Don't Give to God That Which Costs You Nothing -- Zac Poonen -- September 26, 2021
http://rlcf.church/media/sermons/dont-give-to-god-that-which-costs-you-nothing River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The sermon uses Malachi's critique of Israel's poor offerings to warn Christians against giving God what costs them nothing. The speaker argues that accepting Christ and making small, easy offerings can lead to a dangerous complacency, suggesting that true devotion requires giving sacrifices that represent a genuine cost or sacrifice. The message concludes with the promise that God's name will be great through a people who offer pure, acceptable worship.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Why did God give up on the nation of Israel?Malachi records that the priests and people grew disrespectful, taking God's goodness for granted and offering defiled sacrifices.Malachi 1:6
Presenting defiled food on God's altarThe Israelites brought blind, lame, and sick animals for sacrifice because it was convenient to get rid of them, an offering that cost them nothing.Malachi 1:8
Are christians offering cheap sacrifices today?Modern preachers often allow people to offer easy, costless worship while living as they like, giving false assurances of salvation.
Old testament stories as spiritual patternsPassages in Chronicles and Corinthians point to deeper spiritual realities like water baptism and breaking completely with the old life.
Crossing the Jordan to conquer fleshly giantsCrossing the Jordan symbolizes death to the self-life and waging war against mighty lusts and anger rather than wandering in perpetual defeat.
Mount Moriah and the true meaning of worshipGod chose Mount Moriah where Abraham offered Isaac because true worship involves offering up that which is most costly to us.
Builders versus spectators in the churchOnly the ten percent of believers who sacrifice the Isaacs in their lives actually build the church, while the rest remain passive spectators.
David's sin in numbering the peopleToward the end of his life, David sinned by taking a census out of pride and self-reliance, leading to severe judgment upon Israel.
I will not offer to the Lord that which costs me nothingDavid refused Araunah's offer of free oxen and land for sacrifice because worship requires paying a personal price.
Applying the cost of service to daily lifeService to God must cost time, energy, money, and sacrifice, or else it is worthless and cheap.
Testing and standing firm in corrupt situationsGod tests His servants by placing them in situations where standing for righteousness could cost them their jobs or reputations.
Repenting of past blunders and making a fresh decisionBelievers must turn away from past decisions made to please people and resolve never again to offer God something that costs nothing.
Living for the master's commendationThe ultimate goal should not merely be escaping to heaven, but hearing the Lord say, 'Well done, good and faithful servant.'
