Jesus' second coming and the final judgment, emphasizing the urgency of our mission.
We delved into the concept of living as a "living sacrifice," as Paul urges in Romans 12:1. This means offering all that we are and all that we do to God as an act of worship. It challenges us to reflect on whether our words and actions throughout the week have been holy and pleasing to God.
Furthermore, we discussed the importance of recognizing that we are all part of the body of Christ, each with unique gifts and roles to play. Whether it's prophesying, serving, teaching, encouraging, giving, leading, or showing mercy, we all have something to contribute to the work of the church and the expansion of God's kingdom.
The sermon also touched on the practical application of these principles through our church's "Foundations for the Future" campaign. We are called to sacrificially invest in the future of our church community, just as we are called to invest in God's kingdom.
Lastly, we were reminded of the ultimate sacrifice made for us—God giving His only Son so that we may have eternal life. Our response to this sacrifice should be one of gratitude, leading us to live lives of sacrifice and investment in return.
Key Takeaways:
- The Parable of the Talents teaches us that God entrusts us with resources according to our abilities, and He expects us to use them to further His kingdom. This is not just about financial investment but also about investing our time, talents, and abilities for God's glory. [43:02]
- Living as a "living sacrifice" means that every aspect of our lives should be an act of worship to God. This challenges us to consider whether our daily words and actions align with God's will and whether they contribute positively to the lives of others and the mission of the church. [45:57]
- We are all part of the body of Christ, and each of us has a role to play. No matter how small or insignificant we may feel, our contributions are vital to the health and growth of the church. We must embrace our gifts and use them in service to one another. [47:29]
- Sacrificial giving is not just about the amount we give but the heart behind it. Whether we can contribute a little or a lot, what matters is the willingness to give sacrificially, trusting that God will use our offerings to accomplish His work in the world. [50:58]
- The story of Gladys Kid and Vincent Hallinan illustrates the power of sacrifice and the impact it can have on the lives of others. As Christians, we are called to make sacrifices that may seem great, but they pale in comparison to the sacrifice Christ made for us. Let us be inspired to give generously of ourselves for the sake of others. [54:05]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Matthew 25:14-30 (Parable of the Talents)
- Romans 12:1 ("Living Sacrifice")
#### Observation Questions
1. In the Parable of the Talents, what did the master do with his wealth before going on his journey? (Matthew 25:14-15)
2. How did the servants with five and two talents respond to their master's trust? (Matthew 25:16-17)
3. What was the master's reaction to the servant who buried his talent? (Matthew 25:24-30)
4. According to Romans 12:1, what does Paul urge believers to offer to God, and how should it be offered?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does the Parable of the Talents teach us about the use of our gifts and resources in the context of God's kingdom? (Matthew 25:14-30)
2. How does the concept of being a "living sacrifice" challenge our daily actions and decisions? (Romans 12:1)
3. In what ways can the different roles within the body of Christ, as mentioned in the sermon, contribute to the health and growth of the church? (ex [47:29])
4. How does the story of Jessica Roa and her parents illustrate the themes of sacrifice and investment in a modern context? (ex [36:51])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on the gifts and talents God has entrusted to you. How are you currently using them to further God's kingdom? Are there areas where you feel you could do more? (ex [42:15])
2. Consider your daily actions and words over the past week. Have they been holy and pleasing to God? What specific changes can you make to align more closely with being a "living sacrifice"? (ex [45:57])
3. Identify a specific way you can contribute to the body of Christ in your church. Whether it's through prophesying, serving, teaching, encouraging, giving, leading, or showing mercy, what steps can you take to embrace and use your unique gifts? (ex [48:11])
4. The sermon emphasized sacrificial giving, not just in terms of money but also time and talents. What is one practical way you can give sacrificially this week, trusting that God will use your offering for His work? (ex [50:58])
5. Reflect on the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ. How does this inspire you to live a life of gratitude and sacrificial investment in others? What specific actions can you take to demonstrate this in your daily life? (ex [37:36])
6. The story of Gladys Kid and Vincent Hallinan highlights the power of sacrifice for the sake of others. Think of a situation where you can make a significant sacrifice to help someone else. What steps will you take to act on this? (ex [54:05])
7. How can you support the "Foundations for the Future" campaign in your church? What specific commitment can you make to invest in the future of your church community? (ex [01:01:48])
Devotional
Day 1: Stewardship of God-Given Resources
God entrusts us with various resources, and He expects us to use them wisely and productively. This is not limited to financial means but extends to all gifts, including time, talents, and abilities. These are not merely for personal gain but are provided to further His kingdom. The Parable of the Talents serves as a powerful reminder that each person is given something to manage on behalf of God, and it is through faithful stewardship that one can honor the Giver. It is essential to recognize that these resources are not our own but are given to us to invest in a way that brings glory to God and furthers His purposes on earth.
"Whoever is faithful in very little is also faithful in much, and whoever is dishonest in very little is also dishonest in much. If then you have not been faithful in the unrighteous wealth, who will entrust to you the true riches?" (Luke 16:10-11 ESV)
Reflection: How are you currently investing the resources God has entrusted to you, and what steps can you take to improve your stewardship? [43:02]
Day 2: Worship Through Daily Living
Living as a "living sacrifice" entails dedicating every aspect of one's life to God, transforming daily actions into acts of worship. This concept challenges individuals to examine their daily words and deeds, ensuring they align with God's will. It is about making conscious choices that reflect a life dedicated to God, where even mundane tasks are performed with the intention of glorifying Him. This way of living requires a continuous effort to align one's life with the principles of the Bible, seeking to be holy and pleasing to God in all circumstances.
"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." (Romans 12:2 ESV)
Reflection: Consider your daily routines. What are some specific ways you can transform your regular activities into acts of worship? [45:57]
Day 3: Embracing Our Role in the Body of Christ
Every believer has a unique role within the body of Christ, and each gift is essential for the health and growth of the church. It is crucial to recognize and embrace these gifts, understanding that no contribution is too small or insignificant. By actively participating in the life of the church and using one's gifts in service to others, believers can collectively advance the mission of the church and the expansion of God's kingdom.
"As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace." (1 Peter 4:10 ESV)
Reflection: What are your spiritual gifts, and how can you actively use them to serve others in your church community? [47:29]
Day 4: The Heart Behind Sacrificial Giving
Sacrificial giving is about the heart's intention rather than the amount given. It is a willingness to give what one can, with a trusting spirit that God will use these offerings for His purposes. This form of giving reflects a deep understanding of God's generosity and a desire to participate in His work, regardless of one's financial capacity. It is an act of faith, acknowledging that all resources come from God and are to be used for His glory.
"Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." (2 Corinthians 9:7 ESV)
Reflection: What does sacrificial giving look like in your life, and how can you cultivate a more generous heart? [50:58]
Day 5: Inspired by the Ultimate Sacrifice
The ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ for humanity is the foundation of Christian faith and the inspiration for believers to live sacrificially. This sacrifice calls for a response of gratitude, motivating believers to give of themselves generously. The story of Gladys Kid and Vincent Hallinan exemplifies the impact that personal sacrifice can have on others. Christians are encouraged to reflect on Christ's sacrifice and to consider how they can emulate this selflessness in their own lives, making meaningful sacrifices for the benefit of others and the glory of God.
"By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers." (1 John 3:16 ESV)
Reflection: Reflecting on Christ's sacrifice for you, what are some ways you can make personal sacrifices to help and serve others? [54:05]
Quotes
1) "Everything we are as Christians relates back to that gift of sacrifice and our call as Christians is to live a life of investment, to live a life of sacrifice not so much for necessarily ourselves but to live a life of sacrifice building and expanding God's kingdom." [38:26]
2) "Harry Ironside said it well, he kind of summed up the Christian Journey... 'No sacrifice should be too great for him who gave himself for us.' It's the Christian Life, a life of sacrifice, of investment because of what God has done for us." [39:15]
3) "Jesus condemns the one who did not invest, who did not sacrifice, who did not use the time, the talents, the treasures, his capacity or her capacity to expand God's kingdom. It's both a sobering message but yet it's also a message of call, of reminding us why we are here, who we are, who's we are, and who we're called to be." [44:27]
4) "Therefore I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies... as a Living Sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God. This is your true and proper worship. That everything we do and say is a holy and acceptable offering to God." [45:57]
5) "We're all in this together, we're the body of Christ, and we're all important... the whole of the body is important to accomplishing God's mission and vision to bring his kingdom, to make his kingdom known in every facet of life at home, at work, in our community, throughout the world." [47:29]
6) "Friends, may we use our gifts and sacrifice, to use whatever abilities we have... for us, we have various gifts and talents and abilities and capacities, friends may we use them for the glory of the Kingdom, may we use them to help God expand his kingdom, may we use them to help build up the church." [57:13]
7) "We are blessed, God has given us time, he's given us talents, he's given us abilities, may we not take them for granted... may we strive to do just that, to live our lives sacrificially, to invest with everything we've been given, our time, our talents, our treasures, our abilities, our capacity." [53:14]
8) "What is God calling you to do in this season? May we strive to give, going back to Harry Ironside's quote, because he gave everything for us." [01:04:23]
9) "We're seeking to raise $2.5 million over a three-year period... we ask all of the other 200 plus families, 300 plus families to come alongside us in that endeavor to join us in committing and sacrificing to build foundations for the future of Asbury." [01:01:48]
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