Wholehearted Stewardship: Honoring God in Every Area
Summary
When it comes to putting God first, there is no room for partial surrender. True freedom, power, and joy in Christ are only found when every area of life—including our finances—is fully yielded to Him. Many people are comfortable inviting God into certain parts of their lives, but hesitate when it comes to money. Yet, Scripture is clear: how we handle our finances is one of the greatest indicators of our spiritual health. The Bible speaks more about money than even prayer or faith, not because God wants something from us, but because He wants something for us—freedom from the grip of materialism and the blessing of living as generous, balanced stewards.
God’s heart is not to take from us, but to bless us and shape us into people who reflect His own generosity. The story of King David in 1 Chronicles 29 illustrates this beautifully. David, at the height of his power and success, recognized that everything he had—his victories, his wealth, his very position—came from God. When the time came to build the temple, David and the people gave extravagantly, not out of compulsion, but from a deep awareness that they were only returning to God what was already His. David’s prayer reveals the main thing: to honor God with everything. This is the compass that should guide every financial decision and every act of stewardship.
Honoring God with everything means recognizing that nothing we possess is truly ours. It’s all entrusted to us by a generous Father. This perspective liberates us from fear and the illusion of control. God doesn’t want our possessions to possess us. He wants us to experience the joy and freedom that come from open-handed living. For some, this may mean beginning to give for the first time; for others, it may mean exercising discipline, saving wisely, or letting go of something that has become an idol. The call is the same: ask God where He is not first in your life, and invite Him to show you how to honor Him with everything. When you do, you’ll discover a level of freedom and blessing that only comes from full surrender.
Key Takeaways
- True Surrender Means No Compartmentalization
God cannot be honored in a life that is only partially surrendered. When we try to keep certain areas—like our finances—off-limits, we forfeit the freedom and power that come from wholehearted devotion. The call is to invite God into every corner of our lives, trusting that His ways lead to true joy and peace. [10:11]
- Financial Stewardship Is a Spiritual Barometer
The Bible teaches that how we handle money is a window into our hearts. Our attitudes and actions with finances reveal what we truly value and trust. If money becomes our master, it will run and ruin our lives, but when we see ourselves as stewards, we are freed to live generously and wisely. [19:09]
- Honoring God With Everything Is the Main Thing
David’s example in 1 Chronicles 29 shows that the ultimate goal with our resources is to honor God with everything. This means recognizing that all we have is from Him and for Him. When honoring God becomes our guiding principle, every financial decision is filtered through the lens of worship and gratitude. [24:45]
- God Wants Freedom for Us, Not Our Stuff
God is not after our possessions—He is after our hearts. He doesn’t want our things to control us or become idols. When we surrender everything, we find that God is a generous Father who delights in blessing His children and leading them into true freedom. [25:48]
- Radical Generosity Flows From a Heart of Worship
When we pray, “Lord, where in my life are you not first?” and respond in obedience, God often leads us into acts of radical generosity. These moments are not about loss, but about liberation—experiencing the joy of giving and the reality that we can never outgive God. Such steps of faith become defining moments of spiritual growth and freedom. [36:21]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[01:10] - Voices 25 Revival Preview
[03:05] - God First Series Recap
[05:12] - Why We Talk About Money
[10:11] - God and Money: The Biblical Emphasis
[13:45] - The Heart Behind Financial Stewardship
[16:30] - The Main Thing: Honoring God
[19:09] - David’s Example of Generosity
[22:50] - David’s Prayer: It All Belongs to God
[24:45] - Honoring God With Everything
[25:48] - Addressing Fears About Surrender
[27:10] - Practical Ways to Honor God Financially
[31:40] - Personal Testimony: Radical Generosity
[36:21] - The Joy of Giving Freely
[38:34] - A Prayer for Full Surrender
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Honoring God With Everything
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### Bible Reading
1 Chronicles 29:1-14
This passage tells the story of King David and the people of Israel giving generously for the building of God’s temple, recognizing that everything they have comes from God and belongs to Him.
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### Observation Questions
1. According to 1 Chronicles 29, what was David’s attitude about the wealth and resources he and the people gave for the temple?
2. What specific things did David and the leaders of Israel give toward the building of the temple?
3. In David’s prayer (verses 10-14), what reasons does he give for why they are able to give so generously?
4. The sermon said, “There is no power in the partially surrendered life.” What does that mean in the context of how we handle our finances? [[10:11]]
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think David emphasized that “everything in heaven and earth belongs to you” when praying over the offering? What does this reveal about his view of ownership and stewardship? [[19:09]]
2. The sermon said that how we handle money is a “spiritual barometer.” In what ways can our financial decisions reveal what we truly value or trust? [[19:09]]
3. The sermon mentioned that God doesn’t want our possessions to possess us. What are some signs that something we own might be possessing us instead of us possessing it? [[25:48]]
4. David and the people gave “freely and wholeheartedly to the Lord.” What do you think motivated their generosity, and how is that different from giving out of guilt or obligation? [[24:45]]
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon challenged us to pray, “Lord, where in my life are you not first?” Is there an area—especially related to money or possessions—where you find it hard to surrender to God? What would it look like to invite God into that area? [[38:34]]
2. David recognized that everything he had was from God. How might your attitude toward your job, your home, or your bank account change if you truly believed it all belonged to God? [[19:09]]
3. The pastor shared a story about giving away something he loved (his hunting truck) and experiencing freedom and joy as a result. Have you ever given something away that was hard to let go of? What was the result? If not, is there something you sense God might be asking you to release? [[36:21]]
4. The sermon said, “God doesn’t want your stuff. He just doesn’t want your possessions to possess you.” Are there any possessions, hobbies, or financial goals that have become too important in your life? How can you loosen your grip on them? [[25:48]]
5. For some, honoring God with everything might mean starting to give for the first time. For others, it might mean saving more, spending less, or letting go of an idol. Which of these do you most relate to right now, and what is one practical step you could take this week? [[27:10]]
6. The sermon said, “You can never outgive God.” How does this truth challenge or encourage you when it comes to generosity? [[36:21]]
7. When you think about your financial decisions—big or small—what would it look like to filter them through the question, “Does this honor God?” Is there a decision you’re facing right now where this could make a difference? [[24:45]]
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Close in prayer:
Ask God to show each person where He is not first in their life, and for the courage to honor Him with everything.
Devotional
Day 1: Honoring God with Everything We Have
True freedom and joy are found when we honor God with every part of our lives, including our finances, recognizing that all we possess is entrusted to us by Him. When we acknowledge that everything—our resources, talents, and opportunities—comes from God, it shifts our perspective from ownership to stewardship. This mindset liberates us from the anxiety of holding tightly to our possessions and opens us up to experience the blessing and purpose God intends. Honoring God with everything is not about loss, but about aligning our hearts with His, trusting that He desires good for us and that He is the true source of all we have. [24:45]
1 Chronicles 29:10-14 (ESV)
Therefore David blessed the Lord in the presence of all the assembly. And David said: “Blessed are you, O Lord, the God of Israel our father, forever and ever. Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours. Yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and you are exalted as head above all. Both riches and honor come from you, and you rule over all. In your hand are power and might, and in your hand it is to make great and to give strength to all. And now we thank you, our God, and praise your glorious name. But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able thus to offer willingly? For all things come from you, and of your own have we given you.”
Reflection: What is one area of your life—finances, time, or talent—where you have been hesitant to fully honor God? What would it look like to surrender that area to Him today?
Day 2: God Is the Source of All We Have
Everything we have—our abilities, resources, and opportunities—are gifts from God, and acknowledging this truth keeps us humble and grateful. David, despite his legendary achievements, recognized that his strength, success, and even the ability to give generously all originated from God’s hand. This perspective guards our hearts against pride and reminds us that we are not self-made, but recipients of God’s grace and provision. When we live with this awareness, it transforms our attitude toward giving, serving, and living generously, knowing that we are simply returning to God what is already His. [19:09]
Psalm 18:29-34, 46 (ESV)
For by you I can run against a troop, and by my God I can leap over a wall. This God—his way is perfect; the word of the Lord proves true; he is a shield for all those who take refuge in him. For who is God, but the Lord? And who is a rock, except our God?—the God who equipped me with strength and made my way blameless. He made my feet like the feet of a deer and set me secure on the heights. He trains my hands for war, so that my arms can bend a bow of bronze... The Lord lives, and blessed be my rock, and exalted be the God of my salvation.
Reflection: In what ways have you taken credit for your own success or provision? How can you intentionally acknowledge God as the true source in your prayers and actions today?
Day 3: Money Is a Wonderful Servant but a Horrible Master
Money is meant to serve us as a tool for God’s purposes, not to rule over our hearts or become an idol that dictates our decisions and desires. When possessions or wealth begin to possess us, we lose sight of God’s place in our lives and risk being controlled by fear, greed, or insecurity. God’s desire is not to take from us, but to free us from the bondage of materialism so that we can experience true contentment and generosity. By keeping God first, we ensure that money remains in its proper place—as a servant, not a master. [25:48]
Matthew 6:24 (ESV)
“No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.”
Reflection: Is there something you own or desire that has begun to take too much of your attention or affection? What practical step can you take today to put God back in His rightful place?
Day 4: Generosity Flows from a Heart Aligned with God
True generosity is not about obligation or guilt, but about joyfully giving back to God and others from what He has entrusted to us, knowing that we can never outgive Him. When we pray for God to show us how to honor Him with everything, He often leads us into acts of generosity that stretch our faith and deepen our trust. These moments become some of the most liberating and joyful experiences of our lives, as we see God use our resources to bless others and advance His kingdom. Generosity is a reflection of God’s own nature, and as we give, we participate in His work and experience His blessing in return. [36:21]
Luke 6:38 (ESV)
“Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.”
Reflection: Who is someone in your life or community that God may be prompting you to bless in a tangible way this week? What is one generous act you can take today?
Day 5: Pray for God to Be First in Every Area
Inviting God to reveal where He is not first in your life is a courageous and transformative prayer that leads to deeper freedom, joy, and purpose. When you ask God to show you how to honor Him with everything, He will speak to you—sometimes in unexpected ways—and lead you into greater trust and obedience. This prayer is not about loss, but about gaining a life that is fully aligned with God’s will and open to His blessings. As you make this prayer a regular part of your walk with God, you will discover new areas to surrender and new ways to experience His faithfulness. [38:34]
Psalm 139:23-24 (ESV)
Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!
Reflection: Will you dare to pray, “Lord, where in my life are you not first, and how can I honor you with everything?” What is one area He is highlighting for you to surrender or trust Him with today?
Quotes
Anyone who has ever done anything significant, David said, in this life has done so only because God has given them the ability and the strength and the wisdom to be able to do it. There are no self-made men or self-made women. We are the sheep of his pasture. He is the king of kings and the Lord of lords. [00:21:23] (20 seconds)
God, it’s all yours anyway. We are not giving you in this offering anything. We are acknowledging that whatever we have to give has been given from you to us, and we have one central purpose with it today in this offering, to honor you. [00:24:23] (22 seconds)
There ain’t nothing that you have in your home. There is nothing you have in your wallet. There is nothing that you have in your life. There ain’t a shirt you’re wearing on your back that you should not honor God with. Because he has honored you with it. To be entrusted to you with it. It’s all God’s. And the one main thing is to learn how to honor God with everything. [00:25:16] (20 seconds)
If that scares you, it simply means that somewhere you have been given some faulty concepts about God. If it scares you at all to do that, there’s some things that you don’t understand about God. Some people feel like that if I surrendered everything to God, he’s going to take it all. Let me say two things to you. Number one, no, he’s not. No, he’s not. Number one, he doesn’t have to wait, by the way, you do know this, to surrender, right? All of your stuff. He’s God, bro. He’s sovereign. He can take whatever he wants, whenever he wants, at the pace and grace that he wants. But he’s not going to do that. And second, God doesn’t want your stuff. He can’t even wear your shirt, man. Right? He doesn’t want your possessions. He just doesn’t want your possessions to possess you. [00:25:49] (51 seconds)
If you would have tried to convince me to give it, I wouldn’t have never done it. If you’d have tried to make me feel guilty about having it, I would have never gave it. It came out of a prayer that I want you to pray with me today. Lord, where in my life are you not first? And how can I honor you with everything? [00:37:27] (23 seconds)
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