Living Sacrifices: Giving God Our First and Best
Summary
### Summary
Welcome, everyone, to our service today. It's a joy to gather together, whether you're here in person or joining us from one of our satellite campuses. Today, we delve into Romans 12:1, which urges us to present our bodies as living and holy sacrifices, acceptable to God. This is our spiritual service of worship. We are alive, but are we holy? Holiness means being set apart for God. Our lives should be a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is our spiritual service of worship.
We then turn to the story of Cain and Abel in Genesis 4. Cain's offering was not accepted by God, while Abel's was. This raises the question: Why didn't God accept Cain's offering, and does He accept ours today? This story from the beginning of time has profound implications for us today. It teaches us about the nature of acceptable worship and the importance of giving God our first and best.
In our modern church culture, there's a tendency towards lackadaisical worship—a "bless me if you can" attitude. This is not pleasing to God. Proverbs 6:16-19 lists things that the Lord hates, such as haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood. These are the works of the flesh, and God detests them because they bring about destruction and division. We must be vigilant and ensure that our lives are not producing what God hates.
I asked everyone to stand and touch the pew they were sitting on. That warm spot is not your spiritual service of worship. Jesus did not come to save you so you could warm a pew. We are a royal priesthood, a holy nation, and our lives should reflect that. We must act like it in the way we live, give, and speak. Is our offering, our life, acceptable to God?
The Lord's words to Cain in Genesis 4:6-7 are crucial: "If you do well, will your face not be cheerful? And if you do not do well, sin is lurking at the door. Its desire is for you, but you must master it." This teaches us that we will always get what we give. Serving ourselves brings a return that only we can afford, but serving God brings a return that only He can provide.
We then prayed, thanking God for His grace and mercy. We acknowledged that in His house, we can feel free and let our chains fall. God is our chain breaker and way maker. We prayed for eyes to see, ears to hear, and hearts to receive His word.
Matthew 6:24 reminds us that no one can serve two masters. We cannot serve both God and wealth. Maturity in Christ means giving God our first and best. This transforms our money into a seed for the kingdom, breaks greed and self-reliance, and lets everything else in our lives know that God is first.
Lackadaisical worship does not impress the Lord. We must take our spiritual service of worship seriously. Without our tithes and offerings, we cannot reach the community or create an atmosphere conducive to worship. We are blessed with the freedom to worship openly, unlike many places in the world where Christians face persecution.
Finally, we must ask ourselves if our lives are pleasing to God. There is no middle ground; we are either living lives that are acceptable to God or not. If you feel that your life is not pleasing to God, know that there is hope. God does not hate you; He is ready and willing to accept you if you turn to Him with a sincere heart.
### Key Takeaways
1. Present Your Bodies as a Living Sacrifice: Romans 12:1 calls us to present our bodies as living and holy sacrifices, acceptable to God. This means our lives should be set apart for Him, reflecting holiness in all we do. It's not just about being alive but being holy and acceptable to God in our daily actions and decisions. [06:17]
2. God Desires Our First and Best: The story of Cain and Abel teaches us the importance of giving God our first and best. Abel's offering was accepted because it was from the firstborn of his flock, while Cain's was not. This principle applies to us today; God is interested in our first and best, not our leftovers. [13:34]
3. Lackadaisical Worship is Unacceptable: In our modern church culture, there's a tendency towards a nonchalant attitude in worship. Proverbs 6:16-19 lists things that the Lord hates, and we must ensure our lives do not produce these detestable things. Our worship should be intentional and wholehearted, reflecting our devotion to God. [26:21]
4. You Will Always Get What You Give: Genesis 4:6-7 teaches that if we do well, we will be cheerful, but if not, sin is lurking at the door. Serving ourselves brings limited returns, but serving God brings abundant blessings. We must master sin and give God our best to see His hand move powerfully in our lives. [31:24]
5. God is Jealous for Your Heart: God desires a deep, personal relationship with us. He is a jealous God, not of us, but for us. He wants our hearts fully devoted to Him. When we give God our first and best, we align ourselves with His will and open the door for His blessings and guidance in our lives. [44:18]
### Youtube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:53] - Introduction and Prayer
[03:12] - The Story of Cain and Abel
[05:43] - Romans 12:1: Living Sacrifice
[06:17] - What is Holy and Acceptable
[08:46] - Why God Didn't Accept Cain's Offering
[12:35] - God Desires Our First and Best
[13:34] - The Impact of Your Tithe
[18:06] - Transforming Money into a Seed
[19:59] - Lackadaisical Worship
[23:03] - The Importance of Tithing
[26:21] - Things the Lord Hates
[28:02] - Illustration: Warming the Pew
[29:27] - Act Like a Royal Priesthood
[31:24] - Mastering Sin
[33:08] - Serving Two Masters
[38:34] - Kingdom Purpose
[40:27] - Fasting from the World
[42:19] - Living a Life Pleasing to God
[44:18] - God is Jealous for Your Heart
[46:01] - Snap Out of Spiritual Cruise Control
[47:44] - Call to Action and Altar Call
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Romans 12:1 - "Therefore I urge you, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship."
2. Genesis 4:6-7 - "Then the Lord said to Cain, 'Why are you angry? And why is your face gloomy? If you do well, will your face not be cheerful? And if you do not do well, sin is lurking at the door; and its desire is for you, but you must master it.'"
3. Matthew 6:24 - "No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Romans 12:1 urge believers to do with their bodies, and why is this significant?
2. In Genesis 4:6-7, what does God tell Cain about doing well and mastering sin?
3. According to Matthew 6:24, why is it impossible to serve two masters, and what are the two masters mentioned?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does presenting our bodies as a living and holy sacrifice relate to our daily actions and decisions? ([06:17])
2. What can we learn from the story of Cain and Abel about the nature of acceptable worship to God? ([08:46])
3. How does the concept of serving two masters apply to our modern-day struggles with priorities and devotion? ([33:08])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your daily life: In what ways can you present your body as a living and holy sacrifice to God? Are there specific areas where you struggle with this? ([06:17])
2. Think about your offerings to God, whether time, talents, or resources. Are you giving God your first and best, or are you giving Him leftovers? How can you improve in this area? ([13:34])
3. Consider the concept of lackadaisical worship. Have you ever found yourself in a "bless me if you can" attitude during worship? How can you shift to a more intentional and wholehearted worship? ([19:59])
4. Reflect on the statement, "You will always get what you give." How have you seen this principle play out in your life, either positively or negatively? ([31:24])
5. Examine your heart: Are there areas where you are trying to serve two masters? How can you prioritize serving God above all else? ([33:08])
6. How can you ensure that your life is producing what God loves rather than what He hates, as listed in Proverbs 6:16-19? ([26:21])
7. If you feel that your life is not pleasing to God, what steps can you take to turn to Him with a sincere heart and make changes? ([42:19])
Devotional
### Day 1: Living Sacrifice
Theme: Presenting our lives as holy and acceptable to God.
Description: Romans 12:1 calls us to present our bodies as living and holy sacrifices, acceptable to God. This means our lives should be set apart for Him, reflecting holiness in all we do. It's not just about being alive but being holy and acceptable to God in our daily actions and decisions. Holiness involves being set apart for God's purposes, and this requires intentionality in how we live, give, and speak. We must ask ourselves if our lives are a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God. This is our spiritual service of worship, and it goes beyond merely attending church or participating in religious activities. It is about embodying the values and character of Christ in every aspect of our lives. [06:17]
Bible Passage: "But as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, 'You shall be holy, for I am holy.'" (1 Peter 1:15-16, ESV)
Reflection: In what specific ways can you set apart your daily actions and decisions to reflect holiness and be acceptable to God?
### Day 2: First and Best
Theme: God desires our first and best offerings.
Description: The story of Cain and Abel in Genesis 4 teaches us the importance of giving God our first and best. Abel's offering was accepted because it was from the firstborn of his flock, while Cain's was not. This principle applies to us today; God is interested in our first and best, not our leftovers. When we prioritize God in our giving, whether it be our time, resources, or talents, we honor Him and acknowledge His sovereignty in our lives. This act of giving our first and best is a tangible expression of our faith and trust in God's provision and goodness. It is a reminder that everything we have comes from Him, and we are merely stewards of His blessings. [13:34]
Bible Passage: "Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine." (Proverbs 3:9-10, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you can start giving God your first and best instead of your leftovers?
### Day 3: Intentional Worship
Theme: Lackadaisical worship is unacceptable to God.
Description: In our modern church culture, there's a tendency towards a nonchalant attitude in worship. Proverbs 6:16-19 lists things that the Lord hates, and we must ensure our lives do not produce these detestable things. Our worship should be intentional and wholehearted, reflecting our devotion to God. Lackadaisical worship, characterized by a "bless me if you can" attitude, is not pleasing to God. True worship involves a sincere heart and a genuine desire to honor and glorify God. It requires us to be fully present and engaged, not just going through the motions. We must examine our hearts and attitudes towards worship and strive to offer God the reverence and adoration He deserves. [26:21]
Bible Passage: "These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me; in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men." (Matthew 15:8-9, ESV)
Reflection: How can you make your worship more intentional and wholehearted, ensuring it reflects your true devotion to God?
### Day 4: Mastering Sin
Theme: You will always get what you give.
Description: Genesis 4:6-7 teaches that if we do well, we will be cheerful, but if not, sin is lurking at the door. Serving ourselves brings limited returns, but serving God brings abundant blessings. We must master sin and give God our best to see His hand move powerfully in our lives. This passage reminds us of the constant battle between our flesh and our spirit. Sin is always waiting for an opportunity to take hold, but we have the power through Christ to overcome it. By choosing to serve God and live according to His will, we open ourselves up to His blessings and favor. It is a daily choice to reject sin and pursue righteousness, knowing that our efforts will be rewarded by God. [31:24]
Bible Passage: "For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live." (Romans 8:13, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of your life where sin is lurking at the door, and how can you take steps to master it and give God your best?
### Day 5: Devoted Hearts
Theme: God is jealous for your heart.
Description: God desires a deep, personal relationship with us. He is a jealous God, not of us, but for us. He wants our hearts fully devoted to Him. When we give God our first and best, we align ourselves with His will and open the door for His blessings and guidance in our lives. This jealousy is not born out of insecurity but out of a profound love and desire for our well-being. God knows that when our hearts are divided, we cannot fully experience the fullness of His love and purpose for our lives. By prioritizing our relationship with God and giving Him our undivided attention and devotion, we allow Him to work in and through us in powerful ways. [44:18]
Bible Passage: "For you shall worship no other god, for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God." (Exodus 34:14, ESV)
Reflection: What steps can you take today to ensure that your heart is fully devoted to God, free from distractions and divided loyalties?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "I still believe that we have the most freedom out of everybody. I still believe that God has his hand on America and can really do something through a revival spirit that will sweep this nation. I believe God is at work here in America and we have these freedoms to worship in this way. But unfortunately, I believe that for the modern church culture of today, it's transformed or transitioned or made way for a lackadaisical worship, a worship that is nonchalant, a bless me if you can attitude." [26:21]
2. "You will always get what you give. Serving yourself brings a return that only you can afford. And some of us are broke. But when you bring your first and your best to God, no matter if it's a little, God can do a lot with a little bit. And so no matter if it's as little as the widow's two mites or bigger, the return will always be so much more because God can take a little bit and make it a lot. How many of you know that? God can take a little bit of obedience and make it a ton of reward." [31:24]
3. "As we try to live a Christian life. As we try to be good people. Following the Lord and his statutes. Reading the word of God. Praying. How do we please God? Did you know your life can please the Lord? Like there are things that you can do that make the Lord happy. Now, mind you. We learned in Romans that it's already enough that Jesus died on the cross for your sin. He's paid the way for you. You are settled by the way of the cross. If you placed your faith in Jesus. In the Father's eyes. He sees his son on you." [09:27]
4. "Listen, church, the moment you decide to give God your first and your best above everything else, no matter if it hurts, no matter if it causes a little worry or anxiety, come what may, the moment that you decide that upon your profession of faith, you're going to give God your first and your best in everything as your spiritual service of worship to the Lord, you will instantly see the reward of your effort." [44:18]
5. "God is interested in your first and your best church. God is most interested in your first and your best. Let's look at Genesis chapter 4 verses 3 through 4. The Bible says this. Bless you. The Bible didn't say bless you. But bless you in this moment. So it came about in the course of time that Cain brought an offering to the Lord. From the fruit of the ground. Okay. Abel on his part also brought an offering. From the firstborn of his flock. And their fatted. Portions. The first. And his best. His first. And his best. You say it with me. His first. And his best. God is interested. In your first. And your best." [13:03]
### Quotes for Members
1. "It's crazy how in tune you get with the Lord when everything you do and say has eternal and kingdom impact because it's your service of worship to the Lord. I know 2020, it did something to us. It put us on coast. It really did. It caused a lot of us to set our spiritual service of worship on cruise control. Snap out of it, church. God's got so much more in mind for you than what you've been experiencing. God's got so much more in mind for you. He is able to do exceedingly and abundantly more than we could ever ask or think." [46:01]
2. "Lackadaisical worship does not impress the Lord. And this, unfortunately, is the state in which we live, as the church today. And what I mean by that is church culture. Not necessarily overcome church, but church culture today is very lackadaisical when it comes to this concept or this ideal, this precept from the word of God. When it comes to living a life of worship to the Lord tangibly through our service, by the way we walk, talk, act, live, speak, eat or drink, 1 Corinthians 10, 31 might say. Whatever we do, let it be done for the glory of the Lord." [19:59]
3. "If we as Overcome Church continue blinded by the world, we will never see the kingdom of God here on earth as it is in heaven. But God promises that. God promises the glory of the Lord on earth as it is in heaven for those who will take the kingdom of God. This serious. Who will trust him first. Who will give him their first and their best. What pain came? God didn't accept his offering. I wonder how many of us are living lives that are below God's best for you because we've not given God our first and best." [40:27]
4. "You are either living a life that is acceptable and pleasing to the Lord, or you are living a life that is detestable to the Lord. That's not Austin's words. That's not my opinion. That is not popular belief. It is the word of God. And I want you to know in this room today that there is hope. If you have come to the conclusion within yourself that you are living a life that the Lord is just not pleased with, I want you to know that God does not hate you for it, that God is not turning his face away from you today because of it." [42:19]
5. "Maturity in Christ is when you understand that when you serve the Lord first with your first and your best. Say it with me. Your first and your best. Listen, maturity as a Christian is when you understand that when you give the Lord your first and your best, he will then elevate you to a level that you are trying to get to. He will then bring success to your life. He will then bring you to a level that you are trying to get to. He will then bring success to your life." [33:08]
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