True Sacrifice: Honoring God Above Comfort
Summary
Sacrifice is at the very heart of our faith and discipleship. God calls us not just to convenient acts of service, but to genuine, costly sacrifice that reflects His supreme worth in our lives. In a culture that prizes comfort and convenience, it’s easy to lose sight of what true sacrifice means. Yet, God often calls us to do hard things, to step out of our comfort zones, and to give up what is valuable to us—not for our own benefit, but as an act of worship and a demonstration of His value to us.
Looking at the story of David in 2 Samuel 24, we see a powerful example of what real sacrifice looks like. When offered a free gift to make his offering to God, David refused, insisting that he would not offer to the Lord that which cost him nothing. This moment reveals a heart that understands the privilege of sacrifice. David’s willingness to pay the price, even when no one else was watching, shows that true worship is personal, costly, and sincere. It’s not about shortcuts or appearances, but about giving God what He truly deserves.
In contrast, the early church in Acts 4 and 5 gives us two models: Barnabas, who gave generously and sincerely, and Ananias and Sapphira, who tried to appear sacrificial while holding back for themselves. Their deception was not just a lie to people, but to God Himself. This sobering account reminds us that God sees the heart behind our giving and service. Sacrifice is not for show or applause; it is for an audience of One.
The call is clear: God deserves our first and our best, not leftovers or what is easy. Sacrifice is not an obligation, but a privilege—a way to demonstrate God’s worth in our lives. Whether it’s our time, resources, or pride, we are invited to lay down what is valuable to us as a response to the ultimate sacrifice God made for us in Christ. The question we must each wrestle with is: What does God deserve from me, and what am I willing to sacrifice to show Him His true value in my life?
Key Takeaways
- True sacrifice is costly and personal, not convenient or borrowed. David’s refusal to offer a sacrifice that cost him nothing challenges us to examine whether our own offerings to God are truly sacrificial or simply what is easy or expected. God is honored when we give Him our best, not what is left over or what costs us little. [51:25]
- Sacrifice is an act of worship that demonstrates God’s supreme value in our lives. When we willingly give up something valuable for God, we declare His worth above all else. This is not about obligation, but about privilege—showing God that He is more important to us than our comfort, possessions, or pride. [53:40]
- The heart behind our sacrifice matters more than the act itself. Barnabas gave sincerely, while Ananias and Sapphira sought recognition without true sacrifice. God sees beyond appearances and is not fooled by outward displays; He desires honesty, integrity, and a heart that seeks to honor Him above all. [01:02:03]
- Sacrifice is not for the applause of others, but for an audience of One. Jesus taught that our giving and serving should be done in secret, not to be seen by people but to please our Father in heaven. When our motivation is to be noticed or praised, we miss the true purpose and blessing of sacrifice. [01:04:30]
- Our response to God’s conviction reveals our heart. David responded to his failure with humility, repentance, and proactive obedience, while Ananias and Sapphira responded with denial and deception. When God challenges us to sacrifice, will we respond with a willing heart, or will we hold back and miss the opportunity to honor Him? [01:13:21]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[01:10] - Calumet Project and Vision for Church Revitalization
[04:45] - The Call to Sacrifice in Discipleship
[08:30] - Sacrifice as Worship: Old Testament Foundations
[13:20] - The Cost of Sacrifice: What Does It Mean for Us?
[17:00] - David’s Story: The Threshing Floor of Arona
[23:40] - The Significance of Mount Moriah
[28:10] - David’s Refusal to Offer Cheap Sacrifice
[34:00] - What Does God Deserve from Us?
[38:50] - Sacrifice as Privilege, Not Obligation
[44:30] - Acts 4: The Early Church’s Generosity
[48:20] - Barnabas: A Model of Sincere Sacrifice
[51:50] - Ananias and Sapphira: The Danger of Deceptive Sacrifice
[57:30] - Sacrifice for an Audience of One
[01:04:30] - Motivation Check: Who Are We Really Serving?
[01:09:00] - Responding to God’s Call to Sacrifice
[01:13:21] - Prayer and Invitation to Respond
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Privilege and Cost of Sacrifice
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### Bible Reading
- 2 Samuel 24:18-25 (David refuses to offer a sacrifice that costs him nothing)
- Acts 4:32–5:11 (Barnabas’ sincere generosity and the deception of Ananias and Sapphira)
- Matthew 6:2-4 (Jesus’ teaching on giving in secret)
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### Observation Questions
1. In 2 Samuel 24, what did David insist on doing when Arona offered him the threshing floor and animals for free? Why did he make that choice?
[[49:33]]
2. According to Acts 4, what was the attitude of the early church toward their possessions and the needs of others?
[[53:40]]
3. What did Barnabas do with the money from the sale of his field, and how did this differ from what Ananias and Sapphira did?
[[57:30]]
4. In Matthew 6, what does Jesus say about how we should give, and what is the reward for giving in this way?
[[01:04:30]]
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why did David believe it was important that his sacrifice to God cost him something? What does this reveal about his understanding of worship and God’s worth?
[[51:25]]
2. What does the story of Ananias and Sapphira teach about the difference between outward appearances and the true heart behind our giving or serving?
[[01:02:03]]
3. How does the generosity of the early church in Acts 4 reflect their understanding of God’s grace and the gospel?
[[53:40]]
4. Why do you think Jesus emphasized giving in secret rather than for public recognition? What does this say about our motivations?
[[01:04:30]]
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon asked, “What does your sacrifice cost you?” Take a moment to honestly consider: Is there anything you are currently giving to God that actually costs you something significant—time, money, comfort, or pride? If not, what might a costly sacrifice look like for you?
[[51:25]]
2. David refused to offer God something that cost him nothing. Are there areas in your life where you have been giving God your “leftovers” or what is easy, rather than your first and best? What would it look like to change that this week?
[[51:25]]
3. The early church’s generosity meant that “there were no needy persons among them.” Is there a need in your church or community that you could help meet, even if it requires a real sacrifice? What is one step you could take?
[[53:40]]
4. Barnabas gave sincerely, while Ananias and Sapphira gave for recognition. When you serve or give, what is your honest motivation? Is there any area where you are tempted to “look sacrificial” without actually making a sacrifice?
[[01:02:03]]
5. The sermon said, “Sacrifice is not an obligation, but a privilege.” Do you see sacrifice for God as a privilege or a burden? What would help you see it as a privilege?
[[53:40]]
6. Jesus taught that our giving should be done in secret, for an audience of One. Are there ways you can practice serving or giving this week that are just between you and God, without anyone else knowing?
[[01:04:30]]
7. When God convicts you about something you need to sacrifice, do you tend to respond like David (with humility and obedience) or like Ananias and Sapphira (with denial or holding back)? What would it look like to respond with a willing heart this time?
[[01:13:21]]
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Closing Thought:
Sacrifice is at the heart of our faith because it reflects the heart of God, who gave His Son for us. As you discuss and pray together, ask God to show you what He deserves from you—and what you are willing to lay down to show Him His true value in your life.
Devotional
Day 1: Sacrifice Must Cost Us Something
True sacrifice is not about convenience or ease, but about offering to God something that truly costs us, reflecting His supreme worth in our lives. David refused to offer a sacrifice that cost him nothing, insisting on paying for the threshing floor and the oxen so that his act of worship would be genuine and personal. This challenges us to examine whether our own sacrifices to God are meaningful or merely token gestures, and to consider what it means to give God our first and our best, not leftovers or what is easy. When we truly value the Lord, we will not shortcut our worship, but will see sacrifice as a privilege, not an obligation. [51:25]
2 Samuel 24:24-25 (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. And David built there an altar to the Lord and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings. So the Lord responded to the plea for the land, and the plague was averted from Israel.
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you have been giving God only what is easy or convenient—how can you intentionally offer Him something costly this week as an act of worship?
Day 2: Sacrifice Is an Act of Worship
Sacrifice, in its purest form, is a demonstration of God’s value to us—a tangible way to show that He is worthy of our best and our devotion. In the Old Testament, sacrifices were not just rituals but heartfelt acts that declared God’s worth above all else, and this principle remains true for us today. When we give up something valuable for God, whether time, resources, or comfort, we are declaring that He is more important than anything else in our lives. This is not about obligation, but about the privilege of expressing our love and reverence for Him through our actions. [47:55]
Romans 12:1 (ESV)
I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.
Reflection: What is one specific way you can demonstrate God’s worth in your life today through a sacrificial act of worship?
Day 3: Sacrifice for the Good of Others
The early church modeled a sacrificial community where believers gave generously to meet each other’s needs, resulting in no one lacking anything. Their unity and willingness to sell possessions and share with those in need was a powerful testimony to the grace and love of God at work among them. This kind of sacrificial living is not just about financial giving, but about a heart posture that seeks the well-being of others above personal comfort. Imagine what it would look like if our church embodied this same spirit, ensuring that no one among us is in need because we are willing to sacrifice for one another. [57:00]
Acts 4:32-35 (ESV)
Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common. And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold and laid it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need.
Reflection: Who in your church or community has a need you could help meet this week, even if it requires a personal sacrifice?
Day 4: Sacrifice Must Be Sincere, Not for Show
God is not impressed by outward displays of sacrifice that are motivated by a desire for recognition or approval from others; He looks at the heart and values honesty and integrity. Ananias and Sapphira’s attempt to appear generous while secretly holding back part of their gift was met with severe judgment, reminding us that our sacrifices must be genuine and not for the applause of people. True sacrifice is done for an audience of One, with a heart that seeks to honor God above all else, not to manage appearances or gain status. [01:02:03]
Matthew 6:2-4 (ESV)
Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
Reflection: Is there any area where you are tempted to make sacrifices for the sake of being seen by others? How can you shift your focus to pleasing God alone?
Day 5: The Ultimate Sacrifice—Christ’s Example and Our Response
At the heart of our faith is the ultimate sacrifice: God sending His only Son, Jesus, to die for our sins so that we might be forgiven and restored. This act of love is both the foundation of our salvation and the model for our own sacrificial living. Our first and most important sacrifice is to lay down our pride, confess our need for Him, and receive His gift of grace. From this place of gratitude, we are called to follow Christ’s example, offering our lives in service and surrender, not out of obligation but as a joyful response to all He has done for us. [01:13:21]
Ephesians 5:1-2 (ESV)
Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
Reflection: Have you truly received Christ’s sacrifice for you, and if so, what is one way you can imitate His sacrificial love toward someone else today?
Quotes
By the way, our entire faith is based upon the value of sacrifice. Think about Jesus. Think about God sending his only son. This is the heart of the gospel, that God would send his only son to be sacrificed for you. And that is the model for us of sacrifice. And so we have been called to be like Christ. And in our way of trying to act like Jesus, to be like Jesus, that should be a sacrificial heart in our lives. [00:40:37] (27 seconds)
What does your sacrifice cost you? I mean, right now, what does your faith cost you? What is being asked of you? What are you sacrificing? What are you actively sacrificing right now in your faith journey? That's a real challenge for each of us because, again, it hasn't really been offered to us. It hasn't really been couched in those ways, I don't think, for our church in particular. [00:41:44] (25 seconds)
David knew that God deserved more. David knew that God deserved more from him. And as I think about David sitting there, and again, there's not a whole lot of people around. There's not a crowd there. It's just David and Arona. And I want you to think, as he has offered this particular opportunity, it would have been so easy for him to go, man, that's such a blessing. Thank you. I'll take that hill. I'll take your oxen. I'll take the instruments. I'll take all of that. And yeah, we're going to build this altar. And David, listen, at that moment, nobody would have even known. It could have been David's secret, if you will. But in this moment, he knows what is expected of him. And he wants to stand before God with a pure heart. [00:50:18] (40 seconds)
What does God deserve from you? Think about that for a—what does God deserve from you? Again, if we think about worship as being a demonstration of somebody's worth to us, what does God deserve from us? [00:51:29] (16 seconds)
Who is actually keeping the ledger in our lives? We are to live our lives for an audience of one, and so it's a real motivation check for each of us because you think you can fool man, but you cannot fool God who keeps the ultimate ledger. [01:07:19] (17 seconds)
How am I sacrificing? How can I sacrifice a genuine, personal, serious sacrifice to show God how much he means to me—a demonstration of his value to me? Of course I would give this up as a privilege and not an obligation to show him what he means to me. Again, sacrifice is at the core of our faith. The gospel includes God sending his own son, sacrificing his own son for our salvation. What sacrifice is he asking of us? [01:09:15] (39 seconds)
You know, the world just wants us to buy into the temporal things of this world, wants us to be consumers, and just see ourselves as just getting through this life, but there's purpose, listen, God made you for a purpose, and that is to give Him glory, that is to worship Him, to magnify His name, and to bring glory to His name, that is the highest calling that each of us has as we leave from this place, you were made for more, than just mundane, everyday consumerist life, getting through today and tomorrow, we have a higher calling, amen? And we have a higher future awaiting us, and this is what fuels us in our faith. [01:17:59] (40 seconds)
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