Right on the Money

Right On the Money - Part 1  •  Sermon  •  Submitted
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Exploding the myth of our stuff

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· Good morning BCC!!! I hope you are well and recovered from this crazy weather. My name is Nathan and I am one of the pastors on staff here at BCC and I want to welcome you.
· As you could see, we are starting a 2-week series called, “Right on the Money” and we are going to talk about our money – our stuff.
· As you could see, we are starting a 2-week series called, “Right on the Money” and we are going to talk about our money – our stuff.
JOhn 3:16
John 3:16 ESV
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
· For those of you who are visiting us for the first time, don’t worry, we aren’t going to take up another offering or pat you down for money or anything crazy like that.
· First-time here. nothing crazy.
· You may be here trying to understand who this Jesus person is and what His claims were.
· You may be here trying to understand who this Jesus person is and what His claims were.
o Well, you are going to learn some truth about God this morning and what we believe.
o Well, you are going to learn some truth about God this morning and what we believe.
o You are also going to learn some reasons why those of us who claim to be Christ followers sometimes frustrate you with items like jealousy, envy, greed, anxiety and worry just to name a few.
o You are also going to learn some reasons why those of us who claim to be Christ followers sometimes frustrate you with items like jealousy, envy, greed, anxiety and worry just to name a few.
· Now, why am I up here talking about money – why do pastors talk about money?
· Now, why am I up here talking about money – why do pastors talk about money?
o Well, it’s not because we need it – God has blessed BCC and we have many people here in our BCC family who get this concept of giving.
o Well, it’s not because we need it – God has blessed BCC and we have many people here in our BCC family who get this concept of giving.
o But if we are going to be strong followers of Christ, then we have to get this concept and be right on the money about how to deal with our stuff.
o But if we are going to be strong followers of Christ, then we have to get this concept and be right on the money about how to deal with our stuff.
o After all, Jesus Himself talked more about money than He did Heaven or Hell. So, if we are going to be true Christ followers, then we have to discuss this subject.
o After all, Jesus Himself talked more about money than He did Heaven or Hell. So, if we are going to be true Christ followers, then we have to discuss this subject. Now, let me just pause here and ask everyone in the room to go ahead and make this pose: ( ).
· As a pastor, people have asked me so many questions about giving to the church.
o I’m asking you to do that because I know good and well that there will be many here today that although may not actually show the gesture, you will be making that gesture on the inside.
§ I know that because I made that exact same gesture for 15 years in the church.
o What is tithing?
o Are we supposed to give just 10%
§ I attended church regularly and even served / volunteered from time to time. I even served as a deacon – but I didn’t give like I should and on the few occasions that I did give, I didn’t give with the right attitude – I gave with the thought that I was giving my money as an investment or as dues into to some sort of club.
o There is no mention of an actual amount in the New Testament so do we give at all.
§ Back then, I was the Chief Operating officer and Vice President of Sales for a large company. I made lots of money. And I worried about money all the time. I couldn’t have enough cars, a big enough boat, enough new stuff to satisfy me.
o We are under the new covenant so we don’t really have to give do we?
· And every single time a pastor came up for the morning offering, I did this ( ). I would constantly say to myself, “That preacher just wants me to give so he can go buy something else and just sit on his rear-end and do nothing…”
· That is seriously what I would say to myself. I mean here I was with Kelly and at the time only (2) children and making tons of money and had very little to no joy – because I was consumed with making more money and how to prepare for a potential “rainy” day and the future of kids’ education, retirement, etc.
o What is the difference of a tithe and an offering?
o I can’t afford to give anything right now – is that ok?
· You may be sitting there saying, man, that guy was pretty awful!!!
· I was the poster child for “my four and no more”. In other words, I thought that I truly knew Jesus Christ as the forgiver of my sins and Lord of my life, I knew Kelly was, and so were my oldest (2) kids Matthew and Riley.
o These are all questions that we will tackle over the next couple of weeks.
· So, I figured to myself that since my family was “good to go” I could just show up at church and listen to 15 minutes of music, hear 30 minutes or so of preaching, give every once in a while, and the Byrd family was good to go – “my four and no more.”
o I had these same questions for 15 years in the church.
· And that is exactly what the enemy wanted – Satan loves it when followers of Christ have the “my four and no more” outlook on life.
§ I attended church regularly and even served / volunteered from time to time. I even served as a deacon – but I didn’t give like I should and on the few occasions that I did give, I didn’t give with the right attitude – I gave with the thought that I was giving my money as an investment or as dues into to some sort of club.
§ Back then, I was the Chief Operating officer and Vice President of Sales for a large company. I made lots of money. And I worried about money all the time. I couldn’t have enough cars, a big enough boat, enough new stuff to satisfy me.
· Now, maybe my outlook was a little rougher than some of yours. However, statistically, the church in America by in large currently matches my previous outlook on “stuff”.
· And every single time a pastor came to receive the morning offering, I did this ( ). I would constantly say to myself, “That preacher just wants me to give so he can go buy something else and just sit on his rear-end and do nothing…”
· The average giving from a regular attender in America is around 2%. It wasn’t until a series of circumstances came my way did I finally understand the TRUE concept of money and how I truly fit in to the real and meaningful act of how “stuff” should be treated. money and move closer towards a view point that was indeed right on the money.
· That is seriously what I would say to myself. I mean here I was with Kelly and at the time only (2) children and making tons of money and had very little to no joy – because I was consumed with making more money and how to prepare for a potential “rainy” day and the future of kids’ education, retirement, etc.
· So, Let’s talk about our stuff
· We do some unique things with our stuff.
· You may be sitting there saying, man, that guy was pretty awful!!!
· I was the poster child for “my four and no more”. In other words, I thought that I truly knew Jesus Christ as the forgiver of my sins and Lord of my life, I knew Kelly was, and so were my oldest (2) kids Matthew and Riley.
o At times, we accumulate so much of it that we pay someone else to actually store it. There are companies that make quite a bit of money providing buildings for us to store our extra stuff.
o We pay to insure our stuff – We spend money on the stuff that we have already spent money on. We do all this, then we die, then it goes to someone else and it starts all over again.
· So, I figured to myself that since my family was “good to go” I could just show up at church and listen to 15 minutes of music, hear 30 minutes or so of preaching, give every once in a while, and the Byrd family was good to go – “my four and no more.”
o Many times, someone else owned something that we currently own. One of the cars we recently purchased had over 180,000 miles. According to CARFAX, it had 2 previous owners.
· And that is exactly what the enemy wanted – Satan loves it when followers of Christ have the “my four and no more” outlook on life.
· Now, maybe my outlook was a little rougher than some of yours. However, statistically, the church in America by in large currently matches my previous outlook on “stuff”.
o Knowing that our stuff is going to outlast us, we struggle with giving it away.
· The average giving from a regular attender in America is around 2%. It wasn’t until a series of circumstances came my way did I finally understand the TRUE concept of money and how I truly fit in to the real and meaningful act of how “stuff” should be treated. money and move closer towards a view point that was indeed right on the money.
§ The other day, both our youngest kids wanted a piece of cheese. We gave (2) pieces to our 5-year-old daughter Charlie Ann and told her to give a piece to Samuel.
· So, Let’s talk about our stuff
· You see, we are trying to teach our kids the importance of sharing and they are just “perfect” at it.
· We do some unique things with our stuff.
· So Charlie Ann goes to Samuel and says this, “Hey Samuel, do you want a piece of cheese (say no).” She is always trying to lead him and boss him around and tell him to say either yes or no.
o At times, we accumulate so much of it that we pay someone else to actually store it. There are companies that make quite a bit of money providing buildings for us to store our extra stuff.
· Well, we laugh, but don’t we do the same thing with God? Don’t we say, God, I want that new car or that awesome boat or that second home – can you just say YES to it?
o We pay to insure our stuff – We spend money on the stuff that we have already spent money on. We do all this, then we die, then it goes to someone else and it starts all over again.
· However, the fact is that on day, either our stuff is going to depart from us, or we are going to depart from our stuff – we will give it all away some day.
o Many times, someone else owned something that we currently own. One of the cars we recently purchased had over 180,000 miles. According to CARFAX, it had 2 previous owners.
· I have unfortunately had my share of funerals to do. I have done a funeral for an 86-year-old and a 4-year-old. One thing you never see at a funeral – a U-Haul. You’ve heard the old saying, “you never see a Brinks truck following a hearse.”
· The fact is that although we cannot take our stuff with us, we can send it on ahead.
o Knowing that our stuff is going to outlast us, we struggle with giving it away.
· Jesus speaks to this exact thing. Look at Matthew chapter six verses 19 through 21. Jesus here is talking to a group of people and he says this:
§ The other day, both our youngest kids wanted a piece of cheese. We gave (2) pieces to our 5-year-old daughter Charlie Ann and told her to give a piece to Samuel.
· You see, we are trying to teach our kids the importance of sharing and they are just “perfect” at it.
o “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; 21 for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
· So Charlie Ann goes to Samuel and says this, “Hey Samuel, do you want a piece of cheese (say no).” She is always trying to lead him and boss him around and tell him to say either yes or no.
§ Now there is a command here that needs some explaining and it is this, “store for yourselves treasures in heaven.” Now what in the world does that mean? I mean how can I physically store my stuff in a place that I cannot see?
§ Well, remember that while we cannot take it with us, we can send it on ahead.
· Well, we laugh, but don’t we do the same thing with God? Don’t we say, God, I want that new car or that awesome boat or that second home – can you just say YES to it?
§ Let me explain in the real life of two men that have gone on into eternity and the contrasting lifestyles they lived.
· However, the fact is that on day, either our stuff is going to depart from us, or we are going to depart from our stuff – we will give it all away some day.
· The first was William Bordon. Anybody ever heard of him? He was born in 1887 to a wealthy family. He traveled the world and God called him to be a missionary. He excelled at Yale in both academics and boxing. He went on to seminary and wanted to reach and minister to the roughly 10 million Muslims in China so he traveled to Cairo Egypt in 1912 in order to learn Arabic. Three months later he became ill with spinal meningitis and died in April of 1913 at the age of just 25 years of age – Never learned Arabic, never visited the precious Muslim people in China and he has an obscure gravestone in the slums of Cairo.
· I have unfortunately had my share of funerals to do. I have done a funeral for an 86-year-old and a 4-year-old. One thing you never see at a funeral – a U-Haul. You’ve heard the old saying, “you never see a Brinks truck following a hearse.”
· The fact is that although we cannot take our stuff with us, we can send it on ahead.
· But there are two things about William Bordon that needs mentioning –
· Jesus speaks to this exact thing. Look at Matthew chapter six verses 19 through 21. Jesus here is talking to a group of people and he says this:
o he had the current day equivalent of roughly $20 million in his trust and he left it all to missionary organizations of sound faith and beliefs. Missionaries don’t even want to guess how many tens of thousands of people have come to know Jesus as the forgiver of their sins and lord of their lives through young William’s funds. That is the action of storing one’s treasures in heaven – to give to the local church that lives and preaches the hope of Jesus Christ – to give to missions organizations – to help the orphans or the widow in the name of Jesus. That is what Jesus meant when he said to store up our treasures in Heaven. We cannot take it with us, but we can send it on ahead.
o The second thing to mention is William Borden’s Bible. His parents started reading his notes in it.
o “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; 21 for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
§ The day he knew that God had called him to missions (as opposed to the family business where he would have lived a luxurious life, he wrote the phrase, NO RESERVES.
§ Now there is a command here that needs some explaining and it is this, “store for yourselves treasures in heaven.” Now what in the world does that mean? I mean how can I physically store my stuff in a place that I cannot see?
§ Later on in his Bible, the words were written, NO RETREAT – William knew that he had to stay the course and continue to use his Spiritual Gifts and resources in a way that was Right on the Money.
§ Well, remember that while we cannot take it with us, we can send it on ahead.
§ Let me explain this concept in the real life of two men that have gone on into eternity and the contrasting lifestyles they lived.
§ Lastly, upon his death bed, the young 25 year old wrote the words, NO REGRETS.
§ People, we have to have those three phrases echoing in our minds constantly – no reserves, no retreat, no regrets.
· The first was William Bordon. Anybody ever heard of him? He was born in 1887 to a wealthy family. He traveled the world and God called him to be a missionary. He excelled at Yale in both academics and boxing. He went on to seminary and wanted to reach and minister to the roughly 10 million Muslims in China so he traveled to Cairo Egypt in 1912 in order to learn Arabic. Three months later he became ill with spinal meningitis and died in April of 1913 at the age of just 25 years of age – Never learned Arabic, never visited the precious Muslim people in China and he has an obscure gravestone in the slums of Cairo.
· But there are two things about William Bordon that needs mentioning –
§ Now, let’s contrast young William with another man whose “grave” is just a few miles away from his in a museum in Cairo – that of King Tut.
· There are tons of precious jewels in the museum that were in Tut’s tomb when he died. You see, the Pharaohs thought that when they died, whatever gold and precious jewels were in their grave traveled with them into the afterlife – and there they are sitting in the museum – not with Tut.
o First – his “stuff” – he had the current day equivalent of roughly $20 million in his trust and he left it all to missionary organizations of sound faith and beliefs. Missionaries don’t even want to guess how many tens of thousands of people have come to know Jesus as the forgiver of their sins and lord of their lives through young William’s funds. That is the action of storing one’s treasures in heaven –
§ to give to the local church that lives and preaches the hope of Jesus Christ
o Now, imagine the vast contrasting experiences these men share right now – one who lived for himself and amassed great treasures and fortunes – and the other – whose view of his possessions was right on the money.
o You see William Borden and King Tut had two very different views of money, Borden knew that he was simply a steward of God’s Money while King Tut thought that he actually owned all his wealth.
§ to give to missions organizations
§ to help the orphans or the widow in the name of Jesus.
o The first thing we as Christ followers need to understand is that we are simply stewards of stuff that God has given us – we do not own anything.
o Once we can truly grasp and embrace this concept, it helps us to change our entire perspective on our stuff and start aligning our entire lives to be right on the money.
§ That is what Jesus meant when he said to store up our treasures in Heaven.
· We cannot take it with us, but we can send it on ahead.
o The difference with ownership and stewardship is that with ownership, we have rights and with stewardship, we have no rights.
o The second thing to mention is William Borden’s Bible. His parents started reading his notes in it.
§ Once we realize that all we have is simply God’s then it makes it much easier to have our material views to be right on the money.
§ The day he knew that God had called him to missions (as opposed to the family business where he would have lived a luxurious life, he wrote the phrase, NO RESERVES.
§ If you are not a Christ follower, this concept is one contributing factor to why you get frustrated with followers of Christ – and I apologize for that.
§ Later on in his Bible, the words were written, NO RETREAT – William knew that he had to stay the course and continue to use his Spiritual Gifts and resources in a way that was Right on the Money.
· Few realized stewardship better than King David – who amassed a great Kingdom.
· He realized that God owned everything. So David decided to build a massive temple for God. It was a huge desire and honor for David to build the temple.
§ Lastly, upon his death bed, the young 25 year old wrote the words, NO REGRETS.
§ People, we have to have those three phrases echoing in our minds constantly – no reserves, no retreat, no regrets.
o But God told him to stop and have his son Solomon build it. David not only accepted this, he embraced this. This is found in the Old Testament book of 1 Chronicles Chapter twenty nine verses 1-12. For the next few minutes, we are going to unpack some of the truths found in this wonderful section of the Bible. Let’s go ahead and read a little of this
§ Now, let’s contrast young William with another man whose “grave” is just a few miles away in a museum in Cairo – that of King Tut.
· – NLT
o Then King David turned to the entire assembly and said, “My son Solomon, whom God has clearly chosen as the next king of Israel, is still young and inexperienced. The work ahead of him is enormous, for the Temple he will build is not for mere mortals—it is for the Lord God himself! 2 Using every resource at my command, I have gathered as much as I could for building the Temple of my God. Now there is enough gold, silver, bronze, iron, and wood, as well as great quantities of onyx, other precious stones, costly jewels, and all kinds of fine stone and marble.
· There are tons of precious jewels in the museum that were in Tut’s tomb when he died. You see, the Pharaohs thought that when they died, whatever gold and precious jewels were in their grave traveled with them into the afterlife – and there they are sitting in the museum – not with Tut.
o Do you see there how David gathered as much as he could? Some translations say “so far as he was able”? Kind of sounds like no reserves – right? What is the opposite of poor – having enough right? You with me? Now let’s look at verse three:
o Now, imagine the vast contrasting experiences these men share right now in eternity – one who lived for himself and amassed great treasures and fortunes – and the other – whose view of his possessions was right on the money.
o You see William Borden and King Tut had two very different views of money, Borden knew that he was simply a steward of God’s Money while King Tut thought that he actually owned all his wealth.
o “And now, because of my devotion to the Temple of my God, I am giving all of my own private treasures of gold and silver to help in the construction. This is in addition to the building materials I have already collected for his holy Temple. 4 I am donating more than 112 tons of gold from Ophir and 262 tons of refined silver to be used for overlaying the walls of the buildings 5 and for the other gold and silver work to be done by the craftsmen.
o The first thing we as Christ followers need to understand is that we are simply stewards of stuff that God has given us – we do not own anything.
§ This “moreover” means over and above the other amount that his palace produced – David here is referring to his personal wealth.
§ OWNERSHIP v/s STEWARDSHIP
o Some estimates of David’s personal investment are as high as $18B – WOW!!!
o Once we can truly grasp and embrace this concept, it helps us to change our entire perspective on our stuff and start aligning our entire lives to be right on the money.
§ Now remember here guys, David desperately wanted to build the temple himself. But God said no and told David that his son had to build it – who is young and inexperienced.
o The difference with ownership and stewardship is that with ownership, we have rights and with stewardship, we have no rights.
§ Most of us would have been upset or mad at the fact that we couldn’t have built the temple. I remember the time I was working with a large account and on the verge of closing the deal. We had these reports that came out monthly that showed our pipeline of accounts and I noticed that this particular account wasn’t on there. So, I called the president and asked why. He said that a strategic decision had been made and leadership deemed the account would be best served as a “house account”. I was mad and bitter about it and didn’t want to help in any way because I thought since I did everything that I should be the one to continue the work and finish the deal (and get the money).
§ But David didn’t react this way because he realized that he didn’t “own” anything, he was merely a steward of what God has given him. David’s view of his stuff was right on the money. David goes on to say in verse five,
§ Ownership = Rights
§ Stewardship = No Rights
§ Now then, who will follow my example and give offerings to the Lord today?”
§ Once we realize that all we have is simply God’s then it makes it much easier to have our material views to be right on the money.
§ David challenges the entire assembly to offer willingly. I like what the literal translation here says,
§ If you are not a Christ follower, this concept is one contributing factor to why you get frustrated with followers of Christ – and I apologize for that.
· “Who then is willing to concecrate himself this day to the Lord?” (NASB)
· Few realized stewardship better than King David – who amassed a great Kingdom.
§ David here uses a word not often used – some of you may not have every even heard of it – “consecrated”. Now what does that mean? Well, consecrated technically means, “To dedicate to a higher purpose.”
· He realized that God owned everything.
§ Have you ever consecrated yourself to God? I mean have we ever said to God, “God, I want to surrender to you and to a higher purpose.” People, we will always struggle with money until we do this. I certainly did. And notice that David didn’t ask the people to consecrate themselves to his kingdom, but to the Lord.
§ Now, let’s look at how the people of Israel responded which picks up in verse 6:
· David decided to build a massive temple for God. It was a huge desire and honor for David to build the temple.
o 6 Then the leaders of fathers' houses made their freewill offerings, as did also the leaders of the tribes, the commanders of thousands and of hundreds, and the officers over the king's work. 7 They gave for the service of the house of God 5,000 talents and 10,000 darics of gold, 10,000 talents of silver, 18,000 talents of bronze and 100,000 talents of iron. 8 And whoever had precious stones gave them to the treasury of the house of the Lord, in the care of Jehiel the Gershonite.
o But God told him his son Solomon build it. David not only accepted this, he embraced this. The story is found in the Old Testament book of 1 Chronicles Chapter twenty-nine verses 1-12. For the next few minutes, we are going to unpack some of the truths found in this wonderful section of the Bible. Let’s go ahead and read a little of this
§ So after David set the example and then challenged his assembly to do the same – to dedicate themselves and their stuff to a higher purpose. Again, don’t miss the fact that David set the example. Guys, we as followers of Jesus have got to start setting the example with stuff and show others how to be stewards and not owners. All too often, the church is known for what it is against and not what it is for.
· – NLT
o Then King David turned to the entire assembly and said, “My son Solomon, whom God has clearly chosen as the next king of Israel, is still young and inexperienced. The work ahead of him is enormous, for the Temple he will build is not for mere mortals—it is for the Lord God himself! 2 Using every resource at my command, I have gathered as much as I could for building the Temple of my God. Now there is enough gold, silver, bronze, iron, and wood, as well as great quantities of onyx, other precious stones, costly jewels, and all kinds of fine stone and marble.
§ Dad’s / mom’s – want to do your kids a favor? – Teach them this. It doesn’t take much research to learn that depression and high anxiety is at a level never before seen among teens. When teens dedicate themselves (consecrate themselves) to a higher purpose than the number of likes on their Instagram account, it starts setting forth in motion a beautiful change within their lives.
§ Unless you settle this issue – you will always battle inside. I did. I was always concerned about retirement at the age of 55 and having a lake house and all sorts of stuff. I learned quickly that as the Bible teaches, I cannot serve both God and money. Unfortunately, as I stated earlier, most in the church still don’t get this. Fortunately, there are many BCCer’s that get this.
§ Do you see there how David gathered as much as he could? Some translations say “so far as I was able”? Kind of sounds like no reserves – right? What is the opposite of poor – having enough right? You with me? Now let’s look at verse three:
§ Like David, the church needs to set the example. Now after all the people gave so much, look at their reaction in verse 9. Then the people grumbled because they gave so stinkin’ much? No look at what they did, the Bible says,
o “And now, because of my devotion to the Temple of my God, I am giving all of my own private treasures of gold and silver to help in the construction. This is in addition to the building materials I have already collected for his holy Temple. 4 I am donating more than 112 tons of gold from Ophir and 262 tons of refined silver to be used for overlaying the walls of the buildings 5 and for the other gold and silver work to be done by the craftsmen.
o 9 Then the people rejoiced because they had given willingly, for with a whole heart they had offered freely to the Lord. David the king also rejoiced greatly.
§ This “and now” (or some translations have “moreover”) means over and above the other amount that his palace produced – David here is referring to his personal wealth.
§ Most people associate giving with guilt – not joy. I can remember back before I got this, every time I rarely placed something in the offering plate, it was out of guilt – after seeing something on TV or just feeling convicted. Or after placing it in the offering plate, I felt like I was better than everyone else. I had to get rid of the lie that I actually owned anything. And we had to give with joy. says: “You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” Before I learned to give cheerfully, I had to realize some things that King David understood perfectly.
o Some current day equivalent estimates of David’s personal investment are as high as $18B – WOW!!!
§ We have to get rid of the myth that we own anything.
§ Now remember here guys, David desperately wanted to build the temple himself. But God said no and told David that his son Solomon had to build it – who is young and inexperienced.
§ We are stewards
§ Most of us would have been upset or mad at the fact that we couldn’t have built the temple. I remember the time I was working with a large account and on the verge of closing the deal. We had these reports that came out monthly that showed our pipeline of accounts and I noticed that this particular account wasn’t on there. So, I called the president and asked why. He said that a strategic decision had been made and leadership deemed the account would be best served as a “house account”. I was mad and bitter about it and didn’t want to help in any way because I thought since I did everything that I should be the one to continue the work and finish the deal (and get the money).
· Ownership has rights
§ But David didn’t react this way because he realized that he didn’t “own” anything, he was merely a steward of what God has given him. David’s view of his stuff was right on the money. David goes on to say in verse five,
o When you are the owner – then you have a right to do whatever you want with what you own
§ Now then, who will follow my example and give offerings to the Lord today?”
· Stewardship has no rights – we have a problem with that.
§ David challenges the entire assembly to offer willingly. I like what the literal translation here says,
o The people of Israel got that concept – that they were only Stewards – and they rejoiced in that.
· “Who then is willing to consecrate himself this day to the Lord?” ( NASB)
o They exploded the myth that we own anything.
§ David here uses a word not often used – some of you may not have every even heard of it – “consecrated”. Now what does that mean? Well, consecrated technically means, “To dedicate to a higher purpose.”
· In our remaining time, I want to look at 3 truths that are right on the money
§ Have you ever consecrated yourself to God? I mean have we ever said to God, “God, I want to surrender to you and to a higher purpose.” People, we will always struggle with money until we do this. I certainly did. And notice that David didn’t ask the people to consecrate themselves to his kingdom, but to the Lord.
§ Now, let’s look at how the people of Israel responded which picks up in verse 6:
o Truth #1 – God Owns it All
§ Look at David’s prayer in verse 11 -
o 6 Then the family leaders, the leaders of the tribes of Israel, the generals and captains of the army, and the king’s administrative officers all gave willingly. 7 For the construction of the Temple of God, they gave about 188 tons of gold, 10,000 gold coins, 375 tons of silver, 675 tons of bronze, and 3,750 tons of iron. 8 They also contributed numerous precious stones, which were deposited in the treasury of the house of the Lord.
· 11 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...
§ So after David set the example and then challenged his assembly to do the same – to dedicate themselves and their stuff to a higher purpose. Again, don’t miss the fact that David set the example. Guys, we as followers of Jesus have got to start setting the example with stuff and show others how to be stewards and not owners.
o David here is stating that he is only a steward of what God given him to look over. Then look at what he goes on to say:
§ Dad’s / mom’s – want to do your kids a favor? – Teach them this.
· … Yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and you are exalted as head above all.
· It doesn’t take much research to learn that depression and high anxiety is at a level never before seen among teens.
o If anyone had a right to claim things as his own, it was David.
· When teens dedicate themselves (consecrate themselves) to a higher purpose than the number of likes on their Instagram account, it starts setting forth in motion a beautiful change within their lives.
§ Unless you settle this issue – you will always battle inside. I did. I was consumed with retiring at the age of 55 and having a lake house and all sorts of stuff.
§ He could have said God, look at what I built, I placed my blood, sweat and tears into building this kingdom.
· I learned quickly that as the Bible teaches, I cannot serve both God and money. Unfortunately, as I stated earlier, most in the church still don’t get this. Fortunately, there are many BCCer’s that get this.
§ Until we can come to the realization that there is not one piece of clothing, not one spec of dirt, not one door handle, not a single car key – there is absolutely nothing that we own. We are simply stewards of what God has chosen to give us. When we come to that realization, it makes it much easier to give and to give with a cheerful heart.
§ Like David, the church needs to set the example. Now after all the people gave so much, look at their reaction in verse 9. Then the people grumbled because they gave so stinkin’ much? No look at what they did, the Bible says,
§ There is a second truth that this story teaches us. Look at what David goes on to say in verse 12:
o 9 Then the people rejoiced because they had given willingly, for with a whole heart they had offered freely to the Lord. David the king also rejoiced greatly.
· 12 Both riches and honor come from you, and you rule over all. (v12a)
o Truth #2 – Everything comes from God – even the ability to prosper. So not only does God own everything, He also owns the ability to make money. Notice what David says here, “both riches and honor come from you – and you rule over all..”.”
§ Most people associate giving with guilt – not joy. I can remember back before I got this, every time I rarely placed something in the offering plate, it was out of guilt – after seeing something on TV or just feeling convicted.
§ Or after placing it in the offering plate, I felt like I was better than everyone else.
§ I can remember when I was a corporate executive – I used to think to myself, yeah, I closed that deal, yeah, I was able to convince that customer to buy from us, yeah, I made that presentation to win the business. All the while, the Holy Spirit laughing at me (or losing his patience with me). You see, the fact of the matter is that I did absolutely nothing – it was God that allowed that whole situation to transpire.
o There’s another story about another Jewish leader named Moses who led his people out of slavery in Egypt on their way to the promised land. After the Exodus, look at what Moses says to his people in
§ I had to get rid of the lie that I actually owned anything. And we had to give with joy. says:
· Otherwise, you may say in your heart, ‘My power and the strength of my hand made me this wealth.’ 18 But you shall remember the Lord your God, for it is He who is giving you power to make wealth, that He may confirm His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day
· “And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.”
· Before I learned to give cheerfully, I had to realize some things that King David understood perfectly.
· So Moses is here saying, look people, do not get a big head or an Ego. Always remember it is God who gives you the wealth you have.
§ We have to get rid of the myth that we own anything.
§ Is there anyone in this room that actually thinks he or she is controlling their heartbeat? Is there anyone in this room that is so misled to think that God is not granting each of us an additional breath each and every time we take it?
§ God not only owns everything; He owns the ability to give us wealth.
§ We are stewards
o So Everything belongs to God, everything comes from God, and the 3rd truth we see in this story is that everything is distributed by God. Look at what David says:
· Ownership has rights
o When you are the owner – then you have a right to do whatever you want with what you own
§ Power and might are in your hand, and at your discretion people are made great and given strength (v12)
§ Only God can make people great. Here is the thing, we are not all created equal. I am smarter than some of you and some of you are smarter than me. I am taller than some of you and some of you are taller than me. I will never be able to dunk a basketball.
· Stewardship has no rights – we have a problem with that.
§ We get into trouble when we try to exalt ourselves.
o The people of Israel got that concept – that they were only Stewards – and they rejoiced in that.
o They exploded the myth that we own anything.
§ David was saying that we do not have to envy anybody because of what God has given us.
§ God is the one who rises up and brings down people.
· In our remaining time, I want to look at 3 truths that are right on the money
§ If you can’t trust God with your money then you’ll never trust God with
o Truth #1 – God Owns it All
· Political system
§ Look at David’s prayer in verse 11 -
· 11 Yours, O Lord, is the greatness, the power, the glory, the victory, and the majesty. Everything in the heavens and on earth is yours…
· Kids
o David here is stating that he is only a steward of what God given him to look over. Then look at what he goes on to say:
· Health
· Some of you are worried sick about these things.
· 11… O Lord, and this is your kingdom. We adore you as the one who is over all things.
o If anyone had a right to claim things as his own, it was David.
§ The very thing that God has done to help us trust him is to make us stewards and not owners. Let me give you the definition of a steward:
· A good steward is someone who handles and manages somebody else’s stuff with the intent to please and meet the goals and accomplish the purposes of the owner – not the steward.
§ He could have said God, look at what I built, I placed my blood, sweat and tears into building this kingdom.
§ Until we can come to the realization that there is not one piece of clothing, not one spec of dirt, not one door handle, not a single car key – there is absolutely nothing that we own.
o Imagine how stupid it would be if I was a steward and you were the owner and I came to you and said, man, I am so jacked about being your steward!! I want a new boat and a better car! I cannot wait to be your steward so I can have those things!!! You chuckle, but that’s how most of us handle our stuff with God. We handle it like we are owners.
o What would happen if we at BCC got this concept? What would happen if we actually started living this? Imagine what BCC could do from a missions’ standpoint!!! Imagine what Brevard and WNC and around the world would look like if we at BCC truly lived out this precept!!!
· We are simply stewards of what God has chosen to give us. When we come to that realization, it makes it much easier to give and to give with a cheerful heart.
o Imagine what nonbelievers would think about us. They wouldn’t see the greed, the envy, the jealousy, the anxiety. Imagine how it would spark their curiosity!!
§ There is a second truth that this story teaches us. Look at what David goes on to say in verse 12:
o If you are a nonbeliever here today, I would ask you to start asking God to prove this concept to you. I mean if this is true, you certainly don’t want to get this wrong do you – this whole ownership verses stewardship.
· 12 Wealth and honor come from you alone, for you rule over everything. (v12a)
o For those of us regular attenders – are you deceived? Do you have in your mind that you own your stuff? Pray that God will open your eyes and your heart to cheerful giving by realizing these 3 truths that Everything is owned by God, everything comes from God, and everything is distributed by God.
o Truth #2 – Everything comes from God – even the ability to prosper. So not only does God own everything, He also owns the ability to make money.
o Look at what the Apostle Paul says to the church in Corinth about the believers in the church of Macedonia:
o Notice what David says here,
§ Now I want you to know, dear brothers and sisters, what God in his kindness has done through the churches in Macedonia. 2 They are being tested by many troubles, and they are very poor. But they are also filled with abundant joy, which has overflowed in rich generosity
§ “both riches and honor come from you – and you rule over all..”.”
§ I can remember when I was a corporate executive – I used to think to myself, yeah, I closed that deal, yeah, I was able to convince that customer to buy from us, yeah, I made that presentation to win the business.
· All the while, the Holy Spirit laughing at me (or losing his patience with me). You see, the fact of the matter is that I did absolutely nothing – it was God that allowed that whole situation to transpire.
o There’s another story about another Jewish leader named Moses who led his people out of slavery in Egypt on their way to the promised land. After the Exodus, look at what Moses says to his people in
· Otherwise, you may say in your heart, ‘My power and the strength of my hand made me this wealth.’ 18 But you shall remember the Lord your God, for it is He who is giving you power to make wealth, that He may confirm His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day
· So Moses is here saying, look people, do not get a big head or an Ego. Always remember it is God who gives you the wealth you have.
§ Is there anyone in this room that actually thinks he or she is controlling their heartbeat? Is there anyone in this room that is so misled to think that God is not granting each of us an additional breath each and every time we take it?
§ God not only owns everything; He owns the ability to give us wealth.
o So Everything belongs to God, everything comes from God, and the 3rd truth we see in this story is that everything is distributed by God. Look at what David says:
§ Power and might are in your hand, and at your discretion people are made great and given strength (v12)
§ Only God can make people great. Here is the thing, we are not all created equal. I am smarter than some of you and some of you are smarter than me. I am taller than some of you and some of you are taller than me. I will never be able to dunk a basketball.
§ We get into trouble when we try to exalt ourselves.
§ David was saying that we do not have to envy anybody because of what God has given us.
§ God is the one who rises up and brings down people.
§ If you can’t trust God with your money then you’ll never trust God with
· Political system
· Kids
· Health
· Some of you are worried sick about these things.
§ The very thing that God has done to help us trust him is to make us stewards and not owners. Let me give you the definition of a steward:
· A good steward is someone who handles and manages somebody else’s stuff with the intent to please and meet the goals and accomplish the purposes of the owner – not the steward.
o Imagine how stupid it would be if I was a steward and you were the owner and I came to you and said, man, I am so jacked about being your steward!!
§ I want a new boat and a better car! I cannot wait to be your steward so I can have those things!!! You chuckle, but that’s how most of us handle our stuff with God. We handle it like we are owners.
o What would happen if we at BCC got this concept? What would happen if we actually started living this? Imagine what BCC could do from a missions’ standpoint!!! Imagine what Brevard and WNC and around the world would look like if we at BCC truly lived out this precept!!!
o Imagine what nonbelievers would think about us.
§ They wouldn’t see the greed, the envy, the jealousy, the anxiety. Imagine how it would spark their curiosity!!
o If you are a nonbeliever here today, I would ask you to start asking God to prove this concept to you.
§ I mean if this is true, you certainly don’t want to get this wrong do you – this whole ownership verses stewardship.
o For those of us regular attenders – are you deceived? Do you have in your mind that you own your stuff?
§ Pray that God will open your eyes and your heart to cheerful giving by realizing these 3 truths that Everything is owned by God, everything comes from God, and everything is distributed by God.
o Look at what the Apostle Paul says to the church in Corinth about the believers in the church of Macedonia:
§ Now I want you to know, dear brothers and sisters, what God in his kindness has done through the churches in Macedonia. 2 They are being tested by many troubles, and they are very poor. But they are also filled with abundant joy, which has overflowed in rich generosity
o WOW!!! Paul here is actually placing “many troubles”, and “very poor” in the same context as being filled with “abundant joy” and overflowing with “rich generosity”?
§ Are you serious? I mean how can that be?
§ Because the church in Macedonia got these truths that they owned nothing – God owns it all.
§ They got the fact that everything they have comes from God and God alone.
§ They also realized that everything (including fame and fortune) is distributed by God.
· This is why we are talking about money. I wish so stinkin’ bad that someone would have grabbed me by the shoulders when I was younger. I am so glad that I continually move into a more dynamic relationship with Jesus with my finances. I cannot tell you how God had blessed us.
o Since 2012, we make about 40% of what we used to. We have paid for two international adoptions and we have endured 3 open heart surgeries with our two adoptive kiddos. We have had countless heart caths, echos, ekgs, etc
§ Our finances are as strong now (and in some ways stronger) than we have ever been.
§ We never worry about money – ever. It all God’s.
o Although my and Kelly’s life is way harder now than it used to be, I cannot even begin to tell you the peace and joy we have knowing that we are in God’s will.
o Also, it is incredible to just sit back and watch God blow our minds time and time again.
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